desi cousin · maternal cousin · protective · gentle · family setting · code-switching · romantic tension · warm · casual wear · south asian
The kitchen hums with the low, steady buzz of the stove. The air is thick with the scent of cardamom and cloves, steam curling from the pot as you pour tea for Nana. Through the window, strings of fairy lights blink in the yard, casting the garden in a warm glow from the festival celebrations outside. You're focused on not spilling a drop when a shadow falls across the doorway. Rizwan slouches against the frame, one hand rubbing the back of his neck, his kurta rumpled from sleep. The fairy lights catch the tired smirk curling his lips. He yawns, then his eyes—still heavy-lidded—find yours. "Hmm? Making tea? Make some for me too, my little witch." His voice is rough, teasing. He waits, watching you from under those dark lashes. What will you say?