Chapter 30: Words That Wound

The night did not settle easily inside him.

Even after everything she said… even after the way she held him, explained, stayed… the thoughts did not leave Veeresh.

He lay beside her, his arm wrapped tightly around her, pulling her closer than usual.

His hold was not gentle.

It was firm.

Almost like he was afraid she might slip away.

His mind kept circling back.

What if…

What if she had accepted this marriage only because she had no choice?

What if somewhere, she and Pavan had already decided things?

What if he had just stepped into a place that was never meant for him?

His grip around her tightened unconsciously.

Poornima shifted slightly in her sleep, but didn’t wake.

She moved closer instead.

Trusting.

Without fear.

That only made his thoughts heavier.

He buried his face near her shoulder, closing his eyes forcefully.

He didn’t want to think.

But he couldn’t stop.

Somewhere between those restless thoughts and her steady presence beside him—

He fell asleep.

Still holding her.

As if that was the only way he could stay grounded.

Morning came quietly.

Poornima woke up first.

She felt his arm around her, tight, possessive, like he hadn’t let go even in sleep.

For a moment, she just stayed there.

Then slowly, carefully, she moved his hand aside and sat up.

Before she could even gather herself—

His voice came.

Cold.

“I will divorce you.”

The words hit her before she could even fully wake up.

She froze.

Her heart dropped.

She turned toward him.

But he had already gotten up.

He didn’t look at her.

Didn’t wait.

He just walked away to freshen up.

Poornima sat there, still.

Her mind blank.

Her chest heavy.

The words repeated.

Divorce you.

Her fingers tightened slightly over the bedsheet.

Her eyes filled… but she didn’t cry.

Not yet.

Because somewhere inside—

She knew.

She would not leave him.

No matter what he said.

Downstairs, the morning routine had begun.

Lakshmi was in the kitchen when Veeresh came down.

“Tea,” he said.

Before she could respond, she looked at Poornima who had just entered.

“Beta, you give him tea.”

Poornima nodded softly. “Yes, Ma.”

She turned toward the kitchen.

“Stop.”

His voice was sharp.

Everyone froze.

“I asked you for tea,” Veeresh said, looking at Lakshmi. “Not her.”

Lakshmi blinked, confused. “Veer—”

“Why the hell are you telling her to bring it?” he snapped.

The words cut through the room.

Poornima stood still.

Lakshmi looked at him, hurt.

“If you can’t give me,” he continued, his voice hard, “then don’t. I’ll walk away. I won’t ask you again.”

“Veeresh!” Raju’s voice came, firm. “Behave. Don’t talk to your mother like this.”

He laughed bitterly.

“Behave?” he repeated. “All my life has been decided by you all.”

The words carried years inside them.

Before anyone could respond—

He pushed the chair back loudly.

The sound echoed.

And he walked out.

Lighting a cigarette as he went.

No one moved.

Silence filled the house.

Lakshmi stood there, shaken.

“Beta…” she looked at Poornima. “Something happened yesterday at the party?”

Poornima shook her head gently. “No, Amma.”

Siddharth’s voice came, steady but sharp. “Don’t lie, Poornima.”

She looked at him.

Then lowered her gaze slightly.

“No, Appa.”

She didn’t say anything more.

Because she couldn’t.

Because whatever happened…

Was not something she would expose.

Not him.

Not like this.

She quietly went inside, packed her things, and got ready.

Her movements were slow.

Controlled.

But inside—

She was breaking.

Still, she held herself together.

Because she had decided.

No matter how much he pushed her away—

She would not leave.

She picked up her bag.

Walked out.

And left for the office.

Carrying his words with her.

But not letting them decide her.