Chapter 27: Pag Phera

After Devraj announced the Pag Phera ceremony, Poornima hesitated for a moment.

She looked at him.

Poornima: "Papa..."

Devraj: "Yes, beta?"

Poornima: "Can I... stay at my parents' house for a little while?"

The living room became quiet.

Devraj smiled warmly.

Devraj: "Of course, beta."

"It's your home."

"You don't need anyone's permission to spend time with your parents."

Poornima smiled gratefully.

Poornima: "Thank you, Papa."

Rukmini nodded.

Rukmini: "Stay for a few days if you want."

"We'll miss you, but your Appa and Amma have every right to spend time with you."

Poornima folded her hands.

Poornima: "Thank you, Maa."

A little later...

Veeresh and Poornima got into the car with the twins.

Veeresh started the engine.

For a few minutes, they drove in silence.

Finally, Veeresh glanced at her.

Veeresh: "Chudail..."

Poornima: "Hmm?"

Veeresh: "You really want to stay there?"

She looked out of the window.

Poornima: "Just for some time."

"I miss home."

"I've lived there my entire life."

She smiled faintly.

Poornima: "Everything changed so quickly."

Veeresh understood.

He nodded.

Veeresh: "Alright, Chudail."

"Stay as long as you need."

She looked at him and smiled.

Poornima: "Thank you, Rakshas."

Rathore Mansion

The car entered the gates of the Rathore Mansion.

Raghav and Shirisha were already waiting outside.

The moment the car stopped, Shirisha hurried forward.

Shirisha: "Poons!"

Poornima stepped out and hugged her mother tightly.

Poornima: "Amma..."

Shirisha kissed her forehead.

Shirisha: "I've missed you so much."

Raghav smiled and embraced Veeresh.

Raghav: "Welcome home."

Veeresh: "Thank you... Appa."

Raghav's smile widened hearing him say "Appa."

Veeresh opened the back door and carefully lifted one of the twins.

Poornima carried the other.

The babies looked around curiously.

The moment Raghav held out his arms, one of the babies smiled brightly.

Raghav: "Look at that smile!"

Shirisha laughed happily.

Shirisha: "They've recognized their Dadu."

Raghav gently kissed the baby's forehead.

Raghav: "Come to Dadu."

The little one giggled.

Everyone smiled at the heartwarming sight.

Shirisha: "Come inside, all of you."

They entered the mansion together.

Inside, Revanth and Rohit welcomed them warmly.

Revanth: "Welcome, Veeresh."

Rohit: "Come, sit."

Veeresh greeted everyone respectfully.

They all settled in the living room, talking about the wedding, family, and business.

However...

Across the room, Riya and Aaravi watched quietly.

Neither of them looked pleased.

Seeing the attention Poornima was receiving from everyone, they exchanged silent glances but chose not to say anything.

Poornima noticed their expressions.

She simply smiled politely and continued talking to her parents.

She had learned long ago not to let such things disturb her peace.

Lunch

Soon, Shirisha called everyone to the dining hall.

The large table was filled with homemade dishes.

Shirisha: "Veeresh, today you have to eat properly."

"I've prepared a traditional Rajasthani lunch."

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: "Thank you, Amma."

Poornima looked at him in surprise.

He smiled slightly.

Veeresh: "What?"

Poornima: "You called her Amma."

Veeresh: "Should I call her Mrs. Rathore instead?"

Poornima laughed softly.

Everyone at the table smiled as they sat down together to enjoy lunch, the warmth of family slowly making the newly formed relationship feel a little more natural.