Chapter 22: Shadows That Didn’t Leave

The party hall was bright, filled with music, laughter, and unfamiliar faces, but Veeresh walked in like he owned the space, his presence steady, his hand firmly around Poornima’s waist.

“Guys,” he said, pulling her slightly closer. “This is my wife… Poornima.”

There was pride in his voice.

Not hesitation.

Not explanation.

Just certainty.

“Bhabhi!” one of them smiled warmly. “Finally!”

Poornima smiled softly, greeting them with a small nod, trying to ease into the moment, trying to stay present.

Veeresh didn’t move his hand.

It stayed on her waist.

Firm.

Reassuring.

She felt it.

And she liked it.

For a moment, everything felt… normal.

Until it didn’t.

Her eyes shifted across the room casually—

And then froze.

Her breath caught.

Him.

Standing there.

Her ex-husband.

The noise around her faded instantly, the laughter turning distant, the lights too bright, her chest tightening as memories rushed back without warning.

The cruelty.

The fear.

The helplessness.

Her fingers gripped Veeresh’s arm suddenly.

“Veer…” her voice came out low, shaken. “Let’s leave… please.”

He looked at her instantly.

One look at her face…

And he didn’t ask anything else.

“Let’s go,” he said firmly.

No questions.

No delay.

He held her and walked out immediately, his grip protective, his pace steady but quick enough to take her away from that place.

The ride back was silent.

Not heavy.

But careful.

Veeresh didn’t speak.

He just drove.

Reaching home, Poornima got down quickly and walked inside, her steps uneven, her breath still not steady.

She went straight to the washroom, turning on the tap and splashing water on her face again and again.

Her reflection blurred.

Her mind didn’t stop.

Flashes.

Voices.

Moments she had buried.

Coming back.

All at once.

“No…” she whispered, holding the sink tightly.

Outside, Veeresh followed immediately, stopping at the door.

“Noor…” his voice was softer now. “What happened?”

She turned slightly, her eyes filled, her voice breaking.

“I saw him…”

A pause.

“And I remembered… everything.”

Before he could step forward—

Her body gave in.

She fainted.