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Forbidden Whispers of the Temple

Introduction

Main characters

Vaishnavi Rana (Female Lead – FL)

The granddaughter of the Rana family, one of the most powerful families of Rudrakund.

Strong-willed, compassionate, and deeply rooted in traditions. Fiercely protective of her family, especially Riyan (her late sister’s son).

Arjun Raichand (Male Lead – ML)

A powerful businessman, raised abroad with little connection to Indian traditions.

 Arrogant, skeptical about traditions, doesn’t believe in them. Emotionally closed off due to past betrayals.

Karthik Rana (Vaishnavi’s Brother-in-Law & Fiancé )

Vaishnavi’s brother-in-law and her fiancé, Protective, calm yet fierce when it comes to Vaishnavi or Riyan, upholds family traditions.

Surya Sharma (Vaishnavi’s Best Friend & Protector)*

 Fierce, intelligent, and never tolerates disrespect towards Vaishnavi.

Helps to uncover the temple secrets and fights against enemies.

Dev Malhotra (Main Villain)

Cunning, power-hungry, and obsessed with the temple’s hidden treasures.

 He wants to break the sacred traditions and gain control over Rudrakaleshwar Temple

Riyan Rana (Vaishnavi’s Nephew )

Son of Vaishnavi’s late sister siya.

Innocent and loving, sees Vaishnavi and Karthik as his parents.

The Rudrakaleshwar temple in Rudrakund holds ancient mysteries, its doors sealed from ages. Vaishnavi Rana’s parents died trying to unlock it, leaving behind a legacy she and her brother-in-law, karthik, vow to complete. To fulfill the prophecy, Vaishnavi must marry her brother in law, but fate intervenes when Arjun Raichand, a powerful businessman, forcefully claims her. How will they unlock the temple, facing deadly traps and supernatural warnings, betrayal and obsession. With the temple’s opening nearing a shocking truth about Vaishnavi’s family emerges. Will they survive the temple’s curse, or will history repeat itself

Vaishnavi Rana (Female Lead – FL)

The granddaughter of the Rana family, one of the most powerful families of Rudrakund.

Strong-willed, compassionate, and deeply rooted in traditions. Fiercely protective of her family, especially Riyan (her late sister’s son).

Arjun Raichand (Male Lead – ML)

A powerful businessman, raised abroad with little connection to Indian traditions.

 Arrogant, skeptical about traditions, doesn’t believe in them. Emotionally closed off due to past betrayals.

Karthik Rana (Vaishnavi’s Brother-in-Law & Fiancé )

Vaishnavi’s brother-in-law and her fiancé, Protective, calm yet fierce when it comes to Vaishnavi or Riyan, upholds family traditions.

Surya Sharma (Vaishnavi’s Best Friend & Protector)*

 Fierce, intelligent, and never tolerates disrespect towards Vaishnavi.

Helps to uncover the temple secrets and fights against enemies.

Dev Malhotra (Main Villain)

Cunning, power-hungry, and obsessed with the temple’s hidden treasures.

 He wants to break the sacred traditions and gain control over Rudrakaleshwar Temple

Riyan Rana (Vaishnavi’s Nephew )

Son of Vaishnavi’s late sister siya.

Innocent and loving, sees Vaishnavi and Karthik as his parents.

The Rudrakaleshwar temple in Rudrakund holds ancient mysteries, its doors sealed from ages. Vaishnavi Rana’s parents died trying to unlock it, leaving behind a legacy she and her brother-in-law, karthik, vow to complete. To fulfill the prophecy, Vaishnavi must marry her brother in law, but fate intervenes when Arjun Raichand, a powerful businessman, forcefully claims her. How will they unlock the temple, facing deadly traps and supernatural warnings, betrayal and obsession. With the temple’s opening nearing a shocking truth about Vaishnavi’s family emerges. Will they survive the temple’s curse, or will history repeat itself

Let's find out

Chapter 1 The beginning

The ringing of bells at the temple echoed through the stone walls as the morning aarti filled the air with sacred chants. The flickering oil lamps , and the scent of burning camphor mixed with fresh marigolds drifted through the temple. Devotees stood with folded hands, their eyes closed in devotion. Pandit ji (priest) stood near the main shrine, offering prayers. The murmur of Sanskrit verses flowed steadily from his lips as he carefully performed the rituals.

Just then, Arjun Raichand entered along with his family. His mother, Meera Raichand draped in a rich saree, walked towards the shrine, carrying a decorated puja thali. She smiled and extended the offering. Arjun, however, remained behind, standing with his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the temple with disinterest. He hadn’t even bothered to fold his hands in prayer. Religion, traditions, or rituals none of it had ever mattered to him.

His mother spoke first. “Panditji, please accept our offering.” Panditji looked at her, then at the thali, and slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid you must wait. The first puja on Mondays is always performed by the Rana family’s grandchildren.” A quiet tension settled over them. Arjun’s mother stiffened, a flicker of realization crossing her face. “Rana family…”

Before she could react, Arjun let out a sharp breath, irritation clear in his tone. “What does that even mean? We came first, yet you’re saying we can’t offer our prayers?”

Panditji remained calm. “It is not about who arrives first, beta. The Rana family’s descendants have performed the first puja every Monday for generations. It is their right and tradition.” Arjun scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. “So, we have to wait just because of some outdated rule?”

Before Panditji could respond, A sudden hush fell over the temple as Vaishnavi Rana stepped in. She was dressed in a traditional half-saree, the deep red fabric draping elegantly over her frame. In her hands, she carried a puja thali, decorated with fresh flowers. Beside her stood Karthik her fiance, his tall, imposing frame radiating authority. His sharp gaze swept over the temple, as if ensuring no threat lurked in the shadows. Surya her friend, followed closely behind. Behind them, Vaishnavi’s grandfather entered, walking with quiet dignity. Their arrival spoke royalty.

Panditji’s face lit up. “Vaishnavi beti, you’re late today.”

Vaishnavi immediately folded her hands in apology. “Panditji, I am truly sorry for the delay.” Before he could say anything, she continued. “There is no excuse for making God wait.”

Panditji, however, smiled knowingly. “I know you would never be late without a reason.” He paused and then asked, “Where is Riyan?”

A softness crossed Vaishnavi’s face at the mention of her nephew. “He’s unwell today. He was crying and did not leave me and Karthik till now.”

Panditji nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, child. I will offer a special prayer for him.”

She smiled gently, stepping forward to hand over her thali—when suddenly, a strong grip caught her wrist. A sharp gasp echoed through the temple.

She turned, startled and found a man of her age. Her brows furrowed in shock. “He dared to touch her? In front of her family? In front of everyone?”

Karthik’s entire posture tensed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. His voice was low, but it carried a lethal warning. “Leave her hand.”

Arjun didn’t react immediately. He met Vaishnavi’s eyes, then smirked as if amused by the outrage in the air. Instead of backing down, he slowly released her wrist and leaned back slightly. “So, even after coming late, you get to perform the first puja? Privilege must feel nice.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Vaishnavi stared at him, confused. “What are you talking about?”

Panditji sighed, stepping in before another argument could erupt. “They arrived before you, beti. They offered their thali first, but as per our tradition, the Rana family always performs the first puja on Mondays.” Vaishnavi took the words slowly, her face calm and unreadable.

Before she could respond, Arjun scoffed again. “Wow. No protest? No explanation? Just silence?” Before Vaishnavi could reply, Surya stepped forward, his face darkening. “Enough. Speak respectfully.” Arjun smirked but didn’t argue further. Instead, Vaishnavi turned—not to Arjun, but to his mother. With quiet grace, she folded her hands and said softly, “You should perform the puja first.”

A stunned silence filled the temple.

Chapter 2 – A Misunderstanding Begins

Silence filled the air as the temple bells echoed through the temple, marking the beginning of a moment no one had expected. Arjun's eyes widened in shock. "What?" He scoffed. "You're just giving up your so-called right?" His mother, Meera Raichand, hesitated. "No, beta… this is your family’s tradition. We can’t—"

Vaishnavi folded her hands. "Aunty ji, we all are equal before Mahadev. You came first, so you have the right. Please don’t refuse."

Panditji looked at Arjun, then Vaishnavi, and something flickered in his eyes. “Destiny brings certain people here for reasons we cannot yet understand.” He turned to Arjun. “You should perform the puja, beta.”

"Me?" Arjun chuckled. "You must be joking, Panditji. I don’t even believe in all this."

Karthik clenched his jaw. “Then don’t disrespect it.”

Arjun Scoffs “Me? First puja?” He looks at Vaishnavi "Is this some kind of test?"

Vaishnavi speaks Calmly "Faith isn’t a test. If your mother’s devotion is true, then God won’t mind the order of prayers."

Arjun hesitated. He never cared for rituals but something about her unwavering confidence irked him. He didn’t want to appear like a coward. He glanced at his mother, who nodded looking hopeful. He sighed and took the puja thali, stepping forward with disinterest. As the sacred mantras filled the air, he mechanically followed the priest’s instructions, dipping the flower in holy water and offering it to the Shiva Linga.

Pandit ji observed Arjun as he carefully lit the diya, his hands steady but his heart untouched. His brows furrowed in thought. “Only a true heir gets the first puja…” He glanced at Vaishnavi, who had stepped back, her hands folded. “Then how did Arjun get this opportunity?”

After Arjun finished, he stepped back, unimpressed. "There, done. Can I go now?"

Vaishnavi took her place, gracefully performing the rituals bowing her head with genuine devotion. Arjun found himself watching her unintentionally. The Pandit watched her with reverence, convinced that the Rana family’s legacy was not just a tradition—it was destiny.

As she finished, Panditji blessed her, and the moment the temple bells rang, Arjun smirked. "Look at that. Even the bells know when to make a dramatic effect."

Vaishnavi shot him a glare. "It’s called divine timing, not drama."

"Two true heirs… one bound by blood, the other by fate?" Pandit ji thinks

Arjun remains unmoved. He had no interest in divine connections or temple legacies.

"What a waste of time." He mutters

Vaishnavi shot him a look again, but before she could respond, his mother spoke. "Enough, Arjun. Show some respect. The Rana family is not just any family—they are the reason we are here."

Arjun turned to her, confused. That’s when she dropped the real shock."We’ve come here to finalize your marriage with them only."

Silence filled. Arjun blinked, then let out a short, dry laugh saying "You’re joking, right?"*

But before his mother could clarify, his sister Maya, jumped to the wrong conclusion.

"So, Vaishnavi is his bride?" she excitedly

Arjun’s gaze flickered to Vaishnavi, and for the first time, he really looked at her. She was beautiful, no doubt—elegant, yet strong. But in his mind, she was nothing more than a spoiled princess, blindly following outdated traditions.

"A fool who believes in rituals… interesting." He thinks

Vaishnavi is stunned, she quickly tried to clarify, but before she could speak, Karthik’s patience snapped. He grabbed Vaishnavi’s wrist and pulled her to his side. "Enough of this nonsense. Vaishnavi is mine." His possessiveness rang through his voice.

Arjun stared at him, then at Vaishnavi. “Huh. So she’s already taken?” He smirked, feeling oddly relieved. “Great. That saves me the trouble.” He had no interest in being tied down.

"This is ridiculous." Surya stepped forward. "You people came to meet Anu, not Vaishnavi!"

"Anu?" Arjun repeated, now fully confused.

Vaishnavi sighed and gestured to Surya. "My friend surya. The bride you came to meet is Anu, his sister."

Arjun’s mother looked startled. "Oh! I… I didn’t know. I just assumed—"

Maya deflated. "Oh no! I thought Vaishnavi was going to be my sister-in-law!"

Arjun shook his head. "Trust me, I did too."

Vaishnavi rolled her eyes. “I am not your type, Mr. Arjun Malhotra.”

"Thank God for that," Arjun muttered under his breath.

Karthik exhaled sharply, still holding onto Vaishnavi as if someone would snatch her away. “Let’s go.”

Maya, still eager, turned to Vaishnavi. "But can you at least show us around the temple?"

Karthik and Surya exchanged firm glances. "No," karthik answered. "We have important work."

"Then let her stay!" Maya pleaded.

“Vaishnavi won’t stay out without one of us." Surya clarifies

Arjun mocks. "Wow. You need two bodyguards all the time?"

Karthik stepped forward, his eyes dark with warning, but Vaishnavi stopped him with a look. She turned to Arjun. "I have responsibilities. My family trusts me, just like yours trusts you for your business."

Arjun raised an eyebrow. "Don’t compare my business to your temple traditions."

Surya looked at Vaishnavi. "Let’s go."

But before they could leave, Maya pouted. "Please stay, Vaishnavi! At least until Anu arrives?"

Karthik and surya frowns. "Anu wanted to meet Arjun alone." vaishnavi clarifies

Arjun groaned. "Why? I don’t even want this marriage."

Vaishnavi hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. I’ll wait."

Arjun rolled his eyes. He didn’t care for marriage, much less for meeting his so-called bride.

Karthik turns to Arjun "Fine. But she will stay under your watch."

Arjun smirked at the challenge, his gaze shifting to Vaishnavi. "Gladly."

At that moment, the temple bells rang loud and clear, sealing an unspoken deal between them.

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