Chapter 13 — Love Is Not Politics

The study fell silent after Veeresh finished explaining everything.

Mr. Qureshi continued to look at his son.

He had watched Veeresh grow into a powerful and ruthless politician. He had seen him negotiate with people, manipulate situations, and plan several moves ahead.

But this was different.

This was his son's personal life.

And love was not something that could be controlled like politics.

Mr. Qureshi slowly shook his head.

Mr. Qureshi: "Son, love is not politics."

Veeresh looked at him silently.

Mr. Qureshi: "You cannot treat Poornima like a political game. You cannot plan every move and expect her to respond the way you want."

Veeresh's expression remained serious.

Mr. Qureshi: "She is twenty years old."

He paused.

Mr. Qureshi: "She is still very young. She is at an age where she is trying to understand herself, her dreams and what she wants from her life."

Veeresh lowered his eyes.

Mr. Qureshi: "She has just been thrown into a marriage she never expected. She has discovered that her husband has an eight-month-old daughter, and she has also lost the life she had planned for herself."

Mr. Qureshi stepped closer to his son.

Mr. Qureshi: "You have to give her time."

Veeresh looked at him.

Veeresh: "I will."

Mr. Qureshi: "No games, Veeresh."

His tone became firm.

Mr. Qureshi: "Do not manipulate her emotions. Do not try to control her choices. Do not use your power to keep her beside you."

Veeresh remained quiet.

Mr. Qureshi: "If you truly love her, then prove it by giving her the freedom you took away from her."

Those words made Veeresh look away.

Mr. Qureshi continued.

Mr. Qureshi: "You said you have craved her for five years. Fine. Then wait."

Veeresh looked back at him.

Mr. Qureshi: "Wait until she is ready to understand you. Wait until she is ready to accept this marriage. And if one day she chooses you willingly, then you will know that she chose you because she wanted you."

Veeresh's expression softened slightly.

Mr. Qureshi: "But if you force her, you may have her beside you, but you will never have her heart."

The words stayed with Veeresh.

He slowly nodded.

Veeresh: "I understand, Papa."

Mr. Qureshi studied him carefully.

Mr. Qureshi: "Do you?"

Veeresh took a slow breath.

Veeresh: "Yes."

He looked toward the staircase.

Veeresh: "I won't play any game with her."

Mr. Qureshi nodded.

Veeresh: "I will give her time."

He paused.

Veeresh: "Even if she hates me."

Mr. Qureshi placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

Mr. Qureshi: "Then be patient."

Veeresh looked at him.

Mr. Qureshi: "For once in your life, don't be the ruthless politician everyone fears."

He gave his son a knowing look.

Mr. Qureshi: "Just be a man who loves a woman and is willing to wait for her."

Veeresh remained silent.

For years, he had planned everything.

Every move.

Every possibility.

Every outcome.

But now, for the first time, he understood that Poornima was not a piece on his chessboard.

She was a person.

And if he truly wanted her, he would have to let her choose.

Even if that choice took years.