𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚 : 𝐸𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠

~🥀 Temple Bells 🥀~

💗

It was early morning. The first rays of the sun had just begun to rise above the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and amber. The sacred waters of the Chandramukhi River shimmered beneath the gentle light, while a cool breeze carried the fragrance of wet earth and incense from the temple preparations nearby.

From the river emerged Anubhav.

Water streamed down his broad shoulders and powerful frame as he stepped onto the riverbank. Clad only in a black dhoti soaked from the sacred bath, he carried himself with the effortless authority of a king. His tall stature, sharp features, and unwavering gaze reflected the strength that had earned him the respect of his people and the fear of his enemies. Droplets of water traced paths across his sun-kissed skin before disappearing into the dark fabric wrapped around his waist. Even in silence, there was something commanding about him.. something that made heads bow and conversations fall quiet.

Today was Durga Puja.

More importantly, it was Haseena's first Puja after their marriage.

She had already completed her holy bath in the river before the men arrived, as per Anubhav's instructions. Only after the women had finished their rituals were the men permitted to enter the water.

The decision had surprised many when he first announced it. To the people, it was simply their king showing respect towards the women of Aryawrat. Nobody thought much of it.

Only Anubhav knew the truth.

As he stepped out of the river, droplets of water sliding down his skin, his gaze lingered on the flowing waters for a brief moment. Beneath the calmness of his expression, a rare softness settled within him.

Haseena had stood in these very waters only moments ago.

The same river that had wrapped itself around her ankles, brushed against her hands, and carried away the droplets from her hair now flowed around him.

A faint smile threatened to appear on his lips.

How strange.

The man who commanded armies, ruled an empire, and could bring kingdoms to their knees found himself seeking comfort in something as simple as this.

Yet he could not help it.

There was a peculiar peace in knowing that he stood where she had stood. That the water touching his skin had touched hers first.

It was foolish.

Perhaps even absurd.

Had anyone else heard such thoughts, they would have never believed them belonged to the feared Chakravarti Samrat.

But love had never asked for permission before making a mockery of pride.

And if being loved by Haseena was a blessing he had yet to earn, then even these small remnants of her presence felt precious to him.

For a man who possessed everything the world could offer, it was astonishing how much value he found in things that belonged, however briefly, to her.

The river continued to flow, carrying the blessings of the morning with it, while preparations for the grand Puja echoed throughout the kingdom.

__

By the time Anubhav returned to his chambers, Haseena had already left after getting ready for the Puja.

The moment he stepped inside and found the room empty, an unfamiliar irritation settled within him.

Since the day had begun, they had all been awake from three in the morning. The palace had been bustling with preparations, priests, rituals, and servants rushing from one corner to another.