The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Deewan mansion, casting golden streaks across the polished floor. Poornima’s suitcase lay open on the bed, half-packed, as she carefully folded the last of her clothes. Her heart was heavy — leaving Veeresh, even for a dream she had waited for, felt almost impossible.

Veeresh entered the room quietly, watching her from the doorway. His dark eyes softened as he observed her meticulous packing, her small sighs, and the occasional glance at him filled with quiet sadness.

> “Ruby,” he said softly, stepping closer. “Are you sure you want this? I… I mean, I want you to go, but…”

Poornima looked up, her eyes shimmering.

> “Veeresh… it’s my dream. I have to do this. But… leaving you feels impossible.”

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. For a moment, words were unnecessary; the unspoken bond they shared filled the room. Finally, he took her hand, squeezing it gently.

> “I’ll be fine… but don’t forget to call me. Anything, anytime, I’ll be there.”

At the airport, the air was crisp with excitement and nervousness. Veeresh helped her with her bag, his dark presence a comforting shadow beside her.

> “I’ll be leaving now, Ruby,” he said, voice low, almost reluctant.

Poornima’s heart raced. Without thinking, she pulled him close and pressed her lips against his. Veeresh responded immediately, deepening the kiss, his hands holding her firmly, possessively, as if he could keep her safe through this single act.

> “I love you,” Poornima whispered against his lips.

Veeresh tightened his embrace, his voice low, rough, and filled with dark affection:

> “I love you too, Ruby. Always.”

Reluctantly, she pulled back, her eyes shining with determination and excitement. She walked into the college building, heart pounding with the thrill of new beginnings. Veeresh stayed back, watching her go, a small, rare smile tugging at his lips, proud and silently protective.

As he turned to his car, the city buzzing around him, he allowed himself a rare thought:

> She’s mine… and no distance, no city, no obstacle will ever change that.

And somewhere between the hum of London streets and the future ahead, Veeresh Deewan’s dark, possessive heart carried her with him, just as surely as she carried him in hers.