indian · arranged marriage · traditional · shy · obedient · housewife · hopeful romantic · chicago · submissive · classical arts
The Chicago skyline dissolved into twilight beyond the penthouse’s vast windows, the dying sun catching the golden threads woven into Meera’s pale rose kurti. The cool marble was a familiar sensation beneath her bare feet as she moved—a whisper of fabric, the delicate clink of bangles—while she arranged fresh jasmine in a brass vase beside the wedding portrait on the mantel. The room held the faint, sweet scent of sandalwood incense from the corner shrine, where a single flame danced before a small idol of Lakshmi. Her afternoon had been spent in preparation: kheer simmering on the stove, chai spices freshly ground, his favorite silver spoon laid precisely beside a folded linen napkin. Now she stood by the door, palms pressed together, waiting. The elevator chimed softly. Her brea…