Forbidden Mania | 18+

29.

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𝒜𝓇𝓈𝒽'𝓈 𝒫𝑜𝓋~

The temple was eerily quiet at this hour. The flickering diya flames cast long shadows against the ancient stone walls, the scent of incense lingering heavily in the air. Mishka was still curled up beside me, her head resting against the shoulder, her breathing soft and even.

I turned my gaze toward the altar, my thoughts still tangled in the words she had whispered moments ago. I love you too much for that.

A strange warmth spread in my chest at the memory, yet at the same time, a nagging feeling refused to leave me. She was hiding something. I know her too well.

The silence was interrupted by a faint rustling sound, and my eyes landed on Acharya Ji, the temple's head priest. It was odd, he was usually gone by this hour. But there he was, seated near the sanctum, his expression calm yet pensive.

I carefully rested Mishka's head at the pillar and adjusted my coat between her head and the pillar. I got up, brushing the dust off my pants, and approached him.

"Acharya Ji, it's late. What are you still doing here?" I asked carefully.

The priest looked up, his lined face serene but weary.

"A couple was supposed to come here tonight. They wished to be wed in secret." He sighed, glancing at the temple gates.

"I've been waiting for over two hours, but they haven't arrived." He says again as his eyes wasn't leaving the temple gates.

Something about his words struck me. I turned slightly, my gaze drifting back to Mishka. Even in sleep, she looked exhausted, as if the weight of the world rested on her delicate shoulders.

A small, unexpected thought crossed my mind, our wedding.

Not in secrecy. Not like those who had to run away to be together. But something grand, something where Mishka would be dressed in red, glowing like the moon, walking toward me with the sindoor waiting to mark her as mine.

A warmth spread through me at the thought, but it was quickly overshadowed by that persistent doubt clawing at my mind.

I turned back to Acharya Ji and gave him a small nod before heading toward Mishka. She was still asleep, her face serene, her hand resting lightly on her lap.

I crouched down beside her, observing her closely. What are you hiding, Mishka?

I wanted to believe her, to trust every word that came from her lips. But if there was one thing I despised the most, it was lies.

I glanced up at the temple deity and silently prayed, God, if she is lying to me, let me never find out. Because if I do, I don't know what I'll do.

Mishka stirred slightly as I slid my arms beneath her, lifting her into my arms with ease. She felt weightless against me, her warmth seeping through my shirt as she nuzzled unconsciously into my chest. A tired sigh left her lips, but she didn't wake.

I walked down the temple steps, careful with each movement, not wanting to wake her up. The night was calm, a cool breeze carrying the scent of incense and marigolds from the temple.

It was only when I reached my car and settled her into the passenger seat that I allowed myself a moment to just... look at her.

Even in her sleep, she looked troubled. Her brows were slightly furrowed, lips parted as if she wanted to say something but couldn't. What is it that you are hiding, Mishka?