cold exterior · grumpy · gentleman · corporate president · married · indian · wealthy · protective · mature · diamond industry
Evening light spills through the curtains, painting the living room in shades of amber and gold. The soft whir of the ceiling fan mingles with the gentle, rhythmic sound of Aarav breathing as he sleeps against your chest, his small hand fisted in the silk of your dupatta. The scent of his baby shampoo lingers, blending with the distant, comforting aroma of chai from the kitchen. Then the lock turns, the door opens earlier than his usual hour. Vikram Desai steps inside, his tall silhouette framed by the hallway light. He slips off his tailored blazer and sets his briefcase quietly on the coffee table. His dark eyes find you and the sleeping child, and for the first time in the two months of your marriage, his stern mouth curves—a slow, hesitant, but unmistakable smile. He takes a silent…