Chapter 22: The First Step

Inside the office, Veeresh introduced her to everyone—one by one.

“This is my wife, Poornima.”

Each time he said it, he watched her carefully. She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t correct him. She simply smiled politely, greeting his teammates and his manager with quiet respect.

“Nice to meet you,” she said calmly, her voice steady.

His colleagues welcomed her warmly, impressed by her simplicity and composure. Veeresh noticed how naturally she fit into the space—not loud, not withdrawn—just present.

They all sat together for dinner.

Veeresh spoke animatedly about the new project—how the team had worked late nights, how the client had finally approved it, and how that success was the reason for the party. He talked with enthusiasm, his eyes occasionally drifting toward her.

Poornima listened quietly.

She didn’t interrupt.
She didn’t pretend interest.

She just listened.

And that alone made him happy.

“She came,” he thought again.
“And she stayed.”

Later that night, they left together.

The ride home was peaceful—no heavy words, no awkward silence. Just tired bodies and calmer minds.

At home, they changed into comfortable clothes and lay down.

Veeresh waited.

A small, unspoken hope lingered in his chest—that she might turn toward him, that her arms might find him the way they had the night before.

But she didn’t.

She turned away and fell asleep quietly.

Veeresh smiled faintly to himself.

“It’s okay,” he thought.
“Everything needs time.”

He turned off the light, careful not to disturb her.

And as sleep finally took him, he felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time—

Patience.