The morning light streamed into the room as Veeresh adjusted his watch, ready to leave for Rathore Industries. He paused when he noticed Poornima draping her dupatta, her handbag over her arm.

“Where are you going?” His voice was calm, but carried an edge.

Poornima didn’t look at him. “I have a hospital appointment.”

Veeresh’s eyes narrowed. “And you didn’t think it was necessary to inform me?”

She froze for a moment, then lowered her gaze. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Silence stretched. Veeresh finally sighed. “Get ready. I’m coming with you.”

Minutes later, the black car rolled out of the mansion gates. Inside, Anaya sat happily between them, clutching Poornima’s hand. Veeresh sat beside her, unusually quiet, his sharp gaze occasionally flicking to Poornima’s pale face.

When Poornima’s name was called at the hospital, the three of them went inside together. The doctor smiled warmly as Poornima lay on the examination bed, Anaya squeezing her hand tightly. Veeresh remained at her side, his expression unreadable but his attention unwavering.

“Everything looks fine,” the doctor assured after the check-up.

Veeresh cleared his throat. “When is the due date?”

“Next month,” the doctor replied.

Veeresh gave a small nod, hiding the flicker of concern in his eyes. He adjusted his jacket, helping Poornima up without a word.

Outside, Poornima let out a breath. “I’m hungry. Can we eat something before going back?”

Veeresh studied her for a second, then nodded. “Ok.”

They stopped at a nearby restaurant, the three of them slipping into a quiet corner booth. Anaya insisted on choosing dishes from the menu, and Poornima helped her pronounce the names correctly, laughing softly when the little girl stumbled over them.

When the food arrived, Poornima cut pieces for Anaya, carefully blowing on the hot idli before feeding her. Veeresh watched silently, his fork untouched for a moment. The scene—so simple, so ordinary—was something he hadn’t realized he missed.

Finally, he joined in, serving food onto Poornima’s plate without saying a word. She glanced at him, surprised, but said nothing.

Lunch passed in small smiles, clumsy chatter from Anaya, and quiet observations from Veeresh. For the first time, it felt less like three strangers bound by circumstance and more like… a family.

When they returned to the mansion, Anaya skipped ahead happily, while Poornima walked slower, her hand resting protectively on her belly. Veeresh followed behind, his expression still guarded, but deep inside, something unspoken stirred.