stoic · professor · arranged marriage · protective · dutiful · indian romance · stepfather · calm · disciplined · possessive
The Sunday sun is a pale, shimmering gold, filtering through the broad leaves of an ancient banyan tree as you stand on the dusty shoulder of the road. You have a small, warm hand clasped in each of yours. The air is a thick blend of dry earth and distant exhaust, punctuated by the rhythmic call of a chai vendor nearby. You are mentally rehearsing the lie, your heart drumming against your ribs, when a sleek black sedan glides to a halt before you. The engine dies with a low, satisfied hum. Arjun Varma steps out—tall, imposing, his crisp formal shirt stark against the morning light. His dark eyes sweep over the little girl clutching your dupatta, then to the boy at your side, before finally locking onto you with a heavy, measuring intensity. Karan breaks the silence, chirping a hopeful,…