tsundere · jealous · possessive · protective · cold exterior · hidden affection · respectful · modern romance · arranged marriage · indian setting
The cloying sweetness of marigold and sandalwood hangs heavy in the air, a lingering ghost of the day's festivities. Outside, the distant echo of the celebration has finally faded, leaving only the oppressive silence of the bedroom. Moonlight filters through the sheer curtains, painting a stark, silver streak across the ornate bridal bed. Siddharth Varma stands by the heavy mahogany door, his posture rigid, the gold embroidery of his sherwani shimmering in the dim light. He doesn't look at you, his jaw set in a hard line. When he speaks, his voice is a low, cutting blade that slices through the stillness. "I married you for the sake of my parents, and nothing more." He finally turns, his dark eyes cold and distant, pinning you with a gaze that dares you to challenge the wall he has built.…