Chapter 61 – A Father’s Whisper

The clock ticked softly in the silence of the penthouse. At 4 a.m., Veeresh slipped out of bed. He didn’t want to wake her, yet the weight of leaving pressed heavily on his chest. He freshened up quickly, dressed in his black suit—the one he always wore on important missions. His hair was neatly set, his bag packed and ready.

But before stepping out, his eyes went to the woman sleeping on the bed. His Poornima. Her face glowed even in sleep, her breathing soft, her hand resting unconsciously on her stomach as if already protecting the little life within.

Veeresh’s heart clenched. He walked back to the bed, sat on its edge, and bent down. Gently, he brushed a strand of hair from her face and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek.

“Poornima…” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Then, unable to stop himself, he carefully lifted her night top just enough to expose her small, delicate belly. His eyes softened, and for the first time, the great Veeresh Raj looked vulnerable. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her skin, his voice trembling.

“Baby… take care of your amma, hmm? She’s my everything. I love her more than anything in this world. And I already love you… though I haven’t seen you yet.”

His tears slipped onto her skin as he spoke.

“I’ll miss every heartbeat, every scan, every time she glows with you. But… I swear, I’ll be there to hold you first. That moment is mine. Don’t let anyone else take it from me.”

He kissed her belly again, slower, deeper, sealing his vow.

“I’ll come back. And when I do, I’ll claim you both in front of the world. No more hiding. No more secrets. You, me, and her—together.”

His lips curved into a faint smile despite the ache. “Bye, Mrs. Raj. Take care of our little one… until I return.”

With that, he stood, shouldered his bag, and walked out. The sound of the door closing echoed in the silent apartment.

On the bed, Poornima’s eyes fluttered open. She had heard every word. Silent tears streamed down her face as she clutched her belly.

Her whisper broke the stillness.

“Come back to us, Veer… we’ll be waiting.”

She closed her eyes again, holding onto his warmth, trusting the promise of the man she loved.