Chapter 35 Truth in Public

The venue was filled with lights, music, and celebration.

People moved around in groups, laughter and congratulations echoing through the hall. It was a victory night for the opposition, and everything reflected it.

Veeresh stepped in with his usual composed presence.

Poornima walked beside him, her cream saree falling gracefully, her posture straight, her expression calm yet observant.

Heads turned.

Whispers followed.

Not just because he was there…

But because she was with him.

Veeresh greeted people one by one, his tone steady, respectful, showing no sign of the loss that had brought him there.

“Congratulations,” he said to a senior leader, shaking hands firmly.

“Thank you,” they replied, clearly surprised by his grace.

After a few moments, he turned slightly toward Poornima.

“This is my wife,” he said. “Poornima Veeresh Qureshi.”

Poornima gave a small nod, her voice polite and composed.

“Congratulations,” she said respectfully to the people around.

Her tone was soft.

Measured.

Perfectly appropriate.

Veeresh watched her for a second.

Then leaned slightly closer.

“This respect for your husband also would be nice,” he said quietly, just enough for her to hear.

Poornima turned her head toward him immediately.

Her expression did not change.

“That is not possible,” she replied just as quietly.

There was no hesitation.

No filter.

“This is polite behavior for outsiders,” she continued calmly. “You are my husband.”

Her eyes held his.

“I can be how I want with you.”

For a second, Veeresh just looked at her.

There was no offense.

No irritation.

Only a quiet acknowledgment.

She did not pretend.

She did not act.

She was exactly who she was.

With everyone.

And especially with him.

A faint smile touched his lips.

“You always speak honestly,” he said.

She shrugged slightly.

“I don’t know how to do anything else.”

There was a brief pause.

Then someone approached them again, pulling Veeresh back into conversation.

Poornima stood beside him, observing, listening, understanding the world he belonged to.

But every now and then…

Their eyes met.

And in that crowded room filled with politics, power, and performance…

Their truth remained simple.

Unfiltered.

And real.