Chapter 7: A Decision in the Moonlight

The clock ticked past 11 PM.

The house was silent, except for the soft hum of the ceiling fan and the steady breathing of a sleeping Aradhya curled beside Poornima.

Poornima stared at the ceiling, eyes lost in a thousand thoughts.

The weight of remarriage.

The fear of judgment.

The vulnerability of hope.

She gently ran her fingers over Aradhya’s tiny hand, whispering, “What if… what if he really means it?”

Just then, the main door creaked open.

She turned sharply, startled. “Who’s there?”

A familiar voice answered with mischief in his tone:

“What, madam? Missing me already?”

Poornima frowned. “Veeresh? What are you doing here at this hour?”

He walked in, holding a small bag in his hand. “Delivering something important.”

He placed the bag gently on the table. Curious, she opened it slowly.

Inside was a green silk saree, two delicate gold bangles, and a simple yet elegant gold chain.

Her breath hitched.

“Tomorrow,” Veeresh said softly, “you’ll wear this... and come with me.”

She blinked. “Come where?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, Aradhya, hearing his voice, stirred in her sleep and giggled. Her eyes opened and landed on him.

“Da-da!” she squealed in her baby voice.

Veeresh smiled, stepped closer, and gently lifted her in his arms.

Aradhya kissed his cheek innocently and clung to him.

His eyes softened.

“Our daughter loves me,” he said, turning to Poornima with a proud smile.

Poornima couldn’t help it—she smiled too. That sight… of him holding Aradhya like his own, like she had always belonged in his arms.

Still, her heart needed answers.

“Is your son okay with this, Mr. Suryavanshi?” she asked cautiously.

Veeresh looked toward the door. “He’s outside. You can ask him yourself.”

Her eyes widened. “Who leaves a kid outside this late?!”

She rushed out and saw Ayan standing by the gate, playing with his shoelace.

“Kanna, why are you out here?” she asked, bending down.

He looked at her with big eyes. “Are you going to leave me and Appa?”

She froze.

“No,” she said, stunned. “Why would you say that?”

Ayan walked up to her, small hands clutching hers. “We both love Aradhya. Don’t leave us. Please?”

Tears filled her eyes as she lifted him gently.

Inside, the two kids — Ayan and Aradhya — began playing together like they’d always known each other.

Poornima stood silently, watching the moment unfold.

She turned to Veeresh, her voice steady now.

“Okay, Mr. Suryavanshi.”

Veeresh raised an eyebrow. “Okay?”

She smiled faintly. “Okay… I’ll come tomorrow.”

He grinned and took a step closer.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “But don’t think I’ll make it easy for you.”

Before she could react, he leaned in and gently kissed her cheek.

Poornima gasped in surprise. “Veeresh!”

He winked. “Welcome home, Mrs. Suryavanshi.”

Scene fades — night glows with a promise.