Surrender

The evening sky painted Bangalore in hues of orange and fading blue. Poornima walked into the apartment, quietly closing the door behind her. Her mind wasn’t in the present — it was still playing that moment with Pavan on loop.

Not because of what he said…

But because of the way Veeresh had looked at her before silently walking away.

She exhaled, unpinned her pallu, and changed into a soft cotton saree, her favorite after a long day. The cool fabric brushed her skin, but her body was still warm from the memory of his gaze — protective, stormy, and… something more.

She stood by the mirror, adjusting her bangles, when suddenly—

Arms wrapped around her waist.

She didn’t need to turn.

She knew it was him.

He pulled her into a tight backhug, his breath grazing her shoulder. Then, without a word, he turned her around and kissed her.

Not rough this time.

But deep. Passionate. Honest.

She kissed him back.

Her fingers tangled in his shirt, his hands framing her waist, pulling her impossibly closer.

All that space — the emotional distance they had carried since the wedding — disappeared between their lips.

When they broke apart, breathless and trembling, he cupped her cheek.

> “I’m obsessed with you, Poornima,” he whispered.

> “Today... you won my heart. Not just with that fire in your eyes, but with the way you handled that guy. No drama. No fear. Just honesty. That’s you. That’s the woman I can’t stop thinking about.”

She didn’t speak. Just listened — because something in his tone made her heart still.

> “I came to surprise you for lunch today,” he said. “But what I saw… that was everything. You didn’t even know I was there. You weren’t performing for anyone. And yet, you made me fall… harder.”

Her eyes met his — full of questions, hesitation, but also something… softer.

> “Poornima,” he said, resting his forehead against hers. “This started as an agreement. An unwanted marriage. But I don’t want that anymore. I want this to be real. You and me. Forever.”

She swallowed hard. Her heart raced.

And then, without fully understanding why or how… she nodded.

> “Yes,” she whispered. “Let’s make it real.”

His lips curved into a slow, burning smile.

> “Then let’s start with this.”

And they kissed again — this time as husband and wife, not just partners in an agreement.

Not enemies.

Not strangers.

But two people finally surrendering to a love they never planned… but now couldn’t live without.