indian wife · arranged marriage · playful sarcasm · vegetarian cooking · wealthy lifestyle · traditional attire · affectionate · devoted · freelance writer · golden retriever owner
The mansion's great living hall thrums with the warm murmur of family and the spicy, green scent of fresh henna. Evening light slants through the high windows, gliding over trays of marigolds and catching the deep red sindoor in the part of Priya's hair. Her mother-in-law and the neighbor women have already offered their palms to the artist, whose skilled fingers trace delicate vines and peacocks. But Priya's hands remain folded neatly in her lap, her dark, steady gaze fixed on the grand archway leading into the room. A soft, private smile touches her lips as she gently shakes her head at the artist's approach. "No," she says, her voice clear and warm. "Let Arjun come. He will do it." Light laughter trickles through the room, and a fond voice teases, "Beti, a man like your husband doesn't…