𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟔 ：𝑬𝒌 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎 𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒂 ✓

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘟. 𝘈 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥.

*Present [1975]*

Edward's hands trembled as he turned the pages of the diary, the vivid memories flooding back with each word. The dried rose, the pictures, the handwritten notes in Manjari's familiar script-it all brought back the intense emotions of that fateful day. He could almost hear the sounds of the battle, feel the pain of the blows, and see the love in Manjari's eyes as she reached out for him one last time.

As he reached the final page, Edward took a deep breath, his eyes misting over with tears. He gently closed the book, pressing it to his chest for a moment as if trying to draw strength from it. The diary had transported him back to a time of love, loss, and sacrifice, and now he had to let it go.

He stood up and walked over to Meera, who had been waiting quietly nearby. With a bittersweet smile, he handed her the diary. "This belonged to someone very special. It's a precious part of her story and...mine. Keep it safe."

Meera nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. "Thank you, Edward. I'll take care of it."

As Edward turned to leave, his gaze fell upon a photograph hanging on the wall. The woman in the picture had a serene, yet strong presence. There was something familiar about her, something that tugged at his heartstrings.

"Woh kaun hai?" Edward asked, pointing to the photograph.

{Who is she?}

Meera glanced at the picture and then back at Edward.
"Woh meri maa, Gauri"

{That's my mother, Gauri}

*FLASHBACK*

TEMPLE COURTYARD - NIGHT [1975]

{A young GAURI, dressed in a simple red saree, stands before a PRIEST. Next to her is ARJUN, his eyes filled with love and determination. They exchange garlands, their hands trembling as they tie the sacred knot. The temple bells ring softly in the background.}

Priest says "From this moment on, you are bound in sacred union"

*FLASHBACK*

Gauri sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers gripping the soft fabric of her dupatta. The lantern beside her flickered, casting restless shadows on the walls. Her heart pounded against her ribs, the weight of her secret pressing down on her chest.

She never wanted this. Never wanted to hide things from Manjari. But what choice did she have? If anyone found out about him-about their marriage-he would be cast out, maybe worse.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

A gentle nudge on her arm pulled her from her thoughts. "You seem lost," Manjari said, her voice laced with curiosity. "Everything okay?"

Gauri forced a smile, ignoring the tightness in her throat. "Oh, it's nothing... just some family matters." She hesitated for a second before adding, "Actually, I need to leave town for a few days. My family is expecting me."

Manjari frowned. "So suddenly? You didn't mention this before."

Gauri turned away, pretending to adjust her bangles. "I know... it just came up."

Silence stretched between them. Gauri didn't dare meet Manjari's eyes, afraid they would see the truth-see the guilt gnawing at her insides.

After a moment, Manjari nodded. "Alright. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Gauri exhaled softly, relief mingling with guilt. "I will."

She wasn't sure if she was reassuring Manjari or herself.