Chapter 33: Closure

Dinner that night was quiet.

The family ate together, spoke about small things, and eventually everyone went to their rooms.

When Veeresh and Poornima entered their room, the haveli had already settled into silence.

Poornima sat near the dressing table, removing her bangles carefully before placing them aside.

Veeresh stood near the balcony for a moment before turning toward her.

"There is something I need to tell you."

Poornima looked up.

"What happened?"

Veeresh walked closer.

"Your ex-husband called today."

For a second, Poornima became still.

Her hands stopped moving.

"Arhan?"

Veeresh nodded.

"He asked to talk to you for five minutes."

Poornima looked surprised.

"Why?"

Veeresh shook his head.

"I don't know."

She lowered her eyes.

The name alone brought back memories she had spent years trying to leave behind.

After a moment she asked quietly,

"What did he say?"

Veeresh sat down.

"He requested."

"He said Airav told him about your marriage."

"And he asked if you could meet him for five minutes."

Poornima didn't reply immediately.

She simply stared ahead.

Trying to understand why Arhan would suddenly want to speak to her after all these years.

After a few moments, Veeresh spoke again.

"I feel you should talk to him."

Poornima looked at him.

A little surprised by the answer.

"You do?"

Veeresh nodded.

"Yes."

She remained silent.

Then asked softly,

"Why?"

Veeresh thought for a moment before answering.

"Because I think you need closure."

The room became quiet.

Poornima listened.

No judgment.

No suspicion.

No anger.

Just a simple opinion.

She looked at him.

"Do you really think so?"

Veeresh nodded again.

"Yes."

His voice remained calm.

Then he added,

"I will be there with you."

Poornima's eyes softened slightly.

"You don't need to worry about it."

There was a certainty in the way he said it that eased some of the anxiety she had felt.

Poornima looked down at her hands.

"I want to think."

Veeresh immediately nodded.

"Okay."

There was no pressure.

No insistence.

Just acceptance.

The decision would be hers.

After a few moments, Veeresh changed the subject.

"Tomorrow you are going to the school for the interview."

Poornima looked at him.

"Yes."

"I will drop you."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Okay."

The conversation ended there.

Neither felt the need to say more.

They prepared for the night and eventually lay down on the bed.

The room was dimly lit, peaceful after a long day.

For a few moments neither spoke.

Then Veeresh reached over and gently squeezed her hand.

A simple gesture.

Nothing dramatic.

Nothing complicated.

Just reassurance.

Poornima turned slightly toward him.

A small smile appeared on her face.

And for the first time since hearing Arhan's name again, the uneasiness inside her settled a little.

Still holding onto that feeling of reassurance, she slowly closed her eyes.

Within minutes, sleep found her.

And Veeresh remained beside her, letting her hand rest in his, while the night quietly wrapped itself around the haveli.