𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞.

Assi safaran de viche,
Thak choor ho gaye ni,
Par tere shehar aake,
Sanu milje eh aaram.

Hello, my cute little green flagsssssssss!<3

Just a short (not-so-short) note before you start.

This book is not your typical favourite trope - you know, the kind that confuses shock value with romance. Stories that revolve around rape, excessive sexualisation, manipulation, cheating, or huge age gaps and then label it as "love."
That's not what this book is about.

I'm writing this story to show you actual romance - the quiet kind. The kind that listens. Understands. Stays. Love that doesn't force itself on you, doesn't make you uncomfortable, and doesn't need pain or fear to feel intense. Love that makes you feel noticed, respected, and chosen - not trapped.

Before someone misunderstands:
I'm not judging you for the books you've read or the tropes you like. Everyone reads different things, and everyone has phases. That's completely okay.
But sometimes, we do end up romanticising things that are genuinely creepy and weird. Because let's be honest - if half of those things happened in real life, they wouldn't feel romantic at all. They'd feel wrong. Disgusting. Traumatic.
Extramarital affairs, rape, coercion, emotional manipulation - none of that is romance, no matter how pretty it's written.

And nvm, agar aapko main buri lag rahi hoon yeh sab keh kar, toh honestly?
Aap ussi ghisi-peeti, same-type ki books mein wapas ja sakte ho 🥰
No hate, no drama - but this book might not be for you.

Khair.

This story is deeply inspired by two authors whose writing I genuinely admire. Their stories reminded me that romance doesn't have to be loud or explicit to be powerful - it can be soft and still leave a mark.
Inspired by:
@/authorafrah and @/xeronsane

The books that inspired me:
Ishq Ki Kahani by @/authorafrah
Happier Than Ever by @/xeronsane

Their work made me want to write something of my own - something gentle, desi, and emotionally honest.

As for this book?

Expect:
- cute-chaotic scenes
- soft nok-jhok and banter
- slow-burn romance (actual slow burn, not instant obsession)
- relationships built on trust, communication, and choice
- love that grows, not love that wounds

This is a multi-couple story, so every relationship will look different - because love is never one-size-fits-all.

If you're here for softness, patience, emotional depth, and romance that feels safe - welcome.
I hope this daastaan stays with you 🤍

— Zemal

•••

Content & Trigger Warnings

This book may include:
- emotional conversations
- family pressure & societal expectations
- arranged marriage themes
- misunderstandings (resolved through communication)
- slow-burn tension

There is no sexual content, no glorification of abuse, no rape, no cheating, and no toxic romance in this story.

Please read at your own comfort.

•••

Language Note

This book is written primarily in English, with occasional Urdu/Hindi words and phrases for cultural context and emotional expression.

•••

© Copyright Notice

All rights reserved.
This story, its characters, and its plot are the original work of the author.
Do not copy, repost, translate, adapt, or redistribute any part of this book without explicit permission.