The knock echoed through the tense silence of the house, startling Nimmi from her daze. She flinched, her eyes darting to Arjun, who instantly grabbed his gun. His movements were calculated, his face hard as he approached the door.

With a swift motion, he unlocked it, his finger hovering near the trigger. As the door creaked open, the figure standing outside came into view.

Major Ranjeet.

"Relax, Arjun," Ranjeet said in a low voice, raising his hands slightly in a gesture of peace. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. His eyes briefly scanned the room before settling on Nimmi, who was still sitting on the sofa, motionless and pale.

"You told her?" Ranjeet asked, his voice soft but firm.

Arjun nodded curtly, putting the gun away.

Ranjeet exhaled deeply, his face a mix of sympathy and determination. "It’s going to be alright, Nimmi," he said, addressing her directly. "We’ll get through this."

Nimmi didn’t respond. Her hands rested limply in her lap, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. The woman who once smiled at the smallest of joys now looked like a fragile shell of herself.

Ranjeet turned back to Arjun. "I’ve made the arrangements. The jet is ready. We just need to move fast. They’ll come looking for you soon."

Arjun nodded again, his expression unreadable as he resumed packing the last of their things. Ranjeet moved to help, efficiently gathering documents, clothes, and whatever essentials they could carry.

Within minutes, everything was ready. Arjun slung a bag over his shoulder and glanced at Nimmi, who hadn’t moved from her spot.

"Nimmi," he called softly, kneeling in front of her. She blinked, finally looking at him, her eyes filled with confusion and fear.

"It’s time to go," he said gently, his voice laced with an unusual tenderness.

She didn’t respond, didn’t move. Her body seemed frozen, her mind trapped in the storm of emotions and unanswered questions.

Arjun sighed, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. Without another word, he slipped his arms under her and lifted her effortlessly.

"Arjun..." she murmured weakly, but he didn’t stop.

"I’ve got you," he whispered, his tone resolute.

With Ranjeet leading the way, Arjun carried Nimmi out of the house. Their home of memories and dreams now abandoned in the face of an uncertain future.

The night was quiet, the streets deserted. The only sounds were the distant hum of the city and the faint rustling of leaves in the wind.

As they approached the waiting car, Nimmi’s gaze flickered to Arjun’s face. The man she had fallen in love with seemed so far away now, his eyes shadowed by burdens she understood well, but couldn't share. Yet, in his arms, she felt a fleeting sense of safety. He was her anchor in a sea of chaos.

The car door slammed shut, and the engine roared to life. Their journey into the unknown had begun.

As the car hurtled through the empty streets, the city lights casting fleeting shadows across the interior, Nimmi sat silently in Arjun’s arms. Her body felt numb, her heart heavy. She stared at the man she had once trusted with her life, now shrouded in longing and bloodstains.

Yet, amid the chaos of the night, her mind wandered to a day that seemed like it belonged to another life entirely—a day filled with love, laughter, and unbreakable promises.

It was the day of their wedding. The way that was supposed to be the beginning of a perfect life.

***

The air was rich with the scent of marigold garlands and the earthy aroma of the freshly swept courtyard. The early morning sun casted a golden hue over everything, making the small, intimate venue look almost magical. Nimmi sat in her room, her fingers trembling slightly as her friends and cousins helped her drape her crimson bridal lehenga. The intricate embroidery caught the light, making her look ethereal, like a goddess brought to life.

"Stop moving, Nimmi!" one of her cousins scolded playfully as she adjusted the delicate jewelry around her neck.

Nimmi laughed nervously. Her heart was racing, not from the preparations, but from the anticipation of seeing Arjun. She could barely concentrate as her mind replayed the memory of their first meeting, the kindness in his eyes, the quiet strength in his voice.

After the first meeting, months had passed by. And it felt magical! Magical to fall in love! And fallen she had. Hard and fast! Her life had turned into a beautiful fairytale. All because of him. Her soldier!
Brooding, unapproachable and ruthless for others, but sweet, gentle and considerate for only her.

When the time came, she was led to the mandap, the soft jingling of her anklets mixing with the rhythmic beats of the dhol. Her veil partially obscured her view, but through it, she caught sight of him, Arjun.

He stood tall in a cream colored sherwani, simple yet regal. His dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath catch. His usual stoic expression had softened into a smile that was reserved for her alone.

As she walked toward him, their gazes locked, and the world seemed to melt away. For that moment, it was just the two of them, bound by a love that felt unshakable.

When she reached the mandap, he held out his hand to help her sit. His touch was firm yet gentle, grounding her in a way no one else could.

"You look beautiful," he murmured, so quietly that only she could hear.

Her cheeks flushed, and she managed a shy smile. "And you look... nervous?" she teased.

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a warmth through her chest. "Not nervous," he replied, his voice low. "Just...a bit overwhelmed. I still can’t believe, you’re mine."

A smile of satisfaction appeared on his face as he looked at her holding adoration in his gaze. Nimmi couldn't help but smile too. Her cheeks turned red again as she lowered her eyes.

As the priest began the ceremony, they performed the sacred rituals side by side. When the time came to exchange vows, Arjun’s voice was steady and full of conviction.

"Nimmi," he began, looking into her eyes, "I promise to protect you with everything I have. To stand by you in every storm, to be your strength when you need it, and your shelter when the world feels too much.”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she responded, "And I promise to stand by you, Arjun, no matter what. To trust you, to love you, and to be your partner in everything that life brings."

When they rose for the seven sacred pheras, he held her hand tightly, as if assuring her that he would never let go. With every step around the sacred fire, their bond deepened, their hearts beating in unison.

The ceremony ended with a shower of flower petals and cheers from their loved ones, but for Nimmi, the world had faded into a blur. All she could see, all she could feel, was Arjun. Only Arjun.

Later, as they sat together for a moment of quiet amidst the celebrations, Arjun leaned closer, his voice soft and full of emotion.

"From today, you’re my everything, Nimmi. Nothing else matters."

She smiled, resting her head against his shoulder.

"And you’re mine. Always."

***

To be continued...