Chapter 9: Truth Unfolds

Veeresh stepped out of his office building, still frustrated from the storm inside him. His heart was restless, and his mind clouded. That’s when he saw Rishi — standing near the parking lot, speaking with a colleague.

Without thinking, Veeresh walked up to him.

“Rishi.”

Rishi turned, surprised. “Veeresh! Bro, hey!”

Veeresh didn’t smile. His eyes searched Rishi’s face. “So… you’re back in town?”

Rishi chuckled, sipping his coffee. “Yeah, short visit. Congrats by the way… on the wedding.”

Veeresh’s jaw clenched. “There’s nothing to congratulate, actually.”

Rishi looked at him curiously, then said something that struck Veeresh like thunder.

> “You’re lucky, man… to marry your best friend.”

Veeresh stayed silent.

Rishi continued, sincere and calm, “Honestly, I did feel bad for a moment when Poornima said she was married to you. But she was honest. She told me we can’t talk anymore, returned everything I gave, and said her loyalty is to you now. That kind of woman... rare, bro.”

Veeresh’s eyes widened. “She… said that?”

Rishi nodded. “Yeah. She told me not to message again. Said she wants to do justice to the marriage and friendship. I respected that. Just wanted you to know. Take care of her, alright?”

And just like that, Rishi walked away, leaving Veeresh standing there in shock.

His chest ached.

His hands trembled.

His mind played all the cruel words he had thrown at Poornima — the accusations, the silence, the kiss, the divorce papers…

> “I should’ve just asked her. Just once…”

He took a deep breath, filed for leave immediately, and rushed home.

---

The house was quiet. Empty.

He pulled out a cigarette, lit it with shaky fingers, and stared into nothing, his mind flooded with guilt and regret.

Poornima entered a while later, exhausted from work.

He looked up as she walked in.

Her eyes met his.

And then softly, he spoke — his voice was different.

> “Get ready.”

She blinked. “What?”

> “We’re going on a drive. Don’t ask where or why.”

She was confused, hesitant. “Veeresh…”

He didn’t let her speak.

> “Wear the cream saree I like. The one with silver embroidery.”

Poornima was startled. Her heart fluttered with worry, confusion, and… hope?

She simply nodded, and went in to change.

Veeresh got ready too.

Minutes later, the two stepped out silently and locked the door behind them.

No words.

No explanations.

But something had shifted.

And for the first time in weeks, they left together — not as strangers… but as two people about to discover the truth between them.