Morning sunlight streamed through the haveli courtyard, spilling warmth across the carved pillars and blooming tulsi plants. The air carried a rare calm — one that both Veerendra and Pratap immediately noticed.

When Veeresh entered the verandah, freshly bathed and dressed in crisp white kurta, there was something different about him. His eyes were softer, his voice calmer, and even the usual heaviness around his expression had lightened.

Veerendra caught Pratap’s knowing glance, and both men smiled. A few minutes later, Poornima walked by carrying a tray of tea and breakfast. She was glowing — serene, graceful, and quietly radiant. The way her bangles chimed and her eyes lowered shyly when she saw Veeresh didn’t go unnoticed by the two elders.

Veerendra coughed lightly, hiding his grin. “Seems like Singh Haveli has become brighter since last night,” he remarked.

Pratap chuckled, taking his cup of coffee. “Haan Veerendra, looks like someone finally learned how to smile again after years.”

Veeresh, already sensing where the conversation was heading, narrowed his eyes. “Papa, what are you both talking about?” he asked, feigning ignorance as he sipped his coffee.

Veerendra leaned back comfortably. “Nothing much, beta,” he said, his voice full of mischief. “Just that you should have been a little careful… the night was long, wasn’t it?”

Veeresh choked on his coffee, coughing hard. “What nonsense are you both saying!” he exclaimed, his ears turning red as Pratap burst out laughing.

“Arrey, why are you getting so serious?” Pratap teased, patting his shoulder. “We’re old, not blind. The glow on Poornima’s face is telling the whole story!”

Veeresh glared at both of them, though a small embarrassed smile tugged at his lips. “You two should act your age,” he grumbled, setting down the cup.

But the teasing didn’t stop there.

Veerendra added with a playful wink, “Next time, beta, be a little gentle. Don’t be so harsh — she’s delicate, after all.”

Veeresh’s jaw dropped, and Pratap laughed so hard that even the servants nearby had to hide their smiles.

“Bas, Papa!” Veeresh said, running a hand through his hair in defeat. “You both will never change.”

The two elders continued chuckling, delighted to see Veeresh — once so stern and serious — now blushing and alive with youthful energy.

Veerendra’s laughter softened as he looked at his son with affection. “It feels good to see you like this, Veeresh,” he said warmly. “You finally look happy… truly happy.”

Veeresh smiled, a rare, honest smile that reached his eyes. “Maybe happiness was just waiting for me to open the door, Papa.”

Pratap nodded, sipping his tea. “And Poornima was the key,” he said with quiet satisfaction.

The courtyard filled with soft laughter again — laughter that spoke of peace, healing, and the beauty of second chances.