Sempiternal Destiny

The moonlight streamed through the large window, casting a soft glow over her form, highlighting the delicate curves of her body draped in the cherry-colored saree. She lay on her stomach, her long, flowing hair spilling over the side of the bed, gently swaying with the night breeze. One foot, adorned with a shimmering anklet, softly collided with the other, bare and still, as they shifted in her peaceful sleep. The dim light of the room bathed her in a serene hue, her face glowing under the silver light, a stark contrast to the dark, quiet shadows of the room.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she stared at the pearl beads in her hand, her breath catching in her throat.

Flashback

He wiped away her tears, his touch sending a jolt through her heart. She could feel her pulse racing in her chest as she took a step back, looking down, her words caught in her throat. She didn't say anything, just walked past him, her footsteps soft yet unsure. But as she moved away, the delicate pearl back-tie of her blouse, which hung gracefully down to her waist, caught on his watch. Time seemed to freeze in that instant. The pearls scattered, one by one, onto the ground, rolling in every direction, like fragments of her breath—unsteady and quick.

She froze, startled, her eyes wide in a mixture of surprise and something deeper—something unspoken.

Her hands formed small, trembling fists near her chest, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she didn't dare raise her head. She felt him moving toward her. He encircled her with his arms, taking the pallu of her saree and gently draping it over her shoulders. Her heart fluttered at that simple yet intimate gesture. She looked up at him with eyes that conveyed her gratitude without words.

Flashback Ends

Meanwhile, Ranvijay entered his royal mansion, his steps bold and assured, his eyes radiating the satisfaction of someone who had secured victory. He walked swiftly toward a room, where an elegant old woman sat in a wheelchair. Her look was regal—draped in a luxurious grey and white saree, her shiny white hair twisted into a neat bun. A beautiful pearl necklace adorned her neck, and her hands were adorned with golden bangles. She exuded the grace of a queen, someone who possessed both wisdom and authority.

Ranvijay approached her, seated himself on the floor at her feet, and lowered his head to rest on her lap. Her hand gently stroked his head as she asked, "Did you meet her?" Her voice was soft yet filled with anticipation.

Ranvijay, gazing up at her with admiration, nodded, his voice filled with pride. "Yes, Dadi Sa, I met her."

The lady smiled, her eyes softening with love for her grandson. "Tell me about my future granddaughter-in-law."

Ranvijay took her hand in his, kissed the back of her hand, and lowered his head once more onto her lap. "Bilkul fool si hai, Dadi Sa. Humaare chhute hi darr jaati hai, humein usme aapki jhalak dikhi."

("She's like a flower, Dadi Sa. Every time I touch her, she gets scared, but I saw a glimpse of you in her.")

Dadi Sa smiled, a proud glint in her eyes. "Humein nahi milwaenge usse?"

("Won't you introduce her to me?")

"Of course, Dadi Sa. I want you to meet her, and speak to her parents. Would you offer her the sagun?" Ranvijay asked, his voice earnest.

Dadi Sa replied softly, her love for him evident in her voice. "Aapke liye hum usse zaroor milenge. Hum bhi toh dekhe apni hone waali bahu ko."

("For you, my son, I will definitely meet her. Let me see my future granddaughter-in-law.")

---

In Myra's room, Mrs. Singh entered with a harsh, clenched expression on her face when she saw her daughter sleeping peacefully. With a growl of frustration, she grabbed a jar of water and poured it over Myra. Startled, Myra woke up, her heart racing in panic as she saw her mother standing over her, holding the jar.

"Get up!" Mrs. Singh hissed. "He is coming with his grandmother, Mrs. Dhanyashri Rajvansh. They are coming for the sagun ceremony."

With that, Mrs. Singh slammed the door behind her as she left. After a few moments, Mrs. Sah, the househelper, came in with a soft voice. "Let me help you, Myra. First, eat something. You haven't had your dinner."

Myra, her face still clouded with exhaustion, didn't resist. She began to prepare herself. The lehenga her father had sent was royal, designed with care to ensure the deal would go through smoothly. Her father didn't want anything to jeopardize the arrangement. She wore a golden, intricately designed lehenga, her hair left open with a maangtika resting on her forehead and a small bindi marking her beauty. The lehenga seemed to have been made just for her, fitting her like a second skin. Even the mirror in front of her seemed to blush at her reflection.

Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Singh were busy making final preparations to welcome their guests. After a while, the sound of cars pulling up at the entrance signaled the arrival of the visitors. There were more guards, more security than ever before. Dadi Sa and Ranvijay entered the gate, surrounded by bodyguards, their presence commanding the attention of everyone around.

Mr. and Mrs. Singh couldn't help but be struck by the regal elegance of Mrs. Dhanyashri Rajvansh. Even at her age, her presence made everything around her seem more luxurious, more expensive. Her aura radiated power and royalty, more dominating than even Ranvijay's. Like grandmother, like grandson.

All the maids and guards stepped forward to welcome them. Mr. and Mrs. Singh, holding a bouquet, greeted Dadi Sa with a respectful namaste and touched her feet, seeking her blessings. Dadi Sa simply raised her hand in acknowledgment.

They all gathered in the hall, where Dadi Sa spoke, her voice calm but filled with authority. "Jaise aap jaante hain, humaara pota aapki beti se shaadi karna chahta hai, Mr. Singh. Mujhe ummeed hai ki aapko isme koi aitraaz nahi hoga."

("As you know, my grandson wants to marry your daughter, Mr. Singh. I hope you have no objections to this.")

Mr. Singh, his forehead beaded with sweat, stammered, "Nahi, Mrs. Rajvansh. Main toh... Waise yeh toh sapne jaisa lagta hai."

("No, Mrs. Rajvansh. I don't... In fact, it feels like a dream.")

Dadi Sa's lips curled into a slight smirk as she eyed him. "Lekin aapka chehra kuch aur hi keh raha hai."

("But your face tells a different story.")

Both Mr. and Mrs. Singh shuddered at her words. Mr. Singh quickly spoke up, his voice trembling. "W-wahaan aapke beti se milne kyun na chaliye? Main use bulaata hoon."

("Why don't you meet our daughter? Let me call her.")

He turned toward Mrs. Sah, instructing her to bring Myra.

After a few moments, the door slowly creaked open. Every eye in the room turned toward the door, their gazes fixed on the person about to enter. Everyone fell silent as they waited for Myra to make her appearance.