The London streets were lively, the supermarket bustling with weekend shoppers. Poornima walked down the aisles, carefully picking up a few essentials, when she noticed a familiar gentle smile waiting for her at the café corner.

Veeresh’s mother sat there, her eyes warm and kind, radiating a calm authority that only a mother could have.

“Poornima,” she greeted softly as Poornima approached.

“Amma,” Poornima said, her voice gentle and respectful as she took a seat across from her.

Veeresh’s mother’s eyes glimmered with emotion. “Finally, he’s married,” she said with a soft laugh. “Take care of him, Poornima. Be happy with each other, and understand him. My son… he’s a bit tough, you know.”

Poornima smiled, squeezing her hands together. “I will, Amma. I promise.”

Her mother-in-law continued, her tone filled with affection and quiet pride. “I know everything… how you broke him, and how you healed him. I am so happy. Just… please don’t leave him. Not now, not ever.”

Poornima’s heart swelled with warmth. “I won’t,” she whispered.

Veeresh’s mother leaned closer slightly, her voice softer. “I have one favor… please make sure I get to meet him soon. I’ve left very little time, and I want to see my son happy.”

“I’ll make it happen, Amma,” Poornima said sincerely, touched by the trust and love in her words.

The older woman smiled and reached into her bag, pulling out a delicate bangle. “A gift… from your mother-in-law,” she said, placing it in Poornima’s hands.

Poornima’s eyes glistened. “Amma…” she whispered, accepting it with a warm smile.

“Wear it for him,” Veeresh’s mother said, her eyes soft but teasing. “Let him see that his wife carries a piece of me with her always.”

Poornima carefully slid the bangle onto her wrist, feeling an unexpected surge of belonging, of family, of love. She looked up and smiled at Veeresh’s mother, silently promising that she would honor her trust, her love, and her son — her husband.

As they sat together, sipping coffee and talking quietly, Poornima felt the gentle assurance that her life with Veeresh was not just her own — it was a bond rooted in family, trust, and shared love.