Chapter 28 – Welcome to the Gang

The dinner continued with laughter and conversations filling the penthouse.

Poornima moved around the dining area, making sure everyone had enough food.

She served the biryani, chicken curry, kebabs, raita, and other dishes herself.

The children especially loved her.

Arjun's daughter kept coming back to Poornima.

Girl: "Aunty, can I have more kebab?"

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Of course. But slowly, okay?"

The little girl nodded happily.

Soon, the children were gathered around Poornima, talking to her and asking her questions.

Veeresh watched from a distance.

He had never seen his friends' children become comfortable with someone so quickly.

After dinner, everyone sat together.

Vikram suddenly called her.

Vikram: "Mrs. Rajawat, one minute."

Poornima turned toward him.

Poornima: "Yes?"

Vikram smiled sheepishly.

Vikram: "Could you pack some biryani for me?"

Poornima laughed.

Poornima: "Of course."

She immediately packed some biryani into a container and handed it to him.

Vikram: "Thank you."

Arjun laughed.

Arjun: "Don't spoil him. Now he'll expect biryani every time we come."

Poornima smiled.

Daniel looked at Veeresh and then at Poornima.

Daniel: "Thank you for tonight."

Poornima: "You're welcome."

Vikram grinned.

Vikram: "And thank you for making the robot smile a little."

Poornima looked at Veeresh.

Arjun laughed.

Arjun: "Seriously. We haven't seen him this relaxed in a long time."

Daniel: "We're really happy for him."

Vikram raised his glass.

Vikram: "Welcome to the gang, Mrs. Rajawat."

Poornima smiled warmly.

Poornima: "Thank you."

The three friends exchanged a look.

Then Vikram's expression became more serious.

Vikram: "He might not have told you much about his past."

Poornima's smile faded slightly.

Vikram: "We won't force him to talk about it. But whatever happened made him the way he is."

He looked at her sincerely.

Vikram: "Our only request is... please don't hurt him."

Poornima nodded.

Poornima: "I won't."

Daniel spoke next.

Daniel: "He gets migraines sometimes."

Poornima looked concerned.

Daniel: "And he has nightmares too."

Veeresh glanced at Daniel, clearly not expecting him to mention it.

Daniel continued gently.

Daniel: "He probably won't tell you when he's struggling. So please take care of him."

Poornima looked toward Veeresh.

He remained quiet.

Arjun smiled.

Arjun: "And thank you for the biryani."

Everyone laughed.

Arjun: "More importantly, thank you for making him smile."

Poornima looked at Veeresh again.

He gave her a small smile.

Then the three friends handed her a beautifully wrapped gift.

Poornima looked surprised.

Poornima: "Oh, you didn't have to."

Vikram: "Please accept it."

Poornima hesitated.

Vikram: "It's our welcome gift."

Poornima finally accepted it.

Poornima: "Thank you. Really."

Sophie smiled.

Sophie: "You deserve it."

Poornima thanked everyone again.

As the guests began preparing to leave, Veeresh stood beside Poornima.

He looked at his friends.

Veeresh: "Thank you for coming."

Arjun smiled.

Arjun: "Take care of her, robot."

Vikram laughed.

Vikram: "And don't scare your wife away."

Daniel: "We'll see you soon."

Veeresh shook his head at them.

Poornima laughed softly.

As the door closed behind the last guest, the penthouse finally became quiet again.

Veeresh looked at Poornima.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then he said quietly,

Veeresh: "Thank you."

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "For what?"

Veeresh looked toward the dining table.

Veeresh: "Everything."

And for once, he didn't need to explain any further.