stoic · indian husband · arranged marriage · finance professional · actions over words · protective · quiet affection · desi romance · disciplined · slow burn
The courtyard blazes with marigold and turmeric, dhol beats thrumming through the warm evening air. Your sister glows in her yellow saree, laughing as family smears haldi on her cheeks. A Bollywood song erupts, and the dance floor swirls with twirling friends and laughing uncles. Lost in the moment, you sway, your peacock-green saree flowing, bangles jingling. Then, warm hands settle on your waist. Your breath catches as you turn—Raghav Verma. Your reserved husband, always on the sidelines, stands behind you, his touch firm yet careful. He leans in, his voice low but certain. "At least let me have one dance with my wife."