𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚 : 𝐸𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠

~🥀 Runaway Bride 🥀~

💗
 
The royal chamber shimmered in hues of gold and maroon as Haseena sat quietly, her reflection glimmering in the tall, antique mirror before her. The deep red bridal lehenga she wore was a masterpiece heavy yet graceful. Fine zardozi work shimmered like fireflies across the flared skirt, while golden threads embroidered peacocks and vines all along the border. The blouse fit perfectly, its sweetheart neckline adorned with delicate stones.

She looked no less than a queen, a goddess descended straight from the heavens.

One maid slid bangles onto her wrists, their clinking soft and rhythmic. Another fixed a silver payal on her ankle, its tiny bells whispering with every movement.  third ran a comb through her thick, dark hair, while the fourth helped her wear her jhumkas, which danced just above her shoulders.

And finally, the grand touch a heavy gold nath with pearls, carefully looped around her nose and ear, sealing her transformation into the bride of Aryawrat.

She looked exactly like everyone girl would dream herself.

But beneath that divine beauty was a soul in conflict.

Her eyes, heavy with kohl, wandered to the mirror not to admire, but to search for courage. "Run away," Anuradha had whispered last night. But how? They were in Garh Aryawrat a city built like a fortress, crafted for royalty. Every wall had eyes. Every exit had guards. Escaping was not just risky; it was sucide.

Just then, the chamber door opened with a quiet creak.

Anuradha stepped in dressed in a blue lehenga that sparkled with delicate mirror work. Her soft curls framed her tearful face. She looked no less beautiful, but her heart was heavy. She quickly asked the maids for a moment of privacy. With respectful nods, they left the room one by one.

Silence settled between the two girls.

Anuradha walked up behind Haseena, her eyes welling up the moment she saw her best friend dressed as a bride. Haseena turned her head slightly, and their eyes met in the mirror.

"Uff... jaan chahiye thi to yunhi maang leti, itne intezam karne ki kya zarurat thi?" Anuradha whispered, her voice trembling, lips curving into a bittersweet smile.

Haseena let out a teary chuckle, stood up slowly, and turned to face her. In an instant, they were in each other’s arms holding tight, as if to freeze time. Their laughs came with tears, their pain hidden under the veil of affection.

"Aap bhi kam qahar nahi dha rahi hain, madam ji," Haseena joked softly, her voice cracking with emotion as they pulled apart.

They wiped each other’s tears with the gentleness only true friends could share.

"Pagal, ro mat... nahi to tera pati dar jayega," Haseena teased, referring to Prince Abhinav.

"Shut up," Anuradha replied, trying to smile through her tears.

But both of them knew this moment, this room, this goodbye... was the hardest chapter they’d ever lived.
 
"Bas ab aur nahi, Haseena... tu bhaag yahaan se," Anuradha whispered with urgency in her voice.

"I want the same, Anu... par bhagna Garh Aryawrat se? Yeh naamumkin hai. Aur ab toh shaadi ke wajah se security aur bhi zyada tight hai," Haseena replied, her voice low, face etched with helplessness.

"Mujhe sab maloom hai," Anuradha nodded, eyes darting around cautiously. "Lekin mere paas ek aur raasta hai... ek chhupa hua raasta."

Haseena’s eyes widened. "Chhupa hua raasta...?"

"Ha... ek secret tunnel. Puraana zamana tha jab isse zyada use kiya jaata tha jaise woh movies mein dikhate hain. War ke time pe yeh raaste banaye jaate the taaki mahilayein aur bachchey surakshit nikale ja sakein."