Chapter 53 – The Night of Smiles

The city lights shimmered beyond the tall glass windows of Veeresh’s penthouse. The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the room, broken only by the soft clinking of cutlery as they finished their dinner.

Poornima, dressed in a simple pastel kurta he loved seeing her in, sat cross-legged on the sofa with a bowl of ice cream. Veeresh leaned against the armrest, watching her with the sharpness of a hawk but the softness of a man hopelessly in love.

He set his glass of water down, then leaned closer, his arm sliding behind her. His fingers caught her wrist gently, pulling her toward him.

“You were smiling a lot today,” he said, his tone low, almost accusing but playful.

Poornima tilted her head, her lips curving again into that very smile. “And?”

Veeresh’s jaw flexed, his eyes narrowing in mock irritation. He leaned so close his breath brushed her ear, his voice a whisper meant only for her.

“Still smiling.”

She only grinned wider, enjoying his restlessness.

Veeresh exhaled, half amused, half frustrated. “Nothing.” But the word carried the weight of his unspoken emotions—the need to claim her, to remind her she was his.

They shifted to the couch, the lights dimmed, and a horror movie began playing on the big screen. The eerie background score filled the room. Poornima clutched the cushion tightly, hiding her face every time the music grew louder.

Veeresh chuckled softly. “So brave in class, but here…” He tugged the cushion away, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“Don’t laugh,” she said, pouting lightly, her eyes glued to the screen. “I can’t sleep at night after watching this.”

His lips brushed the side of her hair, his voice husky. “Who’s letting you sleep?”

She froze, her eyes darting toward him. “What do you mean?”

Veeresh leaned down, his forehead resting against hers, his gaze burning. “You’ll shout my name until your voice is gone.”

Her breath caught, her cheeks warming instantly. But she pushed back lightly, eyes flashing with playful defiance.

“No, I won’t.”

His lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile, the kind that promised she would lose this battle. His grip on her waist tightened, pulling her flush against him.

“You will.”

Poornima’s heart raced, caught between fear of the movie on the screen and the storm in the man beside her. But as she looked into his eyes, she knew—his words weren’t a threat, but a vow.