Chapter 42: In Pain, In Care

Veeresh did not step back.

Not even for a second.

Poornima winced again, her hand pressing against her chest, her breathing uneven.

“It hurts, Veer…” she whispered.

“I know,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the urgency inside him.

He moved quickly but carefully.

He brought a bowl of warm water and a clean cloth, just like the doctor had advised. Sitting beside her, he dipped the cloth and gently placed it over the area, his movements slow, cautious, making sure he did not hurt her more.

“Tell me if it is too hot,” he said.

She shook her head slightly, her eyes closed, trying to bear the pain.

He adjusted the cloth again, his hand supporting her shoulder so she would not strain herself.

“Breathe slowly,” he murmured. “Do not panic.”

Poornima tried.

Her fingers instinctively reached out and held onto his arm tightly.

He did not move away.

Instead, he shifted closer.

“I am here,” he repeated quietly.

Mannat stirred slightly in her sleep beside them.

Both of them looked at her for a moment.

Poornima’s eyes filled again.

“I cannot even wake her…” she said helplessly.

Veeresh looked at the baby, then back at her.

“It is okay,” he said. “We will manage.”

He helped her sit more comfortably, supporting her back with pillows.

Then, with patience and care, he guided her through what the doctor had said.

There was no awkwardness in him.

No hesitation.

Only focus.

Only concern.

Minutes passed slowly.

The pain did not disappear immediately, Veeresh asked does it pain and Poornima said yes, Veeresh said can I suck you , Poornima said yes please,he removed his shirt and he un pinned her saree and removed her blouse and bra .

Poornima was crying and Veeresh took her boobs inside his mouth and started sucking and Poornima pushing him and he emptied it and took another one and sucked it and she felt relieved.

Poornima’s grip on his arm loosened slightly.

Her breathing steadied.

Veeresh noticed every small change.

“Better?” he asked softly.

She nodded faintly.

“A little.”

He did not stop.

He stayed beside her, continuing to help, adjusting, making sure she was not in discomfort again.

When the pain reduced enough, he helped her lie down carefully.

He pulled the blanket over her gently.

Mannat had shifted closer in her sleep, her tiny hand brushing against Poornima.

Poornima looked at her.

Then at Veeresh.

Her eyes were still moist.

But calmer.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Veeresh did not respond immediately.

He just looked at her for a second.

Then he said quietly,

“You do not have to say that.”

He adjusted the pillow under her head.

Sat beside her.

And stayed there.

Not because he had to.

But because he wanted to.

And in that moment,

Care was not spoken.

It was shown.