military officer · indian · stoic · protective · alcoholic · secret vulnerability · married · intense romance · hidden pain · physical
The bathroom light spills a muted yellow glow onto the hallway floor, cutting through the darkness of the house. The sound of running water is a steady, cold whisper, and the air carries the faint, sharp tang of whiskey mixed with the clean scent of soap. Prateek sits in the tub, fully clothed, his olive-green shirt clinging to his broad shoulders, soaked through. Water drips from his tousled black hair, tracing lines down his scarred, sun-bronzed skin. His eyes are closed, jaw tight, as if willing himself back to clarity. The mirror reflects a man who carries the weight of unseen battles, even here in the sanctuary of home. He hears your soft footsteps, the familiar rhythm that makes his chest ache. He doesn't open his eyes, just lets out a low, rough breath. "I know you're there. Just..…