💌 Ideal Match: The Shastri Brothers

Chapter 11: “In Front of the World, I Choose You”

(Poornima & Veeresh • Narayana & Neha • Dhanush & Priyanka)

---

🎓 College Campus – Morning Sun, Harsh Shadows

Poornima walked beside Veeresh, her steps slow but firm, the mild curve of her belly hidden beneath her scarf. Her fingers grazed his as they reached the main gate.

Veeresh stopped and looked at her with calm confidence, his thumb gently brushing her knuckles.

Veeresh (softly):

"Don’t think about anyone else. Focus on your studies... and our baby."

He pressed his palm lightly on her belly.

A smile tugged at his lips.

Veeresh:

"Anything happens, even a tiny worry… you call me. I’ll be there in a second."

Poornima blinked back the emotion that rose in her eyes.

Poornima (quietly):

“Okay… go. I’ll manage.”

They parted ways, but Poornima’s calm soon cracked.

As she walked through the corridors toward her class, whispers began rising.

> “That’s the girl who got pregnant with her academic rival.”

“She married him for money, clearly. What a shortcut to the top.”

“Shameless. Some women will do anything.”

“No wonder she always competed with him — she wanted him.”

Their words were sharp.

And their eyes… cruel.

Poornima’s steps faltered.

Her vision blurred.

Each comment cut deeper than the last, and by the time she reached her classroom, she could hardly breathe.

---

⚠️ Veeresh’s Class – Moments Later

Veeresh sat in his lecture, focused but alert — until his friend barged in, breathless.

Friend (urgent):

“Veeresh… come. Poornima… they’re mocking her. Saying awful things.”

Veeresh didn’t wait.

He ran.

---

💔 Outside the Classroom

Poornima stood frozen, tears pooling in her lashes, her legs trembling. She held her books tight to her chest, gasping quietly as the voices swarmed.

And just as she was about to faint—

Two strong arms caught her.

Veeresh (shouting):

“Enough!”

The corridor went silent.

Veeresh (to the crowd):

“She is my wife. And she’s carrying my child. If any of you say another word about her, I swear, I will not stay quiet again.”

He lifted Poornima gently in his arms as gasps filled the air.

Everyone watched — stunned, silenced, ashamed.

He turned, holding her close, and walked out.

---

🏥 Hospital – Quiet Room

Poornima lay on the bed, tears silently slipping down her cheek.

Veeresh sat beside her, holding her hand.

Veeresh (guilt heavy in his voice):

"I should’ve never let you walk in alone. I didn’t protect you today… I promise I won’t make that mistake again."

She didn’t speak — just squeezed his hand.

---

🕊️ Narayana & Neha – Home Balcony

Neha stood with a cup of tea, her hair swaying in the breeze, her smile soft yet distant.

Narayana approached slowly.

He stood beside her, watching the sun dip into the horizon.

Narayana (gently):

“Pinky…”

Neha turned, surprised by the name.

He looked at her with a faint smile.

Narayana:

"I’m sorry. For forgetting. For not seeing the girl I once promised the moon to. You’ve become the woman you always dreamt of… and I’m proud of you."

Neha blinked, her eyes turning moist, but her smile widened.

They didn’t need many words after that.

---

💻 Dhanush’s Room – Nightfall

The screen glowed again.

CodeMuse (Priyanka):

"How come every night I wait for your text, CyberWolf?"

CyberWolf (Dhanush):

"Maybe you like danger. Or maybe… you’re falling for the mystery."

CodeMuse:

"Maybe I am."

Dhanush stared at the screen.

His fingers paused over the keyboard.

Somehow, she felt familiar.

But her identity was still hidden.

He smiled.

> Love… sometimes arrives even before the name does.

---

🌌 END OF CHAPTER 11

--