Chapter 13: In the Shelter of Each Other

The sun had just begun to rise behind the tall hills as Poornima and Veeresh stepped out of the motel. The air was still, the silence between them no longer heavy—but comforting, like a long pause that meant peace.

As they reached his bike, Veeresh smirked and said, “Next time, we’re coming here again.”

Poornima turned sharply, her eyes wide. “Shameless fellow!” she hissed, turning away to hide the tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“I heard that smile, Poo, not just the insult,” he chuckled as he started the engine.

She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her chest was undeniable.

For the first time in two weeks… they weren’t angry. They weren’t strangers. They were just Veeresh and Poornima again.

---

The ride back was quiet. Her arms around his waist weren’t stiff anymore. And his hand occasionally reached down to squeeze hers gently.

When they reached their home, Poornima stepped in and looked around like it was new—because everything felt different now.

No silence screaming from walls.

No unspoken pain in the air.

Just calm.

Just healing.

Veeresh walked in, set the helmet aside, and looked at her.

“Come here.” he said softly.

Before she could respond, he pulled her into him, her cheek resting on his chest.

“Let’s not fight anymore. I don’t want to waste even a single day, Poornima.”

Her fingers gripped his shirt gently, and she nodded.

“Okay… no more war. Just… us.”

That night, he pulled her into bed—not in urgency or passion, but in comfort.

He hugged her tight from behind, his arms around her waist, his breath soft near her shoulder.

“Goodnight, best friend… wife… Poornima.”

She smiled.

For the first time in days… genuinely.

She placed her hand on his and whispered, “Goodnight, Veeresh.”

And that night, she slept in his arms, heart full, lips curved in peace, pain dissolved in warmth.

Because sometimes love isn’t loud. It’s just two people choosing each other again, silently.