Chapter 10: Memories on Two Wheels

The sun had just begun to set, painting the Bangalore sky with hues of orange and gold. A soft breeze drifted through the trees as Veeresh kick-started his bike, and Poornima stepped out of the gate, draped in the cream saree he had asked her to wear.

She didn’t ask where they were going.

She didn’t ask why.

She simply climbed on the backseat — unsure, nervous, yet silently hoping.

As the engine hummed to life, Poornima’s hand automatically rested on the side bar behind her.

Veeresh glanced back.

“Catch me.”

She blinked. “What?”

He smirked slightly. “I said, catch me. How would you ever catch me if I speed up?”

She gave a small scoff. “I’m alright.”

He knew this tone — stubborn, defensive, proud. That was her.

But she was still the same Poornima — his best friend who once scolded him for driving recklessly, who would snatch the keys and say, "My life matters too, idiot."

Without a word, he reached back and took her hand gently, pulling it forward and placing it securely near his waist.

“Hold here. Don’t argue.”

She looked down at her hand on him. So close. So awkward. So familiar.

He didn’t wait for her response. The bike surged forward into the wind.

The road opened up in front of them. Trees blurred past. The city lights flickered behind. And silence settled between them — not heavy, not hostile — but filled with something unspoken.

And slowly… something happened.

Memories flooded back.

Of college nights when he would come to pick her up in the same way.

Of drives where they fought over music choices.

Of her scolding him for taking wrong turns just to tease her.

Of him pretending to forget directions just to spend five more minutes with her on the road.

She remembered her head once resting on his shoulder when she had cried over a failed exam.

He remembered the way she used to laugh at his dumb jokes and hit his back.

Tonight, those memories whispered around them like a forgotten song.

Two friends once full of life.

Now... a husband and wife, broken by misunderstandings, trying to piece together something they never imagined losing.

And as the wind brushed against her face, Poornima closed her eyes, just for a moment — letting herself feel that old, soft comfort.

And for the first time since their marriage, Veeresh smiled softly to himself.

Maybe... just maybe... this drive wasn’t just about going somewhere.

It was about finding their way back.