The morning was bright, the air fragrant with flowers as Veeresh, Poornima, Anaya, and Aarav stepped out for their temple visit. Poornima wore a simple salwar-kameez, her hair tied neatly, while Veeresh looked effortlessly commanding in crisp formal kurta and pants.

Anaya held Poornima’s hand tightly, Aarav tugged at Veeresh’s, and the children’s laughter filled the car. Veeresh’s eyes, however, never left Poornima.

“You’re walking too slow, jaan,” he murmured lowly as they stepped out of the car. He wrapped an arm possessively around her waist, guiding her through the temple courtyard.

Poornima blushed but smiled. “I’m fine, Veeresh. Don’t need to carry me yet.”

He leaned close, brushing her ear with his lips. “I’ll carry you if I want to. You belong to me, remember?”

She laughed softly, her heart fluttering at the familiar possessiveness that made her feel both safe and wanted.

Inside the temple, the family bowed before the deity, hands folded. Veeresh subtly pressed a kiss on her temple as she closed her eyes in prayer. Poornima felt warmth rush through her, and she turned slightly to glance at him—he winked, whispering,

“You’re mine, even here.”

Anaya giggled and tugged Poornima’s hand. “Mama, can we light the diya?”

Poornima nodded, holding Aarav with one hand and Anaya’s with the other. Veeresh came up behind her, arms wrapping around her waist as he bent to light a diya together. His lips brushed her ear again.

“You know, I can’t resist you… even when the kids are around.”

Poornima shivered slightly, hiding her smile. “Veeresh!” she whispered, her voice half admonishment, half surrender.

He smirked. “Not fair? I think I deserve my share too.”

They finished their prayers, offered flowers, and fed the temple pigeons with the children, all the while Veeresh finding subtle ways to brush against her, holding her hand a moment too long, stealing soft kisses when no one was looking.

Even the kids noticed his possessive glances. Anaya whispered to Poornima, “Appa loves you so much, mama. He can’t stop looking at you.”

Poornima smiled, heart swelling. “I know, Anu. And I love him too.”

By the time they left the temple, Veeresh had kissed her hand, brushed her hair from her face, and whispered countless possessive reminders of their bond. Poornima knew the world outside didn’t matter; in his arms, even in public, she belonged fully to him—and he to her.

As they got back into the car, Veeresh pulled her close beside him and murmured,

“Next time, maybe a little less public, jaan. I want to claim you properly, without anyone watching.”

Poornima leaned against him, smiling. “I don’t mind, Veeresh… being yours anytime, anywhere.”

He grinned darkly, kissing the top of her head. “Good. That’s my girl.”

And in that small, quiet bubble of family, love, and possessive passion, they drove home, hearts full and inseparable.