Chapter 19: Roses in the Garden

The room still held traces of their passion—soft sighs lingering in the air, the faint scent of jasmine from her red saree, and the closeness that no words could measure.

They both slowly adjusted their clothes, cheeks still glowing, eyes meeting with a tender sparkle.

Poornima fixed her pallu, looking at the mirror, then glanced sideways at him. “Tonight, you’re sleeping on the couch.”

Veeresh smirked, buttoning his shirt. “I may not. You seem to pull me back anyway, Mrs. Suryavanshi.”

She turned and narrowed her eyes with a playful glare. “Then I’ll lock the door.”

“Locks never stopped me before, Poornima. I know where you hide the spare keys.” he teased, leaning against the table with folded arms, admiring her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world.

She took a breath, her tone suddenly softer, curious. “Veeresh... do you really want a baby with me? I mean—” she paused, her voice low, “We already have Aradhya and Ayan. Life is... full.”

He walked toward her slowly and took both her hands in his.

“Might be ten babies... if you can tolerate me that long.” he grinned, then added with a deep sincerity, “But yes, I do. Not because something is missing, but because I want more of us. I want another chapter with you. With Aradhya’s giggle, Ayan’s chatter, and maybe a new life that has your eyes and my stubbornness.”

Poornima looked at him, eyes slightly misty now.

He gently touched her cheek. “I love you, Poornima. You’re the rose in the chaos of my garden. Everything I never knew I needed. And everything I’d never want to lose.”

She placed her hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

“You talk like a poet, Mr. Suryavanshi.”

He smiled, “Only for my rose.”

Outside the window, the sun had begun to set, casting a warm golden glow through the blinds. Inside, a couple stood close—past pain behind them, future promises ahead.