Chapter 25 — The Political Evening

The next evening, the Qureshi residence was busier than usual.

An invitation had arrived from the opposition party, the Jan Shakti Front, for a formal political gathering attended by several senior leaders and influential members.

Veeresh had been invited personally.

Mr. Qureshi looked at Veeresh and then at Poornima.

Mr. Qureshi: "Both of you should go together."

Poornima looked at him.

Poornima: "Both of us?"

Mr. Qureshi: "Yes, beta. Take Bubba with you."

Poornima looked down at Noor, who was happily playing with her toy.

Poornima: "Okay."

Later, Poornima and Veeresh went upstairs to get ready.

Veeresh changed into an elegant black suit, adjusting his cufflinks in front of the mirror.

Poornima was standing in front of her wardrobe, trying to manage her saree.

She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed.

Poornima: "Why is this saree so difficult?"

Veeresh looked at her through the mirror.

Veeresh: "Need help?"

Poornima turned toward him.

Poornima: "Yes, expensive husband. Come here and help me with this saree."

Veeresh raised an eyebrow at the nickname but walked toward her.

Veeresh: "Expensive husband?"

Poornima: "Don't question it. Just help me."

He carefully helped her arrange the saree properly, making sure the pleats were in place.

Poornima looked at herself in the mirror.

Poornima: "Better."

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "Much better."

Poornima gave him a suspicious look.

Poornima: "Don't get used to helping me."

Veeresh: "I won't."

Poornima rolled her eyes.

Then she turned her attention toward Noor.

She picked up the baby and dressed her in a beautiful little outfit for the evening.

She adjusted Noor's tiny clothes and fixed her hair.

Poornima: "Look at you, Bubba."

Noor smiled.

Poornima kissed her cheek.

Poornima: "You're going to be the prettiest one there."

Veeresh watched them quietly.

Poornima had become so comfortable with Noor over the months that seeing them together had become completely natural.

After finishing with Noor, Poornima looked at Veeresh.

Her expression suddenly became serious.

Poornima: "After the party, I need to talk to you about something."

Veeresh noticed the change in her voice.

Veeresh: "Alright."

Poornima: "It's important."

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "We'll talk when we come back."

Poornima nodded.

She picked up Noor, and Veeresh gathered the remaining things they needed.

A few minutes later, they walked downstairs.

Mr. and Mrs. Qureshi looked at them.

Mrs. Qureshi smiled when she saw Poornima and Noor.

Mrs. Qureshi: "You both look lovely."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Thank you, Maa."

Veeresh opened the door for them.

Poornima stepped outside with Noor in her arms.

Veeresh followed.

Neither of them knew what the evening would bring.

But Poornima had something important to tell her husband.

And Veeresh was ready to listen.