Chapter 28 – The Family Banter

Everyone gathered around the dining table for lunch, but the teasing from the garden hadn't stopped.

Rudra looked at his father and sighed dramatically.

Rudra: "Dad... please don't talk about having babies."

Aradhya nodded immediately.

Aradhya: "Yes, Papa. My wedding is in a few days. Please spare us."

Everyone laughed.

Before Veeresh could reply, Adwait spoke with a grin.

Adwait: "I don't have any problem."

Thoshini nodded enthusiastically.

Thoshini: "Neither do I."

She looked at Poornima with a mischievous smile.

Thoshini: "If Mum and Dad want more babies, we're okay with having younger siblings."

Veeresh's face lit up.

He slowly turned towards Poornima with the biggest smile.

Poornima looked at him and immediately understood what was going through his mind.

He raised an eyebrow without saying a word.

Poornima pointed her spoon at all four of them.

Poornima: "Shut up, all of you."

The children burst into laughter.

Then she turned towards Veeresh.

He was still smiling at her.

She narrowed her eyes.

Poornima: "And you..."

She lightly nudged his arm.

Poornima: "Veer, shut up."

The entire table laughed.

Trying to end the conversation, she served another spoonful of food onto his plate.

Poornima: "Eat."

Veeresh looked at the extra serving and smiled.

Veeresh: "Yes, ma'am."

Adwait leaned towards Rudra and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear,

Adwait: "Dad only listens to Mum."

Rudra nodded seriously.

Rudra: "Always has."

Rajendra laughed heartily.

Rajendra: "That's how a happy marriage works."

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: "Exactly."

Poornima hid her smile and continued serving everyone.

Veeresh quietly looked at her with affection.

After fifteen years apart, this simple family lunch—with laughter, teasing, and everyone together—felt more precious than anything he could have wished for.