Chapter 24

Poornima crossed her arms, trying to steady herself after everything he had just said.

“Listen,” she said, her tone firm but controlled. “It’s not we who decide all this, okay?”

She looked straight at him.

“By the way… who gave you permission to think all these things?”

There was a brief pause.

Then Veeresh’s lips curved slightly.

“If I tell you what I imagine…” he said slowly, watching her reaction, “you’ll beat me with slippers.”

Her eyes widened instantly.

“Gadha!” she snapped. “Shameless!”

A faint smile stayed on his face, but his tone shifted again.

“Poornima,” he said, more serious now, “I am not joking.”

That made her expression change.

The irritation didn’t leave—but something else came in.

“Veeresh, listen,” she said, her voice lowering slightly. “I have a lot of problems. A lot of insecurities. Okay?”

A pause.

“So please… stop all this.”

For a second—

He didn’t interrupt.

Then he stepped closer.

“I’ll remove all of that,” he said, his voice steady. “Just believe me, eletem.”

She shook her head slightly, unsure.

“If I ever break you… or hurt you,” he continued, “it will be me who fixes it. Me who brings you back.”

His gaze didn’t leave hers.

“So please… don’t push me away.”

A brief silence.

“I can’t see you with others,” he added, quieter now.

She exhaled, almost frustrated.

“He is married,” she said. “Pavan.”

Veeresh’s expression didn’t change much.

A small, knowing smile appeared.

“Still,” he said calmly, “stay away as much as possible.”

Before she could respond—

He stepped forward again.

This time, his hand held her firmly, pulling her just enough—

And he kissed her.

Deep.

Certain.

Unwavering.

Not rushed.

Not hesitant.

A statement.

When he pulled back, his forehead brushed lightly against hers.

“I’m waiting,” he said softly.

Her breath was uneven, but her gaze stayed strong.

“Wait,” she replied.

Two words.

Not rejection.

Not acceptance.

Something in between.

And for now—

That was enough.