Chapter 10 – Proposals & Silence

The Rao living room was warm that evening, the ceiling fan spinning lazily while Poornima’s mother shuffled through a stack of glossy photographs.

“Poornima,” her father began gently, “it’s time we think about your marriage. We’ve spoken to a few families.”

Her mother laid the photos on the table — young men in formal shirts, posed smiles captured by studio lights. “Look at them. See which one you feel better about.”

Poornima leaned forward, her fingers brushing across the glossy surfaces. She didn’t flinch, didn’t argue, didn’t refuse. Her voice was calm, her smile soft.

“You both decide. Whichever feels better for you.”

Her parents exchanged a glance, relief flickering in their eyes. “Alright, we will,” her father said, pride in his voice.

But when she excused herself to her room, her chest felt heavier than she admitted.

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Later that night, she dialed a familiar number.

“Veeresh?”

His deep voice answered almost instantly. “Hmm.”

She hesitated a moment before saying it. “I got a few proposals today. My parents… they’re looking.”

For a beat, silence stretched across the line. She almost thought the call had dropped — until his voice came, flat, unreadable.

“Good.”

Her breath caught. Just that one word. No reaction. No teasing. No anger.

They spoke a little more — about the project deadlines, about trivial things that filled the gaps — and then the line went dead with a quiet click.

Poornima set her phone down, staring at the ceiling. A small ache pressed at her heart. Why did his silence feel heavier than any words?

And across the city, in the dark of his mansion, Veeresh sat with his cigarette burning low, his jaw clenched.

Good? The word tasted like ash on his tongue.

In his mind, there was only one vow:

I don’t care how many proposals come your way, Poornima. You’re mine.