{ PROLOGUE }
01. MARRIAGE…
SHRIYA GOENKA AND SHARAD GOENKA WILL BE MARRIED TOMORROW IN THE TEMPLE, IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND CLOSE FRIENDS.
This news was shown on all the TV channels and printed in all the newspapers for the past two days.
---
Shriya, our female lead, looks at the newspaper and reads the news.
Shriya: "Don’t they have anything else to talk about? Everywhere it’s just about my marriage… I really wish I could run away from all this—this wedding and everything. But I can’t… I can’t hurt my family. Hemant uncle made a wrong decision by fixing this marriage."
She gets upset thinking about everything and lies down on her bed, crying. Tomorrow is her wedding day, but she is heartbroken and crying about her life. She lost the boy she truly loved—the only hope she had for living.
Her parents died in an accident, and after that, she lived on her own. She considered only Hemant’s family as her own. Hemant was the only father figure in her life, and she had never gone against his wishes—until now.
---
{ THE MARRIAGE DAY }
Radha (Hemant’s wife) knocks on Shriya’s door. When there is no response, she starts to panic. She quickly calls Hemant.
They both knock again. This time, Shriya opens the door. She is dressed in her bridal outfit with very light makeup.
Shriya: “I was just getting ready.”
Radha: “It’s okay, dear. You look beautiful… like an angel. Come on, let’s go or we’ll be late.”
Hemant places his hand on Shriya’s head and blesses her to be happy. Shriya doesn’t say anything, and then they leave for the temple.
---
AT THE TEMPLE…
The groom’s car reaches the temple. Sharad steps out wearing a white shirt and a white veshti (lungi). His parents, Harish and Asha Goenka, also get down.
Another car arrives, and Sharad’s twin brother Varad steps out with some of their friends. Sharad is older than Varad by ten minutes.
They all enter the temple, leaving their footwear outside. Sharad sits on the temple steps. His mother, Asha, talks to the priest about the wedding arrangements.
Sharad’s friend Arun sits beside him. Varad and their father are speaking with the marriage registrar.
Arun: “Sharad, why did you suddenly decide to marry her? You both were just best friends. And you know she loved someone else. Even you once loved someone and promised never to marry anyone. Then what changed?”
Sharad: “Sometimes life forces you to break your promises. I don’t know… I agreed to this marriage for Hemant uncle. I really don’t know what the future holds. Maybe Shriya and I will be together forever… or maybe it’ll just be a short marriage.”
Arun nods and they continue talking. Asha walks over and tells Sharad to stand up as Shriya has arrived.
Asha walks to Shriya and does her aarti. She puts a black dot behind Shriya’s ear (to protect from evil eye). Then Radha and Asha take Shriya to stand beside Sharad.
The bride and groom don’t even look at each other. They were once friends, but now they behave like strangers.
The priest chants the mantras and gives them flower garlands. Shriya puts the garland on Sharad first, then he puts his on her.
From Shriya’s side, only her uncle Hemant, aunt Radha, and younger cousin Deepak attend. Her other cousin, Dishan (the eldest son), does not come. Shriya is elder to both and they call her Di (sister).
(Author’s Note: The reason Dishan doesn’t attend the wedding is in another story titled “Sirf Tum.”)
The priest tells them to sit and lights the holy fire. He begins chanting the wedding mantras.
Then the priest gives the mangalsutra (nuptial chain) to Sharad, who ties it around Shriya’s neck. He then fills her hairline with sindoor (vermilion).
They stand for the seven rounds (saat phere) around the fire. Sharad holds Shriya’s pinky finger and walks. After three and a half rounds, Shriya walks ahead and leads the rest of the ceremony. They make wedding vows in front of the sacred fire.
The priest declares the wedding is complete, and they are now husband and wife. He tells them to take blessings from the elders.
Shriya doesn’t move, while Sharad walks toward his parents. He looks back and sees her still standing. Radha gently touches Shriya’s elbow. Shriya understands and walks forward.
They touch the feet of Harish and Asha to seek blessings. The couple blesses them to always stay together and be happy.
Then they move to Hemant and Radha to take blessings. Sharad’s friends come to congratulate the couple. Sharad politely says thanks, while Shriya remains silent.
Varad hugs his brother and offers a handshake to Shriya. She hesitates, but then shakes his hand.
Asha: “Harish, let’s go home. I need to welcome the new bride. Radha ji, we’ll take your leave now. From today, Shriya is our daughter.”
Hemant: “Harish ji, Radha ji, please forgive Shriya if she ever makes a mistake.”
Sharad: “Uncle, don’t worry. She’s my responsibility now. I will take care of her.”
---
THEIR FATES ARE NOW TIED TOGETHER…
---
How did you like this chapter? Are you excited to read more?
Suggest a hashtag for their story: #
Let’s dive deeper into their journey.
Till then, keep reading.
KEEP SMILING AND BE HAPPY 😊
