Chapter 29: Marked With Care

The room slowly fell into silence after, the kind that comes when everything has been felt, not rushed, not forced.

Poornima lay against him, her body tired, her breathing soft and even as sleep slowly took over her.

Veeresh watched her for a moment, his hand resting gently on her back, making sure she was comfortable before carefully adjusting himself so she wouldn’t wake.

She slept.

Peacefully.

Something he hadn’t seen in her before.

His gaze softened… and then hardened for a brief second.

“Pavan…” he muttered under his breath. “You’re dead.”

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

Just a quiet promise.

After a while, he ordered lunch and stepped out briefly to collect it, returning quickly, not wanting to leave her alone for long.

When he came back, she was still asleep, wrapped in his presence, unaware of everything around her.

He sat beside her again, his eyes falling on the faint marks on her skin.

His expression changed instantly.

“My Noor…” he whispered softly.

His fingers traced near them gently, not touching harshly, just acknowledging what she had gone through.

He leaned down and kissed her lightly, careful, almost protective.

“Wake up…” he murmured softly.

Poornima stirred, her eyes opening slowly, still heavy with sleep.

“Veer…”

He smiled faintly. “Come.”

He helped her sit up and handed her one of his shirts.

“Wear this.”

She looked at him for a second, then quietly slipped into it, the fabric loose around her, carrying his warmth.

He watched her, a certain softness mixed with something more possessive in his eyes.

“You’re only mine,” he said quietly. “I am possessive for you, Noor.”

She didn’t argue.

She just smiled.

He opened the food and pulled her closer again, making her sit beside him.

“Eat,” he said.

He picked up a slice of pizza, taking a bite first, then bringing it toward her.

She leaned in and took a small bite, their movements slow, unhurried.

He smiled slightly and leaned forward, kissing her again, gentle, lingering.

Poornima closed her eyes for a moment, feeling it.

Not rushed.

Not overwhelming.

Just… his.

She leaned into him again, resting lightly against his shoulder.

There was a quiet happiness in her now.

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

But steady.

Like something inside her was finally settling into place.