The sky in Mumbai dark when Akshay pulled the jeep up the parking lot at Mahalaxmi at 5:30 AM. He'd packed last night and had everything folded and organized in his duffel bag. Now he just needed to collect his wife, who had promised she'd be ready.
He knocked softly on their apartment door but there was no response.
Sighing, he pulled out his keys and let himself in. The apartment was dark except for a small lamp in the living room. And there, sprawled on the couch, was Aaravi.
She was wearing pajamas, pink ones with little clouds printed on them, her hair was in the braid he'd made yesterday, and she was drooling just a tiny bit onto the cushion. Her phone was still in her hand, open to a PDF.
She'd fallen asleep studying.
" Padhai karte waqt hi neend aati isse" he grumbled.
He crouched down next to the couch and gently shook her shoulder.
"Aaravi. Uthne ka time ho gaya."
"Mmph... paanch minute..." she mumbled, turning over and nearly falling off the couch.
Akshay caught her shoulder. "Aaravi. It's 5:30. Hume nikalna hai."
"Nahi... Pune cancel... main so rahi hoon..."
"Aaravi." He shook her again, a little firmer this time. "Aap hi poori raat force kar rahi thi ki 'I want to go to Pune!' Aur ab suddenly cancel?"
Her eyes cracked open just a little. "Akshay?"
"Haan. Chalo, utho. Nahaa lo, taiyaar ho jao. Hume ek ghante mein nikalna hai."
She groaned dramatically, throwing an arm over her face. "Subah subah kaun uthta hai? Aise na insafi biwi ke saath kaun karta. Log toh biwi ke gulaam bane jaate."
"Aapne toh khud kaha tha ki aap early riser hai."
"Maine jhooth bola tha. Main night owl hoon. Ullu ki tarah. Raat ko jaagti hoon."
Despite himself, Akshay smiled. "Ullu aap... Haan, woh toh das din mein hi pata chal gaya. Chalo ab. Bathroom."
"Nahi."
"Aaravi—"
"Chup kar buddhe." she mumbled and closed her eyes.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, counted to five, and then because apparently his life had become a romantic comedy, he scooped her up in his arms.
"AH!" Aaravi yelped, immediately awake now, her arms flying around his neck. "Akshay!""
"Too late." He carried her toward the bathroom, ignoring how warm and soft she felt against his chest, ignoring how her hair smelled like coconut oil and jasmine.
"Neeche utaro mujhe!" She was laughing now, squirming. "Akshay! Main khud chal sakti hoon!"
"Ab nahi.He put her down in front of the bathroom door. "Fifteen minutes. Taiyaar hoke bahar aao."
Her face was flushed, from sleep or embarrassment, and she was still grinning. "Tum pagal insaan!."
"Aapki galti hai." He turned to walk away, then paused. "Aur Aaravi?"
"Haan?"
"Comfortable kapde pehno. Long drive hai."
Twenty minutes Aaravi emerged wearing black leggings, an oversized grey hoodie, and her hair in a cute headband.. She'd even put on a little kajal, though Akshay had no idea why at 5:50 in the morning.
"Ready!" she announced, dragging her small suitcase behind her.
Akshay looked at the suitcase. "Hum do din ke liye jaa rahe hain."
"Haan, toh?"
"Yeh suitcase ek hafte ke liye lag raha hai."
" Pura kabaad khaali karke daal diya aapne "
"I'm a girl. Humein options chahiye. Tum nahi samjhoge." She patted his chest sympathetically. "Chalo ab. Tumne kaha tha late ho jayenge."
By 6:15 AM, they were on the highway.
Akshay was driving, his hands steady on the wheel, his playlist, soft Lana Del Ray instrumental music playing.
The sun was just starting to rise, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Aaravi lasted approximately 2 minutes in silence before she started talking.
"Waise, Pune mein tumhare friends hain?"
"Haan, kuch."
"Police mein?"
"Haan. Training batch se."
"Ooh! Toh matlab there will be police officer gossip! Kiski biwi kya karti.. Kiska pati kya...." She twisted in her seat to face him, her eyes bright with interest. "Tumhe bolna padega mujhe sab! I want to hear everything!"
"Aaravi, yeh official briefing hai—"
"Haan haan, I know. Main nahi aaungi tumhare saath. I'll study. Promise." She held up three fingers. "Par baad mein tumhe mujhe sab batana padega. Deal?"
He glanced at her, at her eager expression, and felt himself smiling despite trying not to. "Deal."
"Yay!" She settled back in her seat, scrolling through her phone. "Waise, maine dekha hai. Pune mein bahut cafes hain. Cute waale. Aesthetic. Hum jayenge?"
"Agar time mila—"
"TIME MILEGA," she declared confidently. "Main force karungi. Aur FC Road pe shopping bhi karni hai. OH! AUR AAPKO misal-pav bhi khilaana padhega!"
"Dekhte hain," he said, Aaravi grinned.
She talked for the next hour straight. About her upcoming exam, about a funny meme she'd seen, about how Nimmi Maasi had sent her a recipe for a cheesecake that she wanted to try, about a debate in her class, about literally everything.
Around 8 AM, they stopped at a dhaba for breakfast. Akshay ordered chai and poha, Aaravi got misal pav and immediately regretted it.
"Itna teekha aaaahh!" She was fanning her mouth, her eyes watering. "Akshay! Pani! PANI!"
He handed her his water bottle, trying very hard not to laugh. "Maine bola tha mild mangne ko."
"Maine socha tha main handle kar lungi!" She took a huge gulp of water. "I was wrong! Main bahut wrong thi!"
"Pehli baar accept kiya aapne, nahi toh khud ki manmaani chalti rehti" he said mildly, taking a sip of his chai.
Back in the car, Aaravi lasted another forty-five minutes before the early morning, the full stomach, and the gentle rocking of the car caught up with her.
Akshay noticed when her chatter started slowing down. Her sentences got shorter. Her responses got slower.
"...aur phir usne... usne kaha ki... ki..."
He glanced over. Her head was tilted against the window, and her eyes were also drooping.
"Aaravi, so jao agar neend aa rahi hai."
"Nahi... main... tumhe bore ho jayega... akele driving..."
"Main theek hoon. Aap so jao."
"Par..."
Her eyes closed slowly.
Within two minutes, she was asleep.
Akshay drove in silence for a bit, occasionally glancing over at her. She looked peaceful in sleep, her face relaxed, her breathing even.
Then, slowly, her head started tilting and her head landed on his shoulder.
She shifted slightly, getting more comfortable, her cheek pressing against his upper arm, and Akshay's entire body went rigid.
She mumbled something in her sleep and burrowed closer.
Akshay's heart was racing. . His arm,was starting to tingle from the angle, but there was absolutely no way he was moving it.
He'd drive the entire rest of the way to Pune one-handed if he had to.
His right hand stayed on the steering wheel. His left arm stayed exactly where it was, supporting her head, even as it started to go numb.
She slept for the next hour and a half, and Akshay drove very, very carefully, avoiding potholes, taking turns gently, doing everything possible to not disturb her.
When they finally reached Pune and he had to slow down for traffic, she stirred.
"Mmm... pohonch gaye?" Her voice was sleepy and muffled against his arm.
"Almost. Fifteen minutes aur."
She sat up slowly, blinking, then seemed to realize she'd been sleeping on him. Her face went pink.
"Oh. Sorry. Main... I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay." His arm was screaming in relief as blood flow returned, but he kept his voice casual. "Aaram se aayi neend?"
"Haan." She was still blushing, looking out the window to avoid his eyes. "Bahut achhi neend aayi."
Akshay bit back a smile and focused on navigating through Pune traffic.
Finally they arrived at the hotel, which was a mid-range business hotel in Deccan.
Akshay parked the jeep and they both got out, stretching after the long drive.
"Meri peeth mar gayi," Aaravi groaned, twisting from side to side.
" Hmph... mere upaar se aaram se let gayi.. Aur yeh bol rahi hai peeth mar gayi" he grumbled to himself.
"Itni der drive karne ke baad toh tumhari bhi, wait, tumhara toh ek arm zyada use hui hogi. Theek hai na?" she asked afterwards,
Akshay's eyes softened, "Bilkul theek hai," he lied smoothly, flexing his left hand subtly to get feeling back.
Akshay approached the reception desk. "Reservation for Malhotra."
The receptionist smiled and typed on her computer. "Ji sir. Checking?"
"Haan. For two nights."
"Perfect. I have your booking here." She printed out some papers. "One king bed room, poolside view, 8th floor—"
Akshay's brain screeched to a halt.
"Wait. Ek... ek king bed?"
The receptionist blinked. "Ji?"
"Nahi, I... I booked two twin beds. Two separate beds."
She checked her screen again, frowning slightly. "Sir, yahan toh king bed hi show ho raha hai. Let me check, oh, I see. Actually sir, aapne twin beds select kiye the, par woh rooms fully booked hain is weekend. We automatically upgrade to king bed room. Same price. I hope that's okay?"
"No! I mean—" Akshay could feel his face heating up. "Isn't there any other room? Any twin bed room? Koi toh hoga—"
"Bhai, kya problem hai teri?" Aaravi's voice came from right next to him. "King bed mein kya dikkat hai?"
"Dikkat?" His voice came out strangled. "Woh... matlab... do alag beds better—"
Aaravi stared at him annoyed. "Ghar mein toh ek hi bed mein sote hain. Ab problem hai tujhe?"
The receptionist was looking between them with barely concealed amusement.
Akshay felt his ears burning. "Haan... woh... ghar alag... woh..." He was stammering. Actually stammering. "Ghar mein... woh... matlab..."
" arrey woh hotel aaye hai naa... toh..." he stammered.
"Kya 'ghar mein'?" Aaravi crossed her arms, looking annoyed now. "Baat kya hai? Suddenly kya ho gaya tujhe?"
"Kuch nahi hua—"
"Toh phir? Bed pe aap mere baju hi sote hai. Yeh toh wahi baat hai."
The receptionist coughed lightly, trying to hide a smile.
Akshay wanted the floor to open up and swallow him. "Haan... right... bilkul... we sleep together all the time.."
The words came out before he could stop them, and the moment they did, Aaravi's expression changed.
Her eyes went wide then she snorted.
"Oh my god," she breathed.
And then she burst out laughing.
"Aaravi—" Akshay hissed, mortified.
"TUM—" she gasped between laughs, "TUMNE—OH MY GOD—'WE SLEPT TOGETHER'—"
"Aaravi, PLEASE—"
The receptionist was definitely smiling now.
"AKSHAY!" Aaravi was wheezing. "Tumhara dimaag tumne actually socha, OH MY GOD"
"Maine kuch nahi socha!" His face was on fire. "Aap galat samajh rahi ho—"
"Haan haan, MAIN galat samajh rahi hoon!" She was still laughing, wiping tears from her eyes. "Bilkul! Main hi dirty minded hoon!"
"Aap hai dirty minded!" he shot back, flustered beyond belief. "Maine bas—normal matlab—sleeping, actual sleeping—"
"HAAN AKSHAY, I KNOW!" She was grinning now, clearly enjoying his suffering. "Par tumhara face! Itna chilla hua tamaatar! Itna flustered!"
She turned to the receptionist, who was watching this exchange like it was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. "Excuse me, Bhaiya ke liye ek glass paani dena. I think unko heart attack aa jayega."
Akshay closed his eyes and prayed for patience. "Aaravi. Please. Bas kar."
" Yeh Emraan Hashmi ki aatma, nikal de apne andar se" he groaned.
" OYYY.. Don't bring Emraan Hashmi into this." she huffed.
"Okay okay, sorry." But she was still grinning, the menace. She turned back to the receptionist. "King bed room theek hai. We'll take it."
"Perfect!" The receptionist handed over the key cards, still smiling. "Enjoy your stay!"
They headed toward the elevators, Aaravi still occasionally giggling, Akshay still trying to recover his dignity.
"Yaar," he muttered once they were in the elevator. "Yaar.. Ganga jal ki zarurat hai aapko."
"Mujhe zarurat hain? Aap hi ka dimaag waha jaate hai. TUM ne 'We sleep together bola"to log kya sochenge. she snapped back at him
"Galti se nikla!"
"Haan, kyunki tumhara dimaag gutter mein hi hai" She poked his arm.
The elevator dinged on the 8th floor. "Aur aap ab chup raho."
"Nahi rahuungi."
"Aaravi—"
She skipped ahead of him down the corridor, humming happily, clearly very happy with herself for embarrassing him.
Akshay followed, carrying both bags, shaking his head but unable to stop the small smile that crept onto his face.
The room was nice with a large king-sized bed in the center, a desk near the window, and a view of the pool below.
Aaravi immediately flopped onto the bed. "Ooh, soft! Bahut comfortable hai!"
Akshay set their bags down, very carefully not looking at the bed. "Haan. Achha hai."
She rolled over to look at him. "Tumhe abhi bhi sharam aari hai na?"
"Nahi."
"Liar. Tumhare kaan ab bhi laal hain."
He touched his ear self-consciously. "Woh... AC ki wajah se."
"Haan haan, bilkul. AC se kaan laal hote hain."
"Aaravi, main aapko—"
His phone rang, cutting off whatever threat he was about to make. He pulled it out: Senior Inspector Suri.
"Sorry... lena padega," he said, already answering. "Haan, sir?"
Aaravi watched as he shifted to professional mode.
"Ji sir, pohonch gaya hoon... Haan, hotel check-in ho gaya hai... One hour mein pahunch jaaunga... Ji, files saath hain... Haan sir..."
He hung up and looked at her apologetically. "Mujhe abhi jaana padega. Briefing prepone ho gayi hai."
"Abhi? Par tum abhi aaye—"
"I know. Par..." He ran a hand through his hair. "Main jaldi wapas aane ki koshish karunga. aap... aap padhai karogi?"
"Haan," she sighed, sitting up. "Promise. Boring final exams ka syllabus."
He moved to the desk, pulled out his wallet, and extracted several notes of ₹2000, maybe more.
"Yeh rakh lo," he said, holding it out.
She stared at the money. "Itna? Kyun?"
"Lunch order karna. Dinner bhi agar main late hua. Aur agar kuch chahiye toh, snacks ya kuch bhi, order kar lena. Don't wait for me."
"Akshay, itna zaroori nahi—"
"Please." His voice was soft but firm. "Main nahi chahta ki aap ko bhook lage aur wait kare. Order kar lena jo man kare. Theek hai?"
She took the money, her stomach feeling like it had butterflies. "Theek hai."
"Aur phone charged rakhna. Agar kuch bhi chahiye, call karna. Main bhale hi briefing mein hoon, main uthaunga."
"Akshay, I'll be fine—"
"I know. Par phir bhi." He grabbed his bag with the case files. "Main shaam tak wapas aane ki koshish karunga. 4-5 baje tak."
"Okay."
He paused at the door, looking back at her sitting on the bed, and something soft crossed his expression. "Aur Aaravi?"
"Haan?"
"Actually padhai karna. Netflix mat dekh lena."
She gasped in mock offense. "I would never!"
"Haan. Bilkul. Definitely." But he was smiling. "Main jaa raha hoon. Lock the door."
"Haan, Akshay ji. Jaiye aap."
He quickly booped her nose with his index finger, and left. Aaravi heard his footsteps fade down the corridor.
She looked around the empty hotel room, at the big comfortable bed, at the desk with her books waiting.
Then she looked at the ₹2000 in her hand.
"Pehle lunch," she decided. "Phir padhai."
Akshay returned to the hotel at 4:47 PM, exhausted from a five-hour briefing. His head was pounding, his back was sore from sitting in uncomfortable chairs, and all he wanted was to collapse.
He unlocked the door to their room quietly, half-expecting to find Aaravi asleep or watching TV.
Instead, she was at the desk, highlighter in hand, textbook open, looking very focused.
She looked up when he entered. "Oh! Tum aa gaye!"
"Haan." He dropped his bag. "Aap actually padh rahi hai?"
"Wowww so supportive ," she said primly, setting down her highlighter. "Tumne socha tha main Netflix dekh rahi hoongi na?"
"Thoda."
"Well, wrong! Main toh bahut studious hoon! Poora din padhai ki maine!" She gestured at her notes. "Dekho kitna kaam kiya!"
He walked over, looked at her notebook. She actually had been studying. Her notes were colorful and detailed, with little stars and underlines everywhere.
"Accha kiya," he said softly, and impulsively reached out to ruffle her hair.
"Akshay!" She batted his hand away. "Baal kharab ho jayenge!"
"Woh toh already hain."
"RUDE!"
He chuckled, moving toward the bathroom. "Main fresh hokar aata hoon. Aapne kuch khaya?"
"Haan! Maine sol kadhi aur chaval khayi thi lunch mein. Aur fries. Aur ice cream." She said it proudly.
" Wowwww so Healthy," he said dryly.
"Tumne kaha tha jo man kare order kar lo!"
"Fair point." He grabbed his change of clothes. "Main fifteen minute mein aata hoon."
When he emerged from the shower, dressed in white shirt and black trousers. Aaravi was lying on the bed scrolling through her phone.
"Akshay," she said without looking up. "Kal ka plan kya hai?"
"Kal subah ek aur meeting hai. Short waali. Do-teen ghante. Phir free hoon."
"Toh we can go sightseeing?"
"Haan. Wherever you want."
"YAY!" She sat up, grinning. "I've made a list! Pehle hum—"
"Aaravi," he interrupted. "Kal ki planning kal karte hain. Abhi—" He checked his watch. "Actually, abhi aapko ready hona hai."
She blinked. "Ready? Kyun?"
"Dinner ke liye. We're going out."
"Out? Kahaan?"
"Mere friend ke ghar. Rahul.. Usne invite kiya hai." . "Uski wife bahut achha khana banati hai. Unhone specifically bola aapko bhi laane ko."
Aaravi's expression shifted from excited to wary. "Dinner? Kisi aur ke ghar? Akshay, mujhe nahi—"
"Please." He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her seriously. "Bas do ghante. Rahul bahut achha hai. Uski wife, Anjali, bhi. Aapko achha lagega."
"Par maine unhe kabhi dekha nahi—"
"Toh aaj dekh logi. Please, Aaravi? Mere liye?"
She studied his face for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. Par agar it gets awkward ya main kuch ulta sulta bolte deti hu toh main tumse hi raat ko badla lungi."
"Noted." He stood up. "Aur Aaravi?"
"Haan?"
"Saree pehno."
She sat up straighter. "Saree? Seriously?"
"Haan. Formal dinner hai thoda. Rahul ke ghar traditional family hai. Toh... saree would be nice."
Aaravi looked uncertain. "Akshay, mujhe... mujhe saree pehenni nahi aati properly. Main... I have a ready-made saree. Woh chalegi?"
"Bilkul chalegi," he assured her. "Jo comfortable ho woh pehno. Bas... saree honi chahiye."
She looked like she wanted to argue more, but instead just sighed. "Theek hai. Kitna time hai?"
"One hour."
"ONE HOUR?! Akshay! Saree pehenne mein time lagta hai!"
"Isliye maine abhi bataya!" He was already heading for the door. "Main neeche lobby mein coffee peeke aata hoon. Aapko disturb nahi karunga. One hour mein ready rehna."
"Wait—Akshay—"
But he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.
Aaravi stared at the closed door, then at her suitcase where her one ready-made saree was packed.
"Dost ke ghar dinner," she muttered, getting up to unzip her bag. "Saree pehen ke. Yeh kya naya natak hai?"
But she pulled out the saree anyway, a beautiful sky blue silk saree, pre-pleated and ready to wear, and started getting ready. This saree was what she was planning to wear to the mandir in Jejuri for her solo trip, but because Akshay had said they would not go, but she might as well wear it now.
Fifty-five minutes later, Aaravi stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her pallu for the tenth time.
The ready-made saree had been easy enough to wear. She wasn't used to sarees. At twenty-one, she usually stuck to kurtas or western wear for formal events.
The blue brought out the warmth in her fair skin tone. She'd paired it with simple gold jhumkas he dad had given her, a delicate gold chain, and then she opened her pouch. Inside the pouch, was the green bangles that Mishti and Abhi had gifted her.
She gently shook them giggling before sliding them on her wrists.
Her hair was kept loose beautifully. She'd done her makeup carefully with kajal, a light pink lipstick, a small red bindi.
The blouse was the only ready-made part she was slightly uncertain about.
A knock on the door made her jump.
"Aaravi? Ready ?"
She took a deep breath, adjusted her pallu one more time, and opened the door.
His eyes widened when he saw her.
For a moment, he just stared at her and at the green bangles.
"Kya?" Aaravi shifted self-consciously. "Weird lag raha hai na? Maine kaha tha saree mujhe suit nahi—"
"Nahi," Akshay interrupted, his voice slightly rough. "Bilkul nahi. Aap... aap bahut achhi lag rahi hai."
Her cheeks warmed. "Sach mein?"
"Haan." He cleared his throat, looking away quickly. ". Chalo?"
"Haan, bas—" She grabbed her small clutch purse. "Ek minute. Mere baal kaun karega?" she asked.
He smiled, " idhaar aao.. Mein karta hoon." he gestured and she sat on the bed.
He took soft strands from the crown of her hair, and begin intricately braiding in a half braid he had been practicing on Pihu's hair.
" Waise..." he started.
"Acting karne ki zarurat nahi hai... 'mere baal kaun karega?'" he mimicked her tone softly, his fingers working through the strands. "Seedha boldo na mujhe ki 'Akshay baal kardo mere.'" He smirked near her ear, voice dropping lower. "Itna formal kyun ban rahi ho aap mere saath?"
She tilted her head slightly, meeting his green eyes in the dresser mirror with a sweet smile. "Acha? Toh main kya bolun? 'Akshay ji, aapki meherbani hogi agar aap mujhe ready kar dein?'"
"Akshay ji?" He said closer to her ear, "Ab hum stranger ban gaye?"
"Nahi toh," she said innocently, examining her nails. "Aap hi toh keh rahe the 'seedha bolo.' Kitna seedha chahiye?" Aap rehne do. Chidhao mujhe. Main itni sweet si.. Bholi si polite si hoon. Unlike some people jo biwi ki baat ka mazaak udaate hain."
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her neck as he secured the half raid. " Aaravi... I'm your husband. You understand that right?"
" Haan abhi toh bola, " unlike some people jo biwi ki baat ka mazaak udaate hain." she raised her eyebrow confused.
"Toh phir..." His fingers lingered at the nape of her neck, thumb grazing her skin softly. "Mujhse aise baat karo jaise main aapka hoon. Not like I'm doing you some favor."
"Aapko jo chahiye, just take it. You don't need permission."
She swallowed, her heart was beating fast, and her palms suddenly felt sweaty. "I... what... aapko yeh achaanak se... I didn't want to assume—"
"Assume," he interrupted, his hand slid from her hair to rest on her bare shoulder.
"Assume everything, Aaravi. Assume that when you need something, I'm already yours to ask." His thumb traced slow circles on her skin. "Assume that I like it when you're comfortable enough to just... demand."
" I... Akshay..." she stammered.
She nodded, unable to form words, heat was flushing across her cheeks and down her neck. He broughts his hands gently around the green bangles on her wrists.
"Hmm.. sahi lag rahe hai" he said.
"Good... Ab chalo." He stood up abruptly, checking his watch with a slight frown. "Traffic bhi hoga at this hour. We should leave right now."
She stared at his back as he walked toward the door, calmly adjusting his collar in the hallway mirror.
"Aaravi?" He turned back, eyebrows raised. "Chalo na. Kya hua?"
"Haan... haan, aa rahi hoon," she managed weakly, standing up.
She grabbed her clutch and walked to the full-length mirror, pretending to check her saree while he stepped into the hallway.
"Excuse me? Hello?" She pointed at her face in the mirror. "Yeh kya tha abhi? Haan? Yeh insaan ne abhi jo kiya... aur ab traffic ki baat kar raha hai?"
"She adjusted her pallu, " Yeh...yeh personality ka exchange offer kab hua?"
She pressed her cool palms against her burning cheeks.
"'Assume I'm already yours,'" she mimicked in a whisper, then let out a small frustrated noise. "Arrey DEVA! Nahi nahi nahi. Control, Aaravi. Control."
"Aaravi!" His voice came from near the hotel door.. "We're getting late!"
"Haan, bas do second!" she called back, then immediately turned back to the mirror, whispering fiercely. "Do second? Mujhe do ghante chahiye recover karne ke liye!"
She took a deep breath, smoothing down her saree..
"Okay. Okay, chill. Tum bhi kar sakti hai yeh. Just... act normal. Bilkul normal. Jaise kuch hua hi nahi." She nodded at herself. "Haan. Exactly. Kuch hua hi nahi hai. Woh sirf... baal kar raha tha. Bas. Very... very..."
"Oh god, dekh apna face! Tamatar se zyada laal! She grabbed her clutch and started toward the door, muttering under her breath. "Thik hai. Makeup accha hai aaj. Haan yahi sahi bahaana hai"
"Aur agar usne kuch bola toh main... main..." she continued.. "Main bhi kuch bol dungi! Haan! TWO can play this game, Akshay!"
She started walking behind him towards the elevator, whispering her pep talk. "Confident. Bold. Sassy. Yeh tera territory hai. Wapas le apna crown—"
"Kisse baat kar rahi hai aap?" Akshay asked confused.
She froze.
"Main? Koi nahi! Khud se! I mean— phone pe! I mean—" She muttered quickly, brushing past him. "Kuch nahi. Chalo!"
As she walked into the hotel elevator with him, she heard him chuckle softly behind her.
...............................................................................................................
In the jeep, Akshay was focused on driving, navigating through Pune's evening traffic.
Aaravi stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, and tried to ignore the growing irritation building in her chest.
"Dost ke ghar jaane ka time hai," she muttered, just loud enough for him to hear. "Lekin mandir jaane ka time nahi."
Akshay's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "Kya?"
"Aaravi—"
"Nahi, it's fine," she said, her voice tight. "I get it. Tumhara kaam important hai. Tumhara dost important hain. Mandir... woh toh bas meri faltu ki wish thi."
"Aaravi, aisi baat nahi hai—"
"Toh kya baat hai?" She crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Aapne toh clearly bola tha ki time nahi milega. Aur ab achanak—"
"Aaravi, please," Akshay said. "Just... just thoda aur wait karo. Okay?"
"Wait? Kyun wait—"
"Bas." He glanced at her briefly, and was that a smile? "Trust me."
They drove for another twenty minutes, leaving the main city area, taking roads that got narrower.
"Tumhare dost kahaan rehte hain?" Aaravi asked, frowning. "Yeh toh bahut bahar nikal gaye hum."
"Bas aa gaya," Akshay said cryptically.
The road climbed upward now, and Aaravi noticed they were heading into hills.
And then, around a curve, she saw it.
Rising against the darkening sky, lit up by hundreds of lamps, was a temple.
The Khandoba Mandir.
Aaravi's breath caught in her throat.
The temple was stunning. Built on a hill, its entrance marked by a long flight of steps, she'd read about these, the famous 300-plus steps leading to the sanctum. The entire structure was illuminated with oil lamps and electric lights, creating a golden glow against the evening sky. The architecture was beautiful with carved pillars. There was bhandara ( yellow powder) everywhere, beautiful yellow covering the grounds and air.
Devotees were climbing the steps, many carrying traditional offerings. The sound of bells and bhajans floated down even from this distance.
"Yeh..." Aaravi's voice was barely a whisper. "Yeh toh hum Mandir aaye hai."
"Haan," Akshay confirmed, pulling the jeep into the parking area.
She turned to stare at him. "Par... par tumne kaha... dost ke ghar..."
"Maine jhooth bola," he admitted, and now he was definitely smiling. "Koi dost nahi hai. Koi dinner nahi hai. Bas... mandir . jo aap chahti thi na"
"Tum... tumne surprise kiya mujhe?"
"Haan."
"Par... par tumhari meeting—time nahi tha—"
"Meeting do ghante ki thi. Baaki ka time main aapke liye nikaal sakta tha." He turned off the engine and looked at her properly. "aapne kitni excitement se bola tha uss din. Toh... toh socha ki yeh kar dete hain."
Aaravi felt her eyes prickling with tears.
"Akshay..." Her voice cracked.
"Arrey, rona nahi," he said quickly, looking alarmed. "Main... aapko khush karne ke liye kiya tha, agar aap upset ho gayi toh saari mehnat paani mei gaya—"
"Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you thank you thank you."
"You're welcome," he smiled."Ab chalo? Darshan karne jaana hai na?"
She pulled back, wiping her eyes quickly. "Haan. Chalo.
"CHALO!" she called back, her blue saree flowing behind her. "Tum mujhe itna door leke aaye, ab darshan toh karne do!"
Crowds of people were gathered desiring to seek blessings, and Akshay showed his I Card to one of the constables there.
" Hikdun yaa sir" the constable said leading them through a separate entrance. ( come from here sir).
Aaravi stood at the base of the hill, craning her neck to look up at the illuminated temple perched at the top, and her excitement was combusting.
"Akshay, dekho kitna beautiful hai!" She was practically bouncing. "Aur yeh steps! Itne saare!"
"Haan," Akshay said, locking the jeep. "Lagbhag 300-400 steps hain. Chadh paogi ?"
"Haan! Chalo chalo!".
They walked toward the small market area at the base where vendors were selling offerings. Aaravi went straight to a flower seller, her eyes scanning the colorful displays.
"Bhaiya, ek nariyal. Aur yeh waale phool," she pointed at bright orange and yellow marigolds. "Aur... aur bhandara?"
"bhandara?" the vendor asked, already packing flowers.
"Haan! Woh dena. One packet."
Akshay pulled out his wallet to pay, but Aaravi swatted his hand away. "Nahi! Yeh main karungi. Mere paise se."
"Aaravi—"
"Mere paise se," she insisted firmly, pulling out notes from her clutch. "Mandir mein apne paise se hi chadhaana chahiye."
The vendor smiled at their bickering and handed over everything: one coconut wrapped in red cloth, a bunch of marigolds, and a small packet of the bhandara, a yellow powder.
They moved to the entrance of the steps where shoes were being collected.
Aaravi bent down to remove her golden sandals, and Akshay did the same with his formal shoes. The stone beneath their feet was cool and smooth, polished by thousands of devotees over hundreds of years.
"Aahhh, thanda hai," Aaravi said, wiggling her toes.
"Haan. Dheere. Slippery bhi ho sakta hai." he said reaching his hand out around her body just to ensure she wouldn't slip.
They approached the very first step that marked the beginning of the climb. Aaravi paused, suddenly reverent.
She reached out with her right hand and touched the step gently, then brought her hand to her forehead in blessing.
Chalo?" she asked softly.
"Haan. Let's—"
"Arrey, ruk jao beta!"
They both turned.
An elderly woman in a green saree, her hair white and tied in a bun, was smiling at them widely. She had kind eyes and was carrying her own offerings.
"Ji, aunty?" Aaravi asked politely.
"Aap log naye naye shaadi-shuda lag rahe ho!" The woman said, her smile growing wider. "Hain na?"
Akshay and Aaravi exchanged glances.
"Hum... woh..." Aaravi started.
"Haan ji maam, Shaadi hui hai," Akshay confirmed.
"Arrey wah! Maine pehchaan hi liya!" The aunty clapped her hands together delightedly. "aapki biwi ki yeh saree, sindoor, naye naye shaadi ki chamak! Yeh hare rang ki chudiyan. Sab kuch dikh raha hai!"
Aaravi touched her sindoor self-consciously.
"Toh beta," the aunty continued, looking at Akshay now, "yahan pe ek tradition hai. Newly married husbands apni biwi ko utha ke yeh seedhiya chadh te hain. Shubh hota hai, Aur Bhagwan ke aashirwaad bhi milti hai! !"
Aaravi's eyes went wide.
"Kya...?" Akshay repeated slowly.
"Haan! Kaise bhi comfortable ho!" The aunty gestured around. "Dekho woh couple! Woh bhi kar rahe hain!"
Indeed, about twenty steps up, a young man was carrying his giggling wife while she clung to his shoulders.
"Maushi , woh... humein nahi..." Aaravi started weakly.
"Arrey, karna chahiye! Shaadi usse majboor banti hai!"
The aunty patted Aaravi's cheek affectionately. "Tum chinta mat karo beta. Tumhare pati strong lagte hain. Aasani se utha lenge!"
The aunty soon left.
"Nahi," Akshay said.
"Obviously nahi," Aaravi agreed quickly.
"Logon ke pair nahi chalte kya?" she said
"Haan exactly, yeh kuch bhi.." he muttered.
"Par... woh aunty ne kaha tradition hai..." Aaravi said slowly.
"Tradition-shradition. Hum nahi kar rahe." he responded.
"Par agar blessing milti hai..." Aaravi bit her lip.
"Aaravi. Nahi. Main tumhe teen sau steps tak nahi utha sakta." he said.
"Maine kaha karo?" She crossed her arms defensively. "Maine toh kaha nahi!"
"Par aap soch rahi ho!" he shot back
"Main NAHI soch rahi!" she said.
" jab ghar pe uthaate rehte mujhe sataane ke liye tab kuch nahi bolte" she muttered.
She turned away huffily. "Aur waise bhi, tum utha bhi nahi paoge."
Akshay's eyebrows shot up. "Main nahi utha paunga?"
"Haan. agar aapko mai heavy lagi toh? Tum... tumhari peeth kharab ho jayegi."
" Phir tum ulta mujhe hi sunadenge ki.. " Aaravi aapki wajah se meri peeth tut gayi... burger pizza khaati rehti.. Meri mehnat se banayi hui sabziyonnahi nahi khaati. " she mimicked his voice.
" fast food ki wajah aapka wajan badh gaya" she mimicked some more
He stared at her biting back a grin at her antics. "Aaravi yaar aap heavy nahi hai... kuch bhi bakwaas mat bolo"
"Hoon! Main definitely hoon! Mera recently wajan badh gaya. gain kiya hai! Aur tum... tumhe pata bhi nahi kitna effort lagta hai mujhe stairs pe—"
"Bas," Akshay cut her off, and his voice had gone firm. "Enough."
" Shut up" he said
"Kya 'shut up'? Main sach bol—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Akshay bent down slightly, wrapped one arm behind her knees and the other around her back, and straightened up in one smooth motion, lifting her clean off her feet.
"AKSHAY!" Aaravi shrieked, her arms flying around his neck automatically. "KYA KAR RAHE HO?!"
"Aapko utha raha hoon," he said calmly, adjusting her body so she was secure against his chest. "Kyunki apparently aapko lagta hai main weak hoon."
"Akshay, neeche utaro mujhe! Log dekh rahe hain!"
"Dekh ne do." He started walking toward the steps. "Aur agar aunty ne kaha tradition hai, toh hum follow karenge."
"Yeh... yeh aap kya.. Kuch bhi tradition hai!"
"Abhi toh aapne kaha blessing milti hai."
"Woh maine... Akshay, SERIOUSLY, Tumhari back—"
"Aapka wajan bilkul sahi hai," he said firmly, starting up the first step. "Aur meri back bhi bilkul fine hai."
He smirked, " waise bhi.. Main gym aur workout mein itni mehnat kis liye karta hoon. Toh chup chap raho aur enjoy karo."
"Enjoy? ENJOY?! Pura Pune dekh raha hai humein!"
"Pune nahi dekh raha. Bas yeh do-teen log hain jo smile kar rahe hain kyunki ek happy couple dekh rahe hain."
"AKSHAY!"
But he was already five steps up, climbing steadily, his grip on her firm and secure.
Aaravi clung to his shoulders, her face buried against his neck, trying to make herself as small as possible.
"Yaar, please," she mumbled against his collar. "This is so awkward."
"aapke liye maybe." he smiled
She pulled back to glare at him gritting her teeth. "Enjoying my suffering? Lelo lelo maaza lelo"
He grinned, climbing another few steps.
" Fine but aapko woh line bolni padegi" she said.
" What line? kaunsi line?" he asked puzzled.
" Arrey wahi.. Chennai Express ki." she grinned.
" Aaravi yaar nahi.. it doesn't even.. it" he responded but she was pouting and him and making puppy dog eyes.
" UGH FINE" he groaned.
" WHERE IS THE TEMPLE?" he said almost in a hushed tone.
" Kya... mujhe kuch sunai nahi diya'' she teased cupping her ear in mock.
" MEENAMMA WHERE IS THE TEMPLE?" HE SAID LOUDLY.
" YAY AAPNE KARDIYA.. SO FILMY HUSBAND JI..." she giggled.
" CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU WIFE JI" he shot back.
" Personal Shah rukh Khan ban gaya mai aapka" he said.
"Haan haan Shah Rukh Khan... aur main Hema Malini." she rolled her eyes.
" Hatt yaar. Baburao se shaadi kar li maine" she patted his shoulder.
His jaw clenched, but she could see the corner of his mouth twitching. "Aap ... Aap bohot zyada bol rahi ho aaj kal."
"Aur aap jo sunte hai," she sang, patting his cheek. "Good husband."
They were twenty steps up now. Akshay's pace was steady and he wasn't breathing hard either.
Aaravi watched his face carefully. "Thak toh nahi rahe?"
"Bilkul nahi."
"Sach mein?"
"Aaravi, main daily gym jaata hoon. Weights lift karta hoon jo aapse definitely zyada heavy hain. Toh please, apni yeh 'main bahut heavy hoon' theory ko shanti do."
Other devotees passed them, some smiling, some offering encouraging words.
"Bahut achha beta!", "Devacha ashirvaad milel ! ( You will receive god's blessing)" and Aaravi buried her face in Akshay's shoulder every single time.
"Aaravi, face dikhao," Akshay said. "Log aashiward de rahe hain."
"Nahi! Sharam aa rahi hai!"
"Sharam aur Aap?" he snorted.
She smacked his shoulder, " bahut bolte jaa rahe ho tum!"
They were at around 100 steps now, Akshay paused for just a moment, adjusting his grip, and Aaravi immediately panicked.
"Thak gaye na? Dekha maine kaha tha! Neeche utaro mujhe, main khud—"
"Aaravi," he said patiently, "main sirf adjust kar raha tha. Relax."
"Par—"
"Shhh." He started climbing again. "You're fidgeting so much stay still!"
She watched the temple getting closer with each step, watched the lamps glowing brighter, watched other devotees making their way up with devotion on their faces.
"Akshay?" she said softly.
"Haan?"
"Yeh... yeh bahut sweet hai. Jo tum kar rahe ho."
He glanced at her, and his expression was soft. "aap chahti thi yahan aana. Toh... toh yeh toh karna hi tha."
He was quiet for a moment as he climbed. Then: "Maybe. Maybe not. Par... agar chance hai ki aapke saath zyada time bitane ka blessing mile, toh try karne mein kya jaata hai?"
They were halfway now, and the effects of Khandoba Temple's most famous tradition were starting to show.
Devotees climbed the steps while throwing handfuls of the yellow turmeric powder in the air, shouting "Jai Malhar! Yelkot Rayachi Jai!" The powder floated through the air like golden dust, settling on everything and everyone.
Aaravi watched in fascination as a group ahead of them threw handfuls of bhandara, the yellow powder exploding in the air, coating the steps, the walls, other devotees.
"Akshay, yeh dekho! Kitna beautiful—"
A shower of it landed directly on them.
"—hai," she finished weakly, now covered in yellow powder.
Akshay stopped walking, closed his eyes as turmeric settled on his hair, his face, his shoulders, and took a deep breath.
"It's fine," he said calmly. "This is fine. We're fine."
Another group passed them, throwing more bhandara, and this time Aaravi ducked her face against Akshay's shoulder to avoid getting it in her eyes.
"Oh god, it's everywhere!" She was laughing now, she couldn't help it. "Akshay, we look ridiculous!"
"Speak for yourself. Main toh bahut handsome lag raha hoon. Yellow is my color." he said.
She snorted, " Shakal toh aisi dikh rahi hai jaise, apne upar Mango Shake gira liya. Maine aaj tak aapse zyaada delusional insaan nahi dekha."
" Excuse me! I am very handsome, mere saare constables aur officers aise bolte!" he said.
She giggled at him.
From this angle, this close, she could see the fine details of his face: the slight stubble on his face, the way his green eyes shone in the sunlight, and the way his eyebrows drew together slightly in concentration.
Sweat began to form on his forehead, dampening the hair at his temples.
"Akshay, please, mujhe neeche utaar do," she said, concerned. "Aadhe se zyada ho gaye hain. Aage main khud chal loongi—"
"Nahi," he said shortly. "Poora hone de."
"Par tumhe—"
"Aaravi, please. Behas karne mein jo energy jaa rahi hai aapki, woh energy conserve karo. And stop wiggling."
"Main wiggle nahi kar rahi!"
"You're definitely wiggling."
She stilled immediately, pressing closer to him to distribute her weight better, and tried not to notice how firm his chest felt under her hands, how steady his heartbeat was despite the exertion.
Akshay's foot came down on a particularly uneven step, and there must have been a sharp pebble or piece of broken stone because his jaw suddenly clenched, and Aaravi felt him falter for just a second before he caught himself and continued climbing.
"Kya hua?" she asked immediately, alarmed. "Akshay, kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi," he said, but his voice was tight.
"Jhooth! Kuch hua! Main feel kar sakti hoon! Tumhare—"
"Aaravi, kuch nahi hua. Bas ek step ajeeb tha. Relax."
But she'd seen his face, had seen the brief flash of pain, and she knew something was wrong. She looked down and saw a small dark spot on the stone step behind them that looked like blood.
"Tumhare pair mein—"
"Bas almost pahunch gaye hain," he interrupted, his voice firm. "Main theek hoon."
"Par—"
"Aaravi," he looked at her, and despite the strain, despite whatever pain he was clearly in, his voice was gentle, "please. Let me do this properly Aapke liye."
"Akshay!"
"Aaravi, I'm FINE." He adjusted his grip and kept climbing.
"It was just a small slip. Nothing happened."
She reached up and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with the edge of her pallu.
"You're sweating so much," she said softly. "And tired. Please let me walk. I can—"
"No."
"Akshay—"
"Aaravi, main aapko neeche nahi utarunga. Toh stop asking."
"Par why? Why are you being so stubborn about this?"
He looked at her then, really looked at her, and his expression was intense.
"Kyunki," he said quietly, still climbing, "I gave you my name. I promised you protection. Aur agar main yeh nahi kar sakta ki aapko safely yahan tak laa sakun toh woh sab kya matlab rakhta hai?"
Aaravi's breath caught.
"Akshay..."
"Yeh nibbiyon jaise baat kyu kar rahe ho tum" she whispered.
"Haan. aapse shaadi ki hai. Toh waise hi baatein karne padegi."
" Par what if you drop me?" she asked.
He paused on a step, looking at her seriously, and then said, word for word, with complete solemnity he spoke.
"I gave you my name like a fortress. Did you think I'd let the ground steal what I've sworn to protect?"
Aaravi's eyes went wide shocked.
"You wear my mangalsutra and sindoor as armor. Let my arms be the same." he continued.
Her heart stopped.
"Akshay..." Her voice cracked. "Tum..."
"Toh," he said, resuming his climb with renewed determination, "Aap chinta mat karo about falling. Main hoon na."
She couldn't speak. Could barely breathe.
So she just buried her face in his neck and held on, her heart so full it hurt.
Akshay's arms were trembling slightly from effort now, his breathing heavy, but his grip on her never faltered.
More Bhandara rained down on them from devotees celebrating, and Akshay pushed through it all, step after step after step.
"Almost there," he panted. "Last few—"
"You're doing amazing," Aaravi whispered. "So amazing."
And then they were at the top.
The entrance to the main temple complex loomed before them.
Akshay climbed the last step, and gently, set Aaravi down on her feet.
His arms dropped to his sides and he bent over slightly, hands on his knees, breathing hard.
"Akshay!" Aaravi immediately crouched next to him, rubbing his back gently, "Are you okay? Breathe! Slowly!"
"I'm... fine..." he gasped. "Just... give me... a minute..."
"Thank you," she whispered.
"You already thanked me—"
"I know. But thank you again. Aur again. Aur again." She took his hands in hers. "Akshay, yeh... I can't even..."
He smiled, squeezing her hands. "Aap 'thank you' bolna band karogi toh we can actually do darshan?"
She nodded, wiping her eyes.
They were both absolutely covered in Bhandara now. Their clothes, their faces, their hair, was yellow.
But Aaravi had never felt more beautiful.
She reached into the packet of bhandara she'd been carrying into the pocket of her saree, and took a small pinch of the yellow powder with her ring fingers.
Very gently, she reached up and pressed the turmeric to Akshay's forehead, leaving a traditional mark.
Then she took another pinch and did the same to her own forehead.
Akshay watched her, his expression soft.
She poured some bhandara into his palm, took some in her own hand, and together they turned to face the temple entrance.
As one, they threw the turmeric toward the doorway, the yellow powder exploding in the air.
She took her saree pallu covering it over her head taking paddar.
"Haan. Chalo."
They stepped through the massive stone doorway together, into the main temple complex.
The main sanctum was straight ahead, where the idol of Khandoba stood holding a sword, flanked by his consorts Mhalsa and Banai. The deity was covered in turmeric, yellow and golden and glowing in the lamplight. There was crowds of people and devotees in line.
Aaravi and Akshay made their way through the crowd to where a priest stood near the sanctum, accepting offerings.
The priest, an elderly man with a white sacred thread across his chest and turmeric smeared on his forehead, smiled when he saw them.
"Bhagwan ka ashirvaad hai." The priest gestured to their offerings. "Phool aur nariyal dedo."
Aaravi handed over the marigolds and the coconut wrapped in red cloth.
The priest took them with practiced ease and moved toward the sanctum, placing the offerings at the feet of the deity while chanting prayers in Sanskrit.
"Khandobacha aashirwaad aso tumchyawar. Sukhi raaha, lekre-porkaan houn laabhavet," the priest blessed.
"Dhanyavaad," Akshay said, pressing some notes into the priest's donation plate.
The priest blessed them again, pressing turmeric to both their foreheads, adding to the yellow they were already covered in and handed Akshay prasad.
Akshay took only a pinch and gave the rest to Aaravi.
Aaravi bowed her head down praying to the deities, " Deva... maala ani Akshay la, sukhi tevha.. Majhe saare swapna pure nay zhale tar theek ahet.. Pan Akshay che kay pan manaachi icha asle te purana kara. Tena khushi dya, ani mala ek chance dya tena jaasta urkhayla.."
(God... Please make sure Akshay and I are happy together... Even if all my dreams don't come true, that's okay... But fulfill whatever Akshay's heart desires. Give him happiness, and give me one more chance to get to know him better..." )
Meanwhile Akshay looked at her praying with soft eyes, he gently adjusted the pallu over her head then turned his attention back to the deities.
"Aaravi ko wo sukoon de jo use kabhi mila nahi... Uske dil ke saare zakham bhar de, uski har raat chain ki ho aur har subah umeed bhari ho. Jo darr uske andar baith gaya hai, wo hamesha ke liye mit jaaye... Wo phir se khud ko mehsoos kare, apni taakat ko pehchane."
He prayed softly.
He continued.
"Uska UPSC ka sapna... uski mehnat... uska jazba... sab rang laaye. Use wo manzil mile jiske liye usne itna kuch chhoda hai. Uski har mushkil asan kar de, har raah roshni se bhar de.
Aur mujhe itni taqat de ki main uske liye wo shaks ban sakun jo use chahiye. Main uska sahara, uska sukoon, uski himmat banna chahta hoon. Mujhse jo bhi galti hui hai, jo kami reh gayi hai... use mitane ka mauka de.
"Bas itni dua hai... ki jab wo meri taraf dekhe, toh uski aankhon mein vishwas dikhe, pyaar dikhe... darr nahi. Use itni khushi de ki uske chehre par wo muskaan hamesha bani rahe... wo muskaan jiske liye main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon." he whispered.
(Give Aaravi the peace she has never known... heal every wound in her heart, let every night bring her rest, every morning bring her hope. The fear that has settled within her... let it fade away forever... let her feel herself again, recognize her own strength.
Her UPSC dream... her hard work... her passion... let it all bear fruit. Grant her the destination for which she has sacrificed so much. Make every difficulty easier for her, fill every path with light.
And me... give me the strength to become the person she needs.I want to be her support, her solace, her courage. Whatever mistakes I've made, whatever I've lacked... give me the chance to make it right.
This is my only prayer... that when she looks at me, her eyes reflect trust, reflect love... and not fear. Give her so much happiness that the smile on her face never fades... that smile for which I would do anything.)
After they finished their prayers, Aaravi opened her eyes and smiled at Akshay.
She was glowing.
"Chalo, parikrama lete hai," she said gently.
Akshay looked at her, puzzled. "Parikrama? What's that?"
Aaravi's smile widened, her eyes twinkling "It's..walking around the temple, in a circle. We go around the deity as a sign of respect and devotion. It's like. completing the prayer, sealing it."
"Oh," Akshay nodded, getting to his feet.
She reached for his arm naturally to support him. Akshay's heart squeezed at the simple gesture. For him, her touch, her trust, even if it was fragile meant everything to him.
Together, they walked slowly around the temple sanctum, joining the stream of other devotees. The evening bells chimed softly in the background as the sun began to set.
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