Chapter 9: A Father's Faith

The guests slowly began leaving the Grand Royal Hotel.

Inside a private lounge, only the elders remained.

Devraj, Rukmini, Raghav, and Shirisha sat together while the others stepped outside.

Raghav let out a deep sigh.

Raghav: "Dev... after seeing their faces, I'm beginning to wonder if we've done the right thing."

Devraj smiled calmly.

Devraj: "Don't melt because of their words."

Raghav looked at him.

Devraj: "I didn't make this decision on a whim."

"I thought about it for a long time before suggesting this alliance."

Rukmini listened quietly.

Devraj continued,

Devraj: "I know my son."

"Behind that serious face, he's a man who carries everyone else's burdens."

"And I know Poornima."

"She isn't afraid of anyone."

A small smile crossed his face.

Devraj: "She'll keep him on his toes."

Raghav couldn't help but laugh.

Raghav: "That's true."

"She always has."

Devraj nodded.

Devraj: "And Veeresh..."

"He'll stand by her."

"He won't let her face life alone again."

Raghav's smile faded slightly.

Raghav: "But what about the twins?"

"They're her entire world."

Devraj answered without hesitation.

Devraj: "Veeresh will accept them."

"They aren't just Poornima's babies."

"They'll be our grandchildren too."

Rukmini's eyes became moist.

She gently smiled.

Rukmini: "We'll love them just as we love Rahul."

Devraj nodded firmly.

Devraj: "Exactly."

He looked directly at Raghav.

Devraj: "Those children will never feel like outsiders in our family."

"They'll grow up surrounded by grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins."

There was complete confidence in his voice.

Then, after a brief pause, Devraj grinned.

Devraj: "And if Veeresh ever tries to hurt Poornima..."

He rolled up one sleeve dramatically.

Devraj: "...I'll kick him myself."

The room burst into laughter.

Rukmini shook her head.

Rukmini: "Poor Veeresh."

Shirisha: "He's getting threatened before the wedding."

Devraj chuckled.

Devraj: "He's my son."

"I have every right."

Raghav smiled for the first time that evening.

He had known Devraj for decades.

When Devraj gave someone his word, he stood by it.

After a long silence, Raghav nodded.

Raghav: "Alright."

"I'll talk to Poornima."

"I'll try to make her understand."

Devraj stood and extended his hand.

Devraj: "Thank you."

Raghav shook it firmly.

Raghav: "Now it's your turn."

"Convince that stubborn son of yours."

Devraj laughed.

Devraj: "Between Veeresh and Poornima..."

"My son is the easier one."

Rukmini raised an eyebrow.

Rukmini: "Are you sure?"

Devraj thought for a moment.

Then he sighed dramatically.

Devraj: "Actually..."

"I'm not sure about either of them."

Everyone laughed again, knowing that the biggest challenge wasn't arranging the wedding.

It was convincing two of the most stubborn people they had ever known.