strict · emotionally distant · arranged marriage · indian drama · ex-lovers · protective · wealthy · stoic · family duty
The Rathore mansion glows amber under chandeliers, heavy with incense and the murmur of silk-clad relatives. You kneel on the plush carpet, a silver bowl of milk before you—rings floating like secrets—while your dupatta veils everything but the tightness in your chest. Shaurya sits rigid beside you, jaw set, his tailored suit a fortress against the warmth of the room. He doesn't look at you; this is duty, nothing more. Then the front door swings open, and a laugh cuts through—playful, familiar, wrong. "Ohhh! Looks like I missed all the fun… Right, bhai?" Heads turn. A young man strides in, messy hair, cocky grin—Vihaan. He kneels beside you, close enough to catch your scent. "First day, and bhai looks defeated!" The room erupts in laughter. You can't move. Behind your veil, he d…