Chapter 15: A Kiss for Congratulations

The sun had long set over Bangalore when Poornima unlocked the door and stepped into the house. The silence was comforting now—not cold like before. She placed her bag down, changed into her comfy track pants and an oversized T-shirt, tied her hair up, and stepped into the kitchen.

Soon, the warm smell of homemade dal and rice filled the house. She stirred the pot gently, humming to herself.

By the time she was working on her laptop at the table, legs folded under her, she heard the door unlock. She didn’t look up. “Dinner’s almost ready, Veeresh.”

He walked in, loosened his tie, and dropped onto the couch beside her.

“Poornima.”

“Hmm?”

“I got promoted.”

She turned instantly, eyes lighting up. “What?! Really?! Congratulations, Veeresh!”

Without a second of hesitation, he cupped her face and kissed her, soft at first—then deeper, full of pride, joy, and something unspoken. Her eyes widened, and she let out a muffled giggle when he slyly pinched her waist mid-kiss.

“Veeresh!” she exclaimed, pushing him gently.

He raised a brow with a teasing smirk. “Hey! How dare you push me?”

Before she could move again, he pulled her back into his arms, stealing another kiss—longer, hungrier, until she was breathless, her lips parted in shock and wonder.

She pushed his shoulder with a flushed face.

“Enough! Let’s eat. You just got promoted, not married again!”

He laughed, kissed her forehead, and they both went to the table.

Dinner was quiet but cozy. They ate dal and rice from the same plate, stealing glances like teenagers, feet touching under the table.

Later that night, they fell into bed.

His head on her lap, her fingers in his hair.

And when sleep pulled them down, Veeresh shifted beside her, wrapping himself so close that his weight rested on her.

“You’re heavy!” she whispered, but didn’t move.

He mumbled half-asleep,

“I’m not moving. You’re mine.”

She smiled, wrapping her arms around him, letting sleep take over.