Poornima walked briskly toward her car, saree pleats swaying with every step. She wanted distance, she wanted air—but Veeresh was faster. He slid into the seat beside her, closing the door before she could protest.

“Poornima… please,” he said softly, his eyes searching her face.

Her gaze hardened. “Why, Veeresh? To break me into pieces again? I’m not ready to get broken anymore.”

Her words were sharp, but Veeresh didn’t flinch. Instead, he reached across, cupped her cheek, and pressed his lips against hers. It wasn’t anger this time—it was deep, raw, passionate. A kiss that begged for forgiveness, a kiss that spoke the words he couldn’t string together.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. “Please,” he whispered again, almost desperate.

Poornima’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She didn’t answer. She couldn’t.

Veeresh’s hand found hers, his grip firm yet gentle. She didn’t pull away. She didn’t hold him back either—but her silence was enough to shake him.

A faint, broken smile touched his lips. “That’s enough for me,” he said, almost to himself.

Poornima finally spoke, her voice low but steady. “Are you planning something, Veeresh?”

He looked straight into her eyes, his tone certain. “The only plan I have is to make this marriage forever.”

Her heart skipped, but she quickly looked away, refusing to let him see the storm inside her. The car moved forward, carrying them both in silence—two hearts battling pride, pain, and love in the same space.