Boundaries Crossed, Lines Redrawn

The soft clatter of keyboards filled the office space as Poornima worked intently, her eyes scanning graphs on her screen. Her team moved around her, finishing up reports, making notes, and updating dashboards.

That’s when Pavan, one of her most promising juniors, walked over.

> “Mam… can I talk to you for a second?” he asked, hesitating.

She looked up calmly. “Yes, Pavan?”

His tone was quiet. Awkward. “I... just wanted to say thank you. You chose me for this core project and… it means a lot.”

Poornima gave a small smile. “I chose you because I believe in merit. You have potential. Use it wisely.”

Then she paused and added, voice clear and direct:

> “Also, I know there’s been a... shift in your behavior. I’m married, Pavan. Let’s not make this awkward. You’re good at what you do. Stay focused.”

Pavan turned red. He immediately bowed his head.

> “I’m sorry, Mam. Truly. I did admire you... but you’re right. I crossed a line. I won’t let that affect work. It’s your honesty I respect most.”

She nodded once. “Apology accepted. Now go. We have deadlines.”

As Pavan turned away, a figure stood a few feet behind — watching silently.

Veeresh.

He was leaning against the glass wall outside the open cubicle, arms folded, jaw clenched, dark eyes stormy. He had come to surprise her for lunch — only to witness that.

But instead of storming in like the possessive husband he often was, he stood there for a moment longer.

She hadn’t let anyone cross a line.

She hadn’t even needed him to handle it.

But still… that jealousy in his veins whispered louder than reason.

As Poornima turned back to her screen, unaware of his presence, Veeresh smirked slightly and muttered under his breath:

> “Mrs. Gowda only belongs to Veeresh.”

He clenched his fists.

> “She handled him… but today, I’ll break one more line.”

His mind was spinning already — dark thoughts, fire-laced fantasies, and a dangerous hunger to make sure she felt just how much she belonged to him.

He walked away.