DURGA : His Rebellious Bride

Shamsher's gaze slowly dropped to the knife clutched tightly in her hand. Then he looked straight into her eyes, his expression is unreadable and calm.

"This game... you started it, Durga. And you will be the one to finish it. But remember one thing..." His voice was low, firm and impossible to ignore. "Now you're in the grip of Shamsher Singh Chauhan. I don't just know your game... I know the end of every move you make. And when this game is over..." He took one slow step closer, never breaking eye contact. "The victory will be mine... and so will you, Durga Thakur."

Durga's grip around the knife tightened. Rage burned in her eyes, leaving no room for fear. With all her strength, she lunged forward and drove the knife towards his chest.

"I hate you!" she screamed, her voice shaking with fury. "I hate you so much that even standing near you disgusts me. Stay out of my way... or I'll kill you!"

Instead of moving away, Shamsher caught her wrist and, with his own hand, forced the blade deeper into his chest. Blood slowly stained his white kurta, yet not a single flicker of pain crossed his face. His eyes never left hers.

"Then take my life," he whispered. "Spill my blood... but wait for the day when this very blood burns as tears in your eyes... and fills your maang as sindoor."

A faint smile appeared on his lips despite the blood running down his chest.
"In this game... you may destroy me. But this Shamsher Singh Chauhan will never let his Durga Thakur be destroyed."

Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, threatening to fall, but she refused to let them escape. She held them back with every ounce of strength she had, refusing to break in front of him. Her voice came out shaky, almost breaking.

"What do you want from me?" For a moment, silence stood between them.

Then Shamsher looked into her tear-filled eyes and answered in a calm, unwavering voice...
"Marry me".