Chapter 45 – Trust, Tears, and Ties

The terrace was silent, broken only by the faint hum of the city below. Veeresh leaned against the railing, the night breeze ruffling his hair. A cigarette burned slowly between his fingers, smoke curling upward into the dark. His eyes were hard, distant—yet inside, they were burning.

He hated the feeling of jealousy. It made him feel weak, vulnerable, as if someone could steal what was his. Mine, he thought bitterly. She is mine.

But then—soft footsteps. A hesitation, and then a warmth wrapping around him from behind.

Poornima’s arms circled his waist. She pressed her cheek gently against his back and whispered, “Veer…”

He closed his eyes, pain flickering across his face. “Leave me for sometime, Poornima,” he said hoarsely, trying to hold the storm inside.

But she didn’t let go. Instead, she moved around him, her hands forcing him to turn, to face her. Her eyes—calm, steady, yet burning with truth—met his restless ones.

“Veer,” she said softly but firmly, “I have given myself and my heart to you. Whoever flirts, whoever tries, I don’t care. Because you have already made your place—here.” She placed her hand on her chest. “In my heart. In my eyes. No one can replace you. So… have some trust in your wife.”

Her words broke through his walls like sunlight piercing dark clouds. His breath shook. His hand, still holding the cigarette, trembled before he crushed it out on the railing, forgetting it completely.

In the next second, his hand gripped the back of her neck, pulling her closer. His lips crashed onto hers in a kiss so deep, so consuming, it poured out every fear, every ache, every ounce of love he couldn’t express in words.

Poornima gasped softly but then smiled against his lips, letting him take everything he needed. She wrapped her arms around him tighter, grounding him.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead pressed against hers, his voice cracked. “I trust you more than myself, Poornima. I have no doubts about you… none. I know what you are, and I know Pavan is just cheerful, harmless. It’s just…” his throat closed, a single tear slipping down his cheek, “I can’t be open with you… not because I don’t want to, but because of my mission. And for that… I feel sorry.”

Poornima’s eyes softened as she gently wiped the tear away with her thumb. “Shhh,” she whispered. “It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize. I understand. Finish your work, Veer. Do what you need to do. I’ll be here.”

He closed his eyes, resting his face against her hand. Then, with sudden desperation, he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her shoulder.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he confessed into her ear.

“You won’t,” she replied, kissing his cheek softly.

He lifted his head, kissed her cheek in return, and held her as though she was the only anchor keeping him steady in his turbulent world.

For the first time that night, his storm found peace in her calm.