𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚-𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆♡

As Aayansh and Ishanvi stepped out of the temple, the sacred chants and ringing temple bells slowly faded behind them. The air outside was crisp, carrying the scent of jasmine and sandalwood from the ceremonial rituals. The newlyweds walked side by side, but the invisible distance between them felt more pronounced than ever.

Their marriage, performed in the presence as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the auspicious night of Maha Shivratri, was meant to symbolize an unbreakable bond—Shiv and Shakti, eternal and inseparable. But reality was far from the divinity their wedding signified.

Their families followed closely, showering them with blessings. Rajeshwari Bua smiled knowingly, her eyes holding an understanding that no one else in the family possessed. She alone knew the truth—the tension, the unspoken bitterness, the fact that Aayansh had left just three days after their marriage without a word… and had returned only today, two months later.

Ishanvi kept her gaze lowered, her fingers unconsciously playing with the mangalsutra around her neck. She wasn’t the same woman who had waited for him. She had changed.

Aayansh stole a glance at her, but she didn’t meet his eyes.

A fleet of luxurious cars awaited them at the temple entrance. The driver held the door open, and after a brief hesitation, Aayansh gestured for Ishanvi to enter first. She complied silently, gathering the heavy folds of her saree as she slid into the plush leather seat. Aayansh followed, settling beside her.

The door shut with a soft thud.

The car began moving, leaving behind the temple, the echoes of divine chants, and the blessings of their elders.

Inside, silence stretched between them like a vast, empty ocean.

Aayansh tapped his fingers lightly against his thigh, glancing at Ishanvi, who sat stiffly beside him, her eyes fixed on the window. She had always been expressive—her emotions used to shine through her eyes, through her words. But now, she was unreadable.

He hated it.

He cleared his throat “Are you okay?”

Her gaze remained outside, voice void of emotion “I’m fine.”

It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the truth either.

Aayansh exhaled, looking away “If you need anything—”

“I don’t,” she cut him off, her tone polite but distant.

Silence returned, heavier than before.

Two months ago, he had walked away without an explanation.

And today, she was showing him what it felt like to be left behind—without words, without answers.

As their car pulled up to the grand entrance of the Agniwanshi mansion, the entire family stood waiting. The mansion was adorned with fresh marigold garlands, the golden lights illuminating the night in a warm glow. The Griha Pravesh (homecoming ceremony) was set to begin.