Mystic Flames

8

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of their shared house, casting a warm glow over the room as Aaradhya stood before the mirror, adjusting her saree. She had chosen a traditional Bomkai cotton saree, its intricate patterns and vibrant colors accentuating her graceful figure. Her jewelry gleamed softly, and her hair was styled in a neat bun, a delicate rose tucked into it, adding a touch of elegance.

As she turned to leave the room, Jalandhar walked in, stopping in his tracks as his eyes fell on her. For a moment, he was completely mesmerized. The sight of Aaradhya in the traditional attire took his breath away. She looked ethereal like a goddess descended to earth, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from her.

Aaradhya noticed his reaction and smiled shyly, a soft blush rising to her cheeks. "How do I look? You know this is the second thing I bought with my bonus when you went to buy us snacks yesterday," she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation and excitement.

Jalandhar caught off guard, fumbled for words. His heart raced as he tried to regain his composure, but the truth was, he couldn't find the right words to describe how stunning she looked. "You look... so so," he finally managed to say, his voice betraying the lie as he averted his eyes.

Aaradhya chuckled, easily seeing through him. She noticed how his gaze lingered on her, and how his cheeks had a slight tinge of pink. "Really, Jalandhar? Just so so?" she teased, finding his attempt to downplay his admiration adorably.

He cleared his throat, trying to divert the conversation. "Well, what was the first thing you bought with your bonus then?" he asked, attempting to change the subject, though he knew she could see right through him.

Aaradhya laughed softly, shaking her head at his transparent attempt. "You're not very good at hiding things, you know," she said, still amused. "But fine, I'll show you the first thing I bought later. It's a surprise."

Jalandhar's curiosity was piqued, but he couldn't help but be charmed by her playful demeanor. He watched her as she made the final adjustments to her saree, his heart swelling with affection. She was not only beautiful but also filled his life with warmth and joy.

"Ready to go?" she asked, turning to him with a radiant smile.

Jalandhar nodded, his earlier nerves now replaced by a deep sense of contentment. "Yeah, let's go."

The next day, they arrived at the Jagannath Puri temple. The majestic structure stood tall, its towering spires reaching for the sky. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the sound of temple bells, creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence. As they walked toward the entrance, Jalandhar found himself glancing at Aaradhya, her presence beside him a comforting anchor amidst the spiritual energy of the place.

But as they approached the temple entrance, Jalandhar's steps faltered. A sharp pain shot through his body, like electric shocks coursing through his veins. He winced, trying to hide his discomfort, but each step closer to the temple felt like a thousand needles piercing his skin.

Aaradhya, oblivious to his pain, was lost in the serenity of the place. She glanced back at him with a smile, but it quickly faded when she saw the strain on his face. "Jalandhar, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he forced out, his voice tight. "Just... need a moment."

But it was clear he was anything but fine. As they neared the temple's threshold, Jalandhar's body recoiled violently, his knees buckling under the intensity of the pain. He barely managed to stay upright, a groan escaping his lips.

Aaradhya rushed to his side, alarmed. "Jalandhar, what's happening? We don't have to go in if you're not feeling well."

He couldn't let whatever was happening to him keep him from being by Aaradhya's side, especially not in a place that meant so much to her. Steeling himself against the searing pain, he took a deep breath and forced himself to move forward.

Aaradhya looked at him in surprise. "Jalandhar, you don't have to—"

"I want to," he interrupted, his voice stronger now, though the pain still throbbed beneath the surface. "I want to be with you."

She hesitated, sensing the struggle he was enduring, but his determination was unwavering. Together, they stepped inside the temple. As they crossed the threshold, Jalandhar braced himself, expecting the pain to intensify, but instead, it seemed to lessen, as if the sacred energy of the temple was both a source of discomfort and a strange form of healing.

Inside, the temple was bathed in a warm, golden light, the air thick with the scent of incense and the soft chanting of prayers. Aaradhya led Jalandhar to the inner sanctum, where the deity of Jagannath resided, resplendent in vibrant colors and adorned with garlands.

Aaradhya folded her hands in prayer, her eyes closing as she offered her gratitude to the divine. Jalandhar watched her, his own discomfort fading into the background as he became captivated by her serene beauty. The way the soft light played on her face, the peace that radiated from her as she prayed—it stirred something deep within him. He had seen Aaradhya in many different lights, but here, in this sacred space, she seemed ethereal, almost otherworldly.

His heart swelled with emotion, a profound sense of love and admiration taking root. He had always been drawn to her strength and grace, but this moment, seeing her in prayer deepened his feelings in a way he hadn't anticipated.

After a few moments, Aaradhya opened her eyes, a soft smile gracing her lips as she looked at him. "Thank you for coming in with me," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Jalandhar smiled back, his earlier pain forgotten in the glow of the moment. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

They made their way out of the temple, the sounds of the bustling street market outside greeting them. Vendors lined the streets, offering a variety of delicacies, from piping hot samosas to sweet, syrupy jalebis. Aaradhya's eyes lit up at the sight, her earlier worries replaced by childlike excitement.

"Let's get some food!" she exclaimed, pulling Jalandhar toward a stall selling spicy chaat. They ordered a plate to share, the tangy flavors bursting in their mouths as they laughed and talked, the tension of the temple visit now a distant memory.

As they moved from stall to stall, sampling everything from dahi bara aloo dum to chenapoda, Jalandhar found himself more and more enchanted by Aaradhya. Her joy was infectious, and he reveled in the simplicity of the moment, the two of them sharing food and laughter under the evening sky.

When they finally sat down on a low wall to rest, their hands sticky from the sweets they'd eaten, Aaradhya leaned her head on Jalandhar's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "This has been perfect," she murmured, her eyes closed.

Jalandhar looked down at her, his heart swelling with a tenderness that made his earlier pain seem inconsequential. "It really has," he agreed, his voice soft. He knew then that whatever secrets he was holding, whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them all for her.

The temple visit had deepened his love for Aaradhya, and as they sat there, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the lively market, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't known he needed.

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1215 words

I tried to write a wholesome temple date ..not quite satisfied but my brain wasn't braining.

Would like your input.

Rose