Veeresh Rathore adjusted the cufflinks of his tailored black tuxedo, the sharp cut of the suit enhancing the aura he carried everywhere—power, precision, control. His assistant Adwait had already updated him about the Shekhawat project files, now under his sole authority. The weight of two empires sat squarely on his shoulders, but his expression betrayed nothing.

Descending the grand staircase of Rathore Mansion, his sharp gaze softened at an unexpected sight—Anaya and Poornima in the kitchen.

Laughter spilled into the quiet morning. Anaya’s little hands clapped with joy as Poornima wiped chutney from the corner of her mouth, her smile glowing with a warmth Veeresh hadn’t seen in this house for years.

For a moment, Veeresh stilled. His daughter—his bright little Anu—had lived without a mother’s affection. He had been everything to her, but not enough. Yet here was Poornima, seamlessly stepping into a role no one else could fill. He remembered how, back at Shekhawat Mansion, Anaya used to call her “Mama” without hesitation, and Pavan had been her “Papa.” Now fate had shifted that bond, twisting it in ways neither he nor Poornima had asked for.

Still, seeing them together… it made something inside him loosen.

But Veeresh reminded himself, I am not ready. Not for her. Not for any relationship.

He cleared his throat deliberately, announcing his presence. Both heads turned—Anaya with bright eyes, Poornima with a flicker of hesitation. Without a word, Veeresh joined them at the table. He served himself idli, sambhar, and chutney, his movements controlled and silent.

The only sound was Anaya giggling again as Poornima stroked her hair.

After finishing his plate, Veeresh rose. His voice was calm but edged with something unspoken.

“Take care of each other,” he said simply, his eyes meeting Poornima’s for the briefest second before looking away. Then, picking up his coat, he left for Rathore Industries, the door closing with his usual finality.

Behind him, the kitchen still echoed with Anaya’s laughter, but Poornima felt the weight of his silence lingering in the room.