Chapter 8: A Thread of Prayers and Promises

The morning breeze carried a serene chill as Poornima stepped out of the room, draped in a simple yet graceful white salwar with a dupatta neatly covering her head. Her eyes were calm, her mind quieter than usual.

Veeresh stood at the gate already — dressed in a soft beige kurta, a white kerchief tied respectfully over his head. He held a small cloth pouch of fresh flowers and chadar in his hand, waiting silently.

Their eyes met. No teasing. No words. Just a silent nod — and they walked together toward the dargah.

The walk was filled with quiet footsteps and shared glances.

The moment they stepped into the holy dargah, a peaceful stillness surrounded them.

They stood side by side, eyes closed, hearts open.

Veeresh whispered his prayer,

“Ya Allah, give me a life with her — in every way. In love, in pain, in joy. Make her mine… completely. Let me be hers… forever.”

Poornima whispered hers,

“Ya Allah, guide me. I want to try… I want to be his strength. I want to stand beside him — not just as his best friend, but as a wife. In happiness and in sorrow. Let his smile never fade… even if it costs mine.”

They opened their eyes slowly.

Veeresh turned and held out his hand. She looked at it for a moment — then placed hers in his.

Together, they tied a sacred red thread on the shrine's jali.

Poornima looked at him and smiled softly.

“You remember… we used to tie these threads before every exam, job interview… even when you lost your USB drive.”

Veeresh laughed lightly.

“Of course I do. And you always made me tie two — one for your success, and one for mine. Even then, you never let me pray alone.”

She looked away, hiding her emotion.

“Maybe… we were destined to always pray together.”

He looked at her with warmth, no longer just a best friend, but a man who saw his whole life in her eyes.

The maulvi blessed them, placing his hand gently on their heads.

“May Allah keep love between you two forever. Ameen.”

And they stood there, fingers still laced, eyes forward — hearts quietly shifting from friendship to something deeper, something unspoken… but felt.

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End of Chapter 8