Chapter 43 – Are We Ready?

After leaving the hospital, Veeresh and Poornima sat quietly in the car.

Neither of them started the engine.

The doctor's words lingered in their minds.

Poornima looked out of the window for a few moments before turning towards Veeresh.

He was staring at the steering wheel, deep in thought.

She gently placed her hand over his.

Poornima: "Veer..."

He looked at her.

Poornima: "Are you okay?"

He gave her a small smile.

Veeresh: "I'm okay."

She studied his face.

Poornima: "What are you thinking about?"

He remained silent.

She continued softly,

Poornima: "The doctor asked us..."

She paused.

Poornima: "...whether we're prepared mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially."

She searched his eyes.

Poornima: "What do you think?"

Veeresh took a deep breath.

He intertwined his fingers with hers.

Veeresh: "Financially..."

He smiled faintly.

Veeresh: "We've never had a problem taking care of our children."

He looked at her.

Veeresh: "If we could raise four children with love, we can raise one more."

He paused before continuing.

Veeresh: "Physically..."

He laughed softly.

Veeresh: "We'll have to be more careful this time."

He gently touched her cheek.

Veeresh: "Especially you."

His expression became serious.

Veeresh: "I'll make sure you don't miss your medicines or your appointments."

Poornima smiled.

He continued,

Veeresh: "Emotionally..."

His voice softened.

Veeresh: "After losing fifteen years with you..."

He shook his head.

Veeresh: "...having another chance to build memories with you feels like a blessing."

His eyes became moist.

Then he answered the last part.

Veeresh: "Mentally..."

He was quiet for a moment.

Veeresh: "That's the only thing I was thinking about."

Poornima listened silently.

Veeresh: "Not because I don't want this baby."

He immediately clarified.

Veeresh: "I already love this little one."

He placed his hand gently over hers.

Veeresh: "I was thinking about you."

She looked at him in surprise.

Veeresh: "I don't want you to carry stress."

Veeresh: "I don't want you worrying about society, relatives, or what anyone else might say."

He smiled gently.

Veeresh: "Because this time..."

He squeezed her hand.

Veeresh: "...whatever comes, we'll face it together."

Poornima's eyes filled with tears.

Poornima: "You're sure?"

Veeresh nodded without hesitation.

Veeresh: "Absolutely."

He smiled warmly.

Veeresh: "We were ready to spend the rest of our lives together."

He looked at her with affection.

Veeresh: "We just didn't expect our youngest family member to decide to join us so soon."

Poornima laughed through her tears.

Veeresh smiled seeing her laugh.

He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.

Veeresh: "Let's go home, Poons."

Poornima: "Home."

She smiled.

For the first time since the hospital visit, the uncertainty in her heart eased a little.

Whatever lay ahead, they had decided they would walk through it side by side.