The morning began with Poornima’s usual rhythm—waking early, freshening up, dressing little Anaya for school, getting Aarav ready, and preparing breakfast. She even packed Anaya’s tiffin neatly, smiling when Anaya insisted on carrying her favorite water bottle.

But when Veeresh came downstairs, his sharp eyes didn’t search for his daughter first. They went straight to the table, then to Poornima.

His tone was icy.

“I told you… to keep my suit and tea ready.”

Poornima froze. Before she could answer, his words cut deeper.

“It was wrong to expect. My fault, I expected it from you.”

In a flash of anger, he shoved the chair so hard it clattered against the floor, echoing through the hall. Without another word, he stormed out, leaving behind silence heavy with hurt.

Poornima’s chest tightened, tears pricking her eyes, but she quickly composed herself. She turned to Anaya, who looked up innocently, confused at her father’s anger.

“Appa loves chocolate,” Anaya said softly, as though revealing a secret to mend the morning.

Poornima forced a smile and cupped her little face.

“Yes, he does. Don’t worry, Anu… Mama will take care of Appa.”

She dropped Anaya at school, kneeling down to kiss her cheeks.

“Enjoy, study well… and I love you, Anu.”

“I love you too, Mama,” Anaya said brightly, kissing both Poornima’s cheek and Aarav’s tiny face before running inside.

Back home, Poornima looked at Aarav resting in her arms. She held his small fingers and whispered, almost like a vow:

“We need to pacify Appa, hmm? He was so angry today… but we’ll make it right.”

Aarav giggled, as if agreeing, his laughter melting some of the heaviness in her heart.