Chapter 42 – Hidden Truths, Sweet Promises

The next morning, the campus bustled with its usual rhythm. Professors hurried to their lectures, students chatted across the courtyard, and the faint smell of coffee drifted through the staff room.

Poornima walked in, her face calm, her heart steady—but deep inside, she carried the secret weight of last night’s vow. Mrs. Poornima Veeresh Raj. The name echoed in her mind like a forbidden melody, but she tucked it away carefully behind her serene smile.

She took her seat and opened her notebook when suddenly, Veeresh walked in with a large box of sweets. He carried himself with that usual sharp confidence, but his eyes flickered once—only once—to her.

“Good morning, everyone,” his commanding voice filled the staff room. “I have some news.”

The professors looked up with curiosity.

“I am married,” Veeresh announced simply, placing the box of sweets on the table.

The room erupted in congratulations and teasing. “Oh, Professor Raj! You kept it quiet all this time!” “Who’s the lucky woman?” “When will we meet her?”

Veeresh smiled politely, keeping his tone casual. “The marriage will remain private for now. I will reveal it in due time. But for today, please, share my happiness. Have some sweets.”

Everyone eagerly reached for the box, laughing and congratulating him. Poornima, however, sat still. Her hand trembled faintly as she finally picked a piece of her favorite sweet—gulab jamun.

Gathering her courage, she lifted her eyes to him and said softly, “Congratulations, Mr. Raj.”

For the others, it was just a polite formality. But Veeresh leaned slightly closer as he passed her the sweet box, his voice dropping low so only she could hear.

“This sweet isn’t just for the marriage,” he whispered with a smile that tugged at her soul. “It’s because you are my sweetest reason.”

Her breath caught. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she quickly looked away, hiding the smile that refused to stay down. His words melted into her heart, filling her with both joy and fear—the joy of being loved so deeply, and the fear of their fragile secret being exposed.

Across the room, Veeresh stood tall, offering sweets to others, laughing lightly with his colleagues. But every so often, his eyes returned to her—the woman who now carried his name in silence, and his love in her heart.