The journey back from the ancestral village was silent. The dusty road stretched endlessly ahead, the rickety haveli jeep rattling over every bump. Veeresh’s eyes stayed fixed on the horizon, his jaw locked, while Poornima’s heart raced with unspoken questions.

By the time they reached their haveli in Bangalore, the tension between them had become unbearable. As soon as they stepped inside, Poornima shut the door behind them and blocked his way.

“Veeresh,” she said firmly, her voice trembling but determined, “I need an explanation. You can’t just say you’re divorcing me and expect me to… pretend it didn’t happen.”

He turned his face away, his hands curling into fists. “Poornima, leave it.”

“No.” She stepped closer. “Tell me. If you want to slap me, slap me—but tell me the truth.”

His nostrils flared, anger and pain mixing in his eyes. For a moment, he looked like he might actually lash out. Then he exhaled sharply, lowering his raised hand. “They’re back,” he said in a low voice. “The people from my past. And if they know about you… they’ll hurt you. I can’t risk it. That’s why I—”

Before he could finish, Poornima cupped his face and kissed him softly. His eyes widened in shock.

“I am not leaving you,” she said, her voice fierce and steady. Then she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight as if her embrace alone could shield them from the world.

“You’re doing wrong, Poornima,” he murmured against her hair, his voice breaking. “You don’t understand—”

But she pulled back, grabbed his hand, and placed it gently on her stomach. “Me and our baby,” she said, her eyes glistening, “will not leave you. No matter what happens.”

Veeresh froze. “B… baby?” His voice cracked, a tear slipping down his cheek.

She nodded with a small smile. “Today morning, I found out. I was waiting for the right time… but after what you said, I had to tell you now. I love you, Veeresh. Always. I will never let you fight alone.”

Something inside him broke—in the best way. He cupped her face and kissed her deeply, desperately, pouring every ounce of love and fear into it. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

“I love you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “And I swear, I’ll protect you both… with my life.”

And there, in the quiet of their home, Veeresh wrapped his arms around Poornima, holding her as if she was the only thing keeping him together.