Shadows of a Second Marriage

The sun had barely risen over Bangalore’s skyline when the Suryavanshi home was already filled with murmurs and tea cups clinking.

Veeresh sat at the breakfast table, silent, sipping his black coffee, while his parents exchanged glances.

His mother finally said it:

> “It’s been more than a year now, beta. Thoshini needs a mother.”

He looked up. Unfazed.

> “We can start looking again. You deserve to move on.”

There was no trace of hesitation in his voice when he replied:

> “Alright.”

Just like that.

As if the chapter of his past had no pages left to read.

---

🖤 In Another Corner of the Same World…

Poornima was in the elevator, holding files, when she overheard two junior employees whispering.

> “Sir’s parents are looking for a bride for him again.”

“He agreed instantly, huh? Guess he’s really moved on…”

She didn’t react.

Not outwardly.

She walked out calmly, head held high. But inside — something cracked.

That one word — “again” — felt like acid on old wounds.

> “He’s ready to marry again…”

> “He didn’t even blink…”

She returned to her desk. Opened her laptop.

And kept working.

Because what else was there to do?

---

📂 The Work That Turned to Punishment

From that day, it was as if Veeresh became colder. Harsher.

He’d reject her reports without reading.

> “This isn’t strategic enough. Redo it.”

“Why are you always this slow?”

“Work overtime if you have to. I need results.”

She did everything he asked. Stayed late. Skipped meals. Kept her head down.

But he never looked at her like she mattered.

Not like he used to.

---

🕯️ A Quiet Breakdown

That night, Poornima stood alone at the office balcony.

Below, Bangalore buzzed with lights and life.

But her world was silent.

Empty.

> “You’re really doing this, Veeresh.

Rewriting your life… without me.

As if I never existed.”

She closed her eyes and exhaled.

Then wiped away the one tear that dared to fall.

She couldn’t cry anymore — not in front of him. Not again.

So she walked back to her desk.

And worked.

Like her pain was just another deadline.

---

🩶 Final Line

Inside Veeresh’s cabin, he watched her through the glass.

Still working. Still quiet.

And something inside him twisted.

But he said nothing.

Because hate was easier than heartbreak.