Poornima walked down the corridor, her heart heavy. The laughter from the wedding had faded, and silence filled the Rathore mansion. She stopped outside Anand’s room, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Anand stood by the window, his face dark with anger.

“Anand…” she said softly. “Listen to me, beta.”

He turned sharply, his eyes cold. “Listen to you? Why should I?” he snapped. “Everything that happened today — it’s because of you! Because of this stupid remarriage!”

Poornima’s eyes filled with tears. “Anand, please—”

He cut her off, his voice rising. “Your so-called loyalty to my Appa ruined everything! You think by marrying Veeresh Singh you brought honor? No, Ma — you brought shame! Look how it all turned out!”

Each word felt like a dagger. Poornima stood still, trembling.

“Anand…” she whispered, her voice breaking.

But he wasn’t done. “You’re the worst,” he spat. “Go enjoy your new life with your new husband. You have no place here.”

Before Poornima could speak, a loud slap echoed through the room.

Pratap stood there, his face red with anger. “Enough, Anand!” he thundered. “Mind your words! She is your mother — and you have no right to question her loyalty to my late son!”

Anand looked down, guilt flickering in his eyes, but he stayed silent.

Pratap turned to Poornima, his expression softening. “Beta, don’t worry about him. Some lessons, time will teach. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

Tears rolled down Poornima’s cheeks. “Papa…” she whispered.

Pratap placed his hand on her head. “Be happy, Poornima. Go — Abhi is waiting for you.”

She nodded slowly, wiping her tears. Turning toward Anand, she said softly, “Take care of your wife, Anand. No matter what… you’re still my son.”

Without waiting for a reply, she walked away — her steps heavy but steady.

At the door, Abhi stood waiting. The moment he saw her, he rushed forward and hugged her tightly. “Mom, don’t cry,” he said softly. “I want you and Dad to come to Delhi soon, okay?”

Poornima smiled through her tears, cupping his face. “We will, beta.”

Veeresh came and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Yes, son. We’ll come soon,” he said warmly.

Abhi and Kavya bowed down, taking blessings from Veeresh and Poornima, then from both elders.

“We’ll miss you,” Kavya said, her voice trembling.

“Be happy, both of you,” Veeresh said, his eyes glistening with pride.

Poornima watched as her children got into the car. Abhi waved one last time. “Take care, Mom… Dad!”

The car slowly drove away down the long driveway. Poornima stood beside Veeresh, watching until it disappeared from sight.

He looked at her quietly. “They’ll be fine,” he said.

She nodded, leaning slightly on him. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice soft but sure. “They’ll be fine.”