The first light of dawn brushed softly against the curtains, spreading a golden hue across the room. Veeresh stirred, his gaze immediately finding Poornima beside him. She was glowing — not just in appearance, but in spirit. There was a quiet light in her face, one that spoke of peace, of fulfillment, of love rediscovered.

Veeresh smiled faintly. His eyes followed the faint traces of his affection that lingered on her skin, and he felt pride, tenderness, and awe all at once. She opened her eyes slowly, catching his gaze — and for a moment, the world stood still between them.

“How was my stars?” he teased softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Poornima blushed, her lips curving into a shy smile. “I feel numb because of you,” she whispered, half laughing, half hiding her face against his chest. “My legs aren’t even working properly.”

Veeresh chuckled, his laughter deep and warm. “That’s because it was twenty rounds,” he said with mock pride, tilting her chin up.

Poornima swatted him lightly, her cheeks burning. “Rana sa…” she murmured, unable to hide her smile.

He pulled her closer, voice suddenly gentle. “Profess your love… in Hindi,” he said, his tone half-command, half-plea.

Her heart skipped — she looked into his eyes, filled with both strength and tenderness, and whispered with trembling lips, “Main bhi aapse pyaar karti hoon, Rana sa…”

He smiled, wrapping her in his arms as if to shield her from the whole world. For a moment, they stayed like that — two souls who had walked through storms only to find each other in the calm that followed.

Just then, a soft cry echoed from the cradle. Ira’s voice broke through their moment, small and insistent.

Veeresh groaned playfully, “My granddaughter doesn’t give me any time to romance.”

Poornima laughed and said gently, “Bring her here, Rana sa.”

He went and carefully lifted the baby, his rough hands cradling the tiny bundle with surprising tenderness. When he handed Ira to Poornima, she took her close, her entire face softening. As she fed the baby, Veeresh sat beside her, watching the two most precious souls in his life — the woman who had become his heart, and the child who carried new life into their world.

In that quiet morning, love filled every corner of the haveli — love that healed, that gave, and that promised new beginnings.