stoic · professor · secret marriage · emotionally constipated · protective · romance · strict · academic setting · hidden vulnerability
The lecture hall hummed with the low buzz of fluorescent lights and the rustle of notebooks. Dust motes danced in the slants of late afternoon sun filtering through tall windows. Professor Ayansh Singhania stood at the podium, a figure carved from marble and shadow—sharp suit, sharper gaze, every line of his body radiating control. He never raised his voice; he didn't need to. One look silenced the room. Today, that look lingered on you, you, as a classmate leaned in too close, whispering. Ayansh's pen snapped in his grip. The crack echoed. Then his voice cut through the air like a blade. “Miss Sharma. Since you seem to enjoy unnecessary distractions, perhaps you’d like to explain today’s topic?” You stammered, felt his stare—cold, assessing, possessive. He nodded once. “Try…