Veeresh sat on the edge of the bed, a cigarette in hand, smoke curling lazily toward the ceiling. His mind was heavy, a storm of anger, pain, and old memories.

Poornima quietly entered the room, her steps gentle, her heart full of determination. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, resting her head on his back.

“Veeresh… listen,” she whispered softly. “Please don’t be angry.”

He didn’t respond at first, the tension in his shoulders betraying his struggle.

She continued, her voice trembling slightly. “Your mom… she doesn’t have much time left. She’s suffering… stage three cancer. She wants to meet you, Veeresh. Please… please meet her. She’s asking for you.”

The words hit him like a jolt. His jaw tightened, his eyes fixed on the smoke rising from the cigarette. For a moment, silence hung heavily between them.

Poornima leaned closer, her voice firmer yet tender. “Please… for me, for you… face her. She’s your mother, and she’s suffering. She deserves this.”

Veeresh finally turned, his eyes meeting hers. The anger softened, replaced by a deep, conflicted pain. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and said, “Fine.”

Poornima’s heart leapt, and she felt tears threaten to spill, but she held back, brushing her hands over his chest gently.

Veeresh reached up, cupping her face in his hands, and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “I’m sorry for slapping you,” he whispered.

Poornima smiled faintly, resting her forehead against his. “It’s alright… but tomorrow… we’ll meet her,” she said softly, hope threading through her words.

Veeresh nodded, his lips brushing against her temple. “Okay,” he murmured, finally letting go of the storm within.

He pulled her close into his arms, the world outside disappearing. Together, they lay down, her head resting against his chest. The warmth of their closeness, the steady beat of his heart, and the unspoken understanding between them enveloped the room.

For the first time in a long while, Veeresh felt a measure of peace. And Poornima… she knew that love, patience, and courage could heal even the deepest wounds.