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 retreated to his room, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Anika's image was etched into his memory, her vulnerability, her strength, a stark contrast to the world he inhabited. Yet, he had a duty to fulfill, a responsibility to his family.
He changed into a crisp, silk kurta-pyjama, the rich fabric a stark contrast to the simplicity of his earlier attire. A Rudraksha mala adorned his neck, a constant reminder of his spiritual grounding. As he looked at his reflection, he saw a man torn between tradition and desire, between duty and heart.
The Varma family, a formidable force, was ready. Rani Devi, the matriarch, exuded an aura of elegance in her silk saree, her face a mask of anticipation. Yuvraj, ever the charmer, was dressed in a casual yet stylish kurta, his eyes twinkling with mischief. And then there was little Aanya, Devraj's beloved niece, all of two years old, her tiny hands clutching a teddy bear, her eyes wide with wonder.
The convoy of cars snaked its way through the winding village roads, the dust kicked up by their passage creating a temporary haze. As they approached the bride's house, a sense of anticipation filled the air.
The Varma family was ushered into a modest living room, adorned with simple yet tasteful decor. Chairs were arranged in a neat row, but there were far fewer than the number of guests. A makeshift seating arrangement was quickly improvised, with mats being laid out for the ladies.
As they waited for the bride to arrive, a low murmur of conversation filled the room. Rani Devi, ever the observant matriarch, scanned the surroundings with a keen eye.
"This is a simple yet beautiful home," she remarked to her sister-in-law.
"Indeed," the elder woman replied, a touch of pride in her voice. "We may not have the luxuries of the city, but our hearts are filled with warmth and hospitality."
Sravya, Devraj's sister, nudged her husband, whispering, "I wonder what the bride looks like."
"Probably a simple village girl," her husband replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. Rani Devi gave him a stern look.
As they waited for the bride to arrive, a low murmur of conversation filled the room. Rani Devi, ever the observant matriarch, scanned the surroundings with a keen eye.
Anika's father rushed to them and asked Rani Devi very politely " Hope you have a comfortable journey".
"The journey was pleasant, thank you for asking," Rani Devi replied to the bride's father, a simple man with a warm smile.
"We are honored by your presence," the father responded, his voice filled with gratitude.
Devraj, sitting beside his mother, nodded in agreement. "The village is serene, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity.
The bride's father, a man of few words, simply smiled in acknowledgment. There was a palpable tension in the room, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Rani Devi, eager to move things along, cleared her throat. "We are eager to meet the girl. Bring her," she said, her voice carrying a note of polite expectation.
The bride's father nodded, turning to his wife. "Bring Anika, dear," he said, his voice filled with pride.
The moment the name 'Anika' was uttered, Devraj's heart skipped a beat. A surge of anticipation and hope coursed through him. Could it be her? The girl he had encountered at the temple? His breath quickened as he waited, his eyes fixed on the doorway.
Anika emerged from a side room, her head bent in shyness. She carried a tray laden with steaming cups of coffee, the aroma filling the room. With graceful movements, she served the guests, her eyes avoiding any direct contact.
When she reached Devraj, her hand trembled slightly as she offered him the coffee. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, a silent conversation passing between them. She recognized him instantly, the man from the temple, the one who had saved her life. A surge of emotions, gratitude, and a strange sense of familiarity washed over her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her face flushed with a rosy hue. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, and she quickly averted her gaze, her mind racing.
For Devraj, the moment was a whirlwind of emotions. Recognition, surprise, and a surge of inexplicable joy swept over him. There she was, the woman who had captured his heart, standing before him, her beauty intensified by her shyness. His heart raced as he took the cup from her trembling hand, his gaze locked on her face, trying to decipher the emotions swirling in her eyes.
Finishing the serving, she handed the tray to her mother and knelt down to seek blessings from the elders of the groom's side. Rani Devi, in particular, observed her closely, her eyes taking in every detail. Anika's demeanor was humble, her eyes downcast, but there was a certain strength in her posture.
"You are a beautiful girl," Rani Devi said, her voice filled with sincerity. "And very well-mannered."
Anika's face lit up with a shy smile. "Thank you," she replied softly.
Rani Devi nodded, her mind racing. There was something about this girl, an aura of quiet strength that intrigued her.
As their eyes met, a silent conversation passed between Devraj and Anika, a connection forged in a moment, a promise of something more. Rani Devi, ever observant, noticed the subtle exchange. A knowing smile crept across her face.
Leaning towards Devraj, she whispered, "Remember our agreement? Talk to her, understand her. I'm not going forward until I get a green signal from you."
Devraj nodded, his heart pounding. He knew what was at stake. This was more than just a marriage; it was a decision that would shape the rest of his life.
Rani Devi, sensing the right moment, turned to Anika's father. "Let them talk privately, if possible," she said, her voice carrying a respectful tone.
The father, taken aback by the directness of the request, hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Of course," he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and anticipation.
Rani Devi turned to Anika, a gentle smile on her face. "Would you show him your balcony, dear?" she asked.
Anika, her heart pounding, nodded and led the way. As they stepped out onto the balcony, the cool evening breeze offered a momentary respite from the intensity of the situation.
Anika led the way to the balcony, her heart pounding in her chest. The cool evening breeze offered a momentary respite from the intensity of the situation. As they stepped out onto the small, open space, the village lights twinkled like stars below.
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Devraj stood beside her, the city man and the village girl separated by a world of differences, yet connected by an invisible thread. The silence between them was heavy, pregnant with unspoken words.
Anika's gaze drifted towards the horizon, her mind racing. She had to be careful. This was her chance to make a good impression, to show them that she was capable of being a good daughter-in-law. Yet, the truth was, she was terrified.
