Chapter 35 – Breathe With Me

Veeresh was still holding Poornima when something suddenly changed.

His body stiffened.

His breathing became uneven.

He slowly pulled away from her.

Poornima immediately noticed.

Poornima: "Veer?"

He took a step back.

Veeresh: "Don't."

Poornima looked at him, confused.

Veeresh pushed her hands away when she tried to come closer.

Veeresh: "Don't come near me."

His breathing became heavier.

His eyes were filled with fear rather than anger.

The words from his past echoed inside his mind.

Nobody will stay with you.

You're only being used for your money and luxury.

Nobody will love you wholeheartedly.

They don't love your soul.

You'll always be lonely.

There will never be real love for you.

Veeresh covered his face with one hand, trying to control his breathing.

Poornima's eyes filled with tears.

She knew he wasn't pushing her away because he didn't want her.

He was fighting something inside himself.

Poornima: "Veer... please."

He shook his head.

Veeresh: "Go away."

Poornima wiped her tears.

Poornima: "No."

She stayed where she was, giving him enough space.

Poornima: "Veer, please breathe with me."

He looked at her but couldn't seem to focus.

Poornima took a slow breath herself.

Poornima: "Look at me."

He continued breathing heavily.

Poornima: "Please, Veer. Just look at me."

His eyes finally met hers.

She placed one hand gently over her chest.

Poornima: "See my breathing."

She slowly inhaled.

Poornima: "Breathe in with me."

She exhaled slowly.

Poornima: "And breathe out."

Veeresh tried.

His breathing was still uneven.

Poornima: "That's it. Don't think about anything."

Another breath.

Poornima: "Just breathe with me."

She was crying now, but she didn't look away from him.

Poornima: "I'm here, Veer."

He closed his eyes.

The old voices returned.

Nobody will cry for you.

Then he heard Poornima's trembling voice.

Poornima: "Please, Veer."

He opened his eyes again.

She took another slow breath.

Poornima: "Look at me."

He followed her breathing.

In.

Out.

Again.

Slowly, his breathing began to settle.

Poornima stepped a little closer but didn't touch him yet.

Poornima: "You're safe."

Veeresh looked at her.

Poornima: "I'm not asking you to explain anything."

Her voice broke.

Poornima: "Just stay here with me."

Veeresh swallowed hard.

He finally whispered,

Veeresh: "Poons..."

Poornima: "I'm here."

A tear rolled down his cheek.

He looked almost ashamed of it.

Poornima gently wiped it away.

Poornima: "You don't have to be strong every second."

Veeresh closed his eyes again.

This time, when Poornima reached for his hand, he didn't pull away.

He held it tightly.

And she stayed beside him until his breathing became completely calm.