Chapter 43: Morning Rules

Morning arrived gently in the house—sunlight slipping through the curtains, the smell of fresh coffee and breakfast filling the air.

Poornima moved around the kitchen with quiet ease, familiar yet new in this space. Plates were set, food served, and soon everyone gathered around the table, still sleepy, still smiling.

Veeresh looked at her for a moment, then asked casually, “Poornima, your father-in-law… how is he? We saw him at our marriage.”

Before she could answer, Ramir spoke calmly, “He’s fine, dad. He’s gone to see his sister. Don’t worry.”

Veeresh nodded. “Okay.”

Conversation flowed easily after that—small talk, plans for the day, laughter rising and falling naturally. Rudra, as usual, couldn’t resist.

“So, dad,” he said, grinning, “how does it feel to be married and still ask for biriyani at every meal?”

Poornima turned toward Veeresh, folding her arms. “Biriyani not every day, Veeresh.”

Veeresh looked almost wounded. “No, please.”

She shook her head firmly. “Thrice a month.”

He sighed dramatically. “Alright.”

Rudra smiled in victory. “I told you.”

Veeresh shot him a glare.

Rudra leaned back, unfazed. “You should glare at your wife, not at your son.”

Ramir and Mannat burst out laughing.

Poornima smiled, shaking her head, as Veeresh pretended to look offended but couldn’t hide the amusement in his eyes.

The table echoed with warmth—teasing, acceptance, and a comfort that didn’t need effort anymore.

It wasn’t just a morning.

It was the beginning of a routine that felt like it had always belonged to them.