Poornima went to the hospital alone, still hoping—somewhere deep inside—that Veeresh would come. She sat in the waiting area, clutching her file, her eyes moving toward the entrance every few seconds. Each time the door opened, her heart lifted, only to sink again.

Her turn came. Still no sign of him.

She felt broken, but she forced herself to stand and walk inside. Even as she stepped forward, she turned once more, hoping to see him rushing in. Nothing.

Inside the room, the doctor looked at her file and asked kindly,

“Husband?”

Poornima swallowed hard. Before she could answer—

“I am here.”

She turned instantly.

Veeresh stood there.

For a second, she couldn’t breathe. Relief flooded her chest, her eyes filling with tears—not of pain, but happiness. He came and sat beside her, silent, serious, not looking at her, but he was there. That was enough for now.

During the scan, she lay quietly, her heart racing. When she looked to the side, she saw Veeresh standing there. He still didn’t speak, didn’t touch her—but his presence comforted her. She felt a mix of happiness and sadness at the same time.

After everything was done, they walked out together and returned home in silence.

The moment they entered the house, Poornima couldn’t hold herself anymore. She stepped forward and back-hugged him tightly, pressing her face against his back. He tried to move away, but she held him harder, afraid he might slip away again.

“Veer… please,” she cried. “I’m sorry. Please talk to me.”

He stopped. His voice softened, though pain still lingered in it.

“Don’t cry,” he said. “I just… I didn’t expect you would hide something this big from me. This is ours, Poornima.”

She didn’t say anything, just held him tighter.

“Yes, I did say after one year,” he continued. “But these things are not in our control. You could have told me. I would have stood with you.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered again, her voice breaking.

She hugged him fully now, and he turned toward her. He cupped her face and kissed her, holding her close. She kissed him back, relief and love pouring out in that moment.

“I’m sorry for being angry,” Veeresh said quietly. “I was hurt. But I will never abandon you. You are my everything.”

He kissed her again, then gently bent down and kissed her belly.

Poornima smiled through her tears, her heart finally at peace, knowing she was no longer alone—and never would be.