Chapter 46: Held

Veeresh was definitely high.

Poornima crossed her arms, looking at the empty glasses. “Stop, Veer. You said two. This is your tenth.”

He smiled lazily, completely unbothered. “I’m happy, Poons.”
And before she could stop him, he kissed her cheek—soft, careless, sincere.

She sighed, smiling despite herself.

Then he leaned closer, voice dropping conspiratorially. “I’m getting dirty thoughts.”

She hit his arm lightly. “Behave. Grown-up kids you have.”

He grinned, eyes half-closed. “I can still make kids.”

Her eyes widened. “Veeresh! Don’t embarrass us.”

He laughed—full, loud, unfiltered—drawing a few amused looks.

Poornima took charge after that. She guided him to the car, settling him carefully in the back. Rudra slid into the driver’s seat, glancing back with a proud smile.

“Today you were awesome, dad,” he said.

Veeresh smiled faintly—and promptly fell asleep, his head finding Poornima’s shoulder like it had memorized the place.

At home, she helped him to the room, removed his shoes, socks, coat, then his shirt, careful and unhurried. He barely stirred. When she lay beside him, he pulled her closer instinctively, resting his cheek against her hair.

Poornima lay on his chest, listening to his breathing slow, steady.

His words echoed back—kids.

She didn’t panic. She didn’t decide.

She just thought quietly: Whatever comes, we’ll manage.

Wrapped in his warmth, held without effort, she closed her eyes.

Tonight wasn’t about answers.

It was about belonging.