Vasu's POV
She did it.
Against every fear, every scar, every trembling thought—she stood there and told them the truth. My girl was brave. Stronger than anyone in that room.
But I knew.
I knew I had pushed her too far.
I saw it before anyone else did.
The slight sway.
The sudden sheen of sweat on her forehead.
Her words tangling, breaking apart as if her mind was slipping away from her body.
Her legs gave out.
"Madhu—!"
I reached her just in time.
Her body collapsed into my arms, weightless and terrifyingly still.
"Hey—hey—Madhu!" I shouted, gripping her tighter as her head fell against my chest. "Open your eyes, sweetheart. Please—open your eyes!"
Gasps echoed around us. Chairs scraped back. Panic erupted.
"Give them some air!" Karan shouted, rushing toward us. His voice was shaking now. "I told you—she couldn't handle this! I told you—"
"Stop!" I snapped, my voice cutting through the chaos. "This is not the time!"
My hands trembled as I held her face, cold fear settling deep in my bones.
"Should we take her to the hospital?" I asked, barely recognizing my own voice.
Then—
A sound.
A broken, fragile moan escaped her lips.
Her fingers fisted into my shirt, clutching me like I was the only thing keeping her here.
"No…" she whispered weakly. "Room…"
Her breathing stuttered.
"My… room… please…"
I cupped her cheeks, my forehead resting against hers.
"Madhu, open your eyes. Babe, please—look at me," I begged.
Her lashes fluttered once.
Then she went limp again.
That was it.
Fear ripped through me.
I scooped her into my arms without another thought.
"Pappa," I said, turning toward her father, my voice breaking despite myself. "May I take her to her room?"
He nodded immediately.
I took the stairs two at a time, her weight pressed against my chest, her heartbeat faint but there. I laid her gently on the bed, like she was made of glass, afraid even my breath might hurt her.
I stayed.
I didn't move.
I held her hand, my thumb brushing over her knuckles, silently begging her to come back to me.
Talia sat beside me, her eyes wet. I turned to her.
"Talia… please. Can you give us a moment?" I asked quietly.
She nodded and slipped out, closing the door behind her.
The room felt unbearably still.
Slowly, carefully, I removed her ornaments, unclasped her bangles, slid the pin from her shawl so it wouldn't prick her skin. I covered her with a blanket, my hands gentle, reverent.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered, the words tearing out of me. "This was never supposed to hurt you."
A soft groan.
My head snapped up.
Her lashes fluttered. Her eyes opened slowly—and the moment they found me, they filled with tears.
"Vasu…" she whispered, panic flooding her voice. "Please don't leave me alone."
My heart shattered.
She grabbed my hands and pulled herself up, collapsing into me, her arms wrapping tightly around my neck as if she was afraid I'd disappear.
I held her instantly—one hand cradling her head, the other rubbing slow circles on her back.
"Shh… shh… I've got you," I murmured, rocking her gently. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."
Her sobs eased little by little, her body finally relaxing against mine.
When she was calmer, I pulled back just enough to see her face. I cupped her cheeks, my thumbs brushing away her tears.
"Look at me," I said softly. "I'm not leaving you. Ever."
I pressed a slow, reassuring kiss to her forehead.
She nodded faintly.
Only then did I let myself breathe.
"Okay," I whispered, my voice steady now, filled with quiet resolve. "If you're feeling a little better… can I tell you something?"
I smiled.
She was calmer now, but her fingers still clutched my shirt like she was afraid the ground beneath her might disappear again.
I took a slow breath.
"This… what happened downstairs," I began carefully, my thumb brushing over her knuckles, "it wasn't real."
Her body stiffened.
"What do you mean… not real?" she whispered.
I swallowed hard. This was the dangerous part.
"Madhu," I said softly, leaning closer so she wouldn't feel alone, "your family was never against us. Not for even a second."
Her eyes widened.
"No…" she breathed, shaking her head. "Then why—why did Amma say—why did everyone—"
"Because of me," I said quietly.
Her gaze snapped to mine.
"I asked them to pretend," I continued, my voice steady but heavy with guilt. "I thought… if you faced your fear with me beside you, you'd finally believe you weren't alone anymore."
Her breathing hitched.
"You—" she started, then stopped.
For one terrifying second, I thought she might pull away.
Instead—
She broke.
Her hands curled into fists against my chest, and her sob tore out of her like something ripped straight from her soul.
"You scared me," she cried, her voice cracking. "I thought I lost everything. I thought I lost you."
"I know," I whispered, pulling her tightly into my arms. "And I swear to you, if I could take that moment back, I would. I never wanted to hurt you."
She shook in my arms, tears soaking into my shirt.
"I've been fighting my whole life," she sobbed. "For acceptance. For love. For safety. And for one moment… I thought it was gone again."
My chest ached.
I cupped her face, forcing her to look at me.
"Listen to me," I said firmly, but gently. "Your father already said yes. Your mother agreed. Your brother threatened to kill me if I ever made you cry again."
A weak, broken laugh escaped her despite herself.
"Sharadha Ma?" she asked shakily.
"She loves you," I said without hesitation. "She's already calling you her daughter."
Her lips trembled.
"So… I didn't imagine it?" she whispered. "You didn't change your mind?"
I shook my head.
"Never," I said fiercely. "Not for one second."
She collapsed into me again, but this time it wasn't panic—it was release.
I held her as she cried it out, my hand stroking her hair, my lips pressed to her temple.
"I'm here," I whispered over and over.
"I'm here. I've got you. You're safe."
After a long moment, her breathing finally slowed.
She pulled back slightly, her eyes red, her voice small.
"Next time," she said softly, "don't test my strength like that."
I smiled through the ache in my chest.
"No more tests," I promised. "Only truth. Only us."
She nodded, resting her forehead against mine.
And in that quiet, fragile space—
I knew she believed me.
"Come. Everyone is worried about you."
She nodded. "I'll change and come."
The door opened.
She stepped out in a simple white top and white pants.
Beautiful.
Effortlessly, devastatingly beautiful.
"You look stunning," I said.
She smiled.
Together, we walked into the living room—where worried faces instantly relaxed when they saw her safe.
"She's fine," I said, squeezing her hand.
"And yes—I've already told her about the prank."
This time, the drama was finally over.
And the real story—ours—was just beginning.
Madhu's POV
A wave of happiness washed over me when I finally realized—my family had accepted us. Truly accepted us.
Yet, after everything that had happened, my heart felt heavy, overwhelmed by emotion.
I walked into the living room, where everyone surrounded us with smiles and congratulations. My father caught my eye and gently signaled for me to come to him. Without a word, he led me to the backyard.
He rested a hand on my shoulder.
"Are you happy, beta?" he asked softly.
That was all it took.
I couldn't meet his eyes. My gaze fell to the ground as tears spilled freely, my body shaking. He sighed gently, lifted my chin with his thumb, and pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Why are you crying, my child?" he asked, his hand soothing my hair.
Clinging to him, I sobbed, "I'm sorry, Papa… I never wanted to hurt any of you."
He pulled back slightly, cupping my face firmly yet tenderly.
"Who told you that you hurt us, crazy girl?" he said with a warm smile.
"I am so happy," he continued. "Happy that Vasu is your partner. Happy that he will stand by you, protect you, and love you until his last breath."
He wiped my tears and kissed my forehead.
"But before anything else," he added, "you must thank your brother. Karan stood up for you when it mattered the most."
My eyes widened.
"What? Papa… K?" I whispered.
He nodded and briefly told me everything—how fiercely my brother had defended me, how he refused to let anyone decide my life without my happiness.
I knew my brother loved me.
I just never realized how deeply.
Just then, the backyard door opened.
"Papa… Malathy Ma is calling both of you for dinner," Vasu said.
His gaze immediately found mine—my red eyes, my tear-streaked face.
"Are you still crying?" he asked gently.
I shook my head, trying to steady myself.
My father smiled and went back inside, leaving us alone.
Vasu stepped closer, lifted my chin with his thumb, and wiped away the last of my tears. Concern shadowed his eyes.
"Then what is it, sweetheart?" he asked.
"I apologized to my father," I admitted softly.
He opened his arms without hesitation.
"Come here, crazy girl."
I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed everything inside me.
He kissed my forehead.
"Do you want to say something?" he asked quietly.
I nodded and looked up at him.
"What?" he asked.
In a whisper meant only for him, I said, "I love you."
He smiled—slow, warm, certain—and replied, "I love you too."
And in that moment, surrounded by love, acceptance, and safety, I knew—
I was finally home.
We stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a while, letting the silence speak for us. Eventually, Vasu guided me back inside the house. Dinner followed soon after, and since it was already late, Vasu and Sharadha Ma joined us.
After we finished eating, I walked straight up to my brother and stood in front of him with a dramatic pout. He looked at me knowingly and smiled. Rolling my eyes, I pulled him into a tight hug.
"Thank you," I whispered.
He hugged me back just as tightly.
"For what?" he asked with a grin. "For threatening to kick your ass for falling in love with my partner?"
I raised an eyebrow and laughed softly.
"No," I said. "For standing up for me. For protecting me. For not letting anyone break me again. And… for giving me the best man in the world. I love you."
His eyes softened, and for a second, I thought he might cry. Instead, he cleared his throat and said—
"Okay! Vasu is leaving. Go say goodbye to him. Go, crazy girl—always so dramatic. Go."
Laughing, I hurried to Vasu's side. It was time for him and Sharadha Ma to leave, and I helped push her wheelchair toward the exit. Before stepping out, I went to my mother and reassured her that I'd finish Sharadha Ma's physiotherapy session and come back soon. She nodded, satisfied.
When we reached Vasu's house, I paused in surprise.
Everything was spotless.
"I'll take it from here," I said, taking the wheelchair from his hands. "You go freshen up."
He nodded and disappeared into his room.
After finishing Sharadha Ma's physiotherapy, I stretched and sighed.
"Okay, Ma, I'll see you tomorrow," I said, turning to leave.
She suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me into a tight hug.
"I'm so happy you're going to be my daughter-in-law," she said, gently stroking my hair.
I hugged her back, my chest swelling.
"I love you, Ma," I whispered.
"That's not true," Vasu's voice interrupted.
We both turned to see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed.
"She loves me more."
I rolled my eyes, heat rushing to my cheeks.
"Okay," Sharadha Ma laughed, gently pushing me toward him. "She's all yours."
I stumbled straight into Vasu's arms. He caught me from behind, holding me close.
"Ma is right here," I whispered, trying—and failing—to sound serious. "Take your hands off me."
He leaned down, his voice brushing my hair.
"Not a chance in hell, sweetheart."
And just like that, wrapped in his arms.
I opened my eyes and smiled softly.
"I want a picture with both of you," I said.
"Okay!" Sharadha Ma replied warmly.
I moved closer to her and sat beside her, wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug.
Vasu scoffed playfully.
"Then who's going to hug me?"
Sharadha Ma and I burst into laughter.
"Come, sit here for the picture," she said.
Vasu joined us, settling beside me. One of my hands rested gently on Sharadha Ma's shoulder, while the other found its place on Vasu's.
He clicked a few pictures, and I reminded him to share them with me later.
After that, I kissed Sharadha Ma on the forehead and wished her good night.
Vasu and I walked out together, our fingers still interlocked.
When we reached the front door, I couldn't bring myself to let go of his hand. He noticed and smiled softly, asking me to go inside and rest.
I shook my head without a word.
He pulled me closer, wrapping an arm around me.
"Look at me," he said gently.
I took a deep breath and lifted my gaze.
Without warning, he leaned in and kissed my nose. Heat rushed to my cheeks instantly. Smiling, he removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.
"Keep this," he whispered. "Whenever you miss me, imagine I'm right here with you."
My heart softened.
"I'm not going anywhere," he continued. "And I won't let you go anywhere either, sweetheart."
He kissed my forehead, lingering there for a moment.
"Good night, Vasu," I whispered, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek.
"Sweet dreams."
He smiled, gently nudged me inside, locked the door behind me, and walked away—leaving me wrapped in his warmth, his promise, and the certainty that I was never alone again.
Third Person POV
The woman—no older than twenty-five—sat rigidly in the passenger seat, her fingers clenched tightly in her lap. The man beside her gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white. Their eyes met for a brief second, sharp and urgent.
"We have to tell them," he said, his voice low but strained, as if holding back panic. "Now."
She exhaled slowly, staring straight ahead.
"I know," she replied. "But not yet."
His jaw tightened. "Not yet?" He glanced at her again. "Do you have any idea what's at stake? She's already in danger."
"For this to work," she said quietly, almost coldly, "they must choose each other first. Completely. No doubt. No fear."
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
She turned to him then, irritation flashing in her eyes.
"Drive. I'll explain once we're clear of this place."
The engine roared as the car sped away, tires screeching against the asphalt.
Silence filled the space between them—thick, suffocating.
Seconds passed. Then minutes.
"Say something," he snapped at last. "We had the perfect moment to warn them. You let it pass."
She smiled faintly—a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Because warning them too early would destroy everything."
He slammed the brakes. The car lurched to a halt.
"What do you mean?" he demanded, turning fully toward her now. "Stop speaking in riddles."
She scoffed softly.
"They can't just be together," she said. "They have to be bound. Two bodies. One soul. Until their last breath."
Before he could respond, she opened the door and stepped out.
"Wait—!" he called, scrambling after her.
She walked toward a towering building, its glass façade reflecting the city lights like a watchful eye. Stopping at the entrance, she closed her eyes and pressed her palm against the door.
Her lips moved—soft, deliberate words whispered under her breath.
The air shifted.
A sudden white light flared, blinding and silent, and the door slid open on its own.
He froze.
"What the hell was that?" he whispered.
She didn't answer.
They stepped inside.
The office buzzed with controlled chaos. Phones rang. Screens flickered with data.
The woman moved swiftly, issuing instructions, her voice calm but commanding.
One by one, four others entered—two men, two women—deep in hushed conversation. The tension in the room was unmistakable.
Then the door flew open.
A man in a tailored black suit strode in, breathless but smiling.
"Sorry," he said lightly. "Traffic was brutal."
A ripple of laughter broke the tension—for just a moment.
He folded his arms, eyes sharp.
"Any leads?" he asked.
The woman turned toward him.
"We've found them."
The room erupted—relief, excitement, urgency colliding all at once.
He gestured to her, and they moved aside.
"We're running out of time," he said under his breath. "We need to bring them here. Now."
She closed her eyes briefly, as if weighing the fate of the world.
"They've only just confessed," she replied. "If we interfere now, we risk breaking the bond."
He studied her face, then nodded slowly.
"Then we wait," he said. "But not for long."
Somewhere far away, two hearts had finally found each other—
And something ancient had begun to stir.