Chapter 19: The Gown of His Dreams

The night was peaceful as soft lights glowed in the dining area. Poornima placed the dinner lovingly — chapathi, paneer curry, and her signature jeera rice with raita. She looked at the clock again.

Just then, Veeresh walked in, tired but with a soft glow on his face the moment he saw her.

They sat down together. She served him carefully, and he, as always, made sure she ate with him. Between bites and smiles, he cleared his throat.

"Begum," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief and love, "tomorrow there’s a party. All our partners and clients will be there... and I want you to wear something."

He slid a box across the table.

Poornima looked at him curiously. Opening it slowly, her eyes widened slightly — a black strapless gown with a deep neckline shimmered inside, elegant and bold.

She looked up, blinking.

"Isn’t this... a little too bold, Mr. Mohammad?" she teased with a raised eyebrow.

Veeresh leaned forward, his voice playful and husky.

"I imagined you in it, Poons. It’s bold, yes... because your elegance deserves a bold frame."

She blushed slightly.

He continued, "I spent five hours deciding, begum. You love black, and you look divine in white. So... I found something in between. This was the only one I could picture you in."

Poornima looked at him softly and said, "Then I’ll wear it."

Veeresh’s lips curled into a smile. "I knew you would. That’s why I call you mine."

They finished dinner slowly, stealing glances and smiles like shy teenagers in love. Once done, they walked back to their room, his hand lightly brushing hers, a quiet intimacy blossoming without words.

As they lay down, he whispered, “Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night, begum.”

She smiled, and the night wrapped them in warm, glowing silence.