The long journey ended as the car rolled into the grand gates of Singh Haveli. The mansion stood tall under the fading twilight, its lights glowing warmly in welcome.

Veerendra stepped out first, stretching slightly, and turned to them with a smile. “Tomorrow morning, both of you will visit our Kuldevi temple,” he said in his calm, commanding tone.

Veeresh nodded. “Okay, Papa.”

Poornima smiled politely beside him, her voice soft. “Yes, Papa.”

Just then, Veeresh’s phone rang. “Excuse me,” he said, walking toward the corridor to take the call.

Veerendra turned to Poornima, his expression kind. “Beta, can you make me a strong coffee? Less sugar, hmm?”

Poornima smiled gently. “Of course, Papa.”

A few minutes later, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She carried the cup carefully and handed it to him.

“Exactly how I like it,” Veerendra said with satisfaction after the first sip. “Thank you, beta.”

Poornima smiled shyly. “You’re welcome, Papa.”

After Veerendra went to his room, Poornima walked through the haveli, her eyes taking in every detail — the ancestral portraits, the soft rustle of curtains, and the vast garden at the back. The night breeze was cool, the fragrance of jasmine drifting around. She walked outside and sat on the garden bench, looking up at the stars.

A few moments later, she heard footsteps. Veeresh came and sat beside her, quietly at first. Then his voice broke the silence.

“Now tell me the truth.”

Poornima turned to him, a little confused. “What truth?”

Veeresh looked straight at her. “About the marriage. About today. You were sad — you cried. Don’t tell me nothing happened.”

Poornima looked down, trying to hide her face. “Nothing, Veeresh… I just felt emotional.”

He exhaled, trying to control his frustration. “Poornima,” he said firmly, his tone deep and authoritative, “when you can’t lie properly, then don’t say it at all.”

She froze at his words. Her eyes filled before she whispered, “Anand… humiliated me. He said everything happened because of me — this remarriage, the wedding confusion — and… he disowned me as his mother.”

Veeresh’s eyes darkened. “What?” His voice softened after a pause. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”

Poornima wiped her tears quickly. “Because it was a happy day. I didn’t want to ruin anyone’s moment.”

Veeresh sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t worry, Poornima. He’ll come back. Sometimes anger blinds people. But blood always remembers its roots.”

There was silence for a moment — just the crickets singing and the cool breeze brushing past them. Then Veeresh said quietly, “I need to tell you something too.”

Poornima turned to him, curious. “What is it?”

Veeresh hesitated, his voice dropping low. “I swapped the bride.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“Yes,” he said honestly. “I did. I was the one who made Kavya unconscious.”

Poornima stared at him in disbelief. “Why would you do that?”

He looked away, his voice trembling slightly. “I don’t know, Poornima. When I met Abhimanyu… something changed. The way he spoke to you, the way he respected you — it captured my heart. I knew instantly he was the right one for Kavya.”

She just listened quietly, her heart pounding.

Veeresh continued, “I didn’t want my daughter to marry into wealth or power. I wanted her to marry into love — and Abhi has that. Pratap uncle was part of it too. He told me Abhi would agree if he saw your smile that day… and he did. That smile of yours gave him the courage.”

Poornima’s lips parted slightly, tears slipping down her cheek — not from pain this time, but emotion.

Veeresh looked at her with a faint, tired smile. “You raised him well, Poornima. You gave him love, values, and strength. I know now… my daughter is safe with him. I can finally sleep peacefully.”

He looked up at the sky, his eyes reflecting the stars. “He’ll keep her happy. He’ll give her the kind of happiness no luxury can.”

Poornima turned to him, her heart full, and for the first time that night — she smiled. A small, fragile smile of quiet understanding.

And under the night sky, two souls — both scarred by loss, both bound by fate — sat side by side, finding a strange comfort in each other’s truth