Chapter 1 — The Business Evening

The grand business hall was filled with the members of the Singh family and their close friends. Devraj Singh and Rukmini Singh were present, along with Veeresh and his wife Poornima. Aravind and Siya, Arjun and Rajshree were also seated together.

Arnav Qureshi had arrived with his parents, Abhram Qureshi and Shabana Qureshi. The atmosphere was elegant, with everyone engaged in conversations before the award ceremony began.

Veeresh noticed Poornima standing a little away from everyone. He walked toward her and gently pulled her aside.

Veeresh: Chudail, you are looking beautiful today.

Poornima looked at him and smiled.

Veeresh: And this pregnancy... it is making you glow even more. You are looking so beautiful.

Poornima: Rakshas, we are at a party. At least behave yourself.

Veeresh smiled mischievously.

Veeresh: You are my chudali. Why should I behave when my wife looks this beautiful?

Poornima rolled her eyes, but before she could say anything, Veeresh gently kissed her cheek.

He then placed his hand lovingly over her belly.

Veeresh: Thoshini and Rudraksha are going to be so happy. They are going to become a big sister and a big brother.

Poornima placed her hand over his.

Poornima: They will be very happy. I know they will love them so much.

Veeresh smiled warmly at her before they returned to their seats.

The moment they sat down, Devraj looked at his son with an irritated expression.

Devraj: Veeresh, control yourself, asshole.

Veeresh immediately looked at his father.

Veeresh: Dad...

Devraj gave him a sharp glare.

Veeresh simply smiled innocently and looked away.

Poornima tried her best not to laugh.

Rukmini noticed the exchange and shook her head with a small smile.

Soon, the award ceremony began.

Veeresh and Arnav were called onto the stage to receive their awards. The entire hall applauded as both businessmen accepted their awards with pride.

After the ceremony, Arnav returned to his parents.

Arnav: Thank you for inviting us. It was a pleasure meeting everyone.

Devraj: It was good having you here, Arnav.

Abhram: Thank you, Devraj. We are happy to be here.

Shabana: It was a wonderful evening.

Arnav greeted everyone respectfully before leaving with his parents.

Veeresh watched him leave for a moment before turning back toward Poornima.

Poornima: What happened?

Veeresh: Nothing, chudali.

He took her hand in his and smiled.

Veeresh: Come. Stay with me.

Poornima smiled and quietly remained beside him as the evening continued.