Chapter 52: What Was Truly Theirs

“Mumma…”

The small voice echoed through the hall.

Poornima turned immediately.

“Shona…” she said, her face lighting up.

Mannat ran toward her and hugged her tightly, wrapping her little arms around her as if she never wanted to let go again.

Poornima bent down and held her close, pressing her cheek against hers.

“Mumma,” Mannat said excitedly, “Abbu told new sister or brother is coming.”

Poornima smiled softly, her hand gently resting on Mannat’s head.

“Yes, shona.”

Mannat’s eyes sparkled with happiness.

She kissed Poornima’s cheeks again and again, giggling.

“I will play with baby,” she said proudly.

Poornima laughed quietly.

“Yes, you will.”

Veeresh stood a little distance away, watching them.

His eyes softened.

My family.

The thought came naturally.

Without hesitation.

Aryan walked in and stood beside him, looking at Mannat and Poornima.

Veeresh placed his hand on his shoulder.

He did not say anything.

He did not need to.

Everything was right there in front of him.

And for the first time in a long while,

He was not worried about what might happen.

He was waiting.

Waiting for the new life to come.

Waiting for this happiness to grow.

Later, in the room, Poornima sat quietly for a moment.

A thought crossed her mind again.

She looked at Veeresh.

“Veer…”

He turned toward her.

“What if she takes Shona away from us?”

Her voice was soft.

But the fear was real.

Veeresh did not even take a second.

“Not possible, Poornima.”

She looked at him.

“How?”

He smiled slightly.

“You are her legally recognized mother.”

He walked closer.

“I have all the documents,” he added calmly.

There was confidence in his tone.

Clarity.

Assurance.

Poornima looked at him for a second.

Then smiled.

“You are not gadha sometimes,” she said.

Veeresh raised an eyebrow.

“I am not gadha at all.”

She shook her head, smiling.

“You are… sometimes.”

Veeresh let out a small breath.

Then pulled her closer gently.

“And still you love me,” he said.

Poornima did not deny it.

She simply rested against him.

And in that quiet space,

With fears slowly fading,

And love standing stronger than ever,

They held onto what was theirs.

Not by chance.

But by choice.