His Reluctant Bride

Chapter-3

Dedicated to authorivyy

Even I dedicate each and every chapter to you, still it would be nothing in compared to what all you have done for me. I love you alot ❤️

Abhay's Pov

The sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the ancient temple steps.

The scent of incense wafted through the air, mingling with the floral offerings laid out by devotees.

I stood there, dressed in my finest kurta, feeling the weight of tradition and expectation heavy on my shoulders. Today was the day our families would fix the marriage date for Tanya and me, solidifying our union in the eyes of God and society.

I glanced at Tanya beside me, her eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness. She looked stunning in her bright red sari, her face serene yet carrying a hint of anticipation. Our families gathered around us, exchanging pleasantries and waiting for the priest to commence the rituals.

"Abhay, come here, beta," my mother called, her voice warm and reassuring.

I moved closer, standing beside Tanya as the priest began to chant ancient verses, his voice a deep, resonant melody.

" Abhay it's an important call " Tanya said and excused herself and I nodded

The rhythmic intonations of the mantras filled the air, creating an atmosphere of divine sanctity.

Just as the priest was about to mark the auspicious date on the calendar, a sudden commotion erupted near the temple entrance. Heads turned, curious whispers spread through the crowd.

"Tanya!" I heard someone yell, and my heart dropped.

It was Rishi, Tanya's elder brother. His usually composed demeanor was replaced with sheer panic.

He ran to the group, pushing through the crowd with desperation.

"Tanya!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the temple.I rushed to her side, my mind racing with fear and confusion.

She lay there, pale and motionless, her breath shallow. The sight was enough to send chills down my spine. My mother gasped, clutching her hands to her chest, while Tanya's parents were in a state of shock."What happened?" I demanded, my voice barely steady.

"She just collapsed," one of the men said, his face ashen. We found her near the steps " A man said

" This girl was near her, she must have done something, nowdays the black magic is in trend and she looks like someone who performs it " A lady said pointing at a girl. Black magic? Bullshit

Black magic is just an illusion and rumour created by others but looking at tanya now when she was all fine.. Can it be true? Not black magic but what if this girl did something to tanya

Before we could gather our thoughts, a loud, angry voice cut through rishi yelled at her

"You!" he yelled, pointing at that girl.She was young, with tear-streaked cheeks and disheveled hair, clearly terrified.

"What did you do to my sister?" Rishi's voice was a mixture of rage and accusation.

The girl trembled, her eyes wide with fear. "I-I didn't do anything," she stammered, barely audible. "I found her like this.""You're lying!" Rishi's anger was palpable, his fists clenched. "You must have done something. Speak up!"

"Rishi, calm down!" I tried to intervene, but his fury was uncontrollable.

"I swear, if anything happens to Tanya, I'll make sure you pay for it," he threatened, his voice shaking with emotion.

"Stop it, Rishi !" my father interjected, his authoritative tone cutting through the chaos. "This is a holy place. We need to get Tanya help, not create a scene."

The girl's eyes filled with tears as she shook her head vehemently. "I didn't do anything. Please believe me."

The tension in the air was thick, the atmosphere charged with uncertainty and fear. I knelt beside Tanya, holding her hand tightly, praying silently for her to wake up.The priest, who had been observing the scene quietly, stepped forward. "We need to get her to a hospital immediately," he said, his voice calm and commanding. "There is nothing more we can do here."

My father nodded, his face grave. "Let's go," he said, motioning to the car.

As we carried Tanya to the car, I couldn't help but glance back at the girl Rishi had accused. Her eyes were filled with helplessness, and a part of me wondered if she was telling the truth. But right now, all that mattered was Tanya's well-being.

We sped to the hospital, each second feeling like an eternity. My heart pounded in my chest, the fear of losing Tanya gripping me with an intensity I had never felt before.

When we finally arrived, the doctors took her in, leaving us to wait in agonizing anticipation. I held Tanya's parents as they wept, my own emotions a tumultuous storm inside me.

As we waited, I couldn't shake the image of that girl from my mind. What had really happened at the temple? And who was she? The answers would have to wait. Right now, all I could do was hope and pray for Tanya's recovery.