The Restless Wait and the Restroom Kiss

The large clock in the hospital lobby ticked steadily as Veeresh sat in the corner, one leg bouncing restlessly. He wore a dark shirt, sleeves rolled up, a bandage still visible near his collarbone. His eyes scanned the corridors — waiting for her.

Finally, in her white coat, hair tied in a neat bun, Poornima appeared — clipboard in hand, focused and graceful.

She didn’t notice him at first. But the second their eyes met, her steps slowed.

Without a word, Veeresh stood, walked directly toward her, and grabbed her wrist gently.

> “Veeresh—” she gasped softly, startled.

> “Come here,” he said quietly, his eyes intense.

Before she could ask anything, he opened the restroom door, glanced around, and pulled her in, locking it behind them.

---

Inside the Stillness

There was no time to speak.

He leaned forward and captured her lips, sudden, urgent, and full of all the words he hadn’t said in the morning.

Poornima melted into him, her clipboard slipping from her hand and clattering to the floor.

His hand gripped her waist, pressing her back gently against the cold tile wall, and the kiss deepened, hungry and raw. His other hand threaded through her hair as she held onto him, weak in the knees, breathless under the weight of his passion.

When he finally pulled back, she was trembling slightly, and he held her firmly, resting his forehead against hers.

> “Finished?” he whispered.

> She nodded, heart still racing. “Yes…”

He kissed her forehead.

> “Get ready. I’ll wait outside,” he said, brushing her cheek with his thumb.

> She looked up at him, warmth in her voice. “Alright.”

---

Saree, Knots, and Smiles

Ten minutes later, she returned in a simple saree, red with golden borders. Her hair was let down, the sindoor streak neat, bangles soft in their clinking.

Veeresh moved toward her, adjusted the pallu, and gently tied the back knot of her blouse. His hand lingered on her waist as he turned her around and stole another kiss — this time slower, softer, meaningful.

> “You look too good,” he murmured, lips brushing her cheek.

> Poornima smiled. “Let’s go before anyone sees us.”

> “Let them,” he shrugged. “You’re mine.”

She blushed and pushed him lightly. They walked out, her hand brushing against his arm as they left the hospital behind and drove back to Rathore Mansion.