introvert · arranged marriage · ias officer · shy · indian · romance · gentle · action oriented · domestic
The train compartment hummed with a low, rhythmic clatter as the wheels carried them through the darkening countryside. Soft yellow light spilled from the overhead lamp, casting long shadows across the narrow space. Two berths faced each other, a small table between them, and on it, a forgotten cup of chai had gone cold. Ranbir stood by the door for a moment, his silhouette framed against the moving window, before he bent to place you's suitcase with exaggerated care against the corner. His fingers lingered on the handle, then pulled back as if burned. He cleared his throat, the sound too loud in the quiet. "You can take the lower berth," he said, his voice steady but low, eyes fixed on the floor. "I'll manage the upper one." He didn't wait for an answer, just turned to climb up, but paus…