Chapter: Small Steps, Quiet Promises

The smell of fresh food filled the penthouse as Veeresh walked in with the lunch tray, careful not to spill anything. He placed it gently on the table near the window.

“I tried,” he said simply.

Poornima looked at him for a second, then smiled faintly and began eating. After a few bites, she nodded.

“It’s tasty.”

That one sentence made him smile more than any praise ever had. He leaned in and pecked her lips lightly, unhurried, affectionate. She smiled back—soft, real.

After lunch, Veeresh sat beside her.

“Poornima,” he said carefully, “you can join PV or VD whenever you feel ready. Even now, if you want.”

She shook her head gently.

“Veer… I’m not ready yet,” she admitted.
“But I know you’ll take care of everything until then.”

He nodded immediately.
“Always remember—you can come anytime. No pressure.”

Her smile returned, grateful and warm.

Before leaving, she bent down to hug Simba and Thor, who circled her excitedly.

“Be good,” she whispered, rubbing their heads.

Soon, they left for the Devraj mansion together.

That evening, laughter echoed through the house as Devraj and his wife announced the honeymoon plans.

“Paris,” Devraj said with a smile.
“For Rehan–Gayathri… and Veeresh–Poornima.”

Veeresh nodded. “Alright.”

Poornima paused for a second, then said softly, “Okay.”

Rehan smiled. Gayathri agreed too—but her eyes clearly showed she wasn’t pleased.

Later, Veeresh turned to Poornima.

“I need to leave tonight,” he said.
“One investor is available now. We also have a meeting in the morning. I’ll be back by then.”

Poornima nodded. “Have dinner and go.”

Downstairs, they ate quietly. Nothing dramatic—just comfort.

As he stood to leave, Veeresh squeezed her hand gently.

It wasn’t said aloud, but she understood.

I’m here. I’ll come back.

She watched him leave, then returned to the room. Sleep didn’t come easily. Her thoughts drifted—his care, his patience, the way he looked at her like she mattered.

She smiled to herself, hugging the pillow lightly.

“It’s okay,” she whispered.
“Thinking about your husband is allowed.”

With that thought, her mind finally eased—and she fell asleep.