The morning sun filtered gently through the Deewan mansion, casting golden streaks across the polished floors. Poornima returned home from her final exam, her heart still racing with the thrill of accomplishment. Veeresh, ever observant, was already waiting, leaning against the doorway with that dark, unreadable expression that had melted slightly over the past months.

> “Ruby,” he said softly, voice carrying that rare warmth. “How did it go?”

She smiled, her eyes bright with excitement.

> “I cleared my exam, Veeresh! Master’s officially started!”

Veeresh’s dark eyes softened, a rare, proud smile appearing on his lips. From the depths of his obsessions and underworld dealings, a surge of pure happiness for her success broke through.

Without a word, he handed her a small velvet box. Poornima opened it to find a pair of gold bangles, delicate yet elegant — a symbol of his pride, a gift from the man who had never been soft with the world, but could be gentle for her.

> “Veeresh…” she whispered, eyes gleaming. “Thanks!”

She hugged him tightly, and for once, Veeresh didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her wholeheartedly, letting the rare intimacy linger. The gold bangles glinted in the sunlight, but it was Poornima’s smile, bright and victorious, that shone the most.

Veeresh stepped back slightly, still holding her hands, his mind replaying all the moments that led to this day — her struggles, her laughter, her courage. Her dream had become real, and he had been there, silently watching, silently protecting.

As Poornima admired the bangles, a mischievous thought crossed her mind. Her eyes sparkled with secret plans. Veeresh, always keen to observe, noticed the shift immediately.

> “Are you planning something?” he asked, dark eyes narrowing playfully.

Poornima’s lips curved into a soft, teasing smile.

> “Yes,” she admitted, hiding the sparkle of excitement. “But I think… you’ll like it.”

Veeresh’s dark smirk returned, dangerous and amused.

> “Hmm… Ruby planning something? That could either be trouble or delight. I’ll enjoy watching it unfold.”

She laughed softly, already imagining his reaction to the surprise she had meticulously planned for his birthday. The game of teasing, of playful control, and of subtle dominance had taken a new turn — a private battlefield where only they knew the rules.

Veeresh’s mind lingered on her words, the hint of secret mischief, and a rare, protective warmth rose inside him. No one would ever outsmart him — except perhaps Ruby. And he didn’t mind that at all.