Chapter 11: The First Spark

The morning sun peeked through the soft cream curtains, casting a gentle glow in their room.

Poornima slowly stirred awake, her eyes blinking away the traces of sleep. She felt something warm — secure — wrapped around her waist.

Veeresh’s hand.

She gently tried to move it aside without waking him.

But before she could slip away, Veeresh pulled her back with a sudden firmness, holding her close.

Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a deep, unexpected kiss.

Poornima’s eyes widened in shock.

But her body didn’t resist.

Her heart beat faster — confused, surprised, but drawn to him. Her hands gripped his shoulders, and almost unknowingly… she kissed him back.

Veeresh smiled against her lips and deepened it, his palm cupping her face as if sealing his right over her — not with dominance, but passion.

He finally pulled back, looking into her eyes.

“Good morning… begum.”

Poornima’s cheeks flushed red, her lips parted in disbelief.

She immediately pushed him slightly, muttering, “Shameless…” and got off the bed, escaping into the bathroom.

Veeresh grinned to himself, leaning back on the pillow, stretching like a king after a victorious moment.

After a while, both got dressed.

Poornima, in a crisp light blue kurti, stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his shirt — as usual. Her fingers moved quickly, fixing his collar, tucking it in, and tying his belt with the same care as always — but her eyes avoided his.

Veeresh didn’t say much, just watched her with a teasing smile.

“Bring lunch to office, begum,” he said softly, leaning in.

Poornima, still flustered from the morning moment, said quickly, “I’ll send it with the driver.”

Veeresh just smiled, not pushing it.

But in his heart — he knew.

She’ll come. She always did. Even if angry, stubborn, or confused — she would show up. For him.

“Okay,” he simply replied.

They both sat for breakfast. Veeresh's father read the newspaper, his mother served hot dosas.

Veeresh kissed Poornima’s cheek suddenly before heading out.

“Don’t be late… I’ll wait.”

Poornima rolled her eyes, hiding a shy smile.

As he left, Poornima turned to her amma, her voice soft.

“Amma… I’ll take lunch to his office.”

Her mother-in-law nodded lovingly.

“Go, beta. He’ll be happy.”

Poornima smiled faintly, still touching her lips, where the kiss from morning still lingered