The room fell into a heavy silence as Vikram leaned back in his chair, his stern expression softening into one of quiet anguish.
He rubbed a hand over his face, the lines of stress deepening.
"I… don't want you to be unhappy, Meera," he said finally, his voice low and strained. "But I also don't want to see this family dragged through the mud any longer. Do you understand what's at stake here?"
Meera nodded fervently, her hands clutching her chest as though to shield her breaking heart. "I understand, Dad," she whispered. "But please trust me. Just this once."
Vikram exhaled deeply, the weight of his decision settling heavily on his shoulders. "Fine," he said after a long pause, his voice heavy with reluctant acceptance. "I'll give you some time. But, Meera, if things don't improve…"
"They will," Meera interrupted, her voice filled with a flicker of determination. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you for trusting me."
Vikram looked at her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You're my daughter, Meera. No matter what happens, you'll always be my priority. Just don't make me regret this."
Meera nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude and guilt.
As she stood to leave, she glanced back at her father, whose weary eyes followed her. She knew she had been granted a reprieve, but the pressure to fix everything weighed heavily on her shoulders.
As the door closed behind her, Vikram leaned back in his chair, his heart torn between the love for his daughter and the expectations of the world.
Vedha sat by the window, her thoughts drifting toward Shourya. Over the past few days, something between them had started to shift. His quiet gestures of care, the way he seemed to notice even the smallest details about her, and the way he stood by her—it all made her feel something she hadn't in a long time.
Maybe, just maybe, things were getting better between them.
A soft smile curved her lips as she thought about him, but the peaceful moment was shattered by her phone buzzing. She frowned, glancing at the screen.
Pooja.
Of course. She never fails to interrupt at the worst time. Vedha sighed before answering the call.
"What is it, Pooja?" she asked, trying to mask her irritation.
"Wow, Vedha, such a warm welcome!" Pooja teased, her voice laced with mischief. "Anyway, guess what?"
"I don't know, and I'm not in the mood for games," Vedha replied flatly.
Pooja ignored her tone and dropped the bomb. "I slept with Dhanush!"
"What?!" Vedha practically shouted, sitting upright. "Pooja, are you out of your mind? After everything he's done?"
"Oh, calm down," Pooja said, brushing off her concern. "We used contraceptives. I'm not stupid."
"That's not the point!" Vedha snapped. "How could you even think about doing something like that? You barely patched things up with him!"
"Relax, Vedha," Pooja said nonchalantly. "I trust him. He's changed. Besides, not everyone is like you—married and still a virgin."
Vedha froze, the jab hitting her like a slap. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and frustration. "That's none of your business, Pooja," she said, her voice sharp.
"Well, maybe it should be," Pooja retorted. "I mean, seriously, Vedha, don't you think it's time you and your oh-so-perfect husband stopped playing house and started acting like a real couple?"
Vedha clenched her fists, her anger simmering. "You don't know anything about my life, Pooja. And for the record, Shourya and I are fine."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that," Pooja said with a laugh. "But let me worry about my relationship. Dhanush has changed, and I'm happy. That's all that matters."
Vedha shook her head, her frustration mounting. "I just don't want you to get hurt again," she said, her voice softer now.
"I won't," Pooja replied firmly. "But thanks for the concern, Mom," she added with a mocking laugh.
"I don't have time for this," Vedha muttered, ending the call abruptly.
She tossed her phone onto the bed, leaning back against the headboard.
Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger at Pooja's recklessness, embarrassment at her words, and a strange mix of guilt and hope when she thought about Shourya.
Things were finally starting to feel better between them, but why did it still feel like something was lurking in the shadows?
She stared out the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance. "I hope I'm wrong," she whispered, placing a hand over her racing heart.