The sun had begun to set, casting a soft golden glow through the windows of the Rathore mansion. Laughter still echoed faintly in the halls from the morning’s wedding, but upstairs, Poornima sat on the edge of the bed, quietly folding her sarees into a small suitcase.

Her hands trembled slightly as she placed her jewelry box inside. Each sound — the rustle of fabric, the creak of the old wardrobe — felt heavy, like an echo of everything that had just happened.

Then, she heard it — faint whispers from the corridor.

“Do you think they’ll take Poornima to Singh Haveli after what happened?” one of the women murmured.

Poornima froze, her heart tightening. Her eyes fell on the small mirror before her — the reflection of a woman who had faced judgment too many times. Slowly, she lifted her hand and touched her mangalsutra, clutching it tightly, her eyes glistening but proud.

She took a deep breath, straightened her saree, and stepped out of the room.

Downstairs, Veeresh stood waiting with Veerendra. He looked up the moment he saw her — her red saree glowing softly in the lamplight, her eyes calm despite the storm she carried inside.

“Poornima,” Veeresh said gently, “It’s time to leave.”

Veerendra glanced at her with warmth. “Beta, if you wish to stay here for a few more days, you can. No one will stop you.”

Before Poornima could answer, Pratap stepped forward. His voice was firm but affectionate. “No, Veerendra. Let her go with you. She belongs with her husband now.”

He turned to Poornima, his eyes softening. “This house will always be open for you, beta. Always remember that.”

Poornima folded her hands respectfully. “Thank you, Papa,” she said quietly.

Veerendra nodded proudly. “Then let’s go.”

Veeresh picked up her bag, and the three of them walked toward the grand door of the Rathore mansion. Poornima turned once more, her eyes tracing the walls that had held her laughter, her tears, her past.

And as she stepped outside, the wind brushed her face gently — as if reminding her that a new chapter awaited beyond the gates.

The car door closed softly behind her.

And together — Veerendra, Veeresh, and Poornima — left for Singh Haveli, where destiny had quietly prepared the next turn in their story.