Poornima was in the nursery, carefully folding Ira’s little clothes. The faint smell of baby powder filled the room. Ira cooed in her cradle, waving her tiny fists, and Poornima couldn’t help smiling. “You’ll grow up to be just like your Kavya maa,” she whispered, touching the baby’s soft cheek.

Just then, she felt a familiar presence behind her.

She turned — Veeresh was standing at the doorway, arms crossed, that teasing glint in his eyes.

“No time for your husband these days?” he asked, voice deep and playful.

Poornima smiled shyly. “I’m giving you time,” she said softly, turning back toward Ira.

Veeresh stepped closer, lowering his voice. “No, you’re not,” he murmured, and before she could say anything, he gently pulled her closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re giving everything to Ira and leaving me jealous of my own granddaughter.”

Poornima gasped, “Veeresh…” but he silenced her with a slow, affectionate kiss.

It wasn’t hurried or forceful — it was tender, claiming, and full of the love they had both long forgotten how to express.

When he pulled back, his lips brushed against her forehead. “Tonight,” he whispered, his voice low, “I’ll show you stars, Poornima.”

She blushed deeply, heart fluttering like a young bride again. “You’re impossible,” she said, trying to hide her smile.

Veeresh chuckled and turned to leave. “Be ready,” he said over his shoulder, his tone both teasing and promising.

Poornima stood there for a moment, her cheeks still warm, her fingers brushing her lips. She looked at Ira sleeping peacefully and whispered, “Your grandpa is too much sometimes…”

But in her heart, she felt alive again — as though life was gifting her a new chapter, one filled with laughter, love, and the glow of stars waiting to be seen.