Chapter 48: Another Invitation
A week later, Veeresh and Poornima returned to Jaipur after their London trip.
Life slowly settled back into its familiar routine.
Early the next morning, Veeresh left for VDS Industries.
As soon as he entered the headquarters, his employees welcomed him.
Employees: "Welcome back, sir."
Veeresh: "Thank you."
He walked into his cabin and immediately began reviewing the files that had piled up during his absence.
Meanwhile...
Poornima reached her bakery.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes filled the kitchen.
She had barely finished checking the day's schedule when her manager entered with a file.
Manager: "Ma'am, we've received a large corporate order."
Poornima looked up.
Poornima: "Which company?"
Manager: "Qureshi Group."
Poornima took the file.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Poornima: "Qureshi Group?"
She opened the quotation.
It was an order for their 10th anniversary celebration.
The list included:
Assorted macarons
Brownies
Tea cakes
Vanilla cupcakes
Chocolate cupcakes
Strawberry cupcakes
Poornima smiled.
Poornima: "Confirm the order."
Manager: "Yes, ma'am."
As the manager left, Poornima picked up her phone and called Veeresh.
A few rings later...
He answered.
Veeresh: "Yes, Chudail?"
Poornima: "Rakshas..."
"We've received a corporate order from the Qureshi Group."
Veeresh leaned back in his chair.
Veeresh: "Oh?"
Poornima: "It's for their ten-year completion celebration."
There was a brief pause.
Then she asked,
Poornima: "Are you coming to the event?"
Veeresh looked confused.
Veeresh: "What event?"
Poornima: "The Qureshi Group anniversary celebration."
Veeresh frowned.
Veeresh: "I wasn't invited."
Poornima looked surprised.
Poornima: "Really?"
"They've placed a big dessert order with us."
"I thought all the major business leaders would be invited."
Veeresh gave a small shrug, even though she couldn't see him.
Veeresh: "Apparently not."
He smiled lightly.
Veeresh: "Looks like my rival doesn't want me stealing the spotlight."
Poornima laughed.
Poornima: "Or maybe he simply forgot."
Veeresh chuckled.
Veeresh: "That's unlikely."
Poornima smiled.
Poornima: "Anyway, I'll finish the order."
Veeresh nodded.
Veeresh: "Do your best, Chudail."
"As always."
Poornima: "Always."
After ending the call, Veeresh looked thoughtfully at his phone.
No invitation from Arnav?
It was unusual.
For two businessmen who regularly crossed paths at major corporate events, being left off the guest list felt... deliberate.
He quietly wondered what Arnav was planning.
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