Chapter 3 – That Smile

That evening, Veeresh stood on the balcony upstairs, quietly smoking a cigarette as the cool breeze brushed past him.

His eyes drifted towards the entrance of the house.

A car stopped outside.

Poornima stepped out, dressed in a simple formal outfit after a long day at the RBI office.

She was talking to one of her colleagues, Pavan, before he left.

Both of them laughed at something.

Poornima's smile was as warm and genuine as ever.

Veeresh stood still.

For a brief moment, he forgot the cigarette in his hand.

Years had passed since their divorce, yet that smile hadn't changed.

Pavan smiled.

Pavan: "See you tomorrow, ma'am."

Poornima: "See you tomorrow, Pavan. Drive safely."

Pavan nodded, got into his car, and drove away.

Poornima adjusted her handbag and walked towards the house, completely unaware that Veeresh was watching her from the balcony above.

Veeresh silently took one last drag from his cigarette, his eyes never leaving her.

Veeresh (to himself): "That smile... it hasn't changed at all."