Chapter: Love, Worry, and Shameless Promises

Night had settled quietly over the penthouse.

Veeresh stood near the balcony, a cigarette between his fingers, lost in thought. Before he could take another drag—

Smack.

Poornima’s palm landed sharply on his arm.

“Veeresh,” she said firmly.

He froze, then immediately dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his foot.
“Sorry, Poons,” he said sheepishly. “Habit. Won’t do it again.”

She looked at him for a second, then softened.

He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers. “Rudra told you what happened?”

She shook her head. “No.”

Veeresh sighed and told her everything—Ridhima’s words, Rudra’s response, the hug, the way his heart had nearly broken and healed at the same time.

Poornima listened, stunned. Her eyes glistened.

“I love him a lot,” Veeresh said quietly. “I know he’s not born from me, but… Poons, that boy chose me. That means everything.”

She smiled softly. “I know,” she said. “He’s your favourite.”

Veeresh protested immediately. “Hey—no. I love all of them. Every single one.” Then, softer, more honest, “But yes… Rudra is something special for me. He touches my soul differently.”

Poornima reached up and held his face. “That’s because he sees you. Not your money, not your name. Just you.”

Emotion flickered in Veeresh’s eyes. He pulled her into his arms suddenly and kissed her—deep, slow, full of everything he didn’t know how to say. She responded instantly, her hands gripping his shoulders.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, breath warm, voice mischievous again.

“So,” he said casually, “shall we try giving them siblings?”

Poornima blinked. Then slapped his chest lightly.
“Shameless,” she said, laughing despite herself. “You’re already father to grown-up kids!”

Veeresh grinned, unapologetic. “I don’t care.”

She shook her head, smiling, and leaned into him anyway.

Outside, the night was calm.
Inside, love was loud—teasing, imperfect, and very much alive.