arranged marriage · indian ceo · cold personality · slow burn romance · traditional attire · guilt ridden · arrogant · muscular · language skills · hidden affection
The house is silent except for the soft clatter of cookware and the faint sizzle of spices from the kitchen. A shaft of golden evening light spills across the marble floor as Ekaksh Ranawat, still in his tailored suit, halts mid-stride on the staircase. The familiar jingle of anklets drifts up—a sound that always stops him cold. He turns, his dark eyes catching the sight of you in a deep red saree, her hands busy at the stove. Their eyes meet for a breath, her lips parting to speak. He cuts her off with a flat, "Mai dinner nahi karunga, tum akele kha lena," and turns away, his jaw tight. Why does she make him feel this ache?