Chapter 13: A Father's Promise

Poornima sat beside the cradle, gently stroking one of her twins' tiny hands.

The room was quiet.

Only the soft sound of the babies breathing filled the silence.

Raghav sat opposite her, watching his daughter.

After a long pause, Poornima finally spoke.

Poornima: "Appa..."

Raghav: "Hmm?"

She looked at him with worried eyes.

Poornima: "Do you really think this marriage will happen?"

Raghav smiled gently.

Raghav: "Why do you ask that?"

Poornima lowered her gaze.

Poornima: "Because nothing about it feels real."

"A week ago, I was only running my bakery and taking care of my babies."

"Now everyone is talking about my wedding."

She looked toward her sleeping twins.

Her voice became emotional.

Poornima: "And my babies..."

"What about them, Appa?"

"They're my whole world."

"I can't marry anyone who sees them as a burden."

Raghav moved closer and sat beside her.

He held her hand.

Raghav: "Listen to me carefully."

Poornima looked at him.

Raghav: "I asked Devraj the very same question."

"I asked him about your children before I agreed to anything."

Poornima waited anxiously.

Raghav: "He told me Veeresh has accepted everything."

"He knows about the twins."

"He knows they are part of your life."

"And he never objected."

Poornima's eyes widened.

Poornima: "He... agreed?"

Raghav nodded.

Raghav: "Yes."

"He said if he marries you, he accepts your children too."

"He doesn't want them to ever feel like outsiders."

Poornima remained silent.

Raghav continued,

Raghav: "Devraj also told me something I'll never forget."

Poornima looked at him.

Raghav: "He said..."

"Those children won't just be Poornima's babies. They'll be our grandchildren too."

A tear rolled down Poornima's cheek.

Raghav gently wiped it away.

Raghav: "Poons..."

"I've known Devraj for more than thirty years."

"He doesn't make promises lightly."

"And he has never broken his word with me."

Poornima whispered,

Poornima: "But what if Veeresh changes after the marriage?"

Raghav smiled softly.

Raghav: "Then he'll have to answer to me."

"And to Devraj."

He chuckled.

Raghav: "In fact, Devraj said something else."

Poornima raised an eyebrow.

Poornima: "What?"

Raghav laughed.

Raghav: "He said..."

"If Veeresh ever hurts Poornima, I'll kick my own son first."

Despite herself, Poornima let out a small laugh.

Raghav smiled.

Raghav: "There..."

"That's the smile I've been waiting to see."

He gently kissed her forehead.

Raghav: "You're not alone anymore, kanna."

"Whatever decision you make..."

"I'll stand beside you."

Poornima looked at her sleeping twins.

She held both of them close.

For the first time since the announcement...

A tiny part of her heart wondered whether fate was opening a new door—not just for her, but for her children as well.