Day 15, Month of February
Royal Marriage Year XX5
The palace was glowing with celebration.
Golden lamps lit the corridors and the sound of wedding drums echoed through the grand halls of the royal palace. Outside, thousands of people had gathered to witness the marriage of their young king.
Inside a quiet chamber stood the bride.
She was around twenty years old, standing gracefully near the window. Her saffron-yellow wedding saree shimmered under the soft light of the oil lamps. A delicate chunri dupatta covered part of her face, giving her an aura of mystery and elegance.
Her hair was decorated with beautiful ornaments — a shining churamani, a delicate maang teeka, and fragrant flowers woven carefully into her braid.
Golden jewellery rested across her neck and arms. A heavy necklace of gold and diamonds sparkled softly, and a finely crafted kamarband wrapped around her waist.
The bride looked beautiful, almost divine.
In the center of her forehead was a bright red bindi and was decorated with white and red chandan, and in the parting of her hair rested the fresh line of sindoor —( the sacred symbol of marriage)-from nose to all the way up to her maang so dense and deep.
Yet despite the grand decorations and celebration outside, the room itself felt strangely quiet.
She waited.
She was waiting for her groom.
Moments later, the door opened.
The groom entered the chamber, dressed in royal attire. His dhoti and upper garments were decorated with elegant embroidery. Gold ornaments rested on his shoulders and wrists, and his forehead carried the mark of chandan (sandalwood paste).
At his side hung a sword.
But something was strange.
Instead of smiling like a newly married king, his face was tense. His eyes moved quickly around the room as if he were searching for something…
Without saying a word, he walked to the door and locked it. He opened his secret case and took it. He removed the jwelleries and put on armor.
The bride watched him silently, confusion rising in her eyes.
Then suddenly, he turned toward the window.
He walked quickly, almost urgently, and pushed it open.
Cool night air rushed into the room.
Bride then stated following as she was obliged to follow her husband .
Hearing the sound of her payal,He glance back to his unnoticed newly wedded bride with covered in sindoor that was glistering under moonlight .
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Then he said quietly,
"The sindoor that I put in your maang make you my other half.....now we share same destiny ... ."
He extended his hand.
"Follow me."
The moment he said about being her half , she knew at that instent that this man will take his responsibility and protect her as per the obligation. Just as she was to follow and guide him.
The bride stood frozen for a moment. Her heart raced with confusion, fear, and curiosity.
But then she heard something.
The faint sound of soldiers moving in the distant corridors.
Something was wrong.
Without another word, she lifted the edge of her saree, quickly grabbed the jwellery and the attire her groom wore before and also took her bihoti sindoor (sindoor given by elders in wedding) and tied it in the bedsheet and took it on her right shoulder.
"I am ready," she said.
The groom looked surprised for a second.
Then he smiled slightly.
"Forgive me."
Before she could react, he took the bedsheet tied with things from her lifted her gently into his arms and jumped out of the window.
The cold night wind rushed past them as they landed on the palace grounds below.
Using a rope hidden along the wall, they quickly descended behind the palace.
In the shadows, a horse waited.
The groom helped her onto the horse and then climbed behind her.
He asked quietly,
"Do you know how to ride?"
The bride looked straight ahead and answered with a single word.
"Yes."
She took the reins immediately after being asked and The groom tied their back with back with a cloth.
"Then do exactly as I say. When I say fast, ride fast. When I say slow, slow down."
She nodded.
The horse burst forward into the dark night.
As they raced through the silent fields outside the kingdom, the groom turned and prepared his bow and arrows.
Behind them, distant horns began to sound.
The palace guards had discovered their escape.
The young king and his bride rode deeper into the darkness, leaving the royal palace behind.
You seems to be quiet, as you followed and didn't asked any questions.You can ask!!.
I am bound to follow you,as per marital dharm .
I mean you can ask anything if you want about before, no need to be conflicted about it.
Then , where are we headed right now my king.
We are now going to my secret base.That was a trap before to get me as traitor to the land, as I was busy with the wedding.
Do know who ambushed us and bribed the royal guards. Rumours says my family was involved. ?¿! Asked the bride
No that is a total joke. Our alliance was because of our family despite being eye to eye, both our families are not foolish enough to brake the vow their great's made and tarnish their reputation.
Then ..??. asked the bride
"This was a carefully planned scheme. Whoever did this may have already captured members of both families."
The bride fell silent.
Hmm.(Bride)
Don't worry, it will be over soon.I will make it happen soon . (Assure the groom with his calming voice)
It was surprising , rumors had already begun spreading across kingdoms overnight
Some said the king had betrayed the royal army.
Some said he had fled with his bride out of fear. Or was it the tactics to prevent unwanted arranged marriage.
Others believed it was part of a secret war.
No one knew the truth.
No one knew where the bride and groom had gone.
And no one knew whether they were still together.
But one thing was certain.
Many marriages are memorable
But a marriage like this…
is what you call unforgettable.
THAT'S HOW IT BECAME POPULAR AS - "THE MARRIAGE"