Chapter 29: A Comfortable Conversation

Ayat and Aarhan looked at each other excitedly.

Ayat: "Ammi, can we go and see the palace garden?"

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Don't go far."

Aarhan: "Okay!"

The two children ran out of the room laughing.

The room became quiet again.

Poornima looked towards Veeresh.

There was a brief moment of awkward silence.

Finally, she spoke.

Poornima: "Mr. Rathore..."

Veeresh looked at her and smiled faintly.

Veeresh: "Mr. Rathore sounds too formal."

She looked at him questioningly.

He continued,

Veeresh: "You can call me either 'Rana Sa' like everyone in the family does..."

He paused before adding with a small smile,

Veeresh: "...or simply 'Veer.'"

Poornima smiled slightly.

Poornima: "That will take some time."

Veeresh nodded in understanding.

Veeresh: "Take all the time you need."

She looked at him sincerely.

Poornima: "Thank you... for what you told the children."

Veeresh shook his head gently.

Veeresh: "Don't thank me."

She looked at him.

Veeresh: "They're our children now."

His voice was calm.

Veeresh: "If they call me Abbu because they genuinely want to, that's a blessing for me, not a favour."

Poornima's eyes softened.

A small smile appeared on her face.

Seeing her smile, Veeresh smiled too.

For the first time since their marriage, the conversation between them felt natural.

There were no heavy discussions...

No painful memories...

Just two people, slowly learning how to speak to each other with warmth and ease.