Chapter 30: Thinking About the Children

The comfortable silence between them continued for a few moments.

Then Poornima gathered the courage to speak.

Poornima: "Rana Sa..."

Veeresh looked at her.

Veeresh: "Yes?"

She hesitated before asking,

Poornima: "What about Ayat and Aarhan's schooling?"

Veeresh answered without a second thought.

Veeresh: "We'll get their admission done."

Poornima looked relieved.

He continued,

Veeresh: "I'll admit them to the same school where Yash, Aarav, and Aadhya study."

Poornima listened quietly.

Veeresh: "It's a good school, and it'll be easier if all five children are in the same place."

She nodded.

Poornima: "Okay."

Veeresh smiled gently.

Veeresh: "I'll speak to the principal tomorrow and complete the formalities."

Poornima's eyes reflected gratitude.

Poornima: "Thank you, Rana Sa."

Veeresh smiled and shook his head.

Veeresh: "There you go again."

Poornima looked at him curiously.

Veeresh: "No 'thank you' between us."

He spoke softly.

Veeresh: "We're a family now. Looking after Ayat and Aarhan is my responsibility too."

Poornima smiled warmly.

Poornima: "I'm still getting used to all this."

Veeresh nodded in understanding.

Veeresh: "And so am I."

For a brief moment, they both laughed softly.

It wasn't loud.

It wasn't dramatic.

But it was the first time they had laughed together, and somehow, it made the room feel a little more like home.