Chapter 11: A Day That Felt Like Home

The morning sun peeked gently through the curtains, casting golden light across the room.

Poornima stirred first, her body still wrapped in the comfort of Veeresh’s arms. For the first time in what felt like ages, her heart felt light. Not weightless, but... hopeful.

Veeresh opened his eyes slowly, and for once, there was no pain, no burden — just calm.

She walked out quietly and returned with two cups of coffee. Before she could place one on the table, he caught her wrist.

> “Let’s share,” he said, voice still husky from sleep.

She looked at him, slightly amused, slightly surprised. “Alright.”

He took the first sip and handed it to her. Their fingers touched. She drank, not meeting his eyes, her heart whispering:

> “Just don’t hurt me again.”

After breakfast and a quiet hour, he suddenly stood up and said,

> “Let’s go somewhere... just roam around like normal people.”

She blinked. “Now?”

> “Yes. Bus, autos, chaos. Let’s breathe.”

And so, they went.

---

City Life. Real Life.

They boarded a crowded city bus, standing shoulder to shoulder. Veeresh placed his hand protectively on the rail behind her, shielding her from the crowd. She glanced up. He smiled faintly.

Their first stop: a mall.

> “I don’t know how to shop,” Veeresh muttered. “I just need innerwear, shirts, ties, maybe a few suits. Buy whatever you feel looks good. I’ll get something to eat.”

Poornima chuckled and nodded. “Okay, sir.”

He returned with sandwiches and ice cream.

She returned with shirts in deep blues, crisp whites, and a tie that matched his eyes.

> “You’ve got taste,” he teased.

---

Lunch and Laughter

At the food court, they shared a single plate, feeding each other without even realizing it. Veeresh’s hand casually rested on her leg under the table, sending flutters through her stomach.

She didn’t move it away.

After lunch, he lit a cigarette outside, exhaling slowly as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She wrinkled her nose.

> “You still smoke,” she said softly.

> “Not proud of it,” he said, smirking. “But I’ll try quitting… for someone who wrinkled her nose so adorably.”

They took an auto, then a walk, then a bus — laughing at the driver’s bad jokes, talking about old movies, life, heartbreak, healing.

---

A Gentle End

On the way back, Poornima sat with her head on his shoulder.

Veeresh looked out the window, then back at her and whispered,

> “I enjoyed today.”

She smiled softly.

> “Me too.”

And for the first time — they both realized they weren’t just trying to survive the past anymore…

They were slowly learning to live again.

Together.