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, unable to bear the silence any longer, broke the ice. "It's a beautiful view," he said, his voice barely a whisper.
Anika nodded, her voice trembling slightly. "Yes, it is," she replied, her gaze still fixed on the horizon.
Devraj, standing beside her, felt a surge of protectiveness. He wanted to shield her from the world, to make her feel safe. "How are you feeling now?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Are you okay?"
Anika managed a weak smile. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely audible.
A mischievous glint appeared in Devraj's eyes. "For someone who almost drowned, you seem pretty calm," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Anika's face flushed with embarrassment. "It was an accident," she defended, her voice rising slightly.
Devraj chuckled. "I'm just teasing you," he said, his voice softening. "I'm glad you're okay."
There was a comfortable silence between them, a shared understanding that went beyond words. For a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
Devraj, breaking the silence, couldn't resist a playful tease. "So, what about this alliance you mentioned? Where are the supposed-to-be guests?"
Anika's face turned a shade of crimson. "They... they..." she stammered, her mind racing.
Devraj chuckled, enjoying her flustered state. "Don't worry," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "I'm just teasing you."
Anika breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought you were serious," she replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
"It's beautiful," he said, his voice sincere. "You've created a beautiful home."
Anika smiled, her shyness beginning to fade. "Thank you," she replied, her voice gaining strength.
"You must be the only child," Devraj commented, breaking the silence.
Anika shook her head. "I have a younger sister, Anita" she replied.
Intrigued, Devraj asked, "Where is she?"
Anika's smile faded slightly. "As per our customs, younger daughters are not supposed to be seen during wedding ceremonies," she explained. "She's in my room."
Devraj found the custom peculiar. "That seems a bit unfair," he commented.
Anika shrugged. "It's the way things are here in village," she replied, her voice filled with resignation.
"Do you visit the temple regularly?" Devraj asked, breaking the silence.
Anika turned to face him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I visit the temple every morning," she replied. "It brings me peace."
Devraj nodded, impressed by her devotion. "I come here every year, as a part of a family tradition. But this time it has more meaning for us. It's been ten years since we last performed the Homam, a Vedic fire ritual, here in the temple. It's a tradition that the heir of the family performs for five continuous days, and that time is approaching in about two months," he explained. "It's a way to connect deeply with our roots and seek blessings."
Anika listened intently as Devraj explained the significance of the Homam. Her eyes widened in awe and respect for the traditions of the Varma family. "That sounds like a very important ritual," she said, her voice filled with reverence.
Devraj nodded, a sense of pride evident in his expression. "It is," he agreed. "It's a time for introspection, for seeking blessings, and for reconnecting with our ancestors."
"I would love to witness the Homam," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "It sounds fascinating."
Devraj smiled. "You're welcome to attend," he replied. "It's a public ceremony."
Anika nodded, her heart filled with anticipation. This was an opportunity to learn more about the man and his family. As they continued to talk, a sense of ease settled between them, a connection forming that transcended the boundaries of their different worlds.
Anika listened intently, her eyes filled with curiosity. "The Varma family," she murmured, as if to herself. "I've heard stories about your family's connection to this village."
Devraj smiled. "We've been custodians of this land for generations," he said, a sense of pride in his voice. "It's our duty to protect it and its people."
There was a comfortable silence between them as they both contemplated the depth of the tradition. The setting sun cast long, dancing shadows on the ground, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Anika felt a strange connection to this man, a connection she couldn't quite explain.
Suddenly, Anika excused herself, "Please give me a moment," she said, turning to leave. Devraj nodded, watching her with a curious gaze.
A few moments later, she returned, a small package in her hands. Unwrapping it carefully, she revealed the shawl Devraj had given her on the day she nearly drowned. It was folded neatly, its color slightly faded.
"I've been meaning to return this," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of shyness and gratitude.
Devraj's eyes widened in surprise. "You've kept it?" he asked, his voice filled with a warmth he couldn't suppress.
Anika nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's a reminder of that day," she replied.
Devraj took the shawl, running his fingers over the soft fabric. "It suits you. Keep it with you. I can't take this out right now. You know, elders are outside waiting for us and I can't show up to them that I saved you," he said, his voice low, a playful glint in his eyes.
Anika blushed, her shyness resurfacing. "Thank you," she murmured.
"Is there anything else you want to know about me before we go back inside?" Devraj asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Anika hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to know everything about him, but she was also hesitant to appear too eager. "Not really," she replied, her voice soft.
Devraj stood up, stretching. "Alright, then," he said. "We should probably head back inside. It's been a while."
Anika nodded and stood up as well. As they turned to leave, Devraj paused. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding. He reached out and gently took her hand from back and dragged her back to his chest "Wait," he said, his voice low. When he held her waist Anika's eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at him.
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With a deep breath, Devraj continued near her ear in low voice, "Please consider me."
Anika's heart skipped a beat. She looked into his eyes, her mind racing. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was happening so fast, so unexpectedly. He left her there without looking back to her.
