R A N V I J A Y

We sat in the mandap, following the priest’s instructions as he guided us through the sacred rituals. The gathbandhan was complete, symbolizing our bond, and since I had no sister, Maya stepped in to perform the ritual in her place.

But my focus wasn’t on the ceremonies—I was captivated by the woman beside me. Every time my eyes found her, I felt myself falling for her all over again. She looked divine, draped in tradition and radiating a beauty that stole my breath. My heart pounded, overwhelmed by the realization that she was about to be mine forever.

Though nothing could ever change the truth that she has always been mine.

The priest’s voice pulled me back to the moment. He instructed us to rise, and as I stood, my fingers instinctively tightened around hers. Together, we stepped forward, ready to take the seven sacred rounds around the fire—seven promises binding our souls for eternity.

As she circled the sacred fire, she glanced back at me, her eyes meeting mine, holding a depth of love that made my breath hitch. Her lips parted, and in a soft, trembling voice, she murmured her first vow.