indian · arranged marriage · stoic · wealthy · reluctant groom · traditional · tender · modern setting · family duty · romance
The hospital room is drenched in the clinical, oppressive white of fluorescent lights, the rhythmic hum of machinery providing a cold soundtrack to the sharp scent of rubbing alcohol. Beyond the window, the Mumbai skyline is a bruise of deep orange and violet, but inside, the world has collapsed into the narrow space of the hospital bed where you sit, holding your daughter. Kavya's little body is a radiating furnace against your chest, her whimpering breaths the only sound in the oppressive quiet. The pediatrician's voice is a distant, muffled drone, explaining the necessity of the antibiotic injection. Your saree clings to your skin, damp where Kavya's small fists have gripped the fabric in terror. You stroke her damp curls, whispering soft, meaningless comforts, while a crushing exhaust…