The next day, Poornima walked into the temple of their Kuldevi, accompanied by Pratap. Her heart raced as she saw Veeresh already standing there, composed, beside his father, Veerendra Singh. The morning sun filtered through the temple windows, casting a golden glow on the marble floor, and the air was filled with the scent of incense and flowers.

The priest, seated on a raised platform, looked at them both. “Sit down,” he said.

Both Poornima and Veeresh hesitated for a moment, their eyes meeting briefly, then slowly they sat down.

The priest’s voice echoed softly in the temple. “May your marriage be a change for society. Let this union bring respect and honor to widows and widowers. May the mantras guide you both.”

As the sacred mantras were chanted, Poornima and Veeresh exchanged garlands, their hands trembling slightly but steadying with resolve. Pratap performed the Kanyadan, his eyes shining with pride, and Veeresh gently lifted the sindur, smearing it along Poornima’s hairline. He then tied the mangalsutra around her neck, a symbol of their bond.

They walked around the sacred fire for seven pheras, each step a promise, each vow a new beginning. Veerendra and Pratap watched with satisfaction, their hearts swelling with happiness at this brave step forward.

After the rituals, the couple bowed to seek blessings—from the gods, and from their fathers. Veerendra stepped forward, holding a set of bangles. “Beta,” he said softly, “these were from my wife, Veeresh’s amma. And now… they are yours. Welcome to our home, beta.”

Pratap, smiling warmly, placed a kada on Veeresh’s wrist. “Take care of her,” he said.

Veeresh nodded firmly, “Sure, papa.”

Veerendra turned toward everyone with a contented smile. “Next… let’s prepare for Anand and Kavya’s marriage.”

The temple echoed with quiet joy, the scent of flowers mingling with the sense of history being rewritten. Today was more than a wedding—it was a promise of change, of hope, and of new beginnings.