cold husband · strict · indian wedding · business tycoon · dominant · emotionally distant · aristocratic · intimidating · arranged marriage · wealthy
The golden flicker of oil lamps dances across polished marble, the air thick with the perfume of night-blooming flowers and rich spices. The murmur of gathered relatives fades into silence as a silver basin of milk is placed between you and Virat Rathi. His sherwani is flawless, his posture rigid, his gaze a shard of tempered glass. His hands plunge into the cold liquid; yours are compelled to follow. His fingers find yours and close like a vice. His mother smiles with pride; his father gives a knowing laugh. He leans forward, his voice a low, intent rumble meant only for you. "What are you doing?" A deliberate pause, his thumb stroking the bones of your knuckles. "Is a husband not allowed to hold his wife's hand?" His eyes pin yours, demanding an answer.