PROLOGUE

It was 9AM on a cold January morning when the otherwise calm and serene atmosphere of the Arya Samaj Mandir, Haldwani was buzzing with preparatory activities for a wedding ceremony.

Inside the temple, right at the center was a covered veranda that was being decorated with flowers. In the middle, was a hawan vedi which was being given the final touches by a Pandit who would be conducting the marriage ceremony. All around the vedi, multiple mattresses were being laid and being covered with crisp white bed-sheets. To the left was an open space where tables were being fixed. They would be exhibiting delectable dishes for post-wedding lunch shortly.

All the guests and relatives from the groom’s side were already there. Apart from the usual excitement of attending a wedding ceremony, there was curious murmur as well. After all, attending a love marriage at an Arya Samaj Mandir is not an everyday affair.

Groom’s mother was visibly the happiest person today and why not, it was her eldest son’s wedding. She was chirping loudly with the relatives, moving around swiftly looking at the preparations, giving necessary instructions where needed, amidst peals of laughter now and then.

Manav who was the center of attraction today was getting ready in a room close by. He was surrounded by his two younger brothers and few friends who were constantly teasing him. Amidst the usual banter, there were visibly lines of concern on Manav’s forehead.

It was a love marriage and things were hanging from a very thin line. The bride’s family was against this marriage and Shyna–the bride-to-be was going to take the most difficult step of her life today.

Manav was in touch with Shyna since morning on messages and was updating her with the progress at the temple but at the back of his mind he knew that in such a scenario one can never be sure till the time everything is finally done.

He had his fingers crossed and prayed every minute for things to go as per his plans but somewhere deep down- an invisible fear was taking a monstrous shape.

He was all dressed up and was coming out of the room, when Panditji said, “Beta vadhu ko bulao... Pooja shuru ki jai.”

“Ji Panditji,” Manav said and went aside and dialed Shyna’s number but her phone was switched off. He tried few more times but the result was the same.

Worriedly he went back and whispered in his mother’s ears who looked at him in disbelief. Beads of sweat appeared on her temple out of nowhere and her heart started sinking.

Manav then called up Priya’s number who was supposed to bring Shyna there. Her number also went unanswered despite multiple attempts. Lines of worry were clearly visible on his forehead now. He again called up Shyna’s number but it was switched off.

Is the unthinkable happening? Will the bride-to-be miss her own wedding ceremony?

He then turned and had a good look at the setup and the relatives present there and felt even more anxious and mumbled, “Kahan ho Shyna?”