chapter 24

Somewhere deep within the forest stood a solitary house, untouched by time but filled with memories too haunting to fade. The villagers spoke of it in hushed tones, telling tales of the cursed love that lingered in the air. They said you could hear whispers on the wind, voices that belonged to those who once lived there, who loved so deeply that not even death could keep them apart.Tonight, under the light of a full moon, two shadows moved within the desolate space. The moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating the figures as they stood hand in hand, their faces barely visible, yet their love palpable in the air.Shri gently touched the petals of a pink flower blooming at her feet, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Maan, look at these flowers. They’re still blooming after all this time. See how beautiful they are .....”Maan, standing beside her, gazed at her with a look that spoke volumes. “Yes, my love, but nothing in this world will ever be as beautiful as you.” His voice was rich with affection, the love he felt for her pouring into every word.Shri blushed, her cheeks warming under his gaze, and lowered her head shyly. Even after everything, he still had this effect on her—making her feel cherished, like the only person in the world. She couldn’t help but remember the day they first met.It was a warm summer afternoon, and Shri had been gathering flowers by the riverbank. The sun had filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. She hadn’t noticed Maan at first, but when their eyes met, it was as though time had stopped. His gentle smile had been enough to steal her heart.Maan had walked over to her, his voice soft yet filled with curiosity. “You seem to love flowers.”Shri smiled shyly, her heart racing. “They remind me of the beauty that still exists in the world.”From that moment on, they had been inseparable. Their love had grown steadily, like the flowers in Shri’s garden. They would spend hours sitting by the river, talking about their dreams, their hopes, and their future together. Maan would often bring her wildflowers, a gesture that always made her heart flutter. They would sit beneath the shade of the ancient trees, watching the sun set, their fingers intertwined.One evening, as the stars began to dot the sky, Maan had turned to Shri, his eyes filled with a deep intensity. “Shri, I know I don’t have much to offer, but my heart, my soul—they’re yours. Will you marry me?”Shri’s breath had caught in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes. She had thrown her arms around him, whispering, “Yes, Maan. Yes, a thousand times yes.”They married against the will of their parents. Offending not only their parents but also both of their villagers. But still their wedding takes place. Their wedding had been small, but perfect. They had promised to love each other for eternity, and as they danced beneath the moonlit sky, Shri had felt as though nothing could ever come between them. They had been so happy—two souls bound by love, defying the odds and the whispers of the village.But their joy was short-lived.