Chapter 14: Her First Word

The tall glass windows of the RBI conference hall reflected the evening sun, casting a golden hue over the meeting table where Poornima stood, confidently discussing a new financial strategy with the RBI officials.

Her tone was crisp, her thoughts clear, and her eyes—though slightly tired—held the grace and strength of a woman balancing a million emotions.

In a corner of the same hall, behind the glass, Veeresh stood quietly with Aradhya on a small couch nearby. He was early to pick them up and waited patiently, admiring Poornima’s calm authority.

Suddenly, a small giggle echoed.

Veeresh looked down.

Aradhya, dressed in a tiny floral frock, was trying to stand. Her tiny legs trembled, but she held herself up by the edge of the couch.

And then—she took one wobbly step.

“D-dada…” she mumbled, her arms reaching forward toward Veeresh.

His heart stopped.

He crouched down instantly, and before he could react, she took another step and fell into his arms.

“Dada!” she said again, clearer, giggling in joy.

Veeresh had tears in his eyes. His hands shook slightly as he hugged her tightly, overwhelmed by the emotion. He looked up just as Poornima had turned, having seen and heard everything.

Her breath caught.

That word—dada—spoken for the first time, not by her lips but by her daughter… for a man who wasn’t her biological father, but had loved her more than blood ever could.

She walked slowly toward them, eyes wet, her expression unreadable.

Veeresh looked at her, whispering with joy,

“Did you hear that? Her first word… it’s ‘dada’. She called me her father.”

Poornima nodded silently, a tear rolling down her cheek.

She knelt beside them and touched Aradhya’s soft curls, her voice barely a whisper,

“Of course she did. She knows who truly loves her.”

Veeresh, still holding Aradhya close, looked at Poornima and smiled,

“I told you… she’s going to be my favorite.”

Poornima let out a chuckle through her tears, wiped her face, and replied teasingly,

“Maybe. But Ayan gave me the favorite person card, remember?”

Veeresh laughed, pulling her into a side hug while Aradhya clung to his neck and smiled brightly, as if proud of herself.

That moment was no less than a quiet promise. A confirmation.

That this bond—between a man, a woman, a son, and a daughter—was now real, full of warmth, acceptance, and unspoken love.