Chapter 23 – Our Anniversary

Veeresh walked to the wardrobe and took out a neatly folded saree.

It was the same saree he had bought for Poornima years ago but had never had the chance to see her wear.

He turned towards her.

Before she could move away, he gently pulled her closer.

Veeresh: "Poons."

She looked up at him.

Poornima: "Yes, Veer?"

He held out the saree.

Veeresh: "Tomorrow, wear this."

She looked at it and smiled softly.

Poornima: "I know, asshole."

Veeresh raised an eyebrow.

Veeresh: "You remembered?"

Poornima: "Of course I remembered."

She looked into his eyes.

Poornima: "It's our anniversary."

A smile slowly spread across Veeresh's face.

Then, as if remembering something important, he folded his arms.

Veeresh: "And block Pavan."

Poornima sighed.

Poornima: "Veer..."

Veeresh: "Block him."

She shook her head, trying not to laugh.

Poornima: "He's my colleague."

She continued,

Poornima: "He's married and has kids, Veer."

Veeresh wasn't convinced.

Veeresh: "Still... how come he calls you so often?"

Poornima smiled at his expression.

Seeing her smile, Veeresh narrowed his eyes.

Veeresh: "You're smiling?"

Before she could react, he gently tickled her sides.

Poornima: "Veer! Stop!"

She burst into laughter and tried to move away.

He playfully gave her a light pinch on her arm.

Veeresh: "That's for smiling when he calls."

Poornima laughed harder.

Poornima: "You're impossible!"

Veeresh: "And possessive."

He grinned.

Veeresh: "Only about my wife."

Poornima shook her head with an affectionate smile.

Poornima: "After all these years, you still haven't changed."

Veeresh: "Never where you're concerned, Poons."

Their laughter echoed through the room, replacing years of silence with the familiar warmth they had once shared.