Chapter 8: Smiles That Hid the Truth

Poornima was fast asleep when her phone buzzed softly beside her.

Her eyes opened slowly, still heavy with sleep.

A message.

From Veeresh.

Tea. Maggi. To my room.

She stared at it for a second.

Then simply replied—Okay.

The house was silent as she stepped out of her room.

Everyone had gone to sleep.

The lights were dim, the corridors empty.

She moved quietly to the kitchen, careful not to make any noise.

Boiling water… adding ginger… letting the tea turn strong.

Just the way he liked.

Then maggi—simple, quick.

But she still made it properly.

Not rushed.

Not careless.

Once done, she washed the vessels, wiping everything clean, leaving no trace behind.

Like she was never there.

She carried the tray upstairs, her steps soft.

Reaching his door, she entered and quietly locked it from inside.

“Veeresh… your tea and maggi,” she said gently.

He was at his desk, but he turned immediately.

Without a word, he walked toward her.

Picked up the cup.

Took a sip.

Then the maggi.

A few silent minutes passed as he ate.

She stood there, watching him quietly.

When he finished, he placed the plate aside… and then, without saying anything, handed her something.

She looked down.

Coconut barfi.

Her favorite.

A small, genuine smile appeared on her face.

“Thanks,” she said softly.

He didn’t respond.

But his eyes lingered for a second.

That was enough.

He lay down, resting his head on her lap again.

Like always.

Like it belonged there.

She adjusted slightly, her fingers moving into his hair, gently massaging.

No words.

Just silence.

Comfortable.

Familiar.

Within minutes, his breathing slowed.

He fell asleep.

Her fingers continued for a while…

Then slowly stilled.

And she too drifted off.

Right there.

With him on her lap.

Morning.

A knock.

Poornima’s eyes opened suddenly.

Her heart skipped.

She quickly shook him lightly. “Veeresh… wake up…”

He opened his eyes instantly.

Alert.

He got up without wasting a second. “Wait.”

He walked to the door and opened it.

Lakshmi stood outside.

“Good morning,” she said warmly.

“Morning, mom.”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t wake up early today,” she said. “I had severe back pain yesterday, so I took a tablet and slept.”

“It’s okay, mom,” he replied calmly.

“Did you eat dinner?” she asked, concerned.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “I prepared maggi.”

She looked relieved. “Okay… I was worried.”

“Don’t say sorry,” he added. “It’s fine.”

She smiled slightly… then said, “Get married soon.”

“Mom…” he sighed lightly.

She laughed it off. “Okay, okay.”

Then suddenly, “Did you see Poornima? Riya is searching for her. Today is the engagement.”

A brief pause.

“She must have gone for a jog,” he said smoothly. “She’ll come.”

Lakshmi nodded. “Hmm… okay. You get ready and come down.”

He nodded.

She left.

—

He closed the door and turned.

Poornima was already standing, tense.

“Go,” he said quietly, pointing toward the balcony.

Her room.

Connected.

She nodded.

Without a word, she slipped out through the balcony and went back to her room.

She freshened up quickly.

Wore a simple dress.

Looked at herself in the mirror.

Everything looked normal.

Except her eyes.

Veeresh got ready too.

But instead of going downstairs—

He walked out.

Straight to the office.

“I won’t attend the function,” he said before leaving.

Downstairs, the house was filled with people.

Smiles.

Voices.

Preparations.

Poornima sat beside Pavan, her face calm.

Controlled.

The priest began the rituals.

“Exchange the rings.”

Pavan slipped the ring onto her finger.

She did the same.

Applause.

Blessings.

“After twenty days, there is a good auspicious date,” the priest announced.

The date was fixed.

Final.

Everyone looked happy.

Satisfied.

Except her.

Poornima smiled when people looked at her.

Nodded when they spoke.

Sat quietly where she was told.

But inside—

Nothing felt right.

Pavan leaned closer slightly. “You should smile more. People are watching.”

She forced a small smile.

But something about his tone…

His control…

It didn’t feel right.

Her fingers curled slightly in her lap.

Her heart whispered again—

This isn’t what you want.

But her lips stayed silent.

Amid all the noise, all the celebrations

Poornima closed her eyes for a brief second.

And prayed.

Please… stop this marriage.

Not loudly.

Not desperately.

Just… quietly.

Like everything else she felt.

—

And no one heard her.

Except maybe…

Fate.