Chapter 26

By the weekend, Veeresh Raj drove through the iron gates of the Raj Mansion. The sprawling estate stood proud, a symbol of power built over generations. Yet, beneath its grandeur, Veeresh always sensed undercurrents—a family bound by wealth, divided by secrets.

Inside, his mother welcomed him warmly, her hands brushing his hair back like he was still her boy. “Veeru, you’ve become thinner. Are you eating on time?”

He allowed a rare smile. “Amma, I’m fine.”

But his father’s presence loomed soon after, seated in the grand study with his usual commanding aura. “Sit, Veeresh.”

The conversation began as it always did—with business updates, empire expansions, potential deals. Veeresh answered crisply, his mind always two steps ahead. But then his father leaned back, eyes narrowing.

“I hear your brothers have been restless,” he said, voice calm but probing. “Arjun keeps telling me things, but lately… even he cannot explain their late nights, their rushed calls.”

Veeresh’s jaw tightened. He had his suspicions, the evidence slowly gathering, but not yet strong enough to shatter the illusion of family honor. “I’ll keep watch, Appa. I’ll tell you when I have something solid.”

His father studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “Good. You’ve always been the one I could trust.”

Before Veeresh could reply, his mother entered, her face softening the charged atmosphere. “Enough of your interrogations, both of you,” she chided gently. “Veeru, your Appa says you’re seeing someone. Tell me—who is she?”

Veeresh glanced at his father sharply. His father smirked, clearly enjoying the shift.

Veeresh’s voice was even, controlled. “When the time is right, Amma. Not before.”

His mother sighed dramatically. “Your brothers were no trouble, but you—so secretive.” She patted his hand. “Just don’t wait too long. Sometimes women don’t wait either.”

Her words lingered long after the evening meal.

That night, standing alone on the balcony, Veeresh’s eyes scanned the estate gardens, but his thoughts were far away. Not on business. Not even on his brothers’ hidden dealings.

On Poornima Rai.

Her defiance at the party.

Her smile when she taught.

Her hesitation when she danced.

And the way her eyes questioned him when he brushed her away at lunch.

Veeresh Raj was a man who planned everything. But with her, he realized, he was already off script.