After the big announcement, Pratap gathered everyone. “The feud is being ended with the marriage of Anand, our grandson, and Veerendra’s granddaughter, Kavya,” he declared with pride. The room buzzed with joy and relief; smiles and blessings were exchanged, and everyone was genuinely happy at the thought of peace finally taking root.

Once the celebrations calmed down, Pratap called out softly, “Poornima, meet me in the study room.”

After dinner, Poornima walked quietly down the hall, her heart beating slightly faster with curiosity and a hint of nervousness. The study room door opened, and Pratap’s warm, calm eyes met hers. “Sit down, beta,” he said kindly.

Poornima took her seat, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Pratap studied her for a moment before speaking. “Are you happy with Anand’s marriage?”

“Yes, papa,” Poornima replied, a soft smile on her lips. “He loves her from college, I know that.”

Pratap nodded slowly. “I know, beta. Pavan… he was a worst husband, and I have no regrets that he died. But now… there is a proposal for you too.”

Poornima’s eyes widened in surprise. “Papa… don’t joke,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.

“I am not joking, beta,” Pratap said firmly. “Veerendra has asked for your hand for Veeresh—Kavya’s father.”

Poornima froze. Shock coursed through her. “Papa… don’t joke,” she repeated, her voice barely a whisper.

Pratap reached out, taking her hand gently. “Think, beta. If you agree to this marriage, it will be a moment where society will change. Widows’ remarriage… you know how badly they are treated. You and Veeresh will be the first example that widows and widowers can find happiness again.”

Poornima lowered her gaze, her mind spinning. “Papa… people will mock us. Kavya… she will be my daughter-in-law. What will they say?”

Pratap’s eyes softened, his voice tender but persuasive. “Think about it, beta. I want you to start your life again. I should have thought of this before… and when we spoke, I felt this is the right moment. You deserve happiness, Poornima.”

Poornima’s heart raced as she got up from her seat. She walked back to her room in silence, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She sat on her bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking… thinking about what her papa said, about Veeresh, and about the future that could finally be hers.

The night was quiet, but inside her, a storm of possibilities began to unfold.