Chapter 12: “Between Sisters and Mothers”

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

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🏠 Shastri Residence – Evening

Poornima entered the house slowly, exhausted from the overwhelming day.

Veeresh was still out handling a meeting with Narayana, but the moment she stepped in, Neha walked up with a glass of water in her hand and a gentle smile on her face.

Neha (softly):

"Here, Poornima. Drink this. You need to keep yourself hydrated."

Poornima took it gratefully, her voice barely above a whisper.

Poornima:

“Thank you… akka.”

Neha’s eyes widened slightly — the word “akka” landed deep in her heart. Her lips curled into a genuine smile.

They sat together on the large couch, the air around them comfortable, without pretense.

Neha (teasingly):

“So… you and Veeresh… weren’t you always fighting like Tom and Jerry? How on Earth did love sneak in?”

Poornima blushed and looked down at her fingers. A small, shy laugh escaped her.

Poornima:

“It started with a drama… Shakespeare’s play. We were cast as Romeo and Juliet. Practicing scenes led to arguments… those turned into teasing, teasing became something else. It just… happened.”

Neha laughed softly.

Neha:

“Typical Veeresh. From fighting to falling — sounds just like a play he’d live.”

Just then, their mother-in-law entered, carrying a bowl of cut fruits and a quiet strength in her stride. She settled beside them, smiling gently.

Mother-in-law (affectionate):

“Poornima… I know this is all sudden. New house, marriage, baby… and pressure from the outside world. But no stress, hmm? I want you calm. Composed.”

She placed her hand over Poornima’s.

Mother-in-law:

"People will mock. They always find a reason. But you — you're stronger than their words. Just like you stood up for Veeresh… stand up for yourself, too."

Poornima’s eyes brimmed with tears, but this time… not from pain. From warmth.

She nodded.

Poornima (softly):

“I will… I promise.”

The three women leaned back. The air filled with a sense of comfort — not just of family, but of women who had seen battles, shared silences, and still found reasons to laugh.

They began chatting — about baby names, old college stories, saree colors, and their favorite food cravings during pregnancy. For once, the house echoed with only feminine laughter, unbothered by the absence of the men.

No judgments.

No pressure.

Just women… healing, bonding, building.