When they returned home from the school, Anaya had already fallen asleep on the couch, her little head resting on Poornima’s lap. Smiling softly, Poornima carried her inside, laid her on the bed, and then turned to Aarav, who was fussing gently for milk. She fed him patiently, humming a lullaby, before tucking him in beside his sister.

Exhausted but content, Poornima finally entered her room. She had just closed the door when Veeresh’s strong hand caught her wrist. Without a word, he pulled her close and kissed her—deep, raw, and passionate.

Poornima stiffened at first, her heart thundering, but then his whispered command broke through her hesitation.

“Kiss me back.”

Her lips trembled, but slowly she answered him, matching his fire with her own. Veeresh deepened the kiss, pouring into it all the emotions he had kept buried—grief, love, longing, and unspoken promises. His fingers slid to her waist, pinching lightly, drawing a gasp from her.

“I want you,” he murmured against her lips, his voice husky, “to welcome me every day with a kiss.”

Poornima’s breath hitched, but her eyes softened at his vulnerable demand.

Veeresh brushed his lips against her cheek, then bit it gently, almost teasingly.

“I read your stories on Wattpad,” he whispered. “They’re… beautiful. Just like you.”

Poornima blushed, stunned that he had gone so far as to explore her secret world of words.

Finally, his strong arms circled her, pulling her into his chest. “Tonight,” he murmured, “I sleep only like this.”

Together, they lay down—her head on his heart, his arm protectively around her. For the first time since fate had bound them, they both closed their eyes with a quiet, fragile happiness.