Poornima stood nervously before Veeresh’s parents, her hands fidgeting at her sides. She took a deep breath and spoke the truth she had carried silently all her life.

“I… I should tell you,” she began, voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “I am not the real blood of Mewar. My father is Rivaj Mewar Singh’s mistress, and my mother died giving birth to me. My family never loved me or treated me as their own…”

Veeresh’s parents exchanged a glance, their expressions calm and understanding.

“We don’t mind, Poornima,” his father, Abhimanyu, said warmly. “Blood does not define a person. Your heart and character are what matter.”

Veeresh’s mother, Sharada, stepped forward and smiled. “Poornima beta, I will be waiting for you in our palace.” She gently took Poornima’s hands and placed a set of beautiful bangles on her wrists.

Poornima looked down at the bangles, feeling a surge of emotion. “Uncle… we are not a match,” she said softly. “We fight, we clash… we act as enemies.”

Abhimanyu chuckled, a twinkle in his eyes. “Enemies to lovers, beta. That is the way of life sometimes.”

Sharada’s smile was gentle but firm. “The palace is waiting for you, Poornima. You are always welcome here.”

Poornima felt a warmth in her chest, a feeling she hadn’t known in years. Despite the fights, the challenges, and the sparks between her and Veeresh, she realized she had found acceptance. The blessings of Veeresh’s parents, and the gesture of the bangles, were more than she could have hoped for.

And for the first time, she felt that perhaps, one day, even the enemy she fought with the most—Veeresh—could become someone she could trust completely.