Chapter 49 – Night of Promises

The room glowed faintly with the soft yellow of the bedside lamp. The air was heavy with the lingering silence of the engagement drama, but inside Poornima’s room, it was just them—two hearts finding comfort.

Veeresh lay on the bed, his back against the headboard, his shirt loosened, his tie discarded. Poornima sat beside him, still in her gown, her hair falling messily over her shoulders. He reached out, gently tucking a strand behind her ear.

“My mission is going good,” Veeresh whispered, his eyes locked onto hers. “But soon… I will be leaving for some time.”

Poornima’s face fell, her fingers instinctively gripping his hand. Before she could speak, he pulled her into him—so close that her body crushed against his chest. His hold was firm, almost desperate, as though afraid she might disappear if he let go.

“You will have to be careful, Poornima,” he murmured into her hair, his voice low and filled with warning. “Your parents are speaking again about marriage. And Rishabh… he said not right away, but he’s going to London for some business setup.”

Poornima’s breath hitched, but she steadied herself, lifting her chin. “I will manage,” she said softly, with quiet strength. “Don’t worry about me. Just finish your mission. I’ll handle whatever comes.”

Her words melted something in him. He pulled back just enough to see her eyes, then cupped her face and kissed her deeply—his lips rough, urgent, pouring out fear, love, and need all at once. Poornima responded with equal passion, her hands sliding up his shoulders, holding him close as though anchoring him to her.

The kiss deepened, fire sparking between them. He tilted her head, claiming her lips again and again, closing every distance that ever existed between them. Their breaths mingled, their hearts raced, and when he finally pulled away, his forehead pressed against hers, their lips still trembling from the intensity.

“I can’t lose you,” Veeresh whispered hoarsely.

“You won’t,” Poornima promised, her voice steady, though her eyes glistened.

He sighed, finally laying down, tugging her into his arms as if she belonged there and nowhere else. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat. His hand stroked her back in slow, soothing motions until her breathing matched his.

Wrapped in each other’s arms, with whispered kisses and unspoken vows, they drifted into sleep—two souls at war with the world but finding peace only in each other.