Poornima stirred awake, her body aching in every corner, her lips still swollen from his endless kisses. She felt his heavy arm draped across her waist, his chest pressed against her back. Even in sleep, Veeresh was holding her too firmly, like he’d never let her go.

She turned slightly, her gaze falling on his face—peaceful yet still carrying that dangerous edge. Her heart warmed. Pavan, bless us… he is my present and my future now, she prayed silently.

Slowly, she tried to slip out of bed. But the moment she moved, pain shot through her legs, and she stumbled with a small gasp.

Before she could fall, a hand shot out and gripped her waist tightly.

“Caught you, jaan,” Veeresh’s husky voice drawled, thick with sleep yet sharp with amusement.

She flushed. “Veeresh… let me go, my legs are sore.”

He smirked lazily, pulling her back into bed with ease. “Sore? My poor jaan can’t even walk. Who made you like this, hmm?”

“Shameless,” she muttered, hiding her face in the pillow.

Veeresh leaned close, his lips brushing her ear. “Say it… say your husband did this to you.”

Her face turned crimson. “Veeresh…”

Before she could protest further, Aarav’s little cry came from the next room. Veeresh chuckled and finally let her go.

“Fine, amma duty calls. But remember—you owe me your confession tonight too.”

He slipped on a shirt and scooped up Aarav from his cot. The little boy immediately tugged at his father’s tie with tiny fists, giggling.

“Appa… appa…” Aarav babbled.

Veeresh’s heart melted instantly. He turned to Poornima, who had just entered after freshening up.

“Poornima! Did you hear that? He said appa! Say it again, champ.”

Aarav squealed, “Appa!” and clapped.

Veeresh grinned like a boy, kissing his son’s forehead. “That’s my boy!”

Just then, Anaya padded in, rubbing her eyes. “Good morning, mama…” She hugged Poornima’s waist.

Poornima smiled and kissed her daughter’s cheeks. “Good morning, Anu.”

Aarav, not wanting to be left out, reached for Poornima. “Amma…”

Veeresh’s chest swelled with pride. “See? He said amma too. Both appa and amma in one morning—our kids are geniuses.”

Poornima laughed softly, her heart bursting with happiness. Veeresh pulled her close with one arm, holding Aarav with the other. He pecked her lips quickly before whispering in her ear, smirking,

“I’ll take my real kiss later when the kids aren’t watching.”

“Shameless,” she whispered back, blushing.

And just like that, the dark intensity of last night blended into the warmth of family morning light.