Chapter 23: A Taste of Pride

The employees gradually returned to their work, still talking about the desserts.

Ritika stood near Veeresh's desk with a smile.

Ritika: "Sir..."

Veeresh looked up from his laptop.

Veeresh: "Yes?"

Ritika: "Mrs. Singh has built quite a business."

"She has several dessert shops across Jaipur."

"I've heard they're always fully booked for weddings and corporate events."

Veeresh smiled quietly.

There was pride in his eyes.

Veeresh: "She worked hard for it."

"She earned that success."

Ritika nodded.

Ritika: "It's impressive, sir."

After she left, Veeresh opened one of the dessert boxes kept on his table.

He picked up a brownie.

Taking a bite, he closed his eyes for a second.

The brownie was rich, soft, and perfectly balanced.

A small smile appeared on his face.

He picked up his phone and sent a message.

Veeresh (text): Chudail...

A few seconds later...

Poornima (text): Yes, Rakshas?

Veeresh (text): Awesome brownie.

Bring some extra home.

And keep a separate box for me in our room.

Poornima read the message and laughed.

She quickly typed a reply.

Poornima (text): That will cost extra, Mr. Singh.

Veeresh chuckled and replied immediately.

Veeresh (text): You're charging your own husband?

Her reply came within seconds.

Poornima (text): Customers are customers.

No special discounts.

Veeresh leaned back in his chair, smiling.

Veeresh (text): Then put it on my account.

Poornima couldn't stop laughing.

Poornima (text): Done.

Invoice will be sent this evening.

Veeresh shook his head with a grin.

Veeresh (text): You're impossible.

Her final reply appeared almost instantly.

Poornima (text): You married me anyway, Rakshas.

For the first time in a long while, Veeresh laughed aloud in his cabin.

Outside, Ritika heard the laughter and smiled to herself.

The rivals of school and college were slowly becoming partners—one brownie and one playful message at a time.