Chapter 47: A Quiet Conversation

Later that night, the palace had fallen silent.

Veeresh entered the bedroom quietly.

Poornima was already lying on one side of the bed, awake.

He changed into comfortable clothes, switched off the main lights, and lay down on his side of the bed.

After a few moments, Poornima spoke softly.

Poornima: "Are you awake?"

Veeresh turned his head slightly.

Veeresh: "Yes."

He smiled faintly.

Veeresh: "Why? What's the matter?"

Poornima hesitated before asking,

Poornima: "Do you drink?"

Veeresh answered honestly.

Veeresh: "Yes."

She looked at him.

Poornima: "Whiskey?"

He nodded.

Veeresh: "Yes."

There was a brief silence.

Then Poornima surprised him.

Poornima: "Then... pour one for me too."

Veeresh looked at her carefully.

Veeresh: "Are you sure?"

She smiled a little.

Poornima: "Yes."

She added with a hint of amusement,

Poornima: "I like whiskey."

Veeresh studied her expression for a moment to make sure she wasn't joking.

Seeing that she was serious, he stood up.

Veeresh: "Alright."

He walked to the cabinet, took out the whiskey bottle and two glasses, and returned.

He began reaching for the water.

Poornima stopped him.

Poornima: "Don't mix it."

Veeresh raised an eyebrow.

Poornima: "Neat."

He smiled slightly.

Veeresh: "Done."

He poured a small measure into both glasses.

The two of them walked out to the balcony.

The night breeze was cool, and the palace gardens below were lit by soft lights.

They sat quietly.

Veeresh handed her a glass.

She accepted it.

The glasses touched lightly.

Neither of them made a toast.

They simply took a small sip.

After a few moments, Veeresh looked at her.

Veeresh: "What happened?"

She looked out into the darkness.

Veeresh: "Why did you want a drink tonight?"

Poornima held the glass between her hands.

She was silent for several seconds.

Then she answered honestly.

Poornima: "I just felt like it."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

Poornima: "It's been a long time since I last had one."

Veeresh nodded.

He didn't press her for more.

Instead, they sat together in comfortable silence, each taking an occasional sip while the cool night air drifted through the balcony.

For the first time, neither of them felt the need to fill every silence with words.

Sometimes, simply sharing a quiet moment was enough.