Chapter 73 — He Promised to Stay

Poornima sat across from the doctor, her fingers clenched together so tightly that her knuckles had turned pale. The room smelled of antiseptic and fear—fear she hadn’t allowed herself to name until now.

The doctor spoke gently, professionally, but every word landed like a weight on her chest.

“Madam, his almond allergy caused a severe reaction. It affected his internal system badly—there was heavy blood loss. If he had reached us even a little later…”
The doctor paused, choosing his words carefully. “We would have lost him.”

Poornima’s breath caught.

“But… he’ll be alright, right?” she asked, her voice barely audible, as if saying it louder might invite fate to argue.

“Yes,” the doctor nodded. “He survived. But he needs intense care. Almonds must be kept completely away from him. No exceptions. His body has taken a toll—it will take time.”

She nodded quickly. “Sure, doctor. I’ll take care. I promise.”

She stood up on unsteady legs, thanking him, but the moment she stepped out of the cabin, her composure shattered. Tears spilled freely as she leaned against the wall, pressing a hand to her mouth to stop herself from sobbing out loud.

If I was even a minute late…
The thought alone made her knees weak.

Her mind replayed that moment again—him lying unconscious, blood lost, body weak—and yet, even then, he had whispered her name.
Poons.
And the words that followed had pierced her heart deeper than pain:
You make the best kheer.

She wiped her tears quickly and walked back to his room, forcing strength into her steps.

Veeresh noticed her the moment she entered. His eyes searched her face instantly.
“What did the doctor say?” he asked.

She tried to answer calmly. “You need intense care.”

He studied her for a second, then said softly but firmly, “Look at me, Poornima.”

She did.

“Come here,” he said, shifting slightly. “Lie down beside me.”

She hesitated only for a second before slipping onto the bed carefully. Veeresh pulled her closer, his fingers intertwining with hers as if anchoring himself to life through her. One hand rested gently on her growing belly, protective, reverent.

His voice was weak, but his resolve was unshakeable.

“Veeresh will never leave you,” he said.
“I won’t die so easily—not until I’ve completed all my responsibilities. Not until I’ve loved you enough, protected our children enough, lived this life fully.”

Poornima’s tears fell silently onto his chest.

“You are my home,” he continued, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “And I don’t walk away from home.”

She pressed her forehead against his shoulder, her voice breaking.
“I was so scared, Veer.”

“I know,” he whispered. “But I’m here.”

She looked up at him, eyes filled with love and relief.
“I love you.”

He smiled faintly, kissed her hair, and replied,
“I love you too, Poornima.”

In that hospital room—surrounded by white walls and quiet machines—life had returned to them. Not perfectly, not easily, but fiercely.

And this time, he promised to stay.