Devraj Varma, a billionaire CEO, hails from a royal lineage bound by ancient traditions. Every decade, he returns to his ancestral village, Shiva Ganga, to perform a sacred puja. This year, fate intervenes as he encounters Anika, a simple village be...
Devraj Varma, the epitome of modern royalty, was a man of stark contrasts. The CEO of a global tech empire, he was as comfortable in boardrooms as he was in the ancient temples of his ancestral lands. The Varma dynasty, once the rulers of a vast kingdom, now held influence through their sprawling estates and villages, their name still whispered with reverence.
Every decade, a ritual as old as time called them back to their roots. It was a pilgrimage to the sacred village of Shiva Ganga, a solemn prayer to Lord Shiva, a reaffirmation of their heritage. Devraj, despite his cosmopolitan life, found solace in these traditions.
This year was different. A restlessness stirred within him. Perhaps it was the weight of expectations, the impending pressure of marriage. Or maybe, it was something more.
Shiva Ganga welcomed them with open arms, its pristine beauty a stark contrast to the urban jungle Devraj was accustomed to.
The Varma mansion was a sprawling edifice, a testament to generations of wealth and power. At its heart resided the patriarch, Raja Veerendra Varma, a stern yet benevolent figure. His wife, Rani Devi, was the matriarch, her word law within the family. Their sons, Devraj and his younger brother, Yuvraj, were the pride of the family. The mansion also housed their unmarried aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, creating a bustling, extended family.
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Every year, a sense of anticipation filled the air in Shiva Ganga as the date for the Varma family's arrival drew near. Devraj, with his innate spirituality, found solace in the village's tranquil ambiance. It was during one such visit that destiny intervened.
As the first rays of dawn kissed the temple, Devraj was engrossed in his puja. The rhythmic chanting echoed through the sacred space.
The temple of Shiva Ganga was a hallowed place, its sanctity guarded with an iron fist by Devraj Varma. Known for his imposing demeanor and ruthless business acumen, he commanded respect, bordering on fear. During his annual pilgrimage, the temple was transformed into a fortress, its gates closed to all but a select few.
This year, as the morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold, Devraj was deep in meditation. His aura was intense, a silent command for reverence. His younger brother, Yuvraj, a man of softer disposition, stood as a silent sentinel, his eyes never leaving the temple's entrance.
Anika, oblivious to the atmosphere of intimidation, was drawn to the temple by an inexplicable pull. Curiosity, mixed with a touch of defiance, led her to approach the forbidden gates. As she inched closer, the imposing figure of a guard blocked her path.
"Sorry, but the temple is closed for prayers," the guard said firmly.
Anika's heart sank, but she was not one to give up easily. With a determined look, she raised her voice slightly, "But I have come to pray to Lord Shiva. It's a special day."
The guard hesitated, his gaze shifting to the temple. Yuvraj, sensing the commotion, stepped out. His eyes met Anika's, a flicker of recognition passing between them. He knew her; she was the village headman's daughter.
"Let her in," Yuvraj ordered, his voice carrying a hint of authority.
The guard nodded, stepping aside. Anika entered the temple, her heart pounding. Inside, the air was thick with incense and the rhythmic cadence of Devraj's prayers. Moving cautiously, her eyes were drawn to the figure seated in meditation. Clad in a dhoti, with a heirloom siva kadiyam on his hand and a Rudraksha chain radiating divine power around his neck, he exuded an aura of power and solitude. A magnetic pull compelled her to approach.
As she came closer, Devraj's eyes snapped open. His gaze met hers, and for a brief moment, time stood still. It was a clash of two worlds - the opulent, powerful man and the simple village girl. Their eyes locked, a silent conversation taking place across the chasm of their differences
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Hello my dear readers,
Now the first chapter is out. ... Waiting for our Devraj's reaction for interrupting his prayers?
