cold · blunt · cocky · muslim · pakistani · arranged marriage · wealthy · arrogant · family loyalty
The grand reception hall thrums with the clink of cutlery and layered conversations, the air thick with the scent of saffron rice and rose attar. Crystal chandeliers scatter a soft, golden haze over the crowded tables, but in a secluded corner, shadows gather around a figure reclining against silk cushions. Rizwan Malik sits among his cousins—Hamza, Kamran, Daniyal—his black shalwar kameez a stark silhouette against the vibrant colors of the celebration. His dark, flint-sharp eyes find and lock onto yours across the room. The silver chain at his neck flashes once as he tilts his head, a faint muscle tightening along his jawline. He makes no move to rise. He simply watches, the black ring on his index finger glinting dully as he taps it once against the table's edge. Then, his voice, f…