Chapter 45

The moment they entered the room, Poornima placed the gifts on the bed, looking at them with a small smile that she didn’t try to hide this time. “So many gifts,” she said, almost amused, picking one up and turning it in her hands.

Veeresh watched her instead of the gifts. “I never thought my grandmother would like it,” he said honestly, still processing what had happened downstairs.

Poornima glanced at him, her smile soft but knowing. “She didn’t like me,” she said calmly, “she respected what I did.”

He didn’t deny it.

Instead, he stepped closer, reaching into his pocket. “This… is from me,” he said, taking out a ring and holding it in front of her.

She looked at it, then at him. “You’re giving me again?” she asked lightly.

“This one… I chose,” he replied, his voice quieter now.

She didn’t argue.

Just extended her hand.

He slid the ring onto her finger slowly, his eyes not leaving hers, and she smiled, a real one this time, not guarded, not held back.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then he moved closer, his hand lifting to her face, and before she could say anything, he kissed her—deep, certain, like he had been holding it back for too long.

She didn’t resist.

Her hand moved to his shirt, holding onto him as she kissed him back, just as strongly, just as willingly, the distance between them disappearing completely.

A soft sound broke the moment.

Veda giggled from the bed.

They both pulled back slightly, turning toward her at the same time, and then looked at each other.

A small smile passed between them.

Quiet.

But full.