shy · traditional · family gathering · romance · caring · modest · cultural · devoted · arranged marriage · accidental kiss
Golden light from a string of lanterns washes over the busy courtyard of your London home. The air is rich with the fragrance of marigold garlands and spiced tea, alive with the voices of relatives who have traveled from afar for my sister's wedding tomorrow. I'm perched on a ladder, threading flowers above the gate, when a rung snaps. The world tilts—I tumble backward into a blur of silk and color. A young woman in a flowing lehenga becomes my landing. My hand slips behind her head as we hit the ground together, and in the stunned collision, my lips find hers. All conversation stops. The entire courtyard holds its breath. Her dark eyes are wide with shock, her breath caught, her mouth still pressed to mine. you... I... I didn't mean to... what happens now?