Chapter 39: Claim

The party was elegant—soft music, polished smiles, careful conversations.

Veeresh arrived as a businessman.
Poornima stood there as an RBI official.

But the moment his eyes found her, professionalism slipped into the background.

She looked beautiful—effortlessly so. Calm. Confident. People gravitated toward her, listening when she spoke, smiling when she nodded. Veeresh watched from across the room, jaw tightening every time someone stood a little too close.

He didn’t like it.

Not because he doubted her.
But because something primal stirred in him—protective, possessive, honest.

When one man leaned in, laughing a little too freely, Veeresh was already moving.

He walked straight up to Poornima, his presence firm and unmistakable. His hand slid to her waist—steady, claiming, unapologetic.

“She’s with me,” he said calmly, eyes fixed on the man.
“My wife.”

Poornima froze—not pulling away, not reacting—just standing there as Veeresh’s words settled into the air. The man murmured an apology and stepped back.

Veeresh didn’t wait.

He leaned in close to Poornima’s ear. “Come.”

“What is this, Veeresh?” she whispered as he guided her away.

He didn’t answer until they reached a quiet corner, away from eyes and noise. Then he turned, blocking her path—not aggressive, but intense. His hands rested on either side of her, caging her in gently.

“You were enjoying the attention,” he said softly.

Her breath caught. “Were you watching?”

“Yes,” he said honestly. “And I didn’t like it.”

She searched his face. “Why are you jealous?”

His voice dropped. “Because you’re mine.”

She didn’t argue. Didn’t tease.

Veeresh leaned in and kissed her—deep, unrestrained, all the restraint he’d practiced slipping away in that moment. She gasped in surprise… then kissed him back, equally undone.

When they finally parted, his forehead rested against hers.

“Listen to me,” he said quietly. “I am possessive about my woman. And I won’t pretend otherwise.”

Poornima’s heart raced—but she was smiling.

“Veer,” she said softly, steadying herself, “that… moving in with you. Is it still applicable?”

His expression changed instantly—from intensity to pure joy.

“Of course,” he said without hesitation. “There was never a doubt.”

She nodded once. “Then yes. I’m ready.”

Veeresh smiled—wide, relieved, happy—and kissed her again, this time slower, fuller, sealing not a promise but a choice.

In the middle of a room full of people, noise, and expectations, they found something simple:

Belonging.

And neither of them wanted to let go.