Chapter 43 – Shared Secrets, Shared Smiles

The next day, Veeresh surprised everyone again. He wasn’t the stern professor with sharp edges and commanding tone; he was a man carrying boxes of sweets across the courtyard, calling students and staff together.

“Everyone, listen,” he announced in his firm yet cheerful voice. “From today, my status is no longer single. I am married.”

Gasps of surprise, cheers, and applause filled the air. Students gathered excitedly, professors congratulated him warmly, and whispers spread like wildfire across campus.

Poornima, standing at a distance, lowered her gaze to hide the rush of warmth rising in her cheeks. She clutched her books tightly, trying not to let her happiness show too easily.

Later, as she walked past him in the corridor, Veeresh’s lips curved in that mischievous half-smile. “You know, Mrs. Raj… it’s not enough if only I give sweets.”

She blinked, startled, looking around to make sure no one caught the word Mrs. Raj. “What do you mean?” she asked softly.

“You are married too,” he said, lowering his voice just for her. “You should also give a treat. Let them know your happiness.”

Her heart skipped. “But… you’ve already given.”

Veeresh shook his head gently. His eyes locked with hers, dark and certain. “No. I want you to give too. Not because they need it, but because I want to see you do it.”

For a moment, she hesitated. Then slowly, a small, shy smile touched her lips. “Alright.”

The next day, Poornima brought in a box of coconut barfi, her favorite sweet since childhood. She walked into the staff room, her hands steady even though her heart raced.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said with a warm smile. “I have some news too… I am married.”

Gasps echoed again. This time, the surprise was double. Professors clapped, students congratulated her, and the box of sweets emptied quickly as laughter and joy filled the room.

From the corner, Veeresh watched her—his eyes glowing with a pure, boyish happiness rarely seen in him. As she moved about, smiling politely at everyone, his gaze followed her like a tether.

When she came closer, he leaned in, his voice a whisper no one else could catch.

“Congratulations, wifey.”

Her lips parted in surprise, and then slowly curved into a smile she couldn’t hide. For a moment, the world faded, and only his words, his eyes, and his happiness existed.

And in that instant, she made a silent promise in her heart:

For that happiness on your face, for the love that shines in your eyes… I will always be your reason. No matter the cost, no matter the extent—I will stand by you.

She glanced at him once more, her smile soft but steady. And Veeresh—sharp, commanding, always in control—looked nothing like the cold professor. He looked like a man in love, glowing with the simple joy of being seen, chosen, and claimed.