“Unspoken Walls, Unexpected Bonds”

(Narayana–Neha, Veeresh–Poornima)

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🌒 Shastri Mansion – Early Evening

The mansion echoed with the last rituals from Narayana and Neha’s wedding.

But behind the rituals lived a cold, aching distance.

Neha stood in their room, adjusting the curtains, pretending not to notice Narayana avoiding her gaze again.

He had barely spoken since the wedding.

Polite. Cordial. But… not present.

Neha (gently):

“Are you going to keep ignoring me like this?”

Narayana paused near the door, his fingers tightening around the file in his hand.

Narayana (quietly):

“I don’t mean to hurt you, Neha… I just need time.”

Before she could respond, a sudden buzz went through the household.

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🚪 Front Hall – Moments Later

The entire family gathered around the entrance.

Veeresh walked in — tall, firm, his hand wrapped protectively around Poornima’s.

She looked nervous but stood beside him, her chin held high.

Everyone stared.

Before questions could rise, Veeresh said calmly, but loud enough for all to hear:

Veeresh:

“I married Poornima.”

Gasps.

Veeresh (looking at his parents):

“And… she’s pregnant with my child.”

A long silence.

The air stood still.

His father’s expression hardened.

His mother’s eyes welled with disbelief.

But before anyone could speak, Poornima squeezed Veeresh’s hand tighter — as if saying, “I’m with you, even if no one else is.”

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💧 A Quiet Shift

After a long pause, it was Veeresh’s mother, Savitri Shastri, who spoke first.

Her voice calm. Too calm.

Savitri:

“Neha… could you bring a glass of water?”

Neha, still shocked, quietly nodded and returned a moment later with a glass.

She gently handed it to Poornima, their eyes meeting briefly.

There was no resentment — only quiet confusion.

Poornima took it with a faint “thank you,” her fingers brushing Neha’s.

Then… the unexpected happened.

Savitri stepped forward, eyes scanning Poornima’s pale, tired face.

Savitri (softly):

“You’ve come home, beta. No more tears now.”

Poornima blinked — unsure whether she heard it right.

Savitri:

“Welcome.”

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☕ A Conversation of Courage

Later, over a cup of tea, Veeresh’s parents sat with Poornima.

Their questions were direct but not cruel.

Veeresh’s Father:

“Where are your parents? Did they approve of this marriage?”

Poornima (calmly):

“They were against it. But I made my choice. I stand by it.”

Veeresh’s Mother (curious):

“What are you studying?”

Poornima (confidently):

“Master’s in Strategic Policy. I’m also assisting in academic research at the university.”

They exchanged looks — surprised by her composure.

Savitri (gently):

“You must be tired. Take rest. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

Poornima nodded, a respectful smile on her lips.

But as she stood up and walked to the room Veeresh showed her, her heart whispered with doubt.

What now?

Will this calm last?

Will his love stay the same?

Was the family truly welcoming her, or just stunned for now?

So many questions swirled within her — unanswered, uncertain.