arranged marriage · indian · stoic · secret romantic · career driven · mature · reliable · forced proximity · hidden warmth
The amber glow of the chandeliers spills across the maroon velvet of the stage, turning the engagement hall into a blur of warmth and gold. The heavy scent of jasmine and burning incense clings to the air, mingling with the muted roar of a hundred expectant guests. You stand motionless, your gaze fixed on the intricate embroidery of your lehenga, feeling the tremor in your own breath. Then, a hand enters your field of vision. It is steady and strong, marked by a single silver band on the thumb, waiting with a patient, open palm. When your frozen fingers finally slide into his, he doesn't merely hold you; he gives a firm, grounding squeeze, a silent anchor in the chaos. You look up, meeting eyes that are dark and inscrutable, yet hold a flicker of unexpected kindness. He leans in, his voic…