Chapter 12: A Saree, A Smile, A Silent Beginning

Poornima stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the soft pleats of her blue saree — plain, elegant, and graceful. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, a small bindi sat delicately on her forehead, and her bangles jingled lightly as she stirred the simmering dal.

She had woken up early, cooked his favorite sabzi, dal, rice, and of course — a small bowl of kheer, just like he liked it.

She packed lunch in two tiffin boxes — one for Appa, and the other for Veeresh.

Taking blessings from Amma, she left for the office.

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At the IBM office, Poornima first stopped by Veeresh’s father’s cabin, knocking gently.

“Appa… lunch,” she smiled, placing the box in front of him.

He looked up with genuine warmth.

“Allah bless you, beta. He’s lucky to have you.”

She smiled shyly, nodded, and left for Veeresh’s cabin.

She took a breath and knocked.

From inside, Veeresh’s voice came — “Come in.”

She entered slowly.

Veeresh was still on a call, eyes on the laptop. He held a finger up — asking her to wait.

Poornima sat quietly on the side, placing the tiffin on the small table near the window. She looked around the room, his certificates, a photo of both of them from childhood in a corner frame, and his scent lingering in the air.

Veeresh finished the call, closed his laptop, and looked at her.

And smiled.

“You came… I knew you would.”

She didn’t respond directly.

“Wash your hands.”

Veeresh chuckled and obeyed, heading to the side sink and wiping his hands with a towel.

She served him, carefully opening each box and placing it neatly. He sat, looking at her like she was the answer to every prayer he’d made at the dargah yesterday.

They both ate silently. But the silence was not awkward — it was calm, content.

Veeresh took the first bite and looked at her.

“Perfect. Just like always.”

Poornima finally looked up and gave a faint smile.

His eyes didn’t leave her.

“Poornima… let’s go home together today.”

She paused… and then nodded.

“Okay.”

A soft breeze came through the open window.

No grand declarations. No drama. Just a blue saree, a warm meal, and a heart slowly opening