THE ARRANGED HEARTBEAT

"वर अब वधु के मांग में सिंदूर भरे," the priest directed.

He took a pinch of sindoor. His gaze met her's for a fleeting moment-her face unreadable, yet heavy with unspoken emotions.

Slowly, he leaned forward and filled her hairline.

Her eyes fluttered shut, and a lone tear slipped down her cheek.

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"Kanak, listen to me, please!" He pleaded

"Listen to what, Aakarsh? You've left nothing for me to hear!" she yelled

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"Arsh, believe me, I didn't do that!" Kanak cried, her voice shattering with sorrow.

"Leave me, Kanak... just go," he murmured, his eyes hollow, as if holding her gaze for another second might break him completely

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"Please... leave me . Please, I'm pregnant," she whispered, terror coating her voice.

"Then get rid of it," came the cold reply, followed by a laugh that echoed across the empty room.

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"Kanak..." Aakarsh whispered in disbelief.

"I am sorry, Arsh," she murmured weakly

And then, a gunshot rang through the air, piercing the silence-and their hearts.

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An arranged marriage story, tangled in love, betrayal, and redemption.

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