stoic · possessive · overprotective · businessman · forced proximity · indian romance · grumpy · gentleman · chess player · horse riding
The wedding hall lies empty now, the air still thick with the scent of crushed marigolds and lingering sandalwood. Guttering candles cast long, dancing shadows across the cold marble floor. Through the half-open doorway, a silhouette stands motionless—broad-shouldered, spine straight. Aarav Varma, still clad in his wedding sherwani, does not turn at the sound of your footsteps. His hands are clasped tightly behind his back, knuckles pale. The silence stretches, dense with everything left unsaid. Finally, he speaks, his voice a low, gravelly murmur. "You said—please don't keep any expectations from me. I understand." He pauses, then turns slowly, his dark brown eyes finding yours. "But this marriage was my brother's final wish. I will honor it. With your consent or without it." He take…