Chapter: The Truth He Couldn’t Deny

That night, the Devraj mansion was unusually quiet.

Veeresh found Ravi in the study, checking a few files before bed.

He hesitated, then spoke.

“Why did you reject her?”

“She was… good for you.”

Ravi looked up, understanding more than Veeresh said aloud.

“I’m happy,” Ravi replied calmly.

“With Inayat. And with Reema’s memories.”

He leaned back slightly.

“I lived a full life with Reema. That love is enough for me.”

Veeresh listened in silence.

“I told Poornima everything,” Ravi continued.

“She smiled and said she wasn’t interested either. We were clear, honest.”

Then Ravi smiled faintly.

“During Reema’s pregnancy—all nine months—we ate only food from her restaurants.

Mannat, Prakriti, Express. Even the Godbharai catering was hers.”

Veeresh looked up, surprised.

“She is a good woman,” Ravi said simply.

“Kind. Grounded. Respectful.”

His expression turned serious.

“But her family doesn’t treat her well. That’s what I understood.”

“Still—she doesn’t complain. She doesn’t brag like Gayathri.”

A pause.

“I honestly don’t know how Rehan will take care of Gayathri,” Ravi added quietly.

Then he looked straight at Veeresh.

“You like her, don’t you?”

Veeresh exhaled slowly.

“I don’t know,” he said.

Ravi stood up, placing a hand briefly on his shoulder.

“Be honest with yourself,” he said gently.

“That’s all.”

Ravi walked away to his room.

Veeresh stayed back.

Alone.

The silence pressed in.

Poornima’s smile.

Her calm dignity.

The way she never defended herself—because she didn’t need to.

And suddenly, the truth became clear.

He wasn’t curious.

He wasn’t impressed.

He wasn’t confused.

He was in love.

Veeresh closed his eyes.

For the first time in years, he didn’t fight the feeling.

He accepted it.