The room smelled of jasmine and roses, petals scattered across the white bedsheet, strings of marigold hanging from the ceiling, swaying lightly in the night breeze that slipped in through the half-open balcony doors. Aarav closed the door softly behind them, his gaze never leaving Meera. She stood near the bed, her white silk saree glowing in the soft golden light, her bangles tinkling faintly as her fingers brushed nervously over the edge of her pallu.

Aarav walked slowly toward her, his kurta still neat, though his heart was pounding harder than it ever had in his life. “So… Mrs. Aarav,” he whispered, stopping just inches away, “our forever starts tonight.”