Chapter 25: The Brownie Bill

After speaking with Devraj and Rukmini, Poornima picked up the small dessert box she had kept aside.

It was the special brownie box Veeresh had asked her to bring home.

She smiled to herself and carried it upstairs.

Entering their room, she placed the neatly packed box on the table near the sofa.

The twins were awake.

She picked them up one by one, talking to them and making them giggle.

A little while later, the bedroom door opened.

Veeresh had returned from VDS Industries.

He loosened his tie and smiled when he saw the babies laughing.

Veeresh: "Looks like I missed all the fun."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "They've been waiting for you."

Veeresh kept his laptop bag aside.

Veeresh: "Poons, I'll freshen up."

Poornima: "Okay."

He went into the washroom.

A few minutes later, he came out wearing a comfortable T-shirt and track pants.

He walked straight to the twins.

Lifting one baby into each arm, he gently played with them.

The babies laughed as he made funny faces.

Veeresh: "Who's troubling Mumma?"

The twins giggled.

Poornima stood watching them with a soft smile.

Dinner

Soon, Rukmini called everyone downstairs.

The entire family gathered at the dining table.

They enjoyed dinner together, talking about the wedding, business, and family plans.

The atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

After dinner, everyone wished each other good night and retired to their rooms.

Their Room

As soon as they entered, Veeresh noticed the dessert box on the table.

His eyes lit up.

Veeresh: "My brownie."

He opened the box eagerly.

The rich chocolate aroma filled the room.

He took the first bite and closed his eyes dramatically.

Veeresh: "Perfect."

Poornima folded her arms and leaned against the wardrobe.

She waited until he finished the bite.

Then she cleared her throat.

Poornima: "Sir..."

Veeresh looked at her.

Veeresh: "Yes, ma'am?"

She smiled mischievously.

Poornima: "The charges."

Veeresh pretended to be confused.

Veeresh: "Charges?"

Poornima: "Of course."

"Special brownies."

"Home delivery."

"Reserved exclusively for one customer."

"That comes at a premium."

Veeresh laughed.

Veeresh: "Really?"

Poornima: "Absolutely."

He took another bite of the brownie.

Then looked at her with a grin.

Veeresh: "Put it on my lifetime account."

Poornima raised an eyebrow.

Poornima: "And when will you clear the bill?"

Veeresh smiled warmly.

Veeresh: "By making sure I order only from your bakery."

"For birthdays."

"Anniversaries."

"Corporate events."

"And every celebration our family has."

He pointed at the brownie.

Veeresh: "Consider me your permanent customer."

Poornima couldn't help smiling.

Poornima: "That's a very long-term business contract, Mr. Singh."

Veeresh: "Good."

"I don't plan on cancelling it."

For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other.

Then Poornima laughed.

Poornima: "Fine."

"I'll give my permanent customer a family discount."

Veeresh shook his head.

Veeresh: "No."

"I'll pay full price."

"You worked hard to build your business."

"I'm not asking for discounts."

Poornima looked at him, surprised.

He spoke sincerely.

Veeresh: "Your work deserves respect."

"And respect includes paying for it."

Poornima's smile softened.

Poornima: "Thank you... Rakshas."

Veeresh picked up another brownie.

Veeresh: "You're welcome, Chudail."

The twins stirred in their cradles.

Both of them instinctively turned toward the tiny sounds.

Without another word, the two rivals walked together to check on the babies—already beginning to share the quiet, everyday moments that make a family.