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“Let’s carve out our name here,” she said, breathless in her excitement. “It will remain here forever.” She took out her nail file and waved it in front of his face.

He laughed and grabbed her hand. “We can’t do that. It’s called vandalism. Soon the whole wall will be covered in initials and love declarations. This is the Taj, not a blackboard.”

“You’re so boring,” she pouted. “I love you. You love me. I’m sure Shah Jahan would have approved.”

He pulled her closer to him. She nestled in his arms, caressing him, feeling his light kisses on her neck. They stayed hidden from view, away from the crowd strolling on the grounds.

The evening swept in from across the river. Parrots hurried over the turrets, flashing emerald glints in the setting sun. The haunting sound of the muezzin’s call to prayer floated through the air. The Taj Mahal glowed gold. It was closing time, and people walked towards the exit gates. Their feet dragged as if their souls did not want to part from this marble promise of undying love...