Chapter 70: Come Back Safely

After everyone had settled into their rooms in Bikaner, Poornima went to her room to finish arranging a few things.

Just then, her phone rang.

The screen displayed "Veer ❤️."

A smile instantly appeared on her face.

She answered the call.

Poornima: "Hello."

Veeresh: "Hi, Poons."

His voice immediately made her smile.

Poornima: "Your meeting is done?"

Veeresh: "Yes, Poons."

He sounded relieved.

Veeresh: "Everything went well."

She smiled proudly.

Poornima: "Congratulations."

Veeresh: "Thank you."

He picked up his car keys.

Veeresh: "I'm leaving now."

Veeresh: "I was supposed to take a flight, but it got cancelled."

Veeresh: "So I'll come by car."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Okay."

There was a brief silence.

Then Veeresh spoke again.

Veeresh: "Poons..."

Poornima: "Hmm?"

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

Veeresh: "I forgot my migraine tablets."

Poornima immediately frowned.

Poornima: "What?"

Poornima: "How could you forget them?"

Veeresh sighed.

Veeresh: "Everything happened in a hurry."

Veeresh: "I just forgot."

Poornima shook her head, even though he couldn't see her.

Poornima: "You're impossible."

Her voice was full of concern.

Poornima: "Listen to me carefully."

Veeresh: "Yes, ma'am."

She smiled despite herself.

Poornima: "Drink a cup of cardamom tea before you leave."

Poornima: "And don't drive yourself."

Poornima: "Ask the driver to drive."

She paused before adding,

Poornima: "Or if you're tired, come by train."

Veeresh chuckled softly.

Veeresh: "Okay."

Veeresh: "I'll see what works best."

He looked at his watch.

Veeresh: "But I'm leaving now."

Poornima's smile faded slightly.

For some reason, her heart felt restless again.

Still, she didn't want to worry him.

Poornima: "Drive safely."

Poornima: "Take breaks if you feel tired."

Poornima: "And call me when you reach."

Veeresh: "I will."

His voice softened.

Veeresh: "Bye, Poons."

She held the phone for a moment before replying.

Poornima: "Bye, Veer."

The call ended.

Poornima continued looking at the dark screen of her phone.

That strange uneasiness returned.

She slowly walked towards the small prayer corner in the room.

Joining her hands, she closed her eyes.

Poornima: "Please..."

She whispered softly,

Poornima: "Keep him safe."

She touched her mangalsutra and then her sindoor.

Poornima: "Protect him throughout his journey."

A tear escaped her eye.

Poornima: "Bring him back to us safely."

After her prayer, she looked out of the window towards the evening sky.

Somewhere on the highway, Veeresh had begun his journey to Bikaner.

And Poornima could only wait...

...and pray that he would reach her safely.