Chapter 39: An Unexpected Introduction

Veeresh walked confidently across the hall toward Poornima.

She was speaking with Arnav and a few business guests, answering their questions about her bakery.

Without hesitation, Veeresh came to her side.

He gently placed his hand around her waist.

Poornima looked up at him in surprise.

He smiled at the group.

Veeresh: "I think there's one introduction missing."

Everyone turned toward him.

Veeresh looked at Arnav.

Veeresh: "Mr. Qureshi..."

He smiled proudly.

Veeresh: "Meet Mrs. Veeresh Singh."

For a moment...

Silence.

Arnav's eyes widened.

He looked from Veeresh to Poornima.

Then back again.

Arnav: "Mrs... Veeresh Singh?"

Poornima smiled politely.

Poornima: "Yes."

"We were recently married."

Arnav recovered from his surprise and smiled.

Arnav: "Well..."

"Congratulations to both of you."

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "Thank you."

The guests also congratulated the couple.

Guest: "Congratulations! We had no idea."

Poornima: "Thank you."

After exchanging a few more words, the guests moved on to other conversations.

Arnav excused himself to greet another business associate.

Veeresh gently guided Poornima toward a quieter corner of the hall.

He looked at her with a questioning expression.

Veeresh: "Poons..."

She looked at him.

Poornima: "Hmm?"

Veeresh: "You didn't tell me you were coming."

She smiled apologetically.

Poornima: "I didn't know until the last moment."

"He called me this morning."

"He said some guests wanted to meet the person behind the desserts."

"So he invited me."

"I finished my work at the bakery and came."

Veeresh nodded slowly.

Veeresh: "You could have told me."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "If I'd known earlier, I would have."

"It was a last-minute invitation."

Veeresh's expression softened.

Veeresh: "Alright."

"I'm glad you came."

Poornima looked at him curiously.

Poornima: "Were you... worried?"

Veeresh smiled faintly.

Veeresh: "Maybe."

She laughed softly.

Poornima: "Rakshas..."

"You were jealous, weren't you?"

Veeresh looked away for a second before meeting her eyes again.

A small smile appeared on his face.

Veeresh: "A little."

Poornima couldn't help laughing.

She gently nudged his arm.

Poornima: "I was here because of my work."

"And I'm going home with my husband."

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: "Good."

He kept his hand around her waist as they walked back toward the guests together, both of them quietly enjoying the moment.