The celebration at the restaurant was still in full swing, laughter echoing across the table as Veeresh’s teammates joked and recounted moments from the match.

Suddenly, someone nudged Veeresh. “So… when are you going to give us some good news, boss?”

The group leaned in, eager and teasing, eyes flicking between him and Poornima.

Veeresh looked at Poornima, his lips curling into a soft, secretive smile. “Very soon,” he said calmly, squeezing her hand under the table.

Poornima felt her heart flutter at the simple touch. She smiled to herself, warmth spreading through her chest.

Just then, Veeresh’s phone buzzed. He excused himself, standing and walking to the corner of the restaurant. Poornima watched him leave, a small flutter of excitement in her stomach. Kids? she wondered silently, her mind wandering to possibilities.

Veeresh spoke quietly on the phone, his expression serious but controlled. Poornima couldn’t hear the words, but she saw the rare intensity in his eyes — and it made her heart beat faster.

Minutes later, he returned, sliding back into his seat beside her. Poornima’s eyes met his. “Okay?” she asked softly, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Veeresh gave a small smile, brushing a strand of her hair away from her face. “I’ll tell you at home,” he said.

Poornima laughed lightly, leaning into him. “Alright,” she whispered, already imagining the moment.

Under the dim restaurant lights, with the laughter of friends surrounding them, they sat side by side — hand in hand, hearts quietly synced, and the promise of tomorrow sparkling between them.