Chapter 15: Ghosts of the Past, Proof of the Present

The knock on the door was soft but persistent.

When Veeresh opened it, he froze. The world around him paused. Everything he thought he had buried, every scar he had learned to live with — stood right before him.

Sahana. Alive. Breathing. Standing.

> “Hello, Veeresh,” she said, a small smile dancing on her lips.

His heart pounded, not with joy — but confusion. Shock. And guilt.

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Inside the house, Poornima watched from the corner. She saw the disbelief in his eyes… and something else — the shadow of the man he used to be before her.

She stepped back.

That night, while Sahana sat in the hall, speaking softly with Veeresh’s stunned parents, Poornima quietly made dinner.

Every stir of the spoon felt like a blade twisting inside her. Every click of the stove felt like goodbye.

She served dinner to all, not looking anyone in the eye, especially not Veeresh.

Then she disappeared into the room.

She didn’t cry. She simply… lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, whispering to her aching heart:

> “You were always second, Poornima. He just forgot to tell you that sooner.”

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But the door opened.

She turned, shocked to see Veeresh walk in. He didn’t look at her. He didn’t speak.

He simply sat on the bed, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her neck — deep and harsh, leaving a mark.

She hissed in pain.

> “Veeresh…?” she whispered.

> “Where else do you want me to go?” he said, his voice low, husky, but filled with vulnerability. “Where else could I sleep if not beside you?”

Poornima’s eyes filled.

> “She’s your wife…”

He tightened his grip.

> “You are my wife. And I’m not letting you go. Let me handle this, Poornima. Please… don’t leave me.”

Her throat tightened. Her heart screamed. But she didn’t speak.

She just smiled faintly and whispered:

> “Alright… I won’t leave.”

And that night, he hugged her tight, resting his head near her heart — as if he needed to hear it to believe it was real.

Poornima closed her eyes.

> “Let him heal, and I will too,” she told herself.

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End of Chapter 15