2: The Wedding of Shadows

The hall was in chaos, guests whispering among themselves as the news of Ruchika's elopement spread. Rudransh's decision to marry Gungun instead sent shockwaves through the room. Gungun, still in disbelief, was ushered into a room to prepare for the ceremony.

Ashwini Singhania, Rudransh's mother, entered the room, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Gungun, I know this is sudden, but you must understand the situation. Rudransh's pride has been wounded, and this marriage is crucial for our family's honor."

Gungun nodded, though her mind was racing. She had always dreamed of a romantic wedding, not a forced one. But she knew better than to defy Rudransh or his family.

As Gungun was dressed in Ruchika's wedding attire-a stunning red lehenga adorned with intricate embroidery-she couldn't help but feel like a pawn in a game she didn't fully understand.

Meanwhile, Rudransh stood at the mandap, his expression unreadable. Adhiraj stood beside him, a silent support in this chaotic moment.

The priest began the ceremony, chanting ancient mantras as Rudransh and Gungun sat facing each other. The air was thick with tension, the only sound the soft chanting and the rustling of clothes as guests shifted uncomfortably.

As the ceremony progressed, Gungun felt a sense of detachment, as if she was watching herself from afar. She had always dreamed of a love-filled marriage, not one born of revenge and obligation.

Rudransh, however, seemed resolute, his eyes fixed on Gungun with an intensity that made her shiver.

The moment of truth arrived as the priest instructed Rudransh to apply sindur (vermilion powder) to Gungun's hair parting-a symbol of their union. Rudransh's fingers brushed against Gungun's hair, sending a shiver down her spine.

As he applied the sindur, their eyes met for a brief moment. Gungun saw something there-something that looked almost like regret-but it was quickly masked by his usual stoic expression.

The couple stood up to perform the sat phere-the seven steps around the sacred fire that sealed their marriage. With each step, they made vows to each other, though Gungun's heart wasn't fully in it.

Rudransh, however, spoke his vows with conviction, his voice firm and commanding.

As they completed their seventh step, Rudransh tied the mangalsutra-a sacred necklace symbolizing their union-around Gungun's neck. The cool metal against her skin felt like a weight, a reminder of the commitment she had just made.

Gungun looked up at Rudransh, her eyes searching for something-anything-that would tell her this wasn't a mistake. But Rudransh's face was impassive, his eyes cold and distant.

As the ceremony concluded, Rudransh and Gungun exchanged vows in front of their families and guests. The words felt hollow to Gungun, but she spoke them nonetheless.

Rudransh, however, spoke his vows with a conviction that surprised her. For a moment, she wondered if there was more to this man than she initially thought.

The ceremony was followed by a grand reception, where guests congratulated the newlyweds. Gungun smiled and thanked them, all the while feeling like a stranger in her own life.

Rudransh stood beside her, his arm around her shoulders-a gesture that felt more possessive than affectionate.

As the night wore on, Gungun realized that she had entered a world where love was a luxury she couldn't afford. Her marriage to Rudransh was a transaction-a deal made in the name of honor and power.

But little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever.

The reception hall was ablaze with lights, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Guests mingled, their colorful attire shimmering under the chandeliers, while Rudransh and Gungun stood at the center of it all. To the world, they appeared as the perfect newlyweds-Rudransh's arm draped possessively around Gungun's shoulders, her delicate frame dwarfed by his towering presence. But beneath the surface, a storm brewed.

Gungun felt suffocated. The weight of the mangalsutra around her neck and the sindur in her hair felt heavier than it should. She smiled politely as guests congratulated her, but inside, she felt like a stranger in her own life-a pawn in Rudransh's game of revenge.

Rudransh's grip on her shoulder tightened every time someone addressed her as his wife. His jaw was clenched, his eyes scanning the room with an intensity that made Gungun shiver. She could feel his anger simmering beneath his calm facade, threatening to boil over at any moment.

As the night wore on, Gungun shifted uncomfortably in her heavy lehenga. The soft tinkling of her anklets echoed in the quiet moments between conversations, a sound so delicate it seemed to mock Rudransh's turbulent emotions. Every time she moved, the gentle chime reached his ears, pulling at something deep within him-a mix of irritation and an unsettling restlessness.

Her bangles jingled softly as she adjusted her dupatta, the sound weaving through the air like a melody. Rudransh's dark eyes flicked to her wrist, watching the delicate glass bangles catch the light. The sound was maddening-a constant reminder of her presence, her innocence, and everything he couldn't control.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Rudransh leaned down and whispered harshly into her ear, "Stop moving."

Gungun froze at his tone but couldn't stop herself and said "Tb app apne kan band kr lijiye" from shifting slightly again as she tried to adjust her seat. The anklets chimed once more.

Rudransh's patience snapped.

--

In one swift motion, Rudransh grabbed Gungun's wrist and pulled her out of the reception hall. The guests barely noticed as they disappeared into a side corridor; Rudransh's aura was commanding enough that no one dared question him.

Gungun stumbled as he dragged her along, her anklets jingling with every step. The sound seemed louder in the quiet hallway, each chime echoing against the marble walls.

"Rudransh," she began hesitantly, "what are you-?"

He didn't let her finish. Turning abruptly, he pushed her against the wall with a force that wasn't violent but was undeniably dominant. His hands gripped her wrists tightly as he leaned in close, his face mere inches from hers.

"That sound," he growled lowly. "It's driving me insane."

Gungun stared at him wide-eyed. "What sound?"

"Your anklets," he spat. "Your bangles. Every time you move... it won't stop."

Before she could respond, Rudransh reached down and grabbed her ankle. In one sharp motion, he broke off the anklet with his bare hands and tossed it aside. The delicate metal shattered against the floor.

Gungun gasped in shock but didn't dare move as he turned his attention to her wrists. One by one, he snapped each bangle until shards of glass littered the floor around them.

The Silence...

The silence that followed was deafening. Gungun stared at him in disbelief, tears pooling in her eyes but refusing to fall.

"You're my wife now," Rudransh said coldly, his voice low and dangerous. "You'll do as I say."

Gungun swallowed hard but managed to whisper back, "I didn't ask for this and you can't."

Rudransh's eyes darkened further at her defiance. He leaned in even closer until their noses almost touched. "Neither did I," he hissed....

she said "aap khud ko samjhte kya hai?? joh aap mujhpe apna hukum chalayenge... He replied " Tumhara pati samjhta hu khudko or behtar hoga um samjhne bhi Lg jao... Or waisa bhi tum bas ek Replacement ho toh jaida sochne ki jarurat nii tumhe... she muttered herself "Khadus admi" jab dekho nak pe gussa rhta hai inka....

For a moment, they simply stared at each other-her wide eyes filled with fear and anger; his narrowed with fury and something else she couldn't quite place.

Restless Desire...

Rudransh stepped back abruptly and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He had never felt this way before-this restless need to control everything about her while being utterly consumed by her presence.

Gungun stood frozen against the wall, unsure whether to run or stay put. Her heart raced as she watched Rudransh pace back and forth like a caged animal.

Finally, he stopped and turned to face her again. "Go back to your room," he ordered sharply.

Gungun hesitated for a moment before nodding silently and walking away. Her bare ankles felt strange without their adornments; her wrists felt naked without their bangles.

As she disappeared down the corridor, Rudransh leaned against the wall and closed his eyes tightly. The sound of her anklets and bangles might have been gone now-but their memory lingered in his mind like an echo he couldn't escape.

The Night Ends...

Back in her room, Gungun sat on the edge of the bed and stared at herself in the mirror. The sindur in her hairline looked stark against her pale skin; the mangalsutra around her neck felt like chains binding her to a man who didn't care about her feelings.

She touched her bare wrists lightly and let out a shaky breath. This wasn't how she had imagined marriage-not even close.

Meanwhile, Rudransh sat alone in his study with a glass of whiskey in hand. He stared out into the night sky but couldn't shake the image of Gungun from his mind-her wide eyes staring up at him with equal parts fear and defiance.

For better or worse, their lives were now intertwined-and neither of them could escape what had begun tonight.

"From this night onward," Rudransh murmured to the empty room, the ice clinking softly in his glass, "you belong to me, Gungun. Whether you like it or not."

And in the silence that followed, the echo of her anklets still haunted him.

I've just published the Introduction, Chapter 1,2 of my new story! If you enjoy it, don't forget to like, comment, and share-it really helps me grow and reach more readers. Stay tuned for Chapter 3..

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