Chapter 59

In the Quiet of Us

The night wrapped around the London penthouse softly as all three returned home.

Inayat was still excited, talking about lights, dresses, and how “Papa fought like a hero,” until sleep slowly pulled her into dreams.

Veeresh smiled at her innocence.

“Tomorrow,” he said while loosening his watch, “I’ll show you both London properly… the Thames, the places I stayed, everything.”

Poornima smiled.

This wasn’t just sightseeing.

It was him opening chapters of his past to include her.

Inayat slept between them, hugging her soft toy.

But when Poornima sat at the edge of the bed, her smile faded slightly.

Her feet were aching.

Seven months pregnant.

Long evening.

Heavy saree.

Unspoken exhaustion.

She quietly took out the ointment and began applying it, trying not to disturb anyone.

Veeresh noticed.

“What happened?” he asked, voice immediately serious.

“Nothing… just little pain,” she replied casually.

He didn’t respond with words.

He simply moved closer.

Gently took her foot into his hands.

Applied the ointment himself.

Slowly.

Carefully.

His fingers pressing just enough to ease the strain.

She froze for a second.

This man who once built walls… was now kneeling in front of her without ego.

“You don’t have to…” she whispered.

He looked up briefly.

“I want to.”

There was no drama.

No intensity.

Just care.

Real care.

When he finished, he leaned forward and placed a soft peck on her lips.

Not hungry.

Not demanding.

Just reassurance.

Then he pulled her beside him, adjusting the pillow behind her back so she could sleep comfortably.

Inayat turned in sleep and wrapped her tiny hand around Poornima’s saree.

Veeresh placed his arm around both of them.

A circle.

Complete.

Tonight there were no fears.

No past.

No rivals.

Just three heartbeats in one room.

And peace.

—

One line:
Kabhi kabhi pyaar shor nahi karta… bas dard ko chupchaap kam kar deta hai.