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Chapter 18
Bound by Fate, Torn by Will

"Tie the nuptial chain around her neck," the priest announced.

Rudraksh didn't hesitate. Without a flicker of doubt, he took the sacred mangalsutra and tied it around Shivanya's neck, securing the black and gold beads as a symbol of their irreversible bond.

"The marriage is now complete," the priest declared.

His guards started clapping, but Shivanya remained frozen. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. She was married. But not by choice.

When Rudraksh extended his hand to help her stand, she jerked away, eyes blazing with fury.

"You shouldn't have done this," she hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained rage.

Rudraksh met her gaze, unflinching. "Humari shadi ho gyi hai, ab jo samjhna hai samajh lo."

(We are married now, now you can understand whatever you want)

Shivanya clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I do not accept this marriage."

Rudraksh's jaw tightened. "Your acceptance or rejection doesn't change reality."

Her vision blurred, and the weight of everything became too much. Darkness swirled around her, and before she could stop it, her body collapsed.

Rudraksh's arms caught her before she hit the ground. He didn't hesitate, didn't falter. In one swift motion, he lifted her in his arms and carried her out of the temple.

"Get the car ready," he barked at the driver.

He placed Shivanya gently in the backseat, his grip firm yet careful. As the car sped towards the nearest hotel outside the village, the doctor he had called earlier followed closely behind.

---

At exactly five in the morning, Swarna Verma woke up with a start. A strange sense of unease gnawed at her chest.

She looked around, expecting to see Shivanya asleep on the bed beside hers. But the space was empty.

Her heart clenched. "Shivanya?" she called out, stepping out of the room.

No response.

Within minutes, the entire household was awake, searching for her.