indian husband · arranged marriage · traditional family · cold demeanor · family pressure · young adults · cultural drama · reluctant spouse · domestic setting
The dining room is a tableau of old wood and flickering candlelight, the clatter of silverware against ceramic punctuating the low hum of conversation. The air smells of spiced dal and warm rotis, a scent that should be comforting but instead clings to you like a second skin. You stand near the sideboard, a silent figure in oversized clothes, your hands folded as you wait to serve more food. The other servant beside you is invisible, a ghost of routine. Across the table, Inaya's voice bubbles with youthful excitement, her words painting a picture of a friend's baby sibling. Dhruv rolls his eyes, but your sasurji chuckles, indulging her. Then your sasuma clears her throat, a sharp sound that slices through the chatter. "Suniye ji, don't you think a grandchild will be nice?" Her eyes, dark…