Veeresh opened the penthouse door with one hand, the other firmly holding Poornima’s hand.

The moment she stepped inside as his wife, something in the house changed—like the air itself warmed.

He looked around, exhaled softly, and murmured:

“This house finally feels… alive.”

Poornima’s heart melted.

Her shy smile bloomed, and she stepped closer and kissed his cheek gently.

“Because I’m here?” she teased.

He shook his head slowly, cupping her face.

“No… because you’re mine now. Completely. My wife.”

She blushed, lowering her eyes, and he couldn’t stop himself—he kissed her forehead softly, reverently.

He guided her to the couch.

“Sit. I’ll bring tea.”

She watched him moving around his kitchen with surprising ease.

There was something beautiful about Veeresh in domestic moments—calm, confident, taking care of her like it came naturally.

He handed her a warm cup, sitting right beside her.

They drank slowly, talking in soft voices about the wedding, about Rehan’s quiet smile, about how Agasthya teased them, about little things, silly things, future things.

No tension.

No fear.

Just peace.

Poornima eventually got drowsy, her head dipping slightly.

Her eyes fluttered.

Veeresh noticed immediately.

“Come,” he said, standing.

She blinked lazily.

“Where?”

He didn’t answer with words.

He simply bent down, scooped her effortlessly into his arms, and she gasped softly, curling into him.

He carried her to their room—no longer just his—and laid her gently on the bed.

Before she could turn away or move, he slid beside her and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist from behind, pulling her into his chest.

She smiled sleepily.

“You’re hugging too tight…”

He whispered into her hair:

“I missed you. Even when you were right next to me.”

Her heart swelled.

She placed her hand over his.

“I’m here now. Forever.”

Veeresh rested his head on her shoulder, breathing her in like she was the only air he needed.

He whispered one last thing before sleep overtook both of them:

“Thank you, Poornima…

For choosing me.”

She smiled as she drifted off.

He held her till the end, warmth spreading through his chest, a soft smile on his lips.

For the first time in his life…

Veeresh slept peacefully.

Because his wife—the woman he never thought he deserved—was finally in his arms.