I am your destiny

The door opened, and there she stood—a vision of grace and beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. Her golden lehenga shimmered with every delicate step, the intricate embroidery catching the light like a thousand tiny suns. The silver dupatta draped over her shoulders flowed like liquid moonlight, adding an ethereal glow to her divine presence. A single peacock feather adorned her hair, exuding a mystique that seemed to captivate everyone in the room. Her anklets chimed softly with each movement, their delicate melody hypnotizing the gathered crowd.

Ranvijay stood frozen, his eyes fixed on her as though she had cast a spell on him. His breath hitched, his heart thundering in his chest so loudly that he was thankful for the chatter around them. If the room had been silent, the sound of his pounding heart would have been impossible to miss. Out of the corner of her eye, Dadi sa noticed his dazed expression and smirked knowingly before turning her attention to the young woman before her. With open arms, she beckoned Myra forward.

"Come here, my daughter," Dadi sa said warmly.

Myra stepped forward, her hands joined respectfully as she bent to touch Dadi sa's feet for her blessing. Dadi cupped Myra's face lovingly and cast away the evil eye with her palms."bilkul apsara lag rahi hai aap nazar na lage" ("You look like an angel. May no evil eye fall upon you," )she said, her voice filled with affection. She then glanced at Myra's parents, who were visibly emotional.

Myra's eyes welled with tears as she looked at Dadi sa, her expression a mix of admiration and gratitude. It was the first time someone had blessed her so lovingly, the first time anyone had showered her with kindness instead of curses.

"Why tears, love? Aren't you happy?" Dadi sa asked with concern.

"It's not that, Dadi sa. I just… miss my mom," Myra replied softly.

Dadi sa smiled tenderly, planting a kiss on Myra's cheek before patting her head. "Don't worry, beta. You'll never feel alone again."

The roka ceremony began, and Dadi sa presented Myra with a sagun. She then opened a beautiful box containing an exquisite pair of golden bangles. As she slipped them onto Myra's wrists, they seemed made for her. Mrs. Singh, standing nearby, burned with jealousy as she watched the scene, her teeth gritted in anger.

"From today, you are my daughter," Dadi sa announced, her voice filled with warmth. "And now, you'll have to bear all of my tantrums along with Ranvijay's!"

Myra laughed softly at the playful remark, her serene laughter enchanting everyone in the room, from her parents to the household staff. It was a moment that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds.

Dadi sa turned to Ranvijay. "Take Myra outside. Spend some time together. You two should get to know each other better."

In the garden, they walked side by side, the silence between them filled with unspoken thoughts. Suddenly, Myra tripped, and Ranvijay caught her by the waist, his grip firm and protective. Their eyes locked, his gaze intense as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"How do you manage to fall every time? Or is it that you enjoy being caught by me?" he teased, his voice low and playful.

Myra's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she stammered, "I-I don't! It's just this lehenga—it's so heavy."

Ranvijay chuckled, finding her flustered reaction endearing. "Calm down, I was only joking." He released her from his hold but added, "Don't you have anything to ask me?"

Myra hesitated before her eyes fell on the black thread bracelet with a pearl adorning his wrist. She frowned in confusion.

Noticing her gaze, Ranvijay said, "It's yours. Don't you remember that day?"

Her eyes widened in shock as realization dawned. "Why… why would you keep that? And why me?" she blurted, her voice rising slightly as she struggled to comprehend the depth of his actions.

Ranvijay raised a brow at her outburst. "Why do you want to marry me? Don't tell me you love me," she added, his voice steady. "You don't even know me."

Ranvijay smirked and turned her around, pulling her into a backhug. His grip was firm, and his warm breath fanned her ear as he whispered in his husky voice, "Didn't I tell you, sweetheart? You're my destiny, and I'm yours."

"What we share goes beyond the word love." His grip tightened slightly. "Every time you try to escape or run from me, you'll end up right here, in my arms. Just four days to go, and you'll be mine."

Myra froze, her breath coming in short gasps. Her heart raced as she tried to process his words, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She pushed herself free from his embrace and ran inside without looking back. Hiding behind a pillar, she tried to calm her erratic breathing, her cheeks flushed, her mind spinning.

When it was time for everyone to leave, the cars were ready, and the bodyguards opened the doors. Before stepping into the car, Dadi sa held Myra's hand.

"I can't wait to see you as a bride, beta. You will be the goddess Lakshmi of our house," she said, kissing Myra's forehead.

Ranvijay and Myra's eyes met briefly before he climbed into the car. As the vehicles drove away, the lingering intensity of his gaze stayed with her, her heart still unsettled by everything that had transpired.