Chapter 27 – The Dinner Party

The next morning, Poornima woke up early.

She freshened up and went downstairs.

Breakfast was already prepared, and Veeresh's suit was neatly kept ready for him.

Veeresh came downstairs after getting ready.

He looked at the breakfast and then at Poornima.

Veeresh: "Thank you."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "You're welcome."

While having breakfast, Veeresh reminded her about the evening.

Veeresh: "My friends will be coming with their families today."

Poornima: "I remember."

Veeresh: "There will be quite a few people."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "Don't worry. I'll manage."

Veeresh gave her a small smile.

After breakfast, he picked up his briefcase.

Veeresh: "I'll come home around afternoon."

Poornima: "Okay."

Veeresh left for Singh Industries.

As soon as he left, Poornima began preparing for the dinner.

She had already purchased everything the previous day.

She started with the meat dishes.

She prepared chicken biryani with fragrant rice and spices, followed by chicken kebabs and a rich chicken curry.

She also prepared fresh raita to go with the biryani.

For dessert, she made kheer.

The kitchen remained busy for hours.

Poornima carefully tasted everything and adjusted the spices.

Once all the food was prepared, she transferred everything into serving bowls and arranged them neatly.

She then cleaned the entire kitchen.

The counters were wiped, the dishes were washed, and everything was put back in its place.

By the time she finished, the penthouse looked spotless.

A few hours later, Veeresh returned.

He entered the house and immediately noticed the aroma of the food.

Veeresh: "You've prepared everything?"

Poornima: "Yes."

Veeresh looked toward the dining area.

Poornima had arranged the plates, serving bowls, glasses, and cutlery neatly.

Veeresh: "Looks good."

Poornima smiled.

The doorbell rang soon after.

The first guests arrived.

Veeresh's close friend Arjun Mehra arrived with his wife Sophie and their two children.

Soon after, Daniel Weber, another of Veeresh's longtime friends, arrived with his wife Anna.

Then Vikram Kapoor came with his wife Nisha.

The penthouse quickly filled with conversation and laughter.

Poornima welcomed everyone warmly.

Poornima: "Please come in."

She personally served fresh juice to each guest.

Arjun smiled.

Arjun: "Veeresh never told us his wife would be such a wonderful host."

Poornima laughed softly.

Poornima: "Please have some juice."

Veeresh walked toward them.

Veeresh: "Everyone, this is my wife, Poornima."

He looked at Poornima.

Veeresh: "Poons, these are my closest friends."

Arjun smiled warmly.

Arjun: "It's very nice to meet you, Poornima."

Poornima: "Nice to meet you too."

Daniel greeted her.

Daniel: "Guten Abend, Frau Rajawat."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Guten Abend."

Daniel looked pleasantly surprised.

Daniel: "Your German is good."

Poornima laughed.

Poornima: "I'm still learning."

Nisha spoke in English.

Nisha: "Don't worry. Everyone here speaks English too."

Poornima: "That's a relief."

Everyone laughed.

The conversation moved naturally between German and English.

Veeresh remained nearby, quietly watching his wife interact with his friends.

He noticed how comfortably she spoke with everyone.

She wasn't trying too hard.

She wasn't pretending.

She was simply being herself.

Arjun leaned toward Veeresh.

Arjun: "You never told us you married someone like her."

Veeresh glanced at Poornima.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

Veeresh: "There wasn't much time to tell anyone."

Arjun laughed.

Arjun: "Well, congratulations."

Veeresh nodded.

Across the room, Poornima was speaking politely with Sophie and Anna.

For the first time, Veeresh saw his friends and his wife together.

And strangely, it felt natural.

As though Poornima had always belonged in his world.