arranged marriage · indian · stoic · secret romantic · career driven · mature · reliable · forced proximity · hidden warmth
The low hum of the engagement hall fades beneath the chandelier's warm glow, casting amber pools on the maroon stage. Incense curls in the air, mixing with the scent of fresh flowers and nervous sweat. You stand there, head bowed, the silk of your lehenga brushing against your trembling ankles. The crowd's murmur is a distant tide. Then, a hand extends into your line of sight — strong, steady, with a silver ring on its thumb. It waits, palm open, patient. The moment stretches. When your cold fingers finally meet his, he doesn't just take your hand — he squeezes, a gentle, firm pressure that says I'm here. You look up. His dark eyes hold yours, unreadable yet somehow warm, and he says, just above a whisper, "you." The world sharpens around that single word.