Chapter 31: The Promise Between Departures

Morning arrived heavy and unresolved.

Veeresh sat at the edge of the bed, already distant. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady—too steady.

“One year,” he said. “We won’t contact each other. You won’t contact me. I won’t tell you where I’m going. I need this—for myself.”

Poornima’s breath caught. “Veer, please don’t do this. Why are you hurting me like this? What did I do?”

He didn’t look at her. “I need space, Poornima. Wait for me.”

He turned, pulled out a folder, and placed it on the bed.

Divorce papers.

“I’ve signed,” he said quietly. “You can be free.”

The word free snapped something inside her. She stood and slapped him—pain, anger, disbelief crashing together.

“Why are you doing this?” she cried. “Then why did you marry me?”

He swallowed. “I can’t explain.”

She wiped her tears, forcing herself to breathe. “Alright,” she said finally. “You need space—I’ll give it. But promise me one thing.”

He looked up.

“Come back on our first anniversary,” she said. “Promise me.”

For a long second, the world held its breath.

“Yes,” he said. “I promise.”

“Why this space?” she asked, softer now.

“For me,” he replied. “And for us. If we’re going to survive, it has to be built better than this.”

She nodded, fragile hope flickering to life. She stepped closer and kissed his forehead. “Take care of yourself. The company—everything—will be okay.”

He pulled her gently into his lap, kissed her deeply—slow, grounding, goodbye wrapped in familiarity. When he pulled back, his eyes were resolute.

“Take care,” he said.

Then he left.

The door closed behind him, carrying secrets only he knew—where he was going, and what he planned to face alone. Poornima stood in the quiet, holding onto a promise and a date on the calendar, believing—because believing was all she had left.