Chapter 10: Interrupted Hearts, United Souls

The night had quietly wrapped the city in its velvet arms.

Inside the dimly lit bedroom, Poornima stood near the mirror, gently unpinning her jasmine-scented hair. Her green saree shimmered softly under the warm yellow lights. Her bangles clinked as she moved—small, tender sounds in an otherwise peaceful room.

She didn’t hear him come in.

But suddenly, she felt his arms around her waist—Veeresh’s warm embrace pulling her back gently.

Her breath hitched as his chin rested lightly on her shoulder. She could feel his heartbeat against her back—calm, steady, and close.

He didn’t speak.

He just stood there. Holding her. Breathing with her.

Her hands froze. She looked down at his fingers around her waist, then slowly turned her head just enough to catch his gaze through the mirror.

His eyes weren’t on her reflection.

They were on her lips.

He leaned in, slowly, as if time itself was slowing down.

Poornima felt her eyes flutter shut involuntarily, her heart dancing in her chest—until—

"Waaaaaaa!"

Both Ayan and Aradhya suddenly burst into tears from the other room.

Veeresh paused just an inch away from her lips, closed his eyes in playful frustration, and whispered with a crooked smile,

“I’ll take that kiss later… Mrs. Suryavanshi.”

He gently brushed a kiss on her cheek, and she gasped softly at the warmth.

He pulled away, winked, and walked out to the kids’ room.

Poornima placed a hand over her heart, blushing like a teenager.

From the kids’ room, she heard Veeresh's voice.

“Aradhya! What did I tell you about pulling Ayan’s hair, hmm? No baby, he’s your brother.”

There was a giggle.

“Appa,” Ayan whined dramatically. “She’s being a naughty monkey!”

Poornima peeked from the doorway, her eyes softening.

Veeresh lifted Aradhya and kissed her chubby cheek. “Say sorry to bhaiyya.”

Aradhya, now quiet, blinked at Ayan, leaned forward, and kissed his cheek with a sweet smacking sound.

Ayan grinned and hugged her.

Poornima watched them—this man, these kids, this moment—and something within her melted.

She didn’t just feel married.

She felt home.