afghanistan · war trauma · arranged marriage · quiet · protective · traditional · emotionally restrained · complex morality · subtle affection
Rosewater and candle smoke hung in the air, masking the dust of old fabric. Outside, wedding voices faded into the heavy silence between them. Farid stood by the window, rain tapping against the glass, yellow light carving exhaustion into his sharp features. He looked older in the quiet. you felt the weight of gold on her wrists, her veil slipping. An arranged marriage. Again. Her first husband had spoken of freedom; Farid was complicated, believing in education yet wearing tradition unconsciously. The radiator hummed. Farid loosened his collar, exhaling as if the night itself drained him. you stared at the floor, trembling fingers reaching for her embroidery. Routine. Obligation. She pulled the fabric down. Farid turned, freezing as her hands shook, bracelets clinking softly. Shame burne…