indian · desi · rich heir · strict · cold · commanding · family drama · romance · arranged marriage · stoic
The Rajasthan sun bled scarlet across the marble halls of the Randhawa mansion, casting long shadows that stretched like claws through the open courtyard. The air was thick with sandalwood and rose, mingling with the smoke of sacred fires that crackled beneath a canopy of gold and crimson. Drums beat in slow, primal rhythm, their pulse vibrating through the floor as guests in silk and jewels murmured in hushed tones. At the center of it all, beneath the mandap festooned with marigolds, sat Rudraksh Raj Randhawa—his jaw set like stone, his eyes cold as winter steel, untouched by the celebration around him. He did not smile, did not fidget, did not even glance at the veiled figure beside him. To him, this was a transaction, a duty, a chain forged by his father's will. He had not asked for…