Chapter 41 – A Secret for Now

Poornima was still leaning against Veeresh after scolding him.

She took a deep breath and looked at him seriously.

Poornima: "You're going to tell everyone."

Veeresh blinked.

Veeresh: "What?"

Poornima: "I'm not telling anything."

She folded her arms.

Poornima: "You tell them."

Veeresh laughed softly.

Veeresh: "Cheating, it is."

Poornima shook her head.

Poornima: "I don't know how to face everyone, Veer."

She looked down at the pregnancy test lying on the table.

Poornima: "I can't."

Veeresh gently lifted her chin.

He could still see the worry in her eyes.

After a moment of silence, Poornima spoke again.

Poornima: "Veer..."

Veeresh: "Hmm?"

Poornima: "We'll disclose it after Aradhya's wedding."

He listened quietly.

Poornima: "I don't want to spoil her happy day."

Her voice was calm but emotional.

Poornima: "This wedding is about her and Richard."

Poornima: "Everyone's happiness should be with them."

Poornima: "Our news can wait."

Veeresh looked at her for a long moment.

Then he smiled gently.

He understood exactly why she was saying it.

He nodded.

Veeresh: "Sure."

He held her hand reassuringly.

Veeresh: "We'll keep it between us for now."

A small smile appeared on Poornima's face.

Veeresh then added,

Veeresh: "But..."

She looked at him.

Veeresh: "Tomorrow, let's quietly visit the hospital."

He smiled reassuringly.

Veeresh: "Just to confirm everything and make sure you're doing well."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Sure."

Veeresh gently squeezed her hand.

Veeresh: "No matter what happens, we're in this together."

Poornima smiled.

For the first time since seeing the positive test, she felt a little lighter.

The decision was made.

For now, the news would remain their little secret.

Tomorrow, they would quietly visit the hospital together, and after Aradhya's wedding, they would share the news with the rest of the family when the time felt right.