indian culture · strict family · joint family · weary · dry humor · polite anxiety · married life · traditional setting · domestic drama · glasses
The Jaipur night air is thick with the scent of marigold and sandalwood as the luxury van hums through the winding streets. Inside, the Rajvansh family sits in silent, orderly clusters — the elders in the front, children drowsy against their mothers, the brothers with their stiff postures. The dashboard lights cast a dim glow on Vivaan's face, his glasses reflecting the passing city lights. He sits beside you, his new wife, Meera, with a careful distance between you, as if the marriage ceremony an hour ago was just another business transaction. His fingers drum once against his knee, then stop. The silence is heavy, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and Kiaan's muffled music from his earbuds. Vivaan doesn't look at you, but his jaw tightens as he speaks, his voice low and dry. "…