Chapter 3: A Promise of Duty

The sun dipped lower into the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Siddapura seemed to glow in the soft light, with the quiet rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird adding to the peacefulness of the evening. Yet, within the confines of the village head's house, a quiet storm brewed in Shiv’s mind.

The engagement ceremony was set to take place the following day. Shiv had spent the day with his parents, and though the conversation was largely about the formalities of the upcoming ceremony, his mind kept drifting back to the promise he had made to his grandfather.

As the village head, he had inherited more than just the title. The weight of responsibility was heavy on his shoulders, and with it came the expectations of the entire village. His grandfather’s long-standing relationship with Arundhati’s grandfather had ensured that this marriage would go through, regardless of Shiv’s personal feelings. Arundhati, with her grace and beauty, had made an impression on everyone. But Shiv couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to their union than just tradition. Did Arundhati feel the same pressure he did?

The next morning, the air was thick with the smell of incense and freshly cooked food. The village gathered to witness the engagement of the new village head and Arundhati. The elders were present, nodding their heads with approval, while younger villagers whispered amongst themselves, curious about the new developments in their beloved village.

Arundhati arrived, her face radiating a calm beauty that took Shiv’s breath away. She walked gracefully, her silk saree fluttering in the breeze, but her eyes seemed distant, as though she, too, carried a weight on her heart.

Shiv found himself caught in the pull of his own conflicting emotions. On one hand, he felt a sense of duty to his family and his village. On the other hand, he couldn’t ignore the memories of Ananya, the girl he had once loved with all his heart. She had been his world, and losing her had left a void that nothing seemed to fill.

As the engagement ceremony began, the sounds of laughter and celebration filled the air. Shiv’s parents beamed with pride, but there was a moment when their gazes turned toward him. His mother, dressed in a traditional green saree, placed a hand on his shoulder, a quiet reminder of the sacrifice he was about to make.

“Shiv, you’re doing the right thing,” she whispered, her voice laced with affection and concern.

But Shiv was unsure. He glanced at Arundhati, who was now sitting next to him, her smile serene but her eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty.

“Are you happy, Arundhati?” he asked softly.

She looked at him, the corners of her lips curling slightly. “Happy? I’m content, Shiv. I know this is the right thing for our families, and I’ll do my best to be a good wife to you. I hope, in time, you’ll come to see me not just as the duty you’re fulfilling, but as your companion, as your partner.”

Her words struck something deep within him, a faint glimmer of hope. Perhaps, with time, he could find peace in this union. Yet, the memories of Ananya still lingered in his heart like a distant echo.

As the evening continued, the festivities grew louder, and the village head’s house was filled with joyous laughter and songs. Shiv found himself standing at the edge of the crowd, watching Arundhati as she danced with the other women of the village. Her beauty, innocence, and the grace with which she moved made her an object of admiration in the eyes of everyone around her.

But for Shiv, it felt like something was missing. Something he had once known, something he had lost forever.

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The next day, Shiv sat by the window, staring out at the village below. He had always known that his duty as the village head would demand sacrifices, but he hadn’t expected it to feel so personal. He was about to marry a woman he hardly knew, not out of love, but out of respect for tradition and family.

Arundhati’s presence in the house was a reminder of the life he had chosen to live. A life that wasn’t about following his heart, but about fulfilling the expectations of those who had gone before him.

Shiv didn’t know if he could ever forget Ananya. But maybe, just maybe, he could learn to care for Arundhati. As his future wife, she deserved at least that much.

The engagement had marked the beginning of a new chapter for both of them. What they didn’t know, however, was how that chapter would unfold — a chapter filled with challenges, emotions, and unforeseen twists. But one thing was certain: the road ahead wouldn’t be easy for Shiv and Arundhati.

Their marriage would be a union of duty, and perhaps, over time, it would grow into something deeper.

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