The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the room as the last traces of dinner lingered in the air. The aroma of spices still clung faintly to the table, mingling with the warm scent of home. Poornima sat back in her chair, her fingers brushing crumbs from her kurti, and looked at Veeresh, who remained seated across from her, his expression calm but unreadable.

“How was college today, Ruby?” he asked finally, his voice softer than usual.

Poornima’s face lit up, a small, genuine smile breaking through.

“Good. Really good. I’ve applied for my master’s already. London Business School.”

Veeresh nodded silently, his dark eyes following her every movement. He listened as she spoke about her classes, her professors, and the projects she was excited about. There was a light in her voice — a passion, a determination — that seemed to draw him in, though he refused to admit it even to himself.

“Veeresh… can I do an internship in your company?” she asked suddenly, her gaze steady.

He tilted his head, surprised at her forwardness. After a pause, he said simply,

“Ruby… you can.”

Her eyes sparkled.

“I will apply then. I want to learn, to see how things work… your company seems… interesting.”

Veeresh didn’t reply, only watched her with that calculating, sharp gaze that made her feel both safe and small all at once.

The night deepened, and Poornima yawned softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Good night, Veeresh,” she whispered, her voice calm and gentle.

She lay down on the bed beside him, curling into the warm folds of the blanket. Veeresh, for the first time in a long while, allowed himself to sleep, lying awake for a few moments as he watched her chest rise and fall in steady rhythm.

Her words, her happiness, her determination — they lingered in his mind, like a storm held in silence.

He didn’t move closer, didn’t hug her. He didn’t need to.

For now, he just thought.

Thought about the girl who had kissed him once, cried on his shoulder, defied him, and yet, somehow, had made herself at home in his world.

The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of blankets and the faint hum of the city outside. And for the first time, Veeresh Deewan let himself sleep — with Poornima Chowdary lying just beside him, unaware of the obsession quietly growing in the heart of the devil who now claimed her.