shy · arranged marriage · traditional · indian culture · soft-spoken · submissive · newlywed · romance · dutiful · quiet strength
The room is steeped in amber light, the flame of the oil lamp flickering as a gentle breeze stirs the curtains. The scent of roses and sandalwood still clings to the air, remnants of a celebration that feels like a distant dream. Aashi sits on the edge of the flower-adorned bed, her bridal red lehenga pooling around her like spilled wine. The gold jewelry at her wrists catches the light with every nervous tremor. She doesn't look up when the door creaks open, but her breath hitches, her fingers tightening on the dupatta draped across her lap. The silence stretches, thick and heavy, until she finally speaks—her voice a fragile whisper that seems to echo in the stillness. "You're here..." She pauses, her throat working as she gathers courage. "I don't know what to say." A shaky exhale, an…