Chapter 32: Choosing Her Own Voice

Veeresh woke up slowly.

For a second, he just looked at her… still holding him, her fingers resting lightly as if even in sleep she hadn’t stopped caring.

Something softened in him.

He moved closer and kissed her.

Deep.

Certain.

She stirred and responded, her hand moving to him naturally, her lips meeting his without hesitation.

There was no distance left between them anymore.

Only familiarity.

Only belonging.

He pulled her closer, holding her firmly, grounding himself in her presence, in the way she stayed.

After a while, he rested his forehead against hers.

“Let’s go back to the penthouse,” he said.

She looked at him quietly.

“We can visit here once a week,” he continued. “I hate that your mother controls you like this.”

His tone wasn’t loud.

But it carried weight.

“Tell her clearly,” he said, his gaze steady. “You’re grown up. You know how to take your own decisions.”

She listened.

Silently.

“I don’t like others deciding for you,” he added. “That’s why I’m calling you back to work.”

A pause.

“You handle everything perfectly. My headaches, my routine, the house, work… everything.”

Her eyes softened slightly.

“What is your mom’s problem?” he said, a hint of frustration slipping in.

Then his voice lowered a bit.

“You told once… after kids, you’ll leave work. Until then, be independent.”

She nodded slowly.

“Make her understand, Poornima,” he said. “If not… tell her we’ll leave for the penthouse.”

A small smile appeared on her lips.

He leaned in and kissed her again.

“My mom and dad have no problem,” he said. “Talk to them. Make them understand. If I speak… it will become worse.”

She knew he was right.

He kissed her cheeks softly.

Then his expression shifted slightly.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “For slapping you.”

He applied ointment gently on her cheek, his touch careful this time.

She held his hand lightly. “It’s okay… I’ll talk to mom. But you be calm, Veer.”

She leaned forward and gave a soft peck on his lips.

He looked at her for a second.

Then, with a faint smirk, he leaned closer and left a mark on her neck.

“Don’t hide it,” he said. “Go, get tea. Show your mom.”

“Veer… no anger,” she said immediately.

“Okay,” he replied, though his eyes still held that intensity.

She took a breath.

Then got up and walked downstairs.

Toward the kitchen.

Toward the conversation she knew she couldn’t avoid anymore.

But this time…

She wasn’t confused.

She knew what she wanted.

And she was ready to say it.