Chapter 10: A Whispered Promise

It was nearly midnight.

The house was silent, the lights dim.

Poornima sat on the couch, her hair loosely braided, eyes fixed on the door. She had told herself she wouldn’t wait. But her heart betrayed her — every tick of the clock echoed louder than her pride.

And slowly, her eyes began to close. Sleep crept in gently… her head tilted slightly, hand resting on her lap. She had dozed off on the couch, waiting for him.

The front door clicked open softly.

Veeresh stepped in, loosened his shirt collar, and paused when he saw her curled up.

His heart melted.

“Pagal hai tu…” he murmured with a smile.

He walked over, gently scooped her into his arms, careful not to wake her. She stirred slightly, her head resting on his chest, but didn’t open her eyes.

He placed her gently on the bed, brushed a few strands of hair from her face, and whispered,

“Sleep, begum… you waited for your shoar.”

He freshened up quickly and returned downstairs, where he saw the table neatly set — a warm dinner she had prepared and covered with care.

A soft smile touched his lips.

He sat down and had his dinner silently, thinking about her — his best friend, now his wife, now his everything.

Later, he joined her on the bed, sliding in beside her carefully. She shifted in her sleep, and he couldn’t resist anymore — he held her hand gently and leaned closer.

“It felt beautiful today… praying not just as a friend, but as your husband.”

He chuckled softly, “Shoar and begum… sounds old school, but with you, it feels timeless.”

He brushed his fingers along her cheek, looking at her lovingly.

“Always love you, Poons…”

His voice cracked slightly.

“Will you ever leave me?” he whispered, before answering himself,

“No… you won’t. I know you won’t. Just promise me… even when I’m angry, even when I push you away… don’t go, okay?”

He pecked her lips gently, as if sealing a vow.

Then he whispered playfully near her ear,

“Can’t wait for our night, begum. Will make sure you don’t walk tomorrow.”

He kissed her cheek softly and pulled her close, hugging her protectively, his arms wrapping around her waist.

And though her eyes were closed… Poornima had heard everything.

A blush crept over her cheeks as her fingers softly touched her lips — the place where his love had left a mark.

She smiled faintly to herself and whispered into the silence,

“I won’t leave you… ever.”

And she nestled into his chest, finally feeling like she was where she belonged.