Rivanya

I stood before the idol of Devi Maa, my hands folded, eyes brimming with tears.

My heart was gripped by fear, my mind filled with silence

a silence that was slowly eating me from within.

Was I doing the right thing?

I didn't know...

Should I really go through with this?

I didn't know...

Should I step back now?

But it was too late for that...

With trembling hands joined before the Goddess, I looked up at her and whispered,

"What has happened, Maa?

The one I was meant to call my brother-in-law, today I must call my husband...

Why has this happened to me, Maa? Why?"

Tears streamed down my cheeks endlessly as I sank to the floor, crying.

How could I call him my husband?

How could I accept him as my husband?

He didn't even know me not my name, not anything about me.

What would become of this relationship?

I lifted my gaze once again to the Goddess and spoke softly,

"Maa, I place this entirely in your hands now.

Nothing more can be done.

Whatever happens will only happen by your will."

With that, I rose, walked into the bathroom, and removed my clothes,

slipping into the bridal attire.

My heart was unbearably heavy as I stepped out and stood before the mirror.

I thought of all the dreams I had woven about my wedding

and how different this moment was from every single one of them.

Today I would cease to be Rivanya Bedi and become Rivanya Vardhan

or rather, Rivanya Rudraksh Vardhan.

Yes... the eldest daughter-in-law of the Vardhan family

and the wife of Rana Rudraksh Vardhan.

The events of the past few hours played before my eyes like a film

how I had ended up in the bridal seat meant for my younger stepsister.

Yes... she had run away.

And left me in this dharam-sankat.

The moment she learned about the curse that haunts Rudraksh,

she fled without thinking of our family,

without even sparing a thought for our father.

She always claimed she loved Rudraksh truly loved him

but was this the depth of her love?

I sat before the dressing table and slowly adorned myself with the bridal jewels

a necklace around my neck,

the maang-teeka adorning my forehead,

red bangles sliding onto my wrists,

anklets on my feet,

a kamarbandh around my waist.

And thus I became a bride

a bride whose face her groom had never seen,

and didn't even wish to see.

Tears welled up again,

but I forced myself to wipe them away and get ready completely.

Soon, I stood before the mirror

dressed as a bride.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

I turned and said, "Come in."

My father entered, his eyes lowered,

his face etched with pain.

"Papa..." I whispered.

He spoke in a broken voice,

"Forgive me, beta... forgive me.

Since your childhood, life has been unjust to you,

and I... I have been a helpless father,

unable to do anything."

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

I quickly went to him and said through my own tears,

"No, Papa, this is not your fault.

Perhaps Maa wanted this...

Perhaps it was meant for me to be Rudraksh's bride.

I will uphold your honor, Papa."

Papa pulled me into a tight embrace and began to cry harder.

"Rivanya beta, I had always dreamed of your wedding day

but never imagined I would have to marry you off like this.

Forgive me, beta... as a father, I have failed."

I looked into his eyes and said firmly,

"No, Papa... this is my fate.

No one is to blame."

"What kind of daughter are you?" he whispered,

"You call your sister's betrayal your fate,

and bear the punishment for her actions...

You have such a big heart."

Just then, the sharp sound of gunshots rang out from outside.

Papa and I both froze.

We rushed to the balcony and saw exactly what we feared

the Vardhan family had learned that my sister had run away.

Standing behind my father, I peered down

and saw them...

Two deep, intoxicating black-grey eyes met mine.

Eyes so intense they could win any heart.

I had never seen eyes like them before.

My father gestured toward the tall, imposing man below and said,

"That is Rudraksh... Rana Rudraksh Vardhan."

My heart skipped a beat.

If just seeing his eyes could leave me like this,

what would happen when I saw all of him?

Papa went downstairs and stood before Rudraksh's father,

speaking quietly, hands folded.

He glanced upward toward me.

Rudraksh's father looked up,

and after a long, thoughtful pause,

he nodded.

He whispered something to one of his guards,

who went straight to Rudraksh and spoke in his ear.

In an instant, Rudraksh's face hardened with anger,

and he looked up straight at me.

The moment our eyes met, I lowered mine

but I had already seen it...

his gaze had softened when it fell upon me.

My heart began to race.

Even though from where I stood

he couldn't possibly see me completely,

those eyes of his had spoken volumes.

Rudraksh spoke to my father for a while,

then looked up at me and said,

"So... she will be my wife."

And then, with a firm voice,

"Mr. Bedi, I agree to this marriage.

Your daughter, Rivanya Bedi, will become my wife

Mrs. Rivanya Rudraksh Vardhan."

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That's all for today! I hope you're enjoying this story. If you are, please don't forget to vote and leave a comment-it truly motivates me to post new chapters faster. And to all the silent readers, it's time to show your support-vote, share your love for the story, and add it to your reading list. Keep reading Destined with You, and let's continue this journey together!"

                                                 -Lime

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