Chapter 13 – Just Like Before

The aroma of tempered spices filled the kitchen.

Despite protesting earlier, Poornima had prepared spicy tadka khichdi, exactly the way Veeresh used to like it.

She looked at the bowl for a moment and sighed.

"This man..."

Picking up the tray, she walked upstairs.

Veeresh was sitting near the window, looking outside.

She placed the tray on the table.

Poornima: "Lunch."

He looked at the bowl and then at her.

Veeresh: "So... you made it."

She simply nodded.

He took the first spoonful.

The familiar taste made him smile.

Taking another bite, he looked at her.

Veeresh: "Tasty."

He continued eating.

Veeresh: "Much better than the morning khichdi."

Poornima folded her arms.

Poornima: "Of course it is."

He raised an eyebrow.

Poornima: "Because this one isn't from a restaurant."

She looked at him with a faint smile.

Poornima: "And because I know exactly how much garlic, green chilli, pepper, and ghee you like."

Veeresh stopped eating for a second.

She continued casually,

Poornima: "Some habits are hard to forget."

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Veeresh quietly resumed eating.

After finishing half the bowl, he looked up.

Veeresh: "Thank you... Poons."

Poornima gave a small nod.

Poornima: "Finish it while it's hot. And if your acidity starts later, don't come complaining to me."

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: "I will."

Poornima shook her head with a helpless smile.

Poornima: "You're impossible, Veeresh."

For the first time in years, the room felt less like a place shared by two divorced people and more like a home where old memories still lingered.