Chapter 33: Names Before Mahakal

The ancient bells of Mahakal Mandir, Ujjain echoed through the temple complex as both families gathered for the twins' naming ceremony.

Devraj, Rukmini, Raghav, Shirisha, Savithri, Aravind, Siya, Arjun, Rajshree, Revanth, Rohit, Kritika, Rishi, and little Rahul stood together, dressed in traditional attire.

The priest completed the rituals and smiled.

Priest: "Now the father will whisper the children's names into their ears."

Veeresh gently took the baby girl into his arms.

He leaned close to her tiny ear.

In a soft voice, he whispered,

Veeresh: "Thoshini... Thoshini Veeresh Singh."

He kissed her forehead lovingly before handing her back to Poornima.

Then he lifted his son.

Holding him carefully, he whispered into his ear,

Veeresh: "Rudraksha... Rudraksha Veeresh Singh."

The priest smiled with satisfaction.

Priest: "From today, these children shall be known by these names."

Everyone showered flower petals on the twins.

Devraj folded his hands before Mahakal.

Raghav's eyes became moist with happiness.

Poornima looked at Veeresh.

Her voice was filled with gratitude.

Poornima: "Thank you, Veer."

Veeresh smiled gently.

Veeresh: "We fulfilled the promise."

Poornima nodded, knowing he understood how important this ceremony had been to her.

Both families then proceeded for Mahakal's darshan.

Standing before the deity, everyone offered prayers for the twins' healthy and happy future.

Outside the Temple

After the darshan, the family slowly walked through the temple courtyard.

At that moment, a familiar voice called out.

Ritika: "Sir!"

Veeresh turned around.

His assistant, Ritika, had also come to Ujjain with a few colleagues on a personal pilgrimage.

She smiled politely.

Ritika: "Congratulations once again, sir."

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: "Thank you, Ritika."

Poornima stood a few steps away, watching.

Ritika and Veeresh exchanged a few words about work.

Poornima remained calm.

She trusted Veeresh.

Still...

A small feeling of discomfort settled in her heart.

She remembered how, since their school and college days, many girls had admired Veeresh.

Even now, as the head of VDS Industries, people naturally gravitated toward him.

She kept those thoughts to herself.

Veeresh noticed she had gone quiet.

He immediately looked toward her.

Veeresh: "Poons."

She walked over.

Poornima: "Yes?"

Veeresh smiled and introduced them.

Veeresh: "Poons, this is Ritika—my assistant."

Ritika smiled politely.

Ritika: "Hello, ma'am."

Poornima returned the greeting.

Poornima: "Hello."

Without hesitation, Veeresh gently placed his hand around Poornima's waist.

He looked at Ritika with a proud smile.

Veeresh: "Ritika..."

"This is my wife, Poornima."

Poornima looked at him for a brief moment.

The simple gesture reassured her more than words could have.

Veeresh turned toward Poornima.

Veeresh: "Come, Poons."

"We're getting late."

She nodded.

Together, they walked back toward their family, his hand still resting protectively at her waist.

Ritika watched them leave.

Her polite smile slowly disappeared.

Under her breath, where no one else could hear, she murmured,

Ritika: "One day, Veer..."

"I'll make you mine."

She turned away, hiding her expression before anyone noticed.