Chapter: On Her Terms

Poornima met Veeresh the next day.

Her face was calm, but her heart was steady now.
She had thought this through.

“I’ll say yes,” she said.
“But I have conditions.”

Veeresh didn’t interrupt.
He waited.

“First,” Poornima said clearly,
“my work stays mine. My restaurants, my baking—no interference, no control.”

He nodded.
“Always.”

“Second,” she continued,
“I won’t tolerate insults—about my colour, my background, or my profession.
From you. Or from anyone.”

“If that ever happens,” she added, voice firm,
“I will walk away.”

Veeresh met her eyes.
“I accept.”

“Third,” she said softly now,
“this marriage will not cage me. I need space. Time. Growth.”

He answered immediately.
“You’ll have it.”

“And lastly,” she said, taking a breath,
“don’t force love. If it comes, it comes.
If it doesn’t—respect that too.”

There was silence.

Then Veeresh smiled—not triumphant, not arrogant.
Certain.

“I accept all of it,” he said.

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

“I won’t force you to love me,” he said honestly.
“But I will make you feel safe enough to choose me.”

Poornima’s throat tightened.

Inside, Veeresh made a quiet vow—

I will break her fears.
Not her spirit.

I’ll make her fall in love—
without fear, without doubt, without losing herself.

He looked at her and said aloud,

“We’ll walk slowly. Together.”

Poornima nodded.

For the first time, her yes didn’t feel like surrender.

It felt like strength.