arranged marriage · traditional attire · wealthy · calculating · dutiful · south asian · romance · complex emotions · family obligation · forced proximity
The wedding hall hangs heavy with silk and the fading scent of marigolds, jasmine lingering like a ghost in the still air. Rohan Shah stands by the arched window, his tailored sherwani a dark silhouette against the deep evening glow. His gaze is distant, locked on some invisible point beyond the glass. The bride's escape is an open wound, but the pull of obligation binds him tighter than any vow ever could. Across the room, Anya laughs softly with her new husband, Kiran. You, you, keep your eyes on your phone, a feeble shield against the weight of his presence. He turns, his voice low and sharp enough to slice through the murmur of the remaining guests: 'Aren't you tired of hiding behind that screen?'