Chapter 19: A Shoulder to Lean On

The twins had finally fallen asleep.

The room was peaceful, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

Veeresh gently placed both babies back into their cradles and covered them with their blankets.

For a few moments, neither he nor Poornima spoke.

They simply watched the children sleep.

Then Veeresh broke the silence.

Veeresh: "Poons..."

She turned towards him.

Poornima: "Hmm?"

He sat on the edge of the bed, his smile fading.

Veeresh: "My case is still going on."

Poornima quietly sat beside him.

She didn't interrupt.

She simply listened.

Veeresh: "Every hearing gives me hope."

"And every adjournment takes it away."

He looked down at his hands.

Veeresh: "I still haven't been able to meet Adwait."

"I've only seen him in photographs."

His voice became heavy.

Veeresh: "Sometimes I zoom into his pictures just to see how much he's grown."

"I wonder if he still has the same smile."

A tear escaped his eye.

Veeresh: "He..."

"...he calls someone else 'Papa' now."

He closed his eyes.

Veeresh: "That hurts more than anything."

Without saying a word, Poornima moved closer.

She gently placed a hand on his arm.

Then she slowly pulled him towards her.

Veeresh rested his head against her shoulder.

For the first time in years...

He allowed himself to lean on someone.

Poornima gently rubbed his back.

Her voice was calm.

Poornima: "Veer..."

"Don't."

"Don't let guilt consume you."

She continued comforting him.

Poornima: "Your son will come back to you one day."

"It may take time."

"But never stop trying from your side."

"One day..."

"He'll know how much his father fought for him."

Veeresh remained silent.

He simply listened.

Poornima continued softly,

Poornima: "Children grow up."

"They ask questions."

"And when Adwait asks about you..."

"The truth will find its way to him."

She gently patted his back.

Poornima: "So don't lose hope."

After a few moments, Veeresh smiled faintly.

Still resting on her shoulder, he looked up at her.

Veeresh: "Chudail..."

She looked down at him.

Veeresh: "Not bad, huh?"

"So much concern for your biggest rival."

Poornima rolled her eyes.

A smile appeared despite herself.

Poornima: "Don't start, Rakshas."

Veeresh chuckled quietly.

He didn't move away.

For a little while longer, he remained with his head resting on her shoulder.

And for the first time since their marriage...

Neither rivalry nor awkwardness stood between them.

Only quiet understanding.