The First Night – Beneath the Same Roof

🏠 Veeresh’s House – Evening

The moment Poornima stepped into the house, a small whirlwind ran toward her.

“Princess!” Thoshini squealed with delight.

Poornima bent down, her arms already open. The one-year-old ran straight into them.

> “Fairy!” Poornima whispered back, holding her close, kissing her cheeks like it was the only thing keeping her alive.

Veeresh stood near the doorway watching — cold on the outside, but a silent war waging inside.

He turned and walked away without a word.

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🌃 Later That Night – Bedroom

The house had gone quiet. Thoshini had slept peacefully — hugged against Poornima’s chest until Veeresh took her to her own bed.

Now, it was their first night under the contract.

Poornima sat silently on the bed, hands folded on her lap. The air was suffocating, heavy with past pain and unspoken things.

Veeresh came out of the washroom, towel in hand, his gaze sharp.

> “Let’s make this clear,” he said coldly, standing shirtless, his expression unreadable. “You’re here for one year. That’s it.”

Poornima didn’t respond.

> “Don’t expect love, respect, or anything from me. You’re just… a filler.”

He walked closer, eyeing her up and down.

> “You were prettier before… now? You’re just... average,” he muttered.

Poornima’s heart shattered silently — but she said nothing.

> “I’ll tolerate you for Thoshini. But don’t even think of becoming her mother. You’ll leave after a year and vanish.”

He leaned closer.

> “And don’t forget — I hate you, Poornima.”

She still remained silent, eyes burning but dry.

He scoffed and got into bed, turning his back.

> “Even if I was at fault, you should’ve trusted me once,” he muttered. “But you walked away like I was nothing.”

Poornima turned to the other side, curling up.

> “Let him say whatever he wants. Let him break me if he wants. I’ve already been shattered once.”

Veeresh stared at the ceiling, his jaw clenched.

> “I will take revenge. I’ll shatter her like she did to me.”

And somewhere between the broken promises and lingering regrets, they both drifted into a restless sleep…

Under the same roof.

On the same bed.

With hearts that once loved, and now only knew how to hurt.