Chapter 34: Finding Time for Each Other

Poornima was humming softly as she cooked, the kitchen filled with the comfort of familiar sounds and warm aromas. She didn’t hear Veeresh come in—only felt him.

His arms slipped around her from behind, firm and sure.

“Veer,” she said softly, startled—but smiling.

He kissed her cheek, lingering for a second. She turned her face just enough to kiss him back, brief and warm.

“Go,” she said gently. “I’ll make coffee.”

“No,” he replied, tightening his hold. “Cook.”

She laughed quietly, leaning into him, continuing to stir while he stayed there—holding her, grounding her. It felt natural now, like they had always belonged in moments like this.

Soon, the sound of the gate announced the kids’ return.

Poornima stepped away, turning to them with a bright smile.
“How was your day today?”

They answered all at once—excited voices, overlapping stories. She noticed immediately.

“All dabbas empty?” she asked, mock-serious.

They grinned.

“Go upstairs, change, and come down,” she said.

The kids ran up, laughter echoing through the house, and soon returned for snacks. After eating, they disappeared again for homework, the house settling into a quieter rhythm.

Veeresh leaned against the counter, watching her.

“Give some time to your husband also,” he said, half-sulking, half-teasing.

She turned to him, amused.
“I’m giving all my time to you. And every night, we’re going out.”

He sighed dramatically.
“Only night we get time. I don’t even get time to romance my wife.”

Poornima stepped closer, her voice soft.
“You can. I’m here. Only with you.”

His expression melted instantly. He kissed her cheek, smiling.

“My friends want to meet you,” he said. “We’re going there.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“They said come in formals,” he added, clearly unhappy. “And I hate that.”

She laughed.
“You’ll look good.”

“Whatever,” he muttered. “I don’t like formals.”

She tilted her head, playful.
“Can we twin?”

He smiled slowly.
“Don’t ask me. Just order me. You have every right on me.”

Poornima hugged him tightly.
“Thank you, Veer.”

He shook his head gently.
“Don’t say thank you.”

They shared a quick kiss—soft, certain, full of ease.

In that moment, between kitchen warmth, children’s laughter, and quiet teasing, they both knew something important:

Love wasn’t stealing time anymore.

It was learning how to live inside it.