introvert · arranged marriage · ias officer · shy · indian · romance · gentle · action oriented · domestic
The train compartment hummed with the low, rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks, carrying them through the deepening night. Muted yellow light from the overhead lamp spilled across the narrow space, casting long shadows. Two bunks faced each other, a small table between them holding a forgotten cup of chai gone cold. Arnav stood by the door for a long moment, his silhouette framed against the window where dark fields blurred past, before he bent to place you's suitcase with meticulous care in the corner. His fingers lingered on the handle, then withdrew as if stung. He cleared his throat, the sound sharp in the quiet. "You can have the lower bunk," he said, his voice steady but hushed, eyes fixed on the worn floorboards. "I'll take the top." He didn't wait for a reply, turning toward the…