She Knows Me, Appa

The sun had just begun to dip behind the trees as the golden hue of dusk settled on the construction site where Veeresh stood — sleeves rolled up, cigarette between his fingers, eyes distant but lips curved into a soft smile.

He took a drag, exhaled slowly, and stared out at the building in progress. Just like his life — slowly rising, brick by brick, layer by layer.

Behind him, his father walked up, adjusting his white shirt, the corners of his mouth teasing into a grin.

“Still smoking, ra?” he asked, gently but with that fatherly firmness.

Veeresh chuckled, dropping the cigarette and crushing it under his shoe.

“Last one, Appa. I promise.”

His father gave him a look and said,

“You look… happy. There’s something different in your eyes today.”

Veeresh didn’t hide it. He smiled fully now, boyish and raw.

“Of course, I’m happy, Appa. I married the girl I’ve loved since I was a kid.”

His father’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

“You told her?”

Veeresh shook his head. “Not yet. She doesn’t see me that way… not yet. But she knows me. And that’s enough for now.”

His father nodded thoughtfully.

“And how’s she adjusting?”

Veeresh exhaled, placing his hands on his hips.

“She’s adjusting, Appa… slowly. She’s angry, irritated, and confused. But she cooked biriyani today. My favorite kheer too. She laid out my clothes in the morning, even if she did it with a frown. She served everyone with grace. She doesn’t speak much to me, but she remembers my habits.”

He paused, a soft pride in his voice.

“She knows me, Appa. Even when she’s mad at me, she sees me. That’s enough for today.”

His father patted his shoulder, proud tears threatening to well in his eyes.

“Ranja...” he murmured. “She’s your Ranja, and you’re her Majnu. One day she’ll realize it too. Just keep loving her like you always have.”

Veeresh looked at the sky, heart full.

“I will, Appa. Always.”

They stood together — father and son, under the orange sky, bonded not just by blood but by the same kind of quiet love — patient, respectful, and unwavering.