Chapter 51: A Promise Between Rivals

The music continued in the background as guests enjoyed the celebration.

Veeresh and Arnav stood away from the crowd, their earlier conversation giving way to a quieter moment.

Arnav looked toward Poornima, who was still checking the dessert display with her team.

After a long silence, he spoke.

Arnav: "Veeresh..."

Veeresh looked at him.

Veeresh: "Hmm?"

Arnav let out a slow breath.

Arnav: "I know..."

"I'm sorry for what I was about to do."

Veeresh remained silent, listening.

Arnav: "The more I watched her..."

"The more I realized she's genuinely a good woman."

He smiled faintly.

Arnav: "Every man desires such a woman right beside him."

Veeresh looked at Poornima with affection.

Veeresh: "You're right."

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: "If anyone stands that strongly beside you..."

"...you can win any battle."

He smiled.

Arnav: "The best example is your divorce."

"You went through betrayal..."

"But you didn't let it destroy you."

"You found someone who stood beside you."

Veeresh nodded thoughtfully.

Veeresh: "You're right."

Arnav extended his hand.

Arnav: "I won't trouble your married life."

"That's my promise."

Veeresh looked at him for a moment before shaking his hand.

Arnav continued with a smile.

Arnav: "But one thing won't change."

"Whenever our company has a celebration..."

"The dessert orders will always go to your wife's bakery."

"Not because she's your wife..."

"But because she deserves it."

"I've always admired the quality of her work."

Veeresh smiled.

Veeresh: "She'll be happy to hear that."

Arnav looked at him sincerely.

Arnav: "And..."

"I'm happy to see how much confidence and trust you have in your marriage."

Veeresh placed a friendly hand on Arnav's shoulder.

Veeresh: "You'll find your forever too, Arnav."

Arnav smiled.

Veeresh continued,

Veeresh: "I'm happy you realized where the line should be."

"And I genuinely wish you happiness."

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: "Thank you."

Just then, Poornima walked over.

Poornima: "What are my two business rivals discussing so seriously?"

Both men laughed.

Veeresh: "Nothing, Chudail."

Arnav: "Just learning a lesson."

Poornima looked at them curiously.

Poornima: "Should I be worried?"

Veeresh smiled and gently held her hand.

Veeresh: "Not at all."

Arnav folded his hands respectfully toward Poornima.

Arnav: "Congratulations once again, Mrs. Singh."

"And thank you for making tonight's celebration memorable."

Poornima smiled warmly.

Poornima: "You're welcome, Mr. Qureshi."

As Arnav walked away to greet his guests, he felt lighter than he had in weeks.

Some battles were never meant to be fought.

And some people were simply meant to find happiness with the person they had already chosen.

Watching Veeresh and Poornima walk away together, Arnav smiled to himself.

For the first time, he wasn't looking at what he couldn't have.

He was looking forward to finding the person who would one day become his forever.