A Vow across the Borders

The soft scent of incense filled the air, the quiet hum of the household enveloping the room as Noor sat in the living room. Her hands trembled ever so slightly, though she fought hard to keep the mask of indifference in place.

Murtasim was already seated in front of her, as the elders prepared for the arrival of Pandit Ji, who had been sent to fix the auspicious date for their wedding. The atmosphere felt almost surreal to Noor. They hadn't even had the time to process everything that had happened, let alone make sense of the future they were now supposed to step into together.

The heavy silence was broken by the soft sound of footsteps entering the room. The door opened, and the elderly Pandit Ji walked in, dressed in his traditional white attire, with a calm yet wise expression on his face.

“Aayiye, Pandit Ji,” Noor’s father greeted him warmly, and the family all stood in respect.

Pandit Ji smiled, his face lined with age and wisdom. He was a man who had performed countless ceremonies, blessed countless unions. His eyes lingered on Noor for a moment, a knowing glint in them that made her uneasy. He was aware of her resistance, but it seemed he wouldn’t waste time on words.

Without further ceremony, he sat before them on the rug, gesturing for everyone to follow suit. "Today, I have come to fix the date for this holy union," he said, his voice gentle but certain.

The air grew thick as the family awaited his next words, the entire room hushed in reverence.

"The most auspicious day for the marriage of Murtasim Khan and Noor Singh Malhotra is in three weeks. A full moon night." He looked at Murtasim first, and then Noor, who felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "This is the day destiny has chosen for this bond to be tied."

Noor froze. Three weeks? The finality of it hit her like a wall. Her future was being decided for her, and there was no escape.

Murtasim, though, gave a small nod, a slight curve of his lips as he glanced at Noor. His presence had always been imposing, but this time, there was a softness to his gaze that she hadn’t noticed before. He could see the storm in her eyes, and yet, there was no sympathy. Only a quiet understanding.

"It’s settled, then," Murtasim’s father said, breaking the silence. "This is the will of the gods. The date is fixed."

Noor clenched her fists, her breath shallow. It felt like the walls were closing in on her.

Pandit Ji continued, his voice carrying a weight of ancient traditions. “This is a sacred bond. You must both walk into it with honor, respect, and devotion.”

Noor’s heart pounded in her chest. Honor? Respect? She didn’t even know what that meant in the face of everything that had happened between them. How could she respect a man who had only entered her life because of an arrangement? A man who made her feel... things she wasn’t ready to confront?

Murtasim turned his head slowly towards her. His gaze wasn’t judgmental; it was almost soft, filled with something she couldn’t name.

"It is your destiny, Noor." The words came from his lips, low and unyielding, as though he had said them a hundred times before, but each time, they carried a little more weight.

Pandit Ji raised his hands, signaling the end of the ceremony. “May you both walk the path of virtue. May your union bring peace and prosperity. I bless you both, and may the stars guide your way."

He stood up slowly, his age catching up with him for a moment, but his eyes never left Noor. There was an unspoken understanding between them, one that neither of them acknowledged aloud.

With a final gesture, Pandit Ji gave them both a small nod, as if to say, "Your fate is sealed."

As the elders stood and began making their way to the door, Noor remained seated. She could feel Murtasim’s eyes on her, but she refused to meet his gaze. She was trapped. And no matter how much she fought against it, she couldn’t escape this arranged future that was already written in the stars.