Chapter 19 – A Smaller Home

It was late at night when Veeresh finally returned home.

The mansion was quiet.

Poornima was waiting for him in the living room.

The moment he entered, she got up and walked toward him.

Poornima: "You're back."

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "Hmm."

She immediately picked up a glass of water and handed it to him.

Poornima: "Here."

Veeresh took it.

Veeresh: "Thanks."

He drank the water and placed the glass aside.

Poornima looked at him.

Poornima: "Veer, come and eat dinner."

He looked at her for a moment.

Veeresh: "Yes."

They went to the dining table.

Poornima had kept a simple dinner ready.

There were rotis, sabzi, dal, rice and aloo.

Veeresh sat down and began eating.

Poornima quietly watched him.

He ate without complaining.

After a few minutes, she finally spoke.

Poornima: "Veer..."

Veeresh looked at her.

Poornima: "Can we move into a smaller house?"

Veeresh paused.

Veeresh: "Why?"

Poornima looked around.

Poornima: "This house is huge."

Veeresh remained silent.

Poornima: "I feel like I'll get lost here."

A small smile appeared on her face.

Poornima: "And I like to keep things organized. I have a little OCD about things being in their proper place."

She hesitated.

Poornima: "Can we shift somewhere smaller? Something comfortable for just the two of us?"

Veeresh looked at her for a moment.

He didn't argue.

He simply nodded.

Veeresh: "I'll do it."

Poornima looked surprised.

Poornima: "Really?"

Veeresh: "Yes."

He finished his dinner and stood up.

Veeresh: "I'll arrange it."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Thank you."

Veeresh walked upstairs.

He went into the bedroom and began clearing things that were no longer needed.

He opened cupboards, moved documents, arranged his belongings, and made space.

Poornima watched him for a moment before going to change.

She changed into a comfortable cotton saree and returned to the room.

By then, Veeresh had finished.

He placed the last file away and looked at her.

Veeresh: "Sleep."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Good night."

She got into bed and settled comfortably.

Veeresh switched off the lights and lay down beside her.

There was still a small distance between them.

Neither spoke.

The day had been long for both of them.

Within minutes, Poornima fell asleep.

Veeresh remained awake for a little while, staring at the ceiling.

Then, eventually, he too closed his eyes and fell asleep beside his wife.

For the first time, the two of them slept under the same roof as husband and wife.

And neither knew how quickly that unfamiliar silence would begin to change.