Chapter 25: When the Ground Fell Away

The phone rang sharply, cutting through the heavy silence between them.

Veeresh answered without looking at the screen.

“Yes.”

There was a pause. His jaw tightened, but his voice stayed steady.

“Alright.”

The call ended.

Poornima watched him carefully. “What happened?”

“I’ve been removed,” he said simply. “Disowned. I’m no longer part of Raisinghania Industries.”

The words sounded unreal—like they belonged to someone else’s life.

Her breath caught. “Are you… okay?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he pulled her into him, resting his forehead against hers. For a moment, the armor slipped.

“It hurts,” he admitted quietly. “But I’m okay.”

He kissed her—brief, grounding. Not claiming this time. Seeking.

“Come with me,” he said. “I want to show you something. It’s time for the truth to come out.”

She searched his face. “What truth?”

“You’ll see,” he replied. “First—freshen up.”

She nodded. “Alright.”

They separated, each retreating into different rooms of the penthouse, carrying their own storms.

Poornima changed into a simple kurta, the fabric soft against her skin. She stood before the small shrine, palms pressed together, eyes closed.

Give me strength, she prayed.
Give me peace.
If this relationship must continue… let it change into something that doesn’t destroy me.

When she turned, Veeresh was there.

He held out his hand.

“Let’s go.”

She hesitated only a second before placing her hand in his. His grip was firm—but quieter now, as if even he was learning a new way to hold.

She nodded.

Together, they walked out—
toward a place Veeresh had kept hidden,
toward a truth that could either burn what remained…
or finally set it free.