The Hidden Light of Vaanika

Chapter 7 – “Whispers of the Heart” Romantic • Emotional • Turning Point The wedding was fixed. Raghav's family had visited. Gifts were exchanged. Her stepmother was glowing with pride, speaking about money, status, and gold bangles. But Vaanika’s heart was silent. She sat alone in the courtyard, staring at the fading evening sky, feeling lost. A gentle breeze played with her dupatta, but her soul felt heavy. From the edge of the village, Veer Baba arrived, his eyes full of knowing. He didn’t speak to Vaanika—but to her father. “You think you chose a husband,” he said softly. “But all you did was invite a storm.” Her father frowned. “What do you mean?” “Raghav has a dark path behind him,” Veer Baba replied. “He doesn’t see women as hearts… only as trophies. If you love your daughter, stop this now.” That night, Vaanika’s father quietly visited the town. He returned pale, broken. Everything Veer Baba said was true. The next morning, in front of everyone, he announced: “This marriage...

 Chapter 6: The Whispering Shadows It was a quiet evening in Shivdara, but something in the air had changed. A new guest had arrived—Raghav, well-dressed, well-spoken, and chosen by Vaanika’s stepmother as the “perfect match.” He brought sweets and smiles… but something about him made Vaanika’s heart feel cold. She nodded politely, but her eyes wandered—searching the fields, the trees, the wind—searching for someone else. Far away, near the temple, Arin heard the whispers. He stood still, the words sinking deep: Vaanika's marriage had been fixed. His heart thudded. Not now. Not so soon. He wasn’t ready to lose her… even if he hadn’t told her how he felt. That night, Arin saw her again—alone, by the lake, feeding birds. He stayed hidden, like always, just watching. One bird with an injured wing fluttered near her feet. Vaanika bent slowly, touched it softly—just once. And as if touched by light, the bird flew again. Arin’s eyes widened. That wasn't normal. That… was magic. But s...

 

  Chapter 4: Whispers Beneath the Peepal Tree Sometimes, fate doesn’t knock. It gently nudges. Again and again. Since that day at the temple, Vaanika and Arin had run into each other almost too often. Near the riverbank. Outside the library. At the sweet shop. Always unplanned. Always unexpected. As if the whole village was quietly pushing them closer. Their conversations grew longer. Softer. Sweeter. Arin would tease her about her quiet nature. “You always run like the wind. Are you scared of me?” Vaanika smiled shyly. “Maybe… I just don’t trust strangers with fast bikes.” He laughed. “Then let me earn that trust. Slowly.” And slowly, he did. He started walking her part of the way home. She began waiting a little longer at the temple, hoping he’d pass by. Their words danced between laughter and silence. Their eyes spoke more than they realized. But something else danced around them too. One morning, at the weekly village bazaar, a little girl tripped and scraped her knee. Before a...