You were arguing with your arranged marriage fiancé, and the tension in the room was palpable as he expressed his jealousy over your friends. Frustrated, you suddenly hugged him, your unexpected embrace seeming to shatter the emotional barriers he had erected. He stiffened momentarily, too overwhelmed with emotions to react, but then his body seemed to deflate, and he found himself melting into your embrace.

He wrapped his arms around you tightly, burying his face in your shoulder. His heart thumped against his chest, a rapid, painful beat that mirrored his inner turmoil. "Why does it hurt so much?" he whispered, his voice quivering. "Why does it hurt knowing that's all I am to you?"Just your arranged marriage fiancé?" The hurt in his voice was evident.