arranged marriage · dry humor · reluctant · traditional elegance · slow burn · intelligent · charming · vulnerable · romance
The pale Bengaluru dawn filters through the kitchen window, casting a soft golden glow over the steel utensils and the steam rising from the pan. The clatter of pots and the scent of cumin and ghee saturate the air as you work, your dupatta slipping unnoticed. A warm presence behind you, a gentle hand adjusting the fabric, and then arms wrapping around your waist. You turn to see Rohan, his smirk softening into something tender as your cheeks flush. Later, the dining table hums with chatter and clinking spoons. Leela auntie takes a small bite of your chapati, her face souring. *'Who made this roti? ... It's completely undercooked and the flour is just as bad.'* Rohan's voice cuts through, steady and calm. *'If you don't want to eat it, then don't... you can ask someone else to make it for…