Chapter 51 – Three Kids

Poornima walked back to the room after talking to Devki, but her mind stayed there for a while, replaying the sadness hidden behind that composed face. The moment she entered, Veda saw her and immediately started giggling, moving her tiny hands excitedly toward her.

“Acha… someone missed me?” Poornima said softly, lifting her into her arms, and Veda instantly buried herself against her happily.

Veeresh, who was sitting nearby, watched both of them quietly for a moment before saying, “I think you really love kids.”

Poornima looked at him like the answer was obvious. “Of course.” She kissed Veda’s cheek lightly before adding, “I need three kids.”

Veeresh almost choked. “Three?”

“Yes.”

“No.” He shook his head immediately. “One is enough.”

Poornima narrowed her eyes at him. “You will sleep on the couch, husband.”

“That’s not fair, poons,” he complained instantly, moving closer. “Three children is chaos.”

She looked offended now. “Chaos?”

“Yes,” he said seriously. “One child cries, second child falls somewhere, third child destroys the house. Then you will shout at me.”

Poornima stared at him for a second and then burst into laughter. “Gadha.”

“I am serious,” he continued, pointing toward Veda. “See this one? She looks innocent now. Wait till she grows up.”

Veda giggled again like she understood the conversation.

Poornima smiled and sat beside him carefully with Veda in her lap. “No,” she said softly this time, “a big family feels nice.”

That made him look at her differently for a second.

She continued quietly, “I grew up alone, Veer. Hostel… empty birthdays… no noise, no fights, nothing.” Her fingers gently stroked Veda’s hair. “I want my children to grow up with love around them.”

The teasing left his face slowly.

“Three is still too much,” he muttered, but his voice had softened now.

Poornima smirked slightly. “We’ll see.”

He leaned closer suddenly. “No, we won’t see. I am the husband.”

“And I am the wife.”

“Dangerous wife.”

“Good. Be scared.”

Veeresh laughed under his breath and leaned his head against her shoulder for a moment while Veda sat happily between them, holding both their fingers together unknowingly.