Chapter 3: Veeresh Ka Noor

Veeresh stood in front of her, his gaze steady, no hesitation, no confusion, just a quiet certainty that made the silence between them heavier than words.

“I want to marry you.”

Poornima’s eyes widened, the calm she held cracking for the first time. “What…?”

“I want to marry you,” he repeated, just as simply.

She shook her head slightly, trying to process it. “Veeresh… you’re 22.”

A pause.

“I’m 30.”

“I know,” he said without missing a beat.

“That doesn’t bother you?” she asked, her voice lower now, searching.

He stepped closer, his tone calm. “No.”

The answer was too direct, too firm to argue with.

Before she could respond, he picked up the mehendi cone lying beside her, gently taking her hand into his.

“Veeresh…” she whispered, startled.

He didn’t reply, just focused, his fingers steady as he began writing slowly on her palm.

She watched him, unable to move, unable to speak.

The cool mehendi traced letters against her skin.

Veeresh ka Noor.

Her breath hitched slightly.

He placed the cone aside, then quietly slipped his hand into his pocket, taking out a simple gold ring.

“This…” he said softly, holding it up for a second, “I bought it with my first salary.”

Her eyes lifted to his.

“I didn’t think I’d use it like this,” he added, a faint smile touching his lips.

Before she could react, he held her hand again and gently slid the ring onto her finger.

The moment felt still, almost unreal.

Poornima stared at her hand, then at him, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re doing this too fast…”

He looked at her, not denying it. “Maybe… but I’m not confused.”

She had no answer.

He reached forward, carefully removing a few of her heavy jewellery pieces, setting them aside one by one, his touch respectful, unhurried.

“This is too much,” he murmured.

She stood there, letting him, not because she agreed, but because something in his actions felt… grounding.

When he stepped back, he looked at her again, this time with a softness that hadn’t been there before.

“My Noor is looking good,” he said quietly.

Her eyes flickered.

“Come down,” he added. “I’ll be waiting.”

And just like that, he turned and walked away.

No pressure. No explanation.

Just certainty.

Poornima stood frozen, her heart beating louder than before, her mind trying to catch up with everything that had just happened.

Her gaze slowly dropped to her hand.

Veeresh ka Noor.

The words felt warm against her skin.

The ring… heavier than its weight.

Something unfamiliar stirred within her, something she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in a long time.

Not hope.

Not yet.

But… something close.

After a long moment, she took a breath, adjusting her veil slightly, her fingers brushing over the letters again.

Then she walked.

Each step steady, yet carrying a quiet shift inside her.

Down the stairs.

Into the mandap.

Where Veeresh sat waiting.

He looked up the moment she arrived.

No surprise.

As if he already knew.

Poornima didn’t say anything.

She simply walked forward… and sat beside him.