Ranjish

ch 29

After they finished shopping, Kanak said, "Chale, humne le liya sara saman." (Let's go, we've bought everything.)

As they reached the temple, Kanak mentioned that she needed to buy some flowers and prasad. Vikram took her to a stall and bought a beautiful pooja thali for her.

As they began to climb the stairs, Kanak suddenly felt dizzy. Before she could lose her balance, Vikram's quick reflexes kicked in, and he caught her, holding her steady.

"Kanak, aap thik ho?" Vikram asked, his voice laced with concern. (Kanak, are you okay?)

Kanak's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Vikram, her face pale. Vikram's grip on her tightened, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of distress.

"I'm fine," Kanak whispered, trying to reassure him.

But Vikram's concern didn't waver. He held her close, his heart racing with worry. "What happened?" he asked, his voice soft.

Kanak took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I don't know...I just felt dizzy all of a sudden."

Vikram's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that Kanak had been fasting all day, and the heat and exertion might have taken a toll on her. He made a mental note to get her to eat something as soon as possible.

As Kanak reached the temple, she was surrounded by a sea of women, all gathered to pray for Karwachauth. The air was filled with the soft murmur of prayers and the sweet scent of incense.

The women began to pray to Ganeshji, seeking blessings for their husbands and praying for their long life. Kanak joined in, her hands clasped together as she prayed for Vikram's well-being.

As the only man present, Vikram stood out, his eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and awkwardness. But as he looked at Kanak, his expression softened, and he smiled slightly.

Some of the women couldn't help but notice the way Vikram looked at Kanak, his eyes filled with love and adoration. They felt a pang of jealousy, wondering why they couldn't have a husband like Vikram, who cared for his wife so deeply.

As the prayers continued, the women began to glance at Kanak, their eyes filled with a mix of admiration and envy. They whispered to each other, pointing out the way Vikram had caught Kanak when she felt dizzy, and how he had bought her a beautiful pooja thali.

Kanak, oblivious to the attention, continued to pray, her heart filled with love and gratitude for her new life..

As the prayers came to an end, the women's eyes turned to the sky, waiting for the moon to rise. Finally, the silver crescent appeared, casting a gentle glow over the gathering.

The women rejoiced, their faces filled with happiness and relief. They had waited all day for this moment, and now it was finally here.

Kanak, too, smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. She filled a small bowl with water and stepped forward, joining the other women in their ritual.

Together, they offered water to the moon, praying for their husbands' long life and happiness. The air was filled with the soft chanting of prayers and the gentle splashing of water as the women performed the ritual.

As they finished, the women turned to each other, smiling and embracing. They had completed their fast, and now it was time to break it.

Kanak, too, turned to Vikram, her eyes sparkling with happiness. He smiled back, his eyes filled with love and adoration.

With Vikram by her side, Kanak broke her fast, drinking the water and eating the sweets he had brought for her.

After breaking their fast, Sarpanch's wife invited Kanak and Vikram to join them for dinner. They happily accepted and visit her home

All sat down to a delicious meal together.

The night was filled with warm conversation and laughter as they shared stories and jokes. Kanak and Vikram were treated like family, and they felt grateful for the love and hospitality they received.

As the night wore on, Kanak mentioned that she wanted to go home. Vikram nodded, getting up from his seat to escort her.

As they walked out of Sarpanch's house, Vikram turned to Kanak and said, "I have some work to attend to. I'll drop you home and then head out."

Kanak nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. Vikram walked her home, the night air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

As they reached Kanak's doorstep, Vikram turned to her and smiled. "I'll see you later, okay?" he said, his voice low and gentle.

Kanak smiled back, her heart filled with love and gratitude. "Okay," she whispered, her eyes locked on Vikram's.

With a gentle nod, Vikram turned and walked away, leaving Kanak to enter her home alone. Little did she know, Vikram's "work" was actually a mission to ensure her safety and protect her from the looming threats.