Chapter 12: A Night of Us

The house was finally still.

Aradhya curled peacefully beside her soft toys, and Ayan clutched his tiny blanket, his breaths even and calm. The moonlight trickled into the hall, bathing the space in a quiet silver glow.

Poornima stepped out of the kids' room, fixing her loose strands of hair, and turned—only to feel her back pressed gently against the wall.

Startled, she gasped, “Veeresh…”

He stood inches away, eyes locked onto hers with that unmistakable fire. “They’re asleep,” he whispered.

She swallowed. “So?”

“So I came for my pending due, remember?”

And before she could say anything else, his lips found hers—firm, warm, urgent.

She froze for a heartbeat, then slowly melted into the kiss, her hands sliding over his shoulders. The world narrowed down to just him, his breath, his touch, and the way he kissed her like she was his beginning and end.

Veeresh deepened the kiss, lifting her slightly off the floor, one hand slipping around her waist, fingers brushing against her bare navel just above her saree pleats.

He pulled back just enough to breathe, smirking.

“I want the big one now…”

She blinked, breathless, cheeks flushed. “Veeresh—”

He laughed softly, “I meant a big family. Don’t look at me like that.”

She pushed him back with a playful slap. “You’re shameless.”

“And you love it,” he teased, his fingers dancing at her waist again.

Poornima narrowed her eyes. “One day, you’ll be the one who can’t get out of bed.”

Veeresh stepped closer, tilting his head. “Oh? Is that a challenge, Mrs. Suryavanshi?”

Her lips curved. “Maybe it is.”

He grinned wider. “Don’t challenge me… you’ll be on bed for a week.”

She gasped, blushing, “Veeresh!”

He chuckled and pulled her into a warm embrace, kissing her forehead tenderly. “I just want to love you like no one ever has… every day. Every way. Forever.”

She rested her head against his chest, her heart calm yet full.

And in that quiet night, amidst whispers, laughter, and promises—two souls found peace in each other’s arms.