Chapter 27: The One He Called

Poornima was still awake, her phone in her hand, her thoughts refusing to settle, when the screen lit up.

Veer.

She picked it up immediately.

Before she could say anything, his voice came, direct and quick, “Five minutes. Wear a black saree. Bring the tablet. I sent you the address. Come soon.”

The call ended.

She didn’t even get a chance to respond.

For a second, she just looked at the phone.

Then something inside her moved.

Not confusion.

Not hesitation.

Clarity.

She stood up instantly.

Her hands went to her wardrobe, pulling out a black saree. It was simple, elegant, nothing too heavy. She draped it quickly, her fingers steady, her mind focused only on one thing.

He had called her.

That meant he needed her.

She picked up the tablets, checked them once, and held them tightly in her hand. Without wasting another moment, she booked a cab and left.

The entire ride, her eyes stayed on the road ahead.

Her heart beat faster than usual.

Not out of fear.

But urgency.

It took her almost an hour.

When she finally reached, the noise of the party spilled out even before she entered.

For a moment, she paused at the entrance.

Then she stepped in.

His eyes found her immediately.

Like he was waiting.

Relief passed through his face, subtle but real.

He walked straight to her without saying anything and held her hand.

Firm.

Assured.

He didn’t let go.

He led her inside, through the crowd, through the noise, straight into his space.

She stayed beside him, matching his steps, her presence calm.

She handed him the tablet quietly.

“Take it,” she said softly.

He didn’t argue.

He took it immediately.

That itself said enough.

He turned slightly toward the group around him. “This is Poornima,” he said.

A pause.

“My wife.”

His hand moved to her waist, holding her there naturally.

Not for show.

Not for display.

But like she belonged there.

Poornima looked at them and smiled gently.

“Hi,” she said softly.

They greeted her, a little surprised, a little curious, but respectful.

She didn’t feel uncomfortable.

Because he didn’t leave her side.

His hand remained there.

Steady.

Grounding.

After some time, he picked up a glass.

Whiskey.

She noticed immediately.

“Only one,” he said, almost as if answering her unspoken concern.

She nodded. “Okay.”

He took a small sip, then looked at her.

There was something serious in his eyes now.

“My ex will come,” he said.

Poornima’s expression didn’t change, but she listened carefully.

“And if she speaks some nonsense…” he paused slightly, “…I’ll get angry.”

He looked away for a second, then back at her.

“I don’t want that.”

There was honesty in his voice.

Raw.

Unfiltered.

“So I called you.”

A quiet silence stayed between them.

His grip on her waist tightened just a little.

“I can trust you.”

Those words landed deeper than anything else.

Poornima looked at him.

There was no doubt in her eyes.

No questions.

No insecurity.

Only understanding.

“I’m here,” she said softly.

That was all.

But it carried everything.

Her hand moved slightly, resting over his where it held her.

A silent reassurance.

You won’t lose control.

You won’t be alone.

I’m here.

Veeresh looked at her for a moment longer.

Something inside him steadied.

The noise around them didn’t matter anymore.

The people didn’t matter.

Because in the middle of all that chaos

He had what he needed.

And Poornima stood beside him, calm, strong, quietly holding him together in a way no one else could.