Over dinner, Poornima looked at Veeresh thoughtfully. “Anaya is three now… we should start thinking about joining her in school.”

Veeresh nodded, attentive. “Which school do you have in mind?”

“Kendriya Vidyalaya,” Poornima replied with a smile.

Veeresh’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Okay. Let’s go tomorrow morning then.”

Anaya’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Yay! School!” she squealed, and little Aarav giggled, clapping his tiny hands. Poornima chuckled, feeling warmth spread in her chest as she watched the children’s happiness.

After dinner, Poornima tucked Anaya and Aarav into their beds, making sure both were comfortable and cozy. She lingered for a moment, smoothing Aarav’s blanket and whispering a soft “good night.”

When she finally returned to her room, Veeresh gently pulled her close. “Sleep,” he said softly, his usual commanding tone softened by care.

Poornima smiled and nodded, allowing herself to relax. In the quiet of the night, they drifted off together, the soft sounds of the children sleeping in the next room, and the feeling of their small, growing family wrapping around them like a warm embrace.