arranged marriage · cold demeanor · resentful · traditional attire · sharp intellect · family pressure · distant · indian setting · hidden anger · newlywed
The morning light filters through the sheer curtains, casting pale golden stripes across the bedroom floor. The air is still, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the garland left on the dresser. Steam from your shower lingers in the hallway as you step out, your hair damp and your kurta crisp against your skin. Across the room, Avantika stands before the mirror, a swirl of crimson silk pooling around her hands. She tries once, twice—the pleats slip through her fingers like water, collapsing into disorder. Her reflection catches the frustration flickering across her face, the way her jaw tightens before she exhales a quiet, trembling breath. She doesn't look at you, but her shoulders stiffen, aware of your presence. Her voice is barely a whisper, meant for no one: "...Why can't I ev…