Vikram was growing increasingly frustrated as he sat in the mandap, waiting for his bride. The ceremony had already been delayed far too long, and he just wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.

The guests had started whispering among themselves, speculating about the possibilities that the bride had backed out. The hushed gossip reached Vikram's ears, fueling his anger. How could these people even think someone would dare to humiliate him in such a manner? And if Shivani had indeed done so—no, he wasn't going to think about that. There was no way she would. He wouldn't let her.