Chapter 24

The lunch bell rang, echoing across the campus courtyard. Professors gathered in small groups, students bustled around, laughter and chatter blending into the hum of midday life.

Poornima walked toward the canteen garden, carrying her tray of simple food, when she saw him already waiting—Professor Veeresh Raj. He stood tall, dark eyes fixed on her, his usual calmness shadowed by something sharper.

“Miss Rai.” His tone was low, firm, almost accusing.

She stopped, composed as ever. “Mr. Raj.”

He stepped closer, closing the space between them with the precision of a man used to control. “You were talking to Pavan.”

Poornima blinked, surprised at the bluntness. “Yes. He’s new. He just asked me some help.” She tilted her head slightly, her voice steady, calm. “And Mr. Raj, what is the point?”

For a moment, Veeresh wanted to say it—that he had noticed, that it mattered, that she mattered. His lips parted, his eyes searching hers.

But just then, his phone vibrated sharply. “Amma.”

He glanced at the screen, then at her. The moment slipped like sand. His tone shifted back to formality. “You can leave. I’ll talk to you later.”

Poornima hesitated only for a second, then gave a polite nod. “As you wish.” She walked away, her figure fading into the busy courtyard, while something heavy settled in Veeresh’s chest.

---

He answered the call.

“Son, how are you?” His mother’s gentle voice filled the line.

Veeresh softened for the first time all day. “I’m doing good, Amma.”

But before he could say more, she added, “Your appa told me you’re seeing someone.”

Veeresh’s eyes closed briefly, his mind flickering back to Poornima’s calm eyes. “Amma… I will. Once everything goes right.” He paused. “Pass the phone to Appa.”

A moment later, his father’s stern voice replaced the warmth. “Why did you tell Amma nothing is happening? She wants to see you happy.”

Veeresh’s voice was sharper now. “Because nothing is happening. I’m busy.”

His father didn’t flinch. “Busy men lose what matters. Make time, or else she will be gone.”

Veeresh’s gaze flickered, his hand tightening on the phone. His father’s words struck deeper than he cared to admit.

“Arjun doesn’t tell me anything about you these days.”

Veeresh smirked faintly, though his tone was edged. “Because I told him not to.”

His father gave a dry laugh. “I have my ways.”

Silence stretched between them before Veeresh spoke, voice heavy with a truth he couldn’t yet reveal. “Appa, about my brothers… when I have solid evidence, I will tell you. Not before.”

His father’s reply was curt but approving. “Good. We’ll wait. Come this weekend. Your amma will be waiting.”

“Ok. Bye, Appa.”

The call ended.

Veeresh stared at the phone in his hand, his reflection staring back. His double life pulled him in two directions—the empire, the mission, and now… the woman who unknowingly stirred his carefully guarded heart.