Destined to Be Yours

Gagan stood in front of Shourya's desk, a mix of relief and apprehension on his face. "The article got deleted, sir. The company faced heavy sanctions, including a hefty fine and their press license being revoked."

Shourya leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. He sighed deeply, letting the information settle.

"It's already viral worldwide, though," Gagan added hesitantly.

Shourya waved a hand dismissively, not wanting to linger on the issue. "What's the update on our Dubai trip tomorrow?"

Gagan quickly shifted gears, detailing the preparations as Shourya nodded along, his mind already moving to the next challenge.

Later that evening, the dining room was quiet except for the clinking of cutlery. Vedha sat across from Shourya, savoring the simple joy of having dinner together.

He broke the silence. "I'll be leaving tomorrow for Dubai. The trip will take several days."

Her heart sank, but she masked her emotions with a faint smile. "I see. Take care of yourself."

He noticed the flicker of sadness in her eyes but chose not to press.

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Vedha stirred awake. Turning over, her gaze fell on a neatly folded note beside her pillow.

In Shourya's elegant handwriting, it read:

"Vedha,

Every step I take is for us. Stay safe and keep smiling until I'm back.

– Shourya"

A warm smile spread across her face as she hugged the note close, already counting the days until his return.

Vedha's phone buzzed with a message from Pooja: "Ice cream parlor at 5 PM. Don't be late, or I'll haunt you forever!"

Vedha chuckled, shaking her head as she typed back, "Fine. I'll be there. Happy now?"

The ice cream parlor was bustling with energy. Pooja was already seated, waving animatedly as Vedha walked in.

"You're late!" Pooja accused dramatically.

"I'm on time," Vedha said with a playful eye roll, sliding into the chair across from her.

"Whatever," Pooja said, flipping her hair. "Anyway, I have news. I patched up with Dhanush."

Vedha froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. "You what? Why on earth would you do that?"

"He came over last night, crying his heart out. It was so pathetic but kinda sweet," Pooja said with a shrug. "So, I forgave him."

Vedha put her spoon down firmly, her voice rising slightly. "Pooja, you believed that nonsense? His crocodile tears?"

"Oh, come on, Vedha!" Pooja said, rolling her eyes. "He promised to change. People deserve second chances, don't they?"

Vedha frowned, frustration bubbling to the surface. "This is Dhanush we're talking about. He says whatever you want to hear, and you fall for it every time!"

Pooja smirked, leaning forward. "First, correct your idiot husband, Vedha. Then come lecture me about my boyfriend!"

Vedha's eyes widened, and her tone turned sharp. "Don't call him that, Pooja! He's not an idiot. He has changed—a lot, especially over the past few days."

"Oh really?" Pooja said, arching an eyebrow. "How exactly has he changed?"

Vedha hesitated for a moment, her cheeks warming. "He's been… more thoughtful. Caring. He's trying, and I can see it."

Pooja grinned wickedly. "Aw, look at you defending him. Someone's got it bad!"

Vedha shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "Pooja, stop it."

"Fine, fine," Pooja said, waving her hand. "Now tell me his name. What's this perfect husband of yours called?"

Vedha glanced down for a moment before saying softly, "Shourya Verma."

Pooja froze, her expression skeptical. "Wait, what? You mean THE Shourya Verma? The one from Verma Industries?"

Vedha nodded, biting her lip.

Pooja's jaw dropped. "You're joking! You married that Shourya Verma?"

"Yes," Vedha said quietly, her tone calm but proud.

Pooja stared at her, stunned.

"You mean to tell me you're married to one of the most powerful men in the country, and you didn't think to mention it?"

Vedha shrugged lightly, her innocence shining through. "I didn't think it was important. To me, he's just Shourya."

Pooja leaned back, still processing. "Unbelievable. You're married to Shourya Verma, and you act like it's no big deal." Then, narrowing her eyes mischievously, she added, "You owe me two ice creams for keeping this from me."

Vedha chuckled softly. "Fine, but you have to stop calling him an idiot."

"Deal," Pooja said with a smirk.

The two friends laughed, their teasing banter filling the air. Despite the lighthearted mood, Pooja couldn't help but admire the genuine care Vedha had for her husband—it was written all over her face.