Chapter 65 – Shadows of Truth

Veeresh’s Discovery

The puzzle pieces finally fit. After weeks of interrogations, secret surveillance, and tracing coded money trails, Veeresh stood in front of a wall filled with photographs, documents, and red strings connecting names.

And in the center of it all… Rishi Raj.

His uncle. His father’s trusted brother.

The realization struck Veeresh like a thunderbolt. All this time… I blamed my brothers. I doubted them. I nearly accused them in my own heart.

He gritted his teeth, fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.

“Uncle… you hid behind my brothers’ names. You destroyed lives under the shield of family honor. And you dared to play this game with me.”

The betrayal burned through his veins like poison. But alongside that fire, another face came into his mind—Poornima, her smile, her glowing belly, her words reminding him of life when he felt only death.

I need to end this. For her. For our child.

---

Poornima’s Decision

Back at Rai Mansion, Poornima was living on borrowed time. She was seven months pregnant, her belly unmistakable now. The flowing sarees and shawls could no longer hide the truth for much longer.

At dinner, her mother’s eyes lingered too long on her. Her father’s voice carried sharp suspicion.

“You’re looking pale, Poornima. And… different.”

Poornima smiled softly, keeping her gaze lowered. “It’s just work stress, Papa.”

But her heart pounded. She knew—any day now, they would force her into Rishabh’s marriage, and her secret would explode.

That night, when the mansion was asleep, Poornima quietly packed a small suitcase. Only essentials—some clothes, her books, the little photo of her and Veeresh she had secretly kept. She placed her hand on her belly and whispered,

“We can’t stay here anymore. It’s not safe—for you, for me, or for your father’s promise.”

Silently, she walked out of the Rai gates, her tears falling freely but her steps firm.

She found a small apartment in the city, tucked away from the grand lights of her family name. It was simple—just two rooms and a kitchen. But for her, it was freedom.

She sat on the floor that night, hands protectively cradling her belly, speaking softly to her child.

“We don’t need palaces. We don’t need wealth. We have him. And we have love. That’s enough.”

Her heart longed for Veeresh’s arms, but she held onto his promise. He will come back. He always keeps his word.

---

Meanwhile, Veeresh stared at his uncle’s photo, whispering to himself,

“Rishi Raj—you’ll regret every step you took. No one threatens my family. No one touches my wife and child.”