The heavy wooden door of the bridal room closed with a soft click. Outside, the last of the wedding guests were still laughing and singing, their voices fading into the night. Inside, the air smelled of rose petals, sandalwood, and the faint sweetness of the milk sweets that had been left on the side table.

Riya sat on the edge of the large bed, still wearing the deep red silk lehenga that clung to her curves. The heavy gold jewellery around her neck and wrists felt suddenly too tight. Her heart was beating so hard she could feel it in her throat. Across the room, her new husband, Arjun, was slowly removing his sherwani. His broad shoulders flexed under the white fabric as he hung it carefully on the chair.