Chapter 6: He Chose Her Aloud

Poornima woke up suddenly.

For a second, she didn’t understand where she was. Then she felt it—an arm around her, warm, possessive, too close. Her eyes widened as she realized Veeresh was sleeping beside her, hugging her, his face calm as if the world hadn’t collapsed the night before.

Anger surged through her.

She pushed him hard.

“Stay away from me,” she snapped.

Veeresh woke up instantly. He didn’t argue. He didn’t try to touch her again. He simply moved back, giving her space, watching the fear and hatred in her eyes without defending himself.

They got up in silence.

Poornima freshened up quickly, her hands shaking, her mind racing. She felt like a stranger in that house, in that life. When she stepped out, she hesitated at the door, fear creeping in again.

Veeresh noticed.

He held her hand gently—but firmly.

“Don’t worry,” he said in a low voice. “I’m here.”

She didn’t look at him, but she didn’t pull her hand away either.

They walked out together.

The moment his parents saw Poornima, the atmosphere turned sharp.

“This girl ruined everything!”
“Because of her, our respect is gone!”
“If she hadn’t trapped you—”

Poornima stood frozen, her head lowered, every word cutting deeper than the last.

Suddenly—

“Enough.”

Veeresh’s voice echoed through the room.

Both his parents turned, stunned by the anger and finality in his tone.

“I won’t listen to this anymore,” he said.
“Stop blaming her.”

He stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of Poornima, shielding her.

“I don’t like Sahana,” he continued, his voice steady but heavy.
“That wedding was forced on me.”

His mother gasped. His father stared in disbelief.

“I had a crush on Poornima,” he admitted.
“I liked her.”

Poornima’s head snapped up in shock.

“I married her,” Veeresh said clearly, “because of me. She didn’t know anything. She came as my guest. She didn’t ask for this. She didn’t plan this.”

His eyes burned as he looked around the room.

“So why is everyone blaming her for my mistake?” he demanded.
“If someone has to be scolded, scold me. If someone has to be punished, punish me.”

Silence fell.

Then Veeresh held Poornima’s hand tighter.

“Let’s clear one thing today,” he said firmly.
“I am never leaving her.”

He looked at his parents without fear.

“She is my wife. Nobody can change that. Nobody can do anything about that.”

Poornima stood there, stunned, her heart pounding.

She still hated him.
She still blamed him.
She still didn’t accept this marriage.

But for the first time—

Someone chose her out loud.
Someone stood between her and the world.

And that scared her almost as much as it hurts.