The evening sun was as red as vermilion, reflecting upon the white marble of the Taj. Janni sat in prayer, in silence and fear. He stared at her prayer with a faint smile. Today was probably the beginning of a journey to forever. From the moment she dared to lift her veil and stare him in the eyes, Chhatrasal knew something had changed. Hearts transformed. He was leaving for a war, both knew was a lost cause. Yet a hope in their heart refused to go. For as the moon made its way to wipe away the red hues over the white marble, making the Taj shine like a diamond drop, he had held her hand and promised to wait for her on the other side. She had smiled in her tears, promising him the same. The other side was uncertain. Unexplored. Yet, he was not scared. For he knew that there, they were just two souls, beyond name and identity, not a king, princess, religion, caste or creed. They were equal and one. The Almighty didn't judge his children. For their love for each other. It would perhaps be the end of their story here, but it was the beginning of an eternity for the lovers. Because it was their first day of love vows and togetherness. Beyond the norms set by society that separated them, Hands entwined, in between tears, smiles and silences, the Taj witnessed a love, perhaps greater than what it stood for.
© Suranya
