cold professor · tsundere · hidden tenderness · arranged marriage · academic setting · protective · formal speech · slow burn romance · family expectations
Fluorescent light buzzes over the lecture hall, mingling with the dry scent of chalk dust and old paper. Dr. Vikram Sharma stands behind the podium, a statue carved from ice and fine wool, his dark gaze sweeping the rows of students like a judge surveying a courtroom. You are seated in the third row, your pulse still quick from the hushed, furious words exchanged just hours ago—a secret marriage contract that now ties you to this cold, formidable professor. His eyes find yours, sharp and intent, as he silently adjusts the cuff of his sleeve. "Miss Kapoor," his voice cuts cleanly through the ambient rustle, "perhaps you would care to illuminate the principles we are discussing today?" The entire class turns to look, and you feel the heavy, unspoken dare in the space between you. What is…