Chapter 37: "I Like Her"

The corporate event continued as guests mingled around the hall.

Veeresh and Arnav stood near the dessert counter, each holding a cup of coffee.

Arnav picked up another brownie.

He smiled after taking a bite.

Arnav: "Your competitor may have lost today's battle."

Veeresh smirked.

Veeresh: "In business?"

Arnav: "No."

"In desserts."

Both men laughed.

Arnav looked again at the dessert display.

Arnav: "You know..."

"I've met Ms. Poornima Rathore a few times during business meetings."

Veeresh listened quietly.

Arnav: "I like her."

Veeresh slowly turned his head toward him.

Veeresh: "Oh?"

Arnav: "She's a good woman."

"Professional."

"Honest."

"She never compromises on quality."

"And she treats everyone with respect."

Veeresh's eyebrows rose slightly.

Inside his mind, only one thought echoed.

"What?"

"She's my wife."

He kept a straight face and didn't interrupt.

Arnav continued, completely unaware.

Arnav: "It's rare to meet someone who's successful yet so grounded."

"I admire that."

Veeresh folded his arms, trying not to smile.

For a brief second, he wondered whether he should tell Arnav the truth.

Before he could say anything, one of the event organizers approached Arnav.

Organizer: "Sir, the guests are waiting for you."

Arnav nodded.

He turned back to Veeresh.

Arnav: "Excuse me."

"We'll catch up later."

Veeresh: "Sure."

Arnav walked away toward the stage, still unaware that the woman he had just praised so highly was none other than Mrs. Poornima Veeresh Singh.

Veeresh watched him leave and shook his head with an amused smile.

Veeresh (to himself): "If he finds out she's my wife..."

"...that conversation is going to be interesting."

With a quiet chuckle, he picked up another brownie and continued enjoying the event, secretly proud that everyone admired his wife's work just as much as he did.