Adultery A Husband and Wife’s Playful Texts Turn Into a Complicated Affair

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 104: A New Promise


The villa bedroom still carried the heavy storm of emotions in recent hours. Even though Tharun had claimed Nikitha’s body so passionately just hours earlier, he now understood she was emotionally somewhere else — still partially belonging to another man. He had heard her full story, confirmed her choice, and knew in his heart that he finally had a real chance.

Lying beside her, Tharun reflected quietly. At first, he had worried that if Jay grew bored of Sharmi, he might try to win Nikitha back. But after everything she had shared on the beach, he felt relieved. It wasn’t Sharmi who destroyed their marriage — it was Jay’s failure to meet her emotional needs, to make her feel truly wanted and protected. Still, winning her heart would be a herculean task. Winning her body had been easy. Winning her love would take time, patience, and consistency.

Early morning sunlight filtered through the big glass windows, gently scratching across the room despite the curtains. Nikitha lay beside him, staring blankly at the ceiling, lost deep in thought.

Tharun knew she needed comfort. Without a word, he pulled her into his strong arms. She looked at him, slightly puzzled. He spoke softly, “If you want to cry, shed it on my chest.”

He hugged her warmly, pressing her face gently against his bare chest. Nikitha’s body tensed for a moment, then she broke. Quiet sobs escaped her as she clung to him. Tharun held her tightly, stroking her hair until the tears slowly subsided.

“Thank you,” she whispered against his skin.

Tharun kissed the top of her head. “Nikitha, from today onward — whether you’re fully prepared or not — I will be your love. I will be your husband. Jay is your past now. I know you may need time, and I won’t pressure you. But we should start thinking about the legal side. Unlike me and Mithra, you and Jay were actually married. You should get a proper divorce. Not immediately… but sooner rather than later.”

Nikitha looked up at him silently.

“Did I hurt you by saying that?” Tharun asked gently.
She didn’t reply. Tharun gave a small, understanding smile. “I know… Don’t I know my Nikitha? I’m just reminding you of the long road we have ahead. I want you for myself, completely. Don’t get scared by the details. We’ll figure everything out together, at your pace.”

He continued, “Meanwhile, I’ve planned to meet Mithra in two weeks. I sent that message to prepare her. I want to meet her in person at her clinic in Cochin and give her proper closure.”

Nikitha looked at him for a long moment. “Take me with you. I will accompany you.”

Tharun raised an eyebrow. She explained softly, “I couldn’t think about the next course of action properly. Luckily, I chose to stay at the women’s hostel. But I feel I’ll need some emotional support. I might feel odd and lonely at the office…”

Tharun understood immediately. It wasn’t that she was missing him — she was afraid of facing Jay alone, whether at home or in the office. She wanted Tharun’s presence as a shield, as a constant reminder of her choice. Thats why she needs Tharun at office and she reminds about staying at hostel. 

He smiled knowingly. “Sure. I’ll take you with me. I’ll even give you a proper introduction if she agrees to meet. And about the hostel… don’t stay there for long. Move to my place when you’re ready.”

Nikitha shook her head. “No. I will stay at the hostel. Once everything becomes legal with my separation, then I’ll move in with you.”

Tharun didn’t argue. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then the sensitive spot on her neck. He gently caught her face, tilting it up, and pressed a deep lip-to-lip kiss on her. She didn’t fully reciprocate at first, but she didn’t pull away either. Tharun understood her emotional state completely.

“Promise me with this kiss,” he whispered against her lips, “that you choose me. That no matter what happens from now on, this is our choice. You will never leave me.”

Nikitha looked into his eyes for a long moment, then softly replied, “Mmm.”

Tharun opened her mouth with his and sealed the kiss. This time, Nikitha responded — hesitant at first, then with quiet surrender. It was a short kiss, but heavy with assurance and promise. Nikitha would be his.

When they finally parted, Tharun stroked her hair. “You must be tired. Try to sleep for a while.”

“I can’t sleep,” she murmured.
“I’m expecting Sharmi to call us so we can go to the hospital. 
I don’t know why she hasn’t called yet.”

“Let her call when she wants to,” Tharun said calmly. “Until then, have a nap.”

Nikitha closed her eyes. Her mind was a whirlwind of mixed emotions — guilt, relief, fear, and quiet resolve. In every tide of feeling, she kept choosing Tharun. Against her own heart, for the good of everyone.

Little did she know, a new set of revelations was waiting for them in the coming hours.

[Kamalesh Nathan]

Awesome

[truthtruth3]

Wtf she is doing what kind of woman she is in one side she loves Jay and still she is kissing Tharun even after the accident why don't wait why I don't understand she really wants to break Jay heart I guess so that Jay do something stupid and she has one more reason to move away from Jay I hope she gets her mind cleared and take some time off alone after knowing the truth and evaluate things with clear mind then something can happen otherwise constant presence of Tharun is not going to help her choose what her heart wants. She doesn't have guilt that her husband is in car accident is in hospital coming to her to prove her love and she is still kissing another man and sleeping with him and promising to stay with him reality going to hit her very strongly

[heygiwriter]

Wtf she is doing what kind of woman she is in one side she loves Jay and still she is kissing Tharun even after the accident why don't wait why I don't understand she really wants to break Jay heart I guess so that Jay do something stupid and she has one more reason to move away from Jay I hope she gets her mind cleared and take some time off alone after knowing the truth and evaluate things with clear mind then something can happen otherwise constant presence of Tharun is not going to help her choose what her heart wants. She doesn't have guilt that her husband is in car accident is in hospital coming to her to prove her love and she is still kissing another man and sleeping with him and promising to stay with him reality going to hit her very strongly

Truth - truth is she had moved on, she is not going back, the kiss is her assurance for Tharun, the hesitation or not reciprocating is due to her inner turmoil about her husband at hospital. I cannot spoon feed, some situations can be understood from action.

[truthtruth3]

Truth - truth is she had moved on, she is not going back, the kiss is her assurance for Tharun, the hesitation or not reciprocating is due to her inner turmoil about her husband at hospital. I cannot spoon feed, some situations can be understood from action.

Ok man so Nikkita and Jay will not be together after all sad but that's life not always goes according to you

[heygiwriter]

Ok man so Nikkita and Jay will not be together after all sad but that's life not always goes according to you

That you need to wait and watch, if everyone wanted to know the climax, how it will be interesting to watch a film?

[truthtruth3]

That you need to wait and watch, if everyone wanted to know the climax, how it will be interesting to watch a film?

Yes you are right but as a reader I guess I am to emotionally invested in this story thats why I can't wait. Hats off to your writing skill it the first story that where I am invested so much

[RCF]

Wtf she is doing what kind of woman she is in one side she loves Jay and still she is kissing Tharun even after the accident why don't wait why I don't understand she really wants to break Jay heart I guess so that Jay do something stupid and she has one more reason to move away from Jay I hope she gets her mind cleared and take some time off alone after knowing the truth and evaluate things with clear mind then something can happen otherwise constant presence of Tharun is not going to help her choose what her heart wants. She doesn't have guilt that her husband is in car accident is in hospital coming to her to prove her love and she is still kissing another man and sleeping with him and promising to stay with him reality going to hit her very strongly

She is behaving correctly bro, She knows she crossed lines, she knows she loves Jay deeply, she knows Tharun lover her...Why would she want to go back to Jay unless Jay loves her as deeply as her, we did not see that so far other than his words...So I do not see her going back even after knowing about letter or Sharmi...Yes she will again feel guilty, sad for crossing lines, for rushing into things but she will resolve into committing to Tharun...Natural progression of story is one has to keep promises...

She is doing everything she can to stick to her decision. By now you should have understood her, she kept promise and finished loan, she kept her promise and had been his wife, she will go to his village even as Tharun's wife, that's her...she always keeps promises but all this time her duty as wife and heart are at same place but now we have to see the clash between heart and duty..her new responsibility to keep the promise to Tharun and its not going to be easy...My gut says always love wins, I have not seen a story that is so far justifiable where couple doesn't end together when love is pure even though intentions are right...unfortunate for Tharun. 

~RCF

[truthtruth3]

I really hope the pure love wins between to Jay and Nikkita

[RCF]

I really hope the pure love wins between to Jay and Nikkita

How pure is it depends on Jay, So far we know Nikita's is pure love, she is still deeply in love...Jay's loves too might be true but actions we have not seen anything so far....His actions always were aggressive, unresponsive and selfish in case of Anjali... but true love though he felt it never showed it to her and he doesn't know how to show it...

~RCF

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 105: Bitter Confrontation


After a tired and exhausting sleep filled with restless dreams, Nikitha jolted awake. In her dream, Jay was calling for help from the hospital bed while she and Tharun rushed to save him. Strangely, even in the dream, she knew it wasn’t real — yet she couldn’t wake up. The car they were in met with an accident and flipped, just like Jay’s had. Her body jerked violently.

Tharun immediately caught her, pulling her close. “What happened? Bad dream?”
Nikitha shook her head. 

after few seconds she said . “Let’s not wait for Sharmi anymore. We should go ourselves.”

Tharun nodded. “Okay. Get freshened up and dress neatly. If we’re going to act like we’re unaware, we need to look the part.”
They got ready in thirty minutes. Tharun then called Sharmi.

“Hey Sharmi, where is Jay? I couldn’t reach him.”
Sharmi’s voice was sharp on the other end. 
“Is Nikitha with you? I need to speak to her.”

Tharun handed the phone over.
Nikki puts an act when she got the phone: “Hey Sharmi, good morning. What’s the agenda today?” 

Sharmi asked sarcastically, before her tone turned venomous. “Are you even a woman? You know what your husband met with an accident last night, and instead of being there, you were having a sexual night with another man? How cheap can you be?”

“Mind your words, Sharmi,” Nikitha replied coldly. 
“You really know nothing about us, and I didnt know Jay met with an accident"

Sharmi: “I don’t care. I don’t wish to speak to you… but unfortunately, you are still his wife. Come to the hospital soon.” 
Sharmi gave the address and hung up.

Nikkitha was quite prepare for this.. outburst from Sharmi..  Both Niki and Tharun started in car. 

Thirty minutes later, they reached the hospital. Sharmi was waiting at the reception. As soon as Nikitha walked in, Sharmi thrust a set of documents into her hands.

“What is this?” Nikitha asked.
“Papers that need signatures. The hospital wants them from family.”

“Can’t you sign them?”
Sharmi laughed bitterly. “I’m not his wife.”

Sharmi observed her for a moment. There was no visible shock or fear on Nikitha’s face.
Her temper exploded.
“You bitch! Did you forget Jay is your husband?” Why are you still acting like you are strangers even now.?

Nikitha was unprepared for this direct, face-to-face confrontation. She froze for a second.

Sharmi continued furiously, “What? Are you scared that your secret lover Tharun will know your secret? 

Hey Tharun, you might be in a higher position, but you’re just an asshole who stole another man’s wife!”

A few people in the reception area turned to stare. Both Nikitha and Tharun felt a wave of shame.
Tharun stood silently. Nikitha stepped closer. “Stop this, Sharmi. Don’t drag him into this unnecessarily.”

“Oh, so you’re protecting your lover now?” 
Sharmi sneered. “But you can’t even show basic panic about your husband’s condition? Don’t you even want to know if he’s safe?”

Tharun remained unshaken. Looking at his posture.. Sharmi smirked. “So Tharun already knows you and Jay are married, yet he still stole you?”
Nikitha pressed Sharmi’s hand firmly. “This is my personal matter. You don’t get to bother about it. 

If you’re so worried about Jay, then you take care of him. Why are you bothering me? Let me be the sick bitch who cheated on him and moved on. You’re his new girlfriend, right? Last day you both had early morning sex. Did we object or create a scene?”

“What the fuck! That’s the limit!” Sharmi shouted.

“So you take all decisions based on your assumptions? Poor you… I never had sex with him. Last morning I fainted in the room. He just stayed with me. You can ask the reception — a doctor visited us.”

Nikitha was visibly shocked by the revelation. Her heart ached. But Sharmi wasn’t done.

“Looks like Tharun has polluted your mind by spitting so many lies about Jay.”
Nikitha’s voice turned firm. “If you want to blame me, do it. But don’t drag Tharun and he doesnt stole me from anyone, i choose him He is my future. He is going to be my husband. So behave. If you care about Jay so much, just marry him and take care of him.”

Sharmi responded furiously, “You bitch, get your senses back. Won’t you even ask me directly?”

Didn't i? Nikki said.. “I spoke with you last evening.
Why were you going to tell me you won’t marry him?”

“Yes,” Sharmi said, raising her hand to show a ring. 
“I’m already married.”

Last night he was trying to clear that misunderstanding.
Its my fault, i thought you would stay last night. 
But you went away outside to have sex with Tharun. Frankly speaking you don't deserve him.. 
but what to do he madly loves you. I fear what will he do if he come to know all his effort went in vein and for nothing.. 

He would be shocked to know, you had sex with Tharun while he was at hospital.

Nikitha’s world felt like it was crashing. All the misunderstandings, all the assumptions…
She staggered backward. Tharun quickly held her steady as tears welled up in her eyes.

Sharmi continued mercilessly, “What? You feel bad now? You realise you’re a bitch? 
Go and fall on his feet once he recovers. 
Beg him to forgive you. Beg him to give you a place in his heart and his home.”

Nikitha looked at her with trembling lips. 
However she quickly got herself together.. 

She waited for few second processed everything and said.. “You are right about one thing… I don’t deserve him. That’s why I’m moving on. By now you should know this marriage was out of convenience, there is no love... its just a deal to protect each other. It was never meant to last forever, and it has ended. Yes, maybe I misunderstood your relationship with him… but I chose Tharun for different reasons.”

Sharmi mocked her cruelly, “Why? Because Tharun performs better in bed? Or because he has more money to offer?”
“Mind your words,” Nikitha fired back.

As the argument escalated, a nurse approached them hurriedly.
“Jay’s attenders? The doctor is calling for you.”

the entire confrontation had came to a point, the ugly fight was put to an end by the doctor's call. 

[Kamalesh Nathan]

Awesome

[prshma]

This episode has completely evaporated whatever compassion a reader might have had for Nikitha in his/her mind. I dont know how others will react to this situation but to me this Nikitha is a pure satanic and diabolical bitch. 

In the previous story the female lead Sneha was a stupid brainless woman but this Nikitha is extremely cruel and has no shred of humanity left in her charecter. She is an opputunist gold digger whore. 

What type of woman visits her severely injured husband going through excruciating physical pain lying on a hospital bed, accompanied by her lover ? She only does it with the intention of adding mental torture to his present physical pain. A woman who has an iota of humanity or compassion left in her heart won't act in such a manner.

Thoo on you Nikitha. Go to hell.  

[RCF]

This episode has completely evaporated whatever compassion a reader might have had for Nikitha in his/her mind. I dont know how others will react to this situation but to me this Nikitha is a pure satanic and diabolical bitch. 

In the previous story the female lead Sneha was a stupid brainless woman but this Nikitha is extremely cruel and has no shred of humanity left in her charecter. She is an opputunist gold digger whore. 

What type of woman visits her severely injured husband going through excruciating physical pain lying on a hospital bed, accompanied by her lover ? She only does it with the intention of adding mental torture to his present physical pain. A woman who has an iota of humanity or compassion left in her heart won't act in such a manner.

Thoo on you Nikitha. Go to hell.  

Lol where were you when this same Nikita ran half naked on roads for her husband? 

Don't you guys read story properly or what...Sharmi is angry because she doesn't know the full story of Jay and Nikita, what about you? 

~RCF

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 106 - The Weight of Duty


As soon as the three of them entered the doctor’s room, they left their heated arguments outside. The doctor greeted them politely and began explaining Jay’s condition.

“The good news is that he is recovering well. His condition is stable, and there are no signs of brain bleeding or any injury that requires surgery. We’d like to keep him under observation overnight one last time. If everything remains stable, we can discharge him tomorrow morning.”
The doctor continued, “He has sustained a moderate head injury — a concussion — and a hairline fracture in his elbow. 

The fracture will heal with immobilization, but the head injury requires patience. 
Recovery over the next few weeks is just as important as the treatment he’s received here.”

“Once he’s home, he needs complete physical and mental rest for at least a week. No business meetings, no long-distance travel by road if it can be avoided, no heavy work, and no stressful discussions. He should eat light, nutritious meals, stay well hydrated, and take the prescribed medications exactly as directed.”

The doctor, who had spoken to Nikitha the previous night and knew they were separated, stressed the next part while looking directly at her:
“It’s important that someone stays with him, especially during the first few days. He may become dizzy, forgetful, or unusually tired. If he develops severe headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, weakness, seizures, or becomes difficult to wake, bring him to the nearest emergency department immediately.”

“One more thing…” The doctor paused. “Please don’t give him any upsetting or emotionally stressful news right now. Avoid arguments, business pressures, or anything that could cause significant emotional distress. His brain is still recovering.”

He handed over a thick file. “I’ve prepared a complete discharge summary along with copies of his CT scans, X-rays, blood test reports, and treatment notes. There’s also a referral letter to a neurologist and an orthopedic specialist in Bangalore. He should have a follow-up within five to seven days.”

The doctor finally asked, “Who is going to sign these documents?”

Sharmi immediately pointed at Nikitha. “She. She is his legal wife. Only she should do it.”

Nikitha wanted to close this hospital chapter as quickly as possible. She decided to sign after everything was out there, but before signing, she glanced at Tharun. He gave her a small nod — It’s okay, do it. She signed the papers without a word.

Sharmi watched the entire exchange with visible irritation.

Once they stepped out of the doctor’s room, Sharmi turned on Nikitha again. “You signed it. You are his wife. That’s the reality. Stop fooling around with Tharun. Once he gets discharged, at least for the sake of your marriage, you should be with him. Kick Tharun out and go take care of Jay properly.”

Nikitha replied calmly,  “I remind you - i know to live my life, i don't want anyone else to dictate me what i should do. The marriage between me and Jay was fake. It was a deal for the company. Nothing more.  Tharun knows everything, still We kept it quiet to protect our secrets..”

Sharmi’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, then I should take the same route… to safeguard the secrets that came to my knowledge. You need to be in his home, taking care of him until he gets fine.”

Nikitha looked stunned. The threat was clear.

Tharun stepped forward. “What are you threatening us with? We don’t care. Go ahead and tell the world. We are ready for it.”

Sharmi laughed coldly. “That’s okay. I know you guys are shameless. But what if I tell everyone that you purposely sabotaged the company deal so you could take a day off outside the city for a sexual fling? And that Jay found out about your foul play and got into the accident because of it? I can easily spin that narrative. Can you challenge it before the company?”

Nikitha was shocked. “What kind of nonsense this is? That’s not what happened! The business meet failed because Dhruv was not the person he projected himself to be.”

That may be the truth but “Who cares?” i will pin my own lie Sharmi shot back. “I will paint that story. When company find out about your affair, you’ll just be thrown out. But if company top rank people get even a doubt about sabotage, they will make your life hell with cases. I will gladly stand as a witness. You don’t have anything concrete to defend yourself. The news about the car accident at a distant location which is not even related to place the company had initially booked..  And you both staying at a luxury villa… imagine how that will look.”

I know we will be questioned too, I Jay will gain sympathy, i will play innocent, to back my innocence, reception people and doctors where there. Who will stand for you to prove your side at Dhruv place? or how will reason why you took her somewhere outside like 30 kms away.  

Tharun looked at her in disbelief. Nikitha read the tension on his face.

Tharun finally spoke, “I will face it.”

But Nikitha stopped him. “It’s okay. Anyhow, Jay has no one else right now. I will take care of him for a few weeks. We are not that heartless.” Its just your assumption i will leave him alone in this tough time. 

Sharmi smirked, dont act like you are gracious enough. Without my threat you would have moved an inch. 

Tharun looked at Sharmi and said coldly, “We are not demons. like you try to pain.  We atleast try to speak — unlike you drama queens and kings.”

Sharmi was about to retort when a nurse approached them hurriedly.

“Jay has woken up. Does anyone want to visit him?”


The nurse’s words hung in the air like a challenge.

Sharmi and Tharun immediately started walking in the direction the nurse had gone. But Nikitha’s legs felt weak, as if rooted to the cold hospital floor. Her heart hammered violently in her chest. After everything that had happened - she had no guts to face Jay right now.

Her throat tightened. The thought of looking into his eyes made her stomach churn with shame.

[Kamalesh Nathan]

Why should Niki feel shame? Did that bastard felt shame after sleeping with anjali. Bloody selfish asshole he is.

[opheliyaa]

Very nice update

[Priya.]

"Why should Nikki feel ashamed ?" 

Exactly. 

But here in this sentence the verb 'will' would have been more appropriate. Coz she has a thousand and one reasons for why she SHOULD feel ashamed. But she won't feel ashamed coz she is a thick hided (I am conciously using the term hide and not skin coz humans have skin and animals have hide), cold blooded, unscrupulous, cheating, backstabbing, venomous bitch.

Bravo Sharmi. She indeed has a golden heart. Going way out of her comfort zone to fight the two bastards face on for a collegue.   

[opheliyaa]

Jay is a male chauvanist. He thinks a man can sleep with any woman but a woman should sleep only with one man

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 107: Fragile Facade


The moment Tharun and Sharmi stepped into the ward, Nikitha stumbled slightly outside the door. Her heart pounded with fear. Facing Jay after everything that had happened felt impossible. Yet she forced herself to breathe deeply. She knew she had committed to taking care of him for the next few weeks.

She had originally planned to leave him once they returned from the business trip and move permanently into Tharun’s house after the legal separation. But fate had other plans. The accident and the doctor’s strict advice had trapped her in this situation. She wiped away a tiny tear from the corner of her eye and walked weakly toward the room.

Tharun entered first. “Jay… you’re alright. Just stay strong. One more day and you’ll be discharged.”
Jay turned his head away, clearly not ready to see Tharun’s face. Tharun noticed and quietly stepped back. Sharmi entered next, looking genuinely worried.

“Jay, we’re here. Don’t worry, you’re going to be fine. How are you feeling?”

Nikitha came in last. She stood silently near the bed. Her eyes flooded with unshed tears the moment she saw him lying there — bandaged, pale, and vulnerable. She tried hard to hold them back.

Tharun didn’t miss the way Nikitha’s body shivered or how her eyes flooded with unshed tears. He quietly excused himself.

“I need to speak with HR and update them. You take care.”

As he left the room, he turned back and gave her a subtle signal — It’s okay. Be strong.

Nikitha didn’t utter a single word. But her trembling body, the way her eyes glistened yet refused to let the tears fall, and the deep worry etched on her face told a story that only Jay could truly understand.

Sharmi also stepped out shortly after, deliberately giving them privacy. Deep down, she hoped her earlier threat would force Nikitha to stay with Jay. She believed the closeness would give Jay a chance to speak his heart and bring them back together. She feared Tharun’s presence would only complicate things, so she had strategically chosen to threaten them.

---

When she stepped outside, she saw Tharun sitting quietly on a visitor’s chair, not on any call.

“Let’s call HR and inform them properly,” Sharmi said. “The representatives must have already heard about the accident. The local cops were here a few minutes ago taking statements. We should get ahead of this and avoid unnecessary doubts.”

Tharun nodded. “I haven’t figured out what to say yet. I’ll just inform them about the accident. We can figure out the rest later.”
But Sharmi already had a complete plan in her head.

When Tharun called, the HR head had already received vague information and was about to call him back. As Tharun began explaining, Sharmi suddenly grabbed the phone from his hand.

“Doctor is calling you. I’ll speak with HR,” she lied smoothly.
Tharun realized what she was doing but stayed silent.

“Sir, Jay got into an accident,” Sharmi began. “He is okay now and will be discharged tomorrow.”
The HR head sounded relieved but immediately asked, “Good to hear. But why did you all go to a place completely unrelated and far from our booked hotel? The representative said first Tharun left, then Jay followed. Did both men fight or something? You know the story — Jay had written those letters about Tharun and Nikitha. I got scared if some enmity happened.”

Sharmi replied calmly, “No sir, nothing like that. It’s totally unrelated.”
The HR pressed further, “Then why an unknown place? Do you know any details?”

Sharmi took a breath and delivered her story smoothly:
“It’s a long story sir, but let me tell you in short. Soon after arriving, I got sick and fainted. The reception helped me get a doctor, and I had to stay here. Jay stayed back with me. Meanwhile, Nikitha and Tharun went to meet Dhruv. The meeting failed. Only Tharun knows the exact reasons. He felt guilty about returning empty-handed, so he contacted some friends who were staying at a luxury villa. Tharun sir went first to discuss business matters. He requested Jay to join him at the same address to discuss about coding.. Since I was sick, Jay and Nikitha stayed with me initially. Jay left later to join the meeting and met with the accident on the way. Tharun was the one who got the call and admitted him. This is what happened, sir.”

Her lie was so smooth and well-structured that the HR completely bought it.

“Alright. Let’s postpone this trip. From the start, something has been strange with lots of disturbances. When can he be discharged?”
“Tomorrow, sir.”

“Okay. You all come back tomorrow with Jay. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. Don’t worry about the failed meeting. I’ll speak with Tharun when he’s free. Take care of Jay. I want all of you to return safely.”

“Sure, sir,” Sharmi said and cut the call.
Tharun looked at her with a mix of disbelief and disappointment.

“You project me as some sinister, manipulating person… but look at you. How smoothly you lie.”
Sharmi shrugged without any shame. “I lie for the greater good. I manipulate for the greater good. It’s not a selfish act.”

---

Inside the ward, the air felt thick with unspoken pain.

Jay slowly raised his trembling hand toward her. 

Nikitha hesitated for a brief second before gently taking it. His palm was cold, the IV line taped to the back of his hand.

“Doctor spoke to me,” she said softly, forcing her voice to stay steady. “You’re fine. Just one more day here and we’ll go back tomorrow.”

Jay looked at her for a long moment, searching her face. “I came rushing… to stop you before anything could happen between you two.”
Nikitha swallowed hard. “It doesn’t matter now. I just want you to recover soon. Other talks can stay away for now.”

Her words sounded gentle, but to Jay, they rang hollow. For the first time, he could clearly feel the fakeness in her tone — the careful distance, the rehearsed calmness. The way her eyes struggled to meet his, the reluctant way she held his hand, the slight tremor in her voice… everything told him what he had feared the most had already happened.

He was glad she had come. She had a chace to cut him off, Tharun might restricted her to be here. But they did came here. Glad they behaved human.. he thought.  At least she was here. But the ache in his chest was sharper than any pain from the accident. The thought of Nikitha is here not for love or care, just on humanitarian ground. 

He remembered how she didnt answer direct about she and tharun turned into one. 

he got a doubt, like what if something really medically happened to him after the accident?
he slowly decided to ask her...

“Did the doctor warn you about something?” he asked quietly. 

“Like in the movies — don’t tell the patient anything shocking? Because I can sense so much fakeness in your words, Nikki.”

Nikitha froze. Her heart skipped a beat. In that moment, she realized that not only Tharun, but even Jay could still read her so easily. The realization hit her like a wave — she had messed up everything. Badly.

She had no words to counter him, no way to shut down his painful observation. Her throat tightened as guilt flooded her.

“I’ll… I’ll go meet the doctor and get a note of your dietary plans,” she said quickly, pulling her hand away. “Stop overthinking.”
Jay didn’t argue. He simply closed his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching with suppressed pain. He knew things had come to this point. There was no denying it anymore.

As he lay there silently struggling with the heavy truth, the door opened and Sharmi stepped back into the room.