Chapter 7: The Wedding

The day of the wedding arrived with an overwhelming sense of tradition and expectation. The air was thick with the sounds of temple bells and the chatter of relatives, friends, and villagers who had gathered to witness the union of Shiv and Arundhati. The village square was transformed into a beautiful venue, adorned with flowers, bright silk drapes, and the golden glow of oil lamps that flickered as dusk approached. It was a day of celebration, a day that was meant to mark the beginning of a new chapter for both Shiv and Arundhati. Yet, for Shiv, it felt like the closing of a chapter he had never truly wanted to end.

As the sun began to set, Shiv stood in the family’s courtyard, dressed in the traditional attire for the ceremony: a crisp white dhoti and a maroon shawl, the rich fabric shimmering in the fading light. His face was solemn, his eyes distant as he gazed at the scene before him. The villagers were talking, laughing, and exchanging pleasantries, but Shiv felt as if he were detached from it all. His thoughts were miles away, drifting back to Ananya, to the love he had lost, to the life he had once envisioned for himself.

He had done what was expected of him. He had taken on the role of village head after his father’s death, and now he was about to marry Arundhati, a woman who deserved so much more than what he could offer. He had told himself that this marriage would be a duty, a responsibility to carry out for the sake of his family and the village. But deep down, he knew the truth: he wasn’t ready. Not for this marriage, not for the life that awaited him.

As the sounds of the wedding preparations filled the air, Arundhati stood at the door of her home, peering through the curtains. She wore a stunning bridal saree, the deep red and gold fabric gleaming in the sunlight, her face softly glowing with the excitement of the day. Her hair was done up in a traditional style, decorated with jasmine flowers, and her hands were adorned with intricate henna designs. But despite her outward beauty, there was a quiet sadness in her eyes. She had tried to remain hopeful, to focus on the future that she and Shiv would build together. But she couldn’t ignore the cold distance that hung between them.

In the privacy of her room, Arundhati stood before the mirror, adjusting her veil. She felt the weight of her shyness bearing down on her, and the uncertainty of her future pressed heavily on her heart. Her father had always taught her to be strong, to accept her place in life, but she was still just a young girl, barely 18, on the cusp of a marriage she hadn’t chosen. She had heard the stories about Shiv’s lost love, but she had never imagined it would affect her this way. She wanted to be everything he needed, but how could she when his heart wasn’t truly hers?

“Arundhati,” her mother called softly, entering the room. “It’s time. Your groom is waiting.”

The words hung in the air, and Arundhati’s heart skipped a beat. She nodded, taking a deep breath as she turned away from the mirror. She had to be brave, for her family, for Shiv, and for the life that awaited her. But as she walked toward the door, her heart fluttered with uncertainty. Could she truly make Shiv love her? Could she be the wife he needed, even if he wasn’t ready to love her in return?

The procession to the wedding site was a long one, the streets lined with villagers who greeted them with cheers and blessings. Arundhati walked beside her parents, her heart racing, her hands trembling slightly as she held onto the fabric of her saree. The sounds of drums and conch shells filled the air, and the smell of incense wafted on the breeze, but none of it could calm the nervousness that surged within her.

As she arrived at the venue, she saw Shiv waiting near the altar, his face a mask of resolve. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something—something that might have been regret, or perhaps guilt. Arundhati couldn’t tell. But she knew one thing for sure: Shiv wasn’t ready for this marriage. And neither was she.

The ceremony began with the traditional chants of the priest, and Shiv and Arundhati were seated across from one another. The garlands were exchanged, the fire was lit, and the vows were spoken. But as Shiv looked into Arundhati’s eyes, he felt a pang of sorrow. This wasn’t the woman he had imagined standing by his side. She was beautiful, kind, and pure, but she wasn’t the love of his life. He had never wanted this marriage, and he wasn’t sure how he could move forward when his heart was still broken.

When it came time to exchange the mangalsutra, the sacred thread of marriage, Shiv hesitated. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for it, but his fingers brushed the delicate necklace and fastened it around Arundhati’s neck. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, and Arundhati smiled softly, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Shiv,” she whispered, so softly that only he could hear. “I will be the wife you need. I will be here, always.”

Shiv didn’t respond. He couldn’t. The pain in his chest was too great. He had promised to marry her, but in his heart, he was still tied to Ananya. He had always promised her that he would love her forever, and though she was no longer with him, that promise weighed heavily on his soul. He didn’t know if he could ever let go of the past.

As the ceremony came to an end, the villagers cheered and congratulated the newlyweds, but Shiv’s heart was not in the celebration. He walked by Arundhati’s side, his mind clouded with thoughts of the life he had lost and the life he was now bound to. The night stretched on, and as the stars began to twinkle above, Shiv found himself in a place he never wanted to be: trapped between duty and desire, between the love he had once known and the future that lay ahead.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***