Chapter: Threads of Morning and Blessings

Morning sunlight slipped gently through the curtains, soft and unhurried—just like Poornima.

She stood still as Veeresh draped the saree around her, his hands practiced yet careful, as if every fold mattered. When he reached behind her to adjust the pallu, his gaze lingered.

“This blouse…” he said, narrowing his eyes with mock seriousness, “…is very deep.”

Poornima turned her head slightly, a teasing smile curving her lips.
“You chose it.”

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. “Still. Dangerous.”

As he tied the strings at her back, his fingers brushed her skin, light but deliberate. She didn’t move. This—this quiet intimacy—felt natural now, like breathing. When he was done, he stepped back once, looked at her fully, and smiled in that way that always made her forget what she had been thinking.

“I’ll freshen up,” he said, already walking away.

Downstairs, the house was awake and warm with morning sounds. Poornima sat at the dining table, smoothing her saree unconsciously, when Veeresh joined her, pulling the chair close—always close. Breakfast was served, and before the casual chatter could begin, Devraj cleared his throat.

“Today, we’ll all go to the kuldevi temple,” he announced. “We’ll do the puja and return by afternoon.”

Everyone agreed easily, the plan settling like a blessing.

Then Ravi spoke, a little hesitant.
“Dad… I won’t be coming. I’ll stay back with Inayat.”

Devraj looked at him steadily. “Ravi, how long will you avoid Riya’s parents?”

The room quieted.

“They love you,” Devraj continued gently but firmly. “The last time we met them, they asked about you. Don’t hurt their feelings. They genuinely think of you as their son.”

Ravi lowered his gaze, conflicted. He stayed silent for a moment, then exhaled.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll come.”

Relief softened Devraj’s face. Veeresh smiled faintly, Poornima glanced at Ravi with quiet approval, and even the atmosphere seemed lighter—as if something unspoken had finally been acknowledged.

The family sat together, sharing breakfast, plans, and the unremarkable comfort of togetherness.

And for Poornima, as she watched them all—Veeresh beside her, his presence steady—this morning felt like something sacred in its own way.

Not just a day of prayer.

But a day of belonging.