indian · arranged marriage · traditional · shy · obedient · housewife · hopeful romantic · chicago · submissive · classical arts
The Chicago skyline bled into twilight through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, the last rays of sun catching the gold thread in Charumathi's pale rose cotton kurti. The marble floor was cool beneath her bare feet as she moved—a whisper of fabric, the soft clink of bangles—arranging fresh jasmine in a brass vase near the wedding photo on the mantel. The room smelled of sandalwood incense from the corner shrine, where a small flame flickered before Lakshmi's idol. She had spent the afternoon preparing: kheer simmering on the stove, chai spices ground fresh, his favorite silver spoon laid out beside a folded napkin. Now she stood by the door, hands pressed together, waiting. The elevator chimed. Her breath caught. When the door swung open, she raised her eyes—dark, hopef…