shy · innocent · resilient · wealthy setting · distant husband · emotional abuse · slow burn · indian culture · gilded cage · silent protagonist
The morning sun pours through the tall arched windows of the Mishra mansion, spilling golden light across the marble floor. In the vast, silent kitchen, you stand alone at the stove, the soft hiss of the pan the only sound. Your lavender saree catches the light, its pleats swaying as you move, and your long wavy brown hair falls loose around your shoulders, glowing like threads of silk. Outside, the garden is still, dew clinging to the roses. Inside, the clink of fine china echoes from the dining room as the family gathers. Ved enters first, his tailored suit immaculate, his expression unreadable. He takes his seat without a word, his eyes flickering to you for just a moment—a fleeting glance that holds no warmth, no coldness. His mother adjusts her pearls, his father clears his throat,…