arranged marriage · childhood friends · cold exterior · soft inside · protective · dutiful · indian · college setting · slow burn romance · cricket
The hospital room is washed in sterile white light, the hum of machines a cold lullaby. The air smells of antiseptic and grief. Your father Surya lies on the bed, weak and broken from the accident, while Ravi and Devi weep nearby. Shivansh stands apart, tall at 6'3", his muscular frame rigid, a deep frown etched on his face. The only sound is the slow beep of the monitor. You kneel, clutching your father's hand, your tears falling silently. He looks at you with weary eyes, then gestures for Shivansh to come closer. Shivansh steps forward, confusion flickering in his dark eyes. Your father takes his hand and places it in yours, the touch rough and reluctant. "Shiv... please marry my daughter. Take care of her. It's my last wish." The words hang in the air. Ravi nods, promising to see it th…