Chapter: Dreams Put on Hold

Morning light filled the room softly.

They freshened up in quiet comfort, moving around each other with an ease that hadn’t existed before. As Veeresh adjusted his watch, he looked at Poornima with a small, thoughtful smile.

“I have a dream to fulfill,” he said suddenly.
“A wish… and it will be fulfilled in Paris.”

Poornima looked at him, curious.
“What is it?”

Instead of answering, Veeresh stepped closer. He gently took the saree from her hands and began draping it around her, careful and slow, as if each pleat mattered. Her breath caught—not from surprise, but from the closeness.

He back-hugged her lightly, resting his chin near her temple, and kissed her there.

“You’ll know when we reach there,” he whispered.

A soft peck on her lips followed—brief, reassuring—before he smiled and walked away to freshen up, leaving her standing there, heart racing with questions and warmth.

Downstairs, the house was already awake.

Devraj looked at Poornima kindly.
“Beta, can you get coffee?”

“Yes, uncle,” she replied.

She made the coffee herself and served it to him. Breakfast followed—simple, familiar.

Then Devraj cleared his throat.

“Veeresh… you and Poornima won’t be going to Paris.”

The words landed heavily.

Veeresh looked up. “What happened, dad?”

“There’s a deal coming through,” Devraj said firmly. “I need you here.”

Ravi immediately spoke up.
“Dad, let him go. Rehan and I can handle it.”

Devraj shook his head. “No.”

Gayathri’s lips curved into a small smile she didn’t bother hiding. Rehan, however, looked disappointed.

Poornima’s heart sank—not for herself, but for him.

He shared that dream with me this morning, she thought.
And now…

Quietly, she reached for Veeresh’s hand and held it. The gesture was small, but grounding.

Devraj stood up. “I’ll be in the study.”

As he walked away, Veeresh turned to Poornima.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

She shook her head immediately.
“It’s alright,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Go. Dad is calling you.”

He searched her face, then nodded.
“Alright.”

As he walked away, Poornima remained seated, still holding onto the warmth of his hand—knowing some dreams wait, but don’t disappear.