Chapter 14: “Heartbeats and First Glances”

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

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🩺 Hospital – Morning

Veeresh sat beside Poornima, tightly holding her hand as they waited in the maternity ward. Poornima looked nervous, her fingers intertwined with his.

Poornima (softly):

“What if something’s wrong…?”

Veeresh brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Veeresh:

“Nothing will be wrong. You and our baby — you’re strong.”

They were called in. As the sonographer applied gel and moved the scanner over Poornima’s belly, silence filled the room… and then — thump-thump, thump-thump…

The heartbeat.

A sound that silenced every fear.

Poornima’s eyes welled up. Veeresh looked at the screen, completely still… then smiled.

Veeresh (whispering):

“That’s our baby…”

Poornima turned her face toward him. He bent down, kissing her forehead.

Veeresh:

“I don’t care what the world says. You gave me the most beautiful purpose in life.”

They walked out with a picture in hand — their first family portrait.

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🎬 Movie Date – Narayana and Neha

At PVR Gold, Neha held her tub of caramel popcorn while Narayana looked… awkward. He never did movies or dates. But today, he tried.

As the romantic scene unfolded onscreen, Neha glanced at him.

Neha (teasing):

“You’re not as cold as you pretend to be.”

Narayana (smirking):

“I didn’t pretend. I just didn’t know how to feel back then.”

Neha’s expression softened.

Neha:

“You could’ve told me. That you loved me… back then.”

He turned to her, the movie's soft background music echoing around them.

Narayana:

“I didn’t know you were Pinky… until it was too late. I thought I lost her.”

Neha’s eyes widened slightly. Her voice trembled.

Neha:

“Do you love me now… Narayana?”

Without answering, he leaned over and kissed her softly on her lips. A kiss full of answers, apologies, and promises.

Narayana (after pulling back):

“Always have.”

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☕ Book Café – MG Road, Evening

Dhanush walked in, a little breathless, scanning the tables. Then, by the window — a girl in a mustard kurti and glasses, reading a book. She looked up.

Priyanka.

His heart stopped for a second.

She smiled — shy, warm, familiar. He walked toward her.

Priyanka (playfully):

“So, Mr. CyberKnight. You’re five minutes late.”

Dhanush (grinning):

“I was hacking time to impress you.”

They both laughed. And in that laughter — the awkwardness faded.

They spoke for hours. About tech, about life, about dreams. No masks. No usernames. Just Dhanush and Priyanka.

As he walked her to her cab, he turned and said,

Dhanush:

“You were worth every message, every wait. Can I… see you again?”

Priyanka smiled, blushing.

Priyanka:

“Only if you’re ready for strong opinions and stronger coffee.”

Dhanush:

“Perfect match.”