Standing on the wedding stage, Anvesha felt as if hundreds of eyes were watching her. But the sharpest gaze was from the man in front of her—Ayaan.
The priest was chanting mantras. The holy fire was burning. And in Anvesha's hand was Ayaan's hand.
But there was no warmth in this touch. Rather, a cold, calculating touch. Like signing a business contract paper.
"Your hand is trembling," Ayaan whispered, just near Anvesha's ear.
Anvesha startled. Had he sensed it? Her fear?
"I..." Anvesha started but stopped.
"Don't worry," Ayaan's voice held a strange dryness, "This is just a contract. After one year, you'll be free. And so will I."
Anvesha looked up. Ayaan's eyes still held that icy coldness. But somewhere, was there a hint of fatigue? No, she couldn't be sure.
The wedding rituals ended. Everyone was applauding. Shower of flowers. Laughter and joy. But Anvesha's mind was filled with emptiness.
---
Night after the wedding. Anvesha was alone in the bedroom. She had removed the red Benarasi and now wore a white saree. Standing by the window. Outside, the moon had risen. But her mind was dark.
The door opened. Ayaan entered. In his hand, a file.
"May I sit?"
Anvesha turned around. Looked at Ayaan and nodded.
Ayaan placed the file on the table. Then sat on a chair.
"This is our contract. Have a look. Tell me if you have any objections."
Anvesha opened the file. Several pages of legal language. But her eyes stopped at one line:
"During the marital life, both parties will maintain physical and emotional distance. This marriage will be based solely on mutual benefit."
Anvesha's eyes welled up. No, she wasn't crying. But something felt hollow inside her chest.
"I'll sign," Anvesha picked up the pen.
Ayaan stopped her hand. "Think once. After signing, there's no going back."
"Have you thought?" Anvesha looked up.
Ayaan was silent for a moment. Then said, "I always decide after thinking. This is my business. And now... this is my marriage."
"Business?" There was a hint of bitterness in Anvesha's voice, "Is marriage just business to you?"
Ayaan looked up. For the first time, something flickered in his eyes. But immediately, it was covered again.
"Our marriage is just that. Contract. Business. Fake. We had agreed on these terms earlier, hadn't we?"
Anvesha said nothing. Just signed the contract.
Ayaan also signed. Then handed a copy to Anvesha.
"For you. Keep it. Refer to it if needed."
Anvesha took the contract. Remained silent for a few seconds. Then suddenly, her forehead started burning. That familiar burning. She closed her eyes. Before her flashed—
Ayaan! But not the previous Ayaan. This Ayaan's eyes held love! His hand in hers. Both had gone somewhere for a trip. Mountains. Waterfalls. Anvesha was laughing. A genuine laugh!
Then the scene changed. Arnab! Ayaan's cousin. Hatred in his eyes. A knife in his hand? No, something shiny. Light?
"Anvesha!" She opened her eyes at Ayaan's call.
She was drenched in sweat. Ayaan stood before her. Concern in his eyes.
"What happened to you? I called many times. Didn't you hear?"
Anvesha stared blankly. Will what she saw come true? Will Ayaan really love her one day? And Arnab? Why is he entering their lives?
"I... I'm fine," Anvesha said in a trembling voice, "Just feeling dizzy."
Ayaan looked at her for a moment. Then brought a glass of water from the side table.
"Here, drink water."
Anvesha drank water. Her throat moistened. But inside her chest, a fire was burning. She had seen—a different future! The earlier one was divorce. Now she saw love! What's happening to her?
"I'll go now," Ayaan stood up, "You rest. Tomorrow morning we have to leave. Dinner with a business partner. You have to come."
Anvesha nodded. Ayaan walked towards the door. Before leaving, he looked back once. Started to say something, but didn't.
As the door closed, Anvesha collapsed on the bed. Closed her eyes. Wanting to see that scene again and again—Ayaan's love-filled eyes. Real or fake?
Suddenly she remembered Arnab. That terrifying appearance. Who is he? Why will he enter their lives?
Anvesha felt that her seen future was changing. But why? For what? For good or for bad?
Outside the window, the moon hid behind clouds. The room darkened. And Anvesha's mental darkness was also deepening.
Because she knows—the future that is seen cannot be changed. But if it really changes? Then is she moving towards danger?