The Forbidden Marriage

Side story 2

Continuation of the previous chapter.

Trishul stood at the entrance of the Mahadev temple, his eyes squinting as he tried to catch a glimpse of Minakshi among the long line of girls waiting to offer their prayers. His heart raced a little each time a girl with a similiar built, only to sink in disappointment when it wasn’t her. He sighed, frustration knitting his brows, and eventually plopped down on the temple steps, defeated.

As he sat there sulking, a soft breeze rustled through the trees, and the sound of delicate anklets tinkling filled the air. Mohini, the epitome of grace and natural beauty, descended the temple stairs, holding a thali of puja materials. Her hair flowed like a dark river down her back, catching the golden light of the afternoon sun. Her skin had the glow of someone who needed no embellishment—she was effortlessly stunning, her beauty commanding attention without even trying. Every head turned as she passed, as if she had cast a spell over the entire temple courtyard.

When Mohini noticed Trishul sitting there looking uncharacteristically downcast, she broke into a bright, warm smile—a smile so radiant it could chase away the darkness from the deepest canal. She moved toward him, her steps as light as a feather, and without hesitation, she hugged him from behind.

“Trishul!” she exclaimed, her voice as sweet as the temple bells that rang in the distance.

Trishul, caught off guard, stiffened for a moment before gently peeling her arms away, his touch careful and awkward. “Hello, Mohini,” he muttered, his tone polite but distant.

Mohini stepped around to face him, still smiling, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What are you doing here?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

“Nothing,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He stared at the ground, his foot idly kicking a small pebble, watching it tumble down the steps with a frown etched on his face.

Mohini frowned slightly, her smile fading as she sensed something was off. “Why do you look so gloomy? Did something happen?” she probed, concern lacing her voice.

Trishul’s jaw clenched, his thoughts swirling with disappointment. He had really hoped to see Minakshi, to maybe even speak with her, but she was nowhere to be found. He couldn't help but feel foolish—why would a little girl like her want to spend time with a teenager like him when she had so many friends her age to play with?

He shook his head, more to himself than in response to Mohini, and got to his feet, his mind set on leaving. His heart wasn’t in it anymore, and staying here felt pointless. As he started walking down the stairs, resigning himself to defeat, Mohini called after him.

“If you aren’t busy today, can we go and see the sunset at the lake?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

But Trishul didn’t even pause or glance back. “I’m busy,” he replied curtly, his tone flat. He made his way to his horse,  leaving Mohini standing there on the temple steps.

Trishul felt a sudden thump on his back, followed by the soft thud of something hitting the ground. He turned around, puzzled, and found a ripe mango lying in the dirt. His brows knitted together in confusion as he picked it up, scanning the area for the culprit. His eyes landed on Minakshi, standing a short distance away, her mischievous gaze quickly darting away as their eyes met. She pretended to be intensely interested in the tree above her, her face the picture of innocence.

A grin spread across Trishul’s face, and he shook his head, amused. He slipped the mango into the bag strapped to his horse and started walking toward her. Minakshi was dressed in a blue Gopi dress, her hair decorated with delicate flowers that added to her already charming appearance. As he approached, he couldn't help but notice how small she looked compared to him, her presence almost like that of a playful fairy.