Anuragaanjali ~ The Eternal Love ✅

Chapter 16 : The Seven Promises

A Secret Union

The sun had set over Hastinapur, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, as Arjuna and Aaradhya made their way through the narrow lanes of the royal city, hidden in the cloak of night. The hustle and bustle of the day had given way to the peaceful serenity of the evening, and the streets were quieter now, save for the occasional chatter of distant voices. The moonlight bathed the surroundings in a soft, silver glow, making everything appear ethereal, almost unreal.

Arjuna walked beside Aaradhya, his hand gently holding hers. His heart was heavy, but resolute. The weight of Drona's words still lingered, but they no longer held the same power over him. He had made a decision—one that would change the course of his life forever. No more could duty dictate the path of his heart. He had chosen Aaradhya, and no force, no power, no expectation, would stand between them.

Aaradhya, too, was quiet, her mind racing. The news of their marriage being forbidden by Drona weighed on her, but there was an undeniable sense of peace when she was near Arjuna. With every step they took together, the world seemed to fade into the background. It was just the two of them now, on a path that neither had ever expected to walk, but one they would choose again and again.

Arjuna led her to a small, hidden temple on the outskirts of Hastinapur—a place known only to a few. It was a sacred spot, quiet and secluded, away from the prying eyes of the palace. The temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and its stone walls had been weathered by time, but the energy of the place remained pure and powerful.

"This is where it all changes, Aaradhya," Arjuna whispered, his eyes meeting hers in the dim light.

Aaradhya felt her heart flutter. She had no words to speak, only the quiet thumping of her heart in her chest. She understood now—the decision he had made, and the choice he was willing to live with. This was no ordinary night, and their love was no ordinary affair.

They entered the temple, and the faint scent of incense and flowers filled the air. The stone idols of the gods stood tall, their faces serene, as if watching over the lovers who had arrived to seek their blessing. Arjuna led Aaradhya to the altar, where a small fire was lit in a brass lamp. The flickering flame cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Aaradhya looked up at Arjuna, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She had imagined a future filled with his love, but never did she expect it to be like this—secret, hidden, and full of uncertainty. But as Arjuna reached for her hand, she knew deep within her that this was what her heart had longed for. This was the only path she could walk.

Arjuna turned to face her, his expression soft but determined. "Aaradhya," he said, his voice low but filled with conviction, "I know the world may not approve of our union. I know that there are forces, people who will try to pull us apart. But I swear to you, my love, that no one will ever come between us. Not duty, not destiny—nothing."

Tears welled up in Aaradhya's eyes, but they were not tears of sorrow. They were tears of overwhelming emotion—of joy, of love, and of relief. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she could finally breathe freely. "Arjuna," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I love you. I have always loved you, and I will follow you wherever you go. My heart is yours, and yours alone."

Arjuna gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers, and for a long moment, they simply stood there, lost in each other. The world outside the temple ceased to exist. It was only them—their love, their hearts beating in harmony, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together.

"I will make you my wife, Aaradhya," Arjuna said softly, his voice unwavering. "Tonight, in the eyes of the gods, I will make you my own. And no one—no one—can take that from us."

Aaradhya nodded, her heart overflowing with love. She had always known that Arjuna was the one destined for her. From the very first moment their paths had crossed, she had felt a deep connection, one that neither time nor distance could sever. She would be his, in every way that mattered.

Arjuna stepped back and motioned toward the priest, who had been silently waiting at the altar. The priest, an elderly man with a calm demeanor, nodded when he saw them approach. Arjuna had already made arrangements for this secret union—there was no turning back now. He held Aaradhya's hand and led her to the altar, where the sacred fire burned bright.

The priest chanted a few ancient mantras, his voice deep and steady as the ritual began. Arjuna and Aaradhya stood together, their hearts intertwined, as the sacred vows were exchanged. Each word spoken in the ancient language felt like a promise, a commitment that transcended time. The fire flickered, its light dancing around them as they pledged their eternal love to one another.

"I, Arjuna, son of Indra, take you, Aaradhya, as my wife," Arjuna said, his voice strong, filled with the weight of the vow he had just made. "In this life and beyond, I will love you, honor you, and protect you. I will never leave your side, and I will never let anyone tear us apart."

Aaradhya's voice shook as she replied, "I, Aaradhya, daughter of Drona, take you, Arjuna, as my husband. I promise to stand by you, to love you, and to be your strength in times of need. My heart belongs to you, now and forever."

As they exchanged their vows, the priest offered a blessing, his hands raised in prayer to the gods. The flames of the fire seemed to grow brighter, as if the very heavens were watching over them, granting their union divine approval.

The ceremony was simple, but its significance was immense. In that moment, Aaradhya and Arjuna were bound together not just by law or tradition, but by a deep, unbreakable bond forged in the fire of their love.

When the ceremony ended, Arjuna took Aaradhya's hand and led her out of the temple. The night was still quiet, and the moon shone brightly above them. Aaradhya glanced up at him, her heart soaring.

"Now we are truly one, Aaradhya," Arjuna said, his voice filled with certainty. "Now, nothing can separate us. Not even the weight of duty, nor the expectations of others. We are bound together, in heart and soul, for eternity."

Aaradhya smiled, a soft, joyful smile that lit up her face. "I believe you, Arjuna. And I will walk beside you, no matter what comes."

As they walked back through the silent streets of Hastinapur, hand in hand, they knew their lives had changed forever. Their love was no longer a secret, but a bond that no one could break. Together, they would face whatever challenges the future held. Together, they were unstoppable.

And so, under the cloak of night, with the blessings of the gods and the certainty of their hearts, Arjuna and Aaradhya began a new chapter of their lives—one where love would always lead the way.