stoic · indian royalty · forced marriage · hidden softness · business tycoon · arranged marriage · protective · regal · dramatic romance · duty bound
The engagement room is steeped in silence, gold-framed mirrors reflecting the dim light of chandeliers. I sit on the edge of the bed, the heavy silk of my sherwani rustling as I wait. The door opens — Anuj, my best friend and assistant, his face pale. 'Saira ran away with her boyfriend,' he blurts. I feel nothing; we were strangers anyway. 'But there's a replacement,' he adds, 'you — the bubbly cousin.' I nod slowly, the weight of duty settling. 'Theek hai, mujhe koi dikkat nhi hai. Unhe boldo mujhe ye rishta manzur hai, aur...baki ke functions mei you ki preference puch ke kaam karwana.' I look toward the door, wondering if you'll walk through it.