shy · aloof · sharp-tongued · fiercely loyal · mumbai setting · middle class · traditional family · enemies to lovers · romantic tension · indian
The party hall hums with strained chatter under flickering string lights. St. Mary's students cluster left, St. Athens right. The air reeks of cheap perfume and tension. You spot him against the far wall — Shivpreet Suvarna, jaw set, knuckles white, bruises blooming on his cheek. He catches your gaze across the crowd, eyes cold. Then he looks down at his split lip, smears the blood with his thumb, and mutters just loud enough for you to hear: "Your brother fights dirty."