Years later, the house was never quiet.

Rudraksh ran through the hall with laughter echoing behind him, while little Shravani stood proudly in her birthday dress, surrounded by balloons and cake crumbs. The walls of the home were filled with memories—first steps, late-night lullabies, soft arguments, loud laughter, and endless love.

Veeresh stood near the doorway, watching everything with a smile that never left his face. Marrying his best friend had turned out to be the greatest happiness of his life. The love he once shared in whispers had now grown into a family, into two beautiful children who called him appa.

Poornima walked past him, one hand on her belly. She was pregnant again, tired and glowing in her own way, managing the chaos with practiced patience. She turned back and shot him a sharp look.

“This is all because of you,” she scolded. “On Shravani’s birthday of all days.”

Veeresh grinned, completely unbothered. “What to do?” he said lightly. “You looked too cute. I couldn’t control.”

Poornima narrowed her eyes. “That’s it. Tonight you’re sleeping on the couch.”

He laughed and stepped closer. “Baby, you can’t sleep without me hugging you.”

“Get out,” she snapped, trying to look angry but failing as a smile escaped her lips.

Veeresh laughed again, pulled her gently closer, and kissed her forehead. Around them, Rudraksh called out for his appa, Shravani clapped her hands happily, and the house felt full—of noise, of love, of a life built together.

And in that moment, Veeresh knew—this was everything he had ever wanted.