Prologue

Author's POV

A beautiful South Indian bride was staring back at her through the mirror.

The saree is luxuriously crafted with silk and has handwoven designs. The silk saree was gracefully draped around her petite body. 

She was adorned with stunning pieces of jewellery, including a maang tikka (a headpiece adorned with jewels and hanging pendants), jhumkas, a nose ring, necklaces, bangles, waistbands, and anklets. The jewellery is crafted from gold and embellished with precious gemstones like diamonds and rubies.

Her hair was styled traditionally, and adorned with flowers, jewels and hair accessories. Her black wavy hairs were arranged in the traditional braid, decorated with Jasmine.

Her face was adorned with a flawless base, highlighted cheekbones, and defined eyes. Her brown eyes were accentuated with dark kohl, eyeliner, and eyeshadow in hues that complemented the bridal attire. Her lips were adorned with bold shades of Red.

Her honey-brown eyes lingered a while on her beautiful face. She couldn't help but smile.

Indeed she was looking Exquisite as he had complimented, a few minutes ago.

Her eyes lowered down from the mirror to her own Henna-adorned hands. So many designs and patterns covered her hands. Her roaming eyes stopped at one particular pattern, name to be precise.

Ratha was written in her mid-palm. It looked beautiful. The mehendi artist had done a good job.

A sad smile appeared on her lips as she remembered something.

" The darker the henna stain, it is believed that the groom loves the bride deeply" Her grandmother's voice rang in her ears.

Every time she put mehendi, her grandmother used to tell her that after seeing the dark henna stain.

She couldn't stop the tears from gathering in her eyes. Those words were true. She never believed it when her grandmother words.  She thought it was a baseless belief.

His love for me is deeper than any ocean.....

It was sad that he loved her too deeply.

" Every drop of tear you shed for others, I will make sure those bastards will shed tears of blood" Another deep warning rang in her ears, alerting her body.

Inhaling sharply, she forced a smile.

He'd be furious if he learnt that she was crying on their big day.

She'd rather fake a smile than see that monster side of him.

It'll be fine...... she heaved out a deep sigh.

The door opened with a slight creak making her breath hitch in her throat. She didn't have to look behind to know who it was. The strong cologne and the looming presence were more than enough for her to know the person standing near the door.

It was him.

He took slow steps towards the bride, his bride. The half-white and gold saree complimented her fair skin. In his eyes, she was always beautiful. But today, she was looking exquisite.

He had seen her photo sent by his cousin and he couldn't help but reply Exquisite Fianna.

From the moment, he saw that photo, that was 20 minutes ago, he was dying to see her.

Although he would have seen her at the Mandap within a few minutes, he was eager to meet her in person. He wanted to say something to her personally.

She looked at him through the mirror. He was wearing a half-white and gold mixed silk shirt and dhotis. He always looked breathtakingly devilish. Today was no exception.

Their eyes connected through the mirror.

His hands gently rested on her shoulder as he bent slightly, placing his head over hers.

"You are exquisite Fianna....." his voice was silky, and his chocolate-brown eyes shone with adoration and love.

She remained quiet. After a brief minute, he kneeled before her, earning a small gasp from her. She wasn't expecting him to go on his knees!!!

He looked into her eyes. There were so many emotions. Fear, worry, anticipation, sadness, helplessness, and so on. Unlike hers, his eyes were filled with only positive emotions. Love and pride dominating the others.

Holding her hands in his big ones, he gave them a gentle squeeze while taking in the beauty sitting before him.

"I cannot wait to call you my wife....." he sounded eager.

Say something.....her mind reminded. She didn't know what to say.

I cannot wait to call you my husband!!!! Her mind suggested.

She smiled at the thought. He was impressed. Her smile is what made him fall in love with her in the first place.

" To the most beautiful bride... My bride..." he sounded proud while saying the last part.

" You are a beauty that captivates every sight...

Your eyes, like twinkling stars in the velvety sky,

Your smile is so tender that it makes me want to surrender,

You are an elegance walking by my side with pride,

Yet...

Beneath this facade of magnificence, lies fear, your soul yearning to be free!!

Her eyes widened as she understood the meaning behind this particular phrase.

He smirked a proud smirk.

I am shaping our destiny as it is meant to be.

In my heart, I know your worth.

Standing tall and ready to conquer my heart and the earth.

Oh! You are the most beautiful bride.

Yours,

Ratha.

He looked at her for a brief minute. Although that name created fear flutters in her stomach, she managed to remain calm. A small smile danced across her lips.

He was good with words. Always.

Given his god-like looks and profound skill with words, Nobody would believe that he is a Gangster. A notorious one.

She knew what a monster he was. Everyone else did, but they were cowards to face him, just like her.

In this traditional outfit, he looked devilishly handsome.

While he recited the poetry, she felt like a monster, an evil monster was reciting the poetry for her.

It was complicated.

He smiled pulling her face closer to his lips.

She held onto his broad shoulders as he pressed his lips on her forehead.

" Tonight Paaru....you will be mine. Completely"  he leaned back, standing on his feet. His voice was thick with desire. His chocolate brown eyes shone with lust.

She gulped, hard.

There is no stopping him. Nothing can and nobody will.

" Oh...there is my lil fianna" his lips stretched into an evil smile looking at her fear-soaked face.

Tears gathered in her eyes, ready to roll down her cheeks.

" Let that tear fall and see how many heads will fall" threat was clear in his deep voice.

I cannot even cry...!!

" I don't want my hands to stain with blood, not on our wedding day! I hope you remember what I said" he sounded unbothered, casual. A lone muscle in his jaw twitched, he was trying to control his anger.

Her breath came out in shudders, she nodded slowly.

" I won't cause any fuss...Shiva" she spoke for the first time since he entered the room. He nodded curtly.

Their eyes remained locked for a brief moment before he walked out of her room, leaving her alone to drown in her misery and fear!

She concentrated on her breathing not wanting the voices to conquer her mind.

It's fine....she mumbled looking at her sweaty hands and then at the closed door.

It's going to happen no matter what.

They will be married within a couple of minutes and she will be his wife in a matter of seconds.

It wasn't like she had no choices. She had.

She chose this.

Getting married without any blood and chaos seemed better.

" Sona...it's time" an eager call brought her out of the trance. She looked towards the door. Her best friend Aditi, was standing there, worried.

So it's time... Heaving a deep sigh, she got up from the chair and walked towards Aditi.

" The world be will jealous Sona... you are the most beautiful" she exclaimed, adjusting the red veil over her head.

She smiled, a small smile, at Aditi.

" it doesn't matter..." she mumbled looking at Aditi. Her smile turned into a sad smile in no seconds. Aditi was dumbfounded.

And silence engulfed them.

Aditi wanted to say something, words of comfort, but she was at a loss of words.

For they knew, nothing would bring comfort to her wrecking heart or fate.

It didn't matter. Time was up and she will be married to the most notorious Gangster of Amaravati.

What can a mere comforting words do while he was hell-bent on making her his?

Nothing.

With a shaky sigh escaping her lips, she walked down the stairs, towards the mandap where her groom, Shiva, would be waiting for her.

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Hey guys, so this is the prologue.

Click on the star button and follow me.

If you've read my stories before, you'll know that I don't write Prologue. But I've written it for Burning Hearts. Wanted to keep up the curiosity.

So here is what I want to convey to all the people who care about me. Some family problems have been going on for a month and my mood isn't that good. I'm utterly disturbed and it's not helping me to write effortlessly.

So, in these tough times, I want y'all to support me.

I want y'all to start reading and supporting me from the beginning. Don't wait for the book to be complete. I need likes and comments to survive. So consider this as a kind request and shower loads of support.

So please, read it from the beginning and be with me throughout the journey.

I love you all.