Chapter 1: The Night of Binding

The oil lamps flickered with a hesitant glow inside the grand yet intimidating mud-brick haveli that stood as the heart of Devgarh village. It was a cold semi-winter night in late December. The air outside was sharp and biting, carrying the chill of falling temperatures that had turned the village fields into misty silhouettes under a pale moon. Inside the thick walls built to withstand generations of harsh summers and now the creeping cold of semi-winter nights heavy garlands of bright marigolds and fresh green mango leaves still adorned the room. Their fragrance mingled with the smoky scent of incense sticks burning in silver holders to fight the chill. Rose petals of deep red and soft pink had been scattered generously across the large charpoy bed yet the room felt heavy with authority tradition and the unmistakable bite of cold air seeping through the small windows despite the thick curtains.