Chapter 27: Love, Respect, and Boundaries

The morning sun peeked gently through the curtains. Poornima slowly opened her eyes to find Ayan snuggled against her chest, still holding onto his teddy bear, but with a peaceful smile now on his face.

She brushed his hair tenderly and whispered,

“Ayan...”

He slowly opened his sleepy eyes. “Amma...”

“You know, whatever Sahana amma said… that was wrong. But still, you must respect her, okay? She’s part of your past, and we never return hurt with more hurt.”

Ayan nodded slowly, “Okay, Amma. I’ll respect her. But I love you the most.”

He kissed her cheek, wrapping his little arms around her neck.

“I love you too, son. Always.”

---

Later that Evening

Veeresh returned home from his three-day business trip, his face lighting up the moment he saw his family.

Poornima greeted him with a hug, and Ayan ran to him, excited to show him a drawing he had made in school.

But as the kids played in the hall, Poornima took Veeresh to the room. Her expression was calm, but her eyes held quiet concern.

“Veeresh… something happened while you were away.”

He turned serious, “What’s wrong?”

She told him everything—Ayan’s sudden sadness, how Sahana visited his school, how she poisoned his heart with doubt, and how Ayan cried himself to sleep until she reassured him of her love.

Veeresh clenched his jaw. “She came to his school? Said that to our son?”

Poornima nodded, gently placing her hand on his.

“Yes. And I told Ayan the truth. He’s fine now. But, Veeresh… this can’t happen again. You need to talk to her. Calmly, but firmly. She’s trying to plant seeds of insecurity in his heart.”

Veeresh looked at her with gratitude and fierce protectiveness.

“You’re right. I will talk to her, Poornima. You don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it—and make sure she knows her boundaries.”

Poornima nodded. “That’s all I ask. Ayan deserves peace. He’s just a child, and this is his home. His heart needs to feel safe.”

Veeresh kissed her forehead.

“You gave him that safety. I’m proud of you. And I’m proud to call you his mother.”

She smiled gently. “We’ll always protect our children, Veeresh. Together.”