Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was light and celebratory. Veeresh’s teammates gathered with their wives, exchanging gifts and small tokens after the match. Laughter echoed, and the mood was cheerful — a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of Veeresh at home.

Poornima watched from a distance, clutching a small velvet box in her hand. She wanted to give him something too — a token, a gesture, a bridge between them — but hesitated. Veeresh was always so composed, so untouchable, she didn’t know if he would even notice.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.

“Sister, you brought the bracelet, right? Where is it?”

It was Ray, Veeresh’s close friend and teammate.

Veeresh glanced at him, a faint frown forming. “What are you telling her, Ray?”

Ray smirked. “Shut up, Veeresh,” he muttered. Then, turning to Poornima, he said softly, “I told her about our little ritual — after every game, wives gift something to their husbands, whether they win or lose. Go on… do it.”

Poornima’s lips curved in a small, grateful smile. Thank you, Ray, she thought silently.

She took a deep breath, opening the velvet box to reveal the bracelet — delicate, elegant, yet meaningful. A tiny moon, stars, and infinity charm sparkled under the locker room lights.

Heart pounding, she walked up to Veeresh. “I… I wanted to give you this,” she said softly, holding out the bracelet.

Veeresh glanced down at the gift, his expression unreadable. He didn’t smile, he didn’t speak — he just allowed her to tie the bracelet around his wrist. His dark eyes met hers for a fraction of a second, calm and unyielding, but not unfeeling.

As she finished, a strange warmth bloomed in her chest. Inside, she felt a small surge of happiness — a secret victory. He hadn’t rejected her. He hadn’t scolded her. He had simply allowed it, and that was enough.

Veeresh adjusted the bracelet on his wrist and returned his gaze to the team, silent, composed, untouched — yet somehow, the simple act had bridged a tiny gap between them.

Poornima stepped back, hiding her smile, but her heart swelled. In that quiet moment, she realized: even the smallest gesture could reach him — if she was patient, careful, and sincere.

And for the first time in a long while, she felt hope bloom quietly within her heart.