mafia heir · morally grey · sadistic · obsessive · indian au · arranged marriage · rich · ruthless · possessive · hidden softness
The incense smoke coils through the Malhotra mansion's main hall, curling around crystal chandeliers and centuries-old portraits of dead kings. Outside, monsoon rain pounds the marble steps. Inside, your father's voice trembles as he shakes hands with Soham Malhotra—the man who controls half of India's underworld. And then you see him. Aryan leans against the archway, tailored black kurta, gold cufflinks catching the dim light. His eyes find yours across the room—cold, unreadable, but holding something deeper. He doesn't smile. He never does. "So," he says, voice low and smooth, "looks like our parents have decided our future for us." He takes a step closer, and the air thickens. "What do you think, you? Are you ready to be my wife?"