Poornima stirred awake, her body aching in ways that whispered the memory of the night before—raw, intense, unrelenting. Veeresh lay beside her, his arm firmly around her waist, his face buried in her hair, as if he would never let her go.

Her eyes softened. For the first time since Pavan’s death, she felt whole. She pressed her lips against his hand gently and whispered in her heart:

Pavan… I will always carry your memory. But now I love him wholeheartedly. He is my present and my future. Please bless us and our children.

Slowly, she tried to move his arm, but as soon as her feet touched the floor, her sore legs betrayed her, and she stumbled to the ground.

A deep chuckle filled the room. Veeresh propped himself on one elbow, eyes glinting with mischief.

“Legs not working, hmm?” he smirked darkly. “That’s what happens when I claim what’s mine, jaan.”

Her cheeks burned. “Veeresh!”

Before she could scold him more, he rose, scooped her effortlessly into his arms, and carried her into the washroom.

Setting her gently on the counter, his voice dropped low and teasing. “Next time, don’t even try to walk without me. You’re mine now, every step, every breath.”

She swatted his chest, whispering furiously, “Shameless! Not in front of kids, please…”

He leaned close, lips brushing her ear, his tone commanding yet playful. “Don’t worry, jaan. I’ll be patient. Until they’re asleep.”

Her breath caught, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her smile. Veeresh’s grin widened—satisfied, proud, claiming.

They freshened up together, his teasing not ceasing even for a moment, and when they finally walked to the dining hall, the sound of giggles greeted them.

Anaya sat with Aarav on her lap, feeding him tiny pieces of idli. She looked up and chirped, “Mama, Appa, come quick! Breakfast is ready!”

Poornima’s cheeks flamed hotter when she saw Anaya’s mischievous grin. The child tilted her head and whispered loudly, “Mama, why are you walking funny today?”

Poornima nearly dropped the jug of milk. “A-Anu! Eat your breakfast!” she stammered, mortified.

Veeresh smirked behind his cup of coffee, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. “Because your mama worked very hard last night,” he said smoothly, his eyes locked on Poornima’s flustered face.

“Appa!” Poornima gasped, glaring at him. “Not in front of the kids!”

Anaya and Aarav only giggled, not understanding fully, while Poornima buried her face in her hands. Veeresh reached over, squeezing her hand firmly under the table, his expression softening just enough for her to know—teasing aside—she was his everything now.

The family ate together, laughter and warmth filling the mansion, and for Poornima, the darkness of doubt had finally lifted. She belonged—completely.