Chapter 27: Quiet Promises

Veeresh woke up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty. The room was silent and dim. He sat up slowly and noticed Poornima was not on the bed. For a moment he just stayed still, then his eyes moved toward the balcony door.

It was slightly open.

He got up and walked out quietly.

Outside, the night air was cool and still. Under the soft light of stars, he saw her sitting on the chair in the balcony. Her eyes were closed and she had fallen asleep there without realizing it.

Veeresh stopped for a moment and looked at her. There was calm on her face but also a heaviness, like her mind had not fully stopped even in sleep.

He walked closer slowly so he would not disturb her. He picked up a shawl nearby and gently placed it over her shoulders. His hands were careful, almost protective, as if even the smallest movement mattered.

He stood there for a few seconds looking at her quietly. Then he said in a low voice, as if speaking to her even though she was asleep, "Don't think anything, I will handle."

His voice was steady, not dramatic, just sure.

Poornima did not move. She remained asleep under the shawl, unaware of him standing there.

Veeresh looked at her once more, his expression soft for a brief moment, then he turned and walked back inside.

The night stayed quiet, and Poornima slept in the balcony with the shawl around her, while somewhere inside the house Veeresh carried a silent promise to himself.