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The dining hall was decorated simply but elegantly — balloons, streamers, and a chocolate cake in the center. Poornima stood with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. Her eyes blazed with frustration as she checked the time for the third time.

> “Where is he?” she muttered under her breath, glaring at the empty doorway.

Veeresh, of course, had arrived late, as he always did, stepping into the hall with that calm, commanding aura that made everyone stop and stare. His dark eyes immediately met hers — and for the first time, he saw pure fury shining back at him.

> “I clearly told you to be early!” Poornima snapped, hands on her hips, voice sharp and teasingly threatening.

Veeresh’s lips twitched, a small smirk appearing as he took in her glare.

> “Yes, Ruby,” he said softly, almost amused.

Poornima’s smirk returned, sharper this time.

> “Then… you know the punishment,” she said, pointing a finger at him.

Veeresh’s eyes darkened ever so slightly, danger and amusement mixed together. Without a word, he dropped to the polished floor and began doing sit-ups, his muscular frame moving with controlled precision. One of his guards knelt beside him, counting aloud as Veeresh powered through 100 sit-ups, every movement precise despite the protest in his dark eyes.

Once finished, he immediately rolled onto his hands and toes for 100 push-ups, each one firm, measured, and watched closely by the guards.

Poornima couldn’t hide her small smile as she watched him, a mix of pride and playful triumph glinting in her eyes.

> “Not bad,” she said softly, letting the tension melt slightly. “You can handle my punishments… but next time, be on time, Veeresh Deewan.”

Veeresh paused, chest heaving slightly, and glanced up at her. Despite his exhaustion, the smoldering glint in his eyes made it clear that even punishment with her was a kind of pleasure.

> “Yes, Ruby,” he murmured, voice low and dangerous, but softened by a rare warmth. “I’ll remember next time.”

Poornima stepped closer, brushing her fingers lightly along his shoulder, a silent signal of approval and affection. Her birthday surprise might have started with frustration, but in her eyes, Veeresh was hers — disciplined, amused, and wholly captivated by her.