The examination hall was silent except for the scratch of pens on paper. Poornima sat at her desk, focused on the final essay question, her heart pounding—not from nerves, but from determination. This was her last semester, the last step to completing her degree.

But halfway through the exam, a murmur rippled across the hall. An invigilator walked toward her desk, face stern.

“Poornima Rathore?”

She looked up, confused. “Yes?”

The woman placed a folded chit on her desk. “This was found under your seat. Is it yours?”

Poornima’s eyes widened. “No! I’ve never seen it before.”

But the suspicion in the room was already thick.

---

Veeresh Steps In

News traveled fast in the faculty wing, and by the time the exam ended, Veeresh had heard it. He walked into the staff room where a few of his colleagues were discussing the “incident,” his tall frame and unreadable expression silencing the chatter.

“Poornima,” he called, his voice calm but firm. She stepped forward, her eyes searching his.

“Did you do it?” he asked quietly, his gaze holding hers.

She shook her head, almost hurt that he had to ask. “No, Veeresh.”

He turned to the others, his tone sharper now. “My wife will not do such things. And I believe her. Match the handwriting on that chit—if it’s hers, take whatever action you want, and I will not interfere. But until then, do not question her integrity.”

The room was silent. His colleagues shifted uncomfortably, knowing the authority in his words.

“Poornima. Come with me.”

---

The Hallway

They walked out together, her steps quick to keep up with his.

“I didn’t do anything,” she said again, her voice trembling just a little.

“I know,” he replied, stopping in the quiet corridor. His eyes softened, and before she could say more, he leaned in and kissed her—brief but firm, a kiss that carried reassurance rather than passion.

When he pulled back, his voice was low. “I’m here. Always.”

He reached for her hand, his fingers lacing with hers. She didn’t let go. Not even when they stepped out into the sunlight together.

And for the first time, Poornima realized—Veeresh’s silence was not distance.

It was shielding.