11-12-2025, 09:02 PM
Chapter 8 - Vikram Planting a subtle doubt of cheating.
Continuation:
As Pooja rose from the couch ready to retreat to the bedroom, Vikram's voice stopped her, laced with calculated gentleness. "What if Arjun is hiding something?" His tone was genuine, though his motives ran deeper. Pooja paused, turning back. "What?" she asked, curiosity piqued. Vikram gestured for her to sit, his eyes softening with rehearsed concern. "What if he's hiding something—a reason why he's staying away? Maybe depression, inner conflicts, or secrets that could hurt you... even if it's not what you think." He paused, hinting subtly at betrayal, then pivoted. "Or perhaps business pressures—he's been distant right? Let's not jump to conclusions." Pooja frowned, shaking her head. "Don't you think I don't notice? It's just that he always comes late and sleeps immediately after dinner. Mornings, he wakes up late and rushes to the office. The bare minimum attention he's not giving—he's leaving me lonely." Vikram leaned in, voice low. "Speak with him. Maybe he feels he'd break if he opens up, so he fakes sleep or something..." Pooja thought for a moment, then nodded. "Thanks." They exchanged good-night wishes and retired to their rooms.
In the bedroom, Pooja entered to find Arjun lying silently, seemingly asleep. She lay facing him, whispering, "I know you're not sleeping." Arjun opened his eyes, startled. "How did you know?" Pooja's voice trembled. "Just now, I was complaining to Vikram that you're drifting away again, making me lonely." Arjun's eyes widened. "When did you start sharing your issues with Vikram?" Pooja's tears fell. "Don't I need a friend to share issues? I consider Vikram as one." Arjun sighed. "Having a friend to lean on is fine, but you can treat your husband as a friend too." Pooja's tone sharpened. "Jealousy creeping in, right? Fine, get up—I need to seriously talk about this. What's troubling you, Arjun, tell me." They sat up on the bed, tension thick. He forced a smile. "Just business." Pooja doubted him. "Ever since the day you fainted, you've acted strangely, always leaving me alone. Thankfully, Vikram's confession hit my husbands sense and it got my Arjun back, and now again I'm sharing personal stuff with Vikram. Your jelously creeps in you tell me to treat you as a friend first.
Glad Vikram was here—I got your attention at least by making you jealous."
Vikram, lingering near the door, overheard and Arjun asked, "What were you guys speaking?" Pooja, shy but honest, recounted it all. "I asked about the womanizer rumors, and he said, 'How could I hurt a woman I love? Any man touching other women is sex. With a soulmate, it's lovemaking. I wished lovemaking with you.' He took my hand, said the touch is enough, that's love to explore. He even said, 'In that case, I'm already fulfilled, I spend time with you, chat, get your attention—in my world, all these are like I'm already making love to you. And you're cheating your husband.'" Vikram chuckled. "Okay, in his world, you're a cheating wife." They laughed again, and Pooja felt a flicker of happiness—Vikram's role had rekindled her connection with Arjun. "You know my limits; I treat him as a good friend, that's all," she said. Arjun nodded. "I'm not jealous. I'm glad you have a friend. Stay tight—I believe once my issues are sorted, I'll be back." Pooja tried to make love, but Arjun pulled away. "I'm too occupied in head," he murmured, though his pain flared the moment she undressed. Though pooja was hurt, she let that pass for the love.
A week passed, Arjun's absences mounting—client meets dragging into nights, His irregular office visits left Pooja's calls unanswered, his returns delayed by exhaustion. He collapsed into bed early, avoiding talk, fearing a slip about his diagnosis. Pooja saw it as distance, her loyalty straining as things keep repeating again and again
The next day
Pooja asked Arjun to accompany her shopping for a distant relative's marriage. He declined, voice strained. "I cant, important work, if you want some one to accompany, ask if Vikram can." Vikram took leave, and Pooja did too. The shopping trip was a headache—crowded stores, heavy bags. At a jewelry shop, Pooja tried on gold jhumkas and necklaces, dialing Arjun. to ask "What do you think of these jhumkas?" , but the phone rang unanswered. She texted a photo, no reply. At a clothing store, she browsed silk red sarees and salwar kameez, texting, "This shirt —size 38 fit?" Silence. Vikram helped with bags, his presence a comfort amid her worry. Vikram made all desicions in place of Arjun as he was unreachable. He even picked her some outfits for Pooja. Pooja cant miss vikram admiration on her, and her appearance.
Meanwhile, Arjun's pain returned, sharper, forcing him to the ER at a nearby hospital. Doctors confirmed deterioration, prescribing stronger medication. Ignoring Pooja's calls, he lay in the waiting area. Emerging, he checked WhatsApp—Vikram's status showed selfies: Pooja at the jewelry counter, laughing in the clothing store, her arm linked with his.
The shop near his startup, Pooja and Vikram went there, she was shocked to found Arjun was not there, further the manager saying, "Arjun sir's out for a client meet. For two weeks, he's been irregular." Worry gripped her. She was sure something was off really off for recently.
On the way back, Pooja, in the car, was definite Arjun hid something, recalling the woman's voice from "Client Friend" calls. Vikram said, "You're overthinking," but she insisted, "No, I know Arjun—he's not this distant. Not picking calls, not at the office, hiding something..." Vikram's earlier hint—secrets that could hurt—echoed, planting a subtle doubt of cheating. Vikram said you are overthing, it cant, who will have a heart to betray you. Tear flowing down from pooja eyes, as vikram drove their car stuck in traffic. Opposite lane, Arjun spotted them—Pooja crying, tears streaming, Vikram's finger caressing her face, wiping them with tender care. The sight twisted in his gut, but his plan held—Let her be happy. The green signal blared dramatically, horns erupting in a chaotic symphony, the light flashing like a spotlight on their intimacy. Arjun's car slowed, world blurring as vehicles surged, forcing him to accelerate. In the rear mirror, the signal turned green; Pooja and Vikram drove past, figures receding like a fading mirage. He drove alone forward, pain in his chest mirroring his heart, Vikram's wipe of her tears a stark reminder of the drift.
Chapter 9 - Arjun's lie exposed making pooja to seeks Vikram help and lonetime
While driving back to home, Vikram sensed Arjun was hiding something—something profound, perhaps some secrets—but the thought thrilled him deeper, a thank-you to fate for handing him this chance to exploit Pooja's growing loneliness. If luck held, he could claim her heart or bed, either way a victory. Yet, he was torn, morality gnawing at him; his crush and love for Pooja blinded him, worsened by the sexual attraction that surged whenever she was near. Still, he'd defend Arjun to her, ensuring he didn't appear a villain—whatever Arjun did had a "good reason." But subtly, he'd hint at cheating, letting Pooja's doubt fester.
The Evening, after reaching the home, Vikram said "Stay calm, You are just overthinking, be good to him, and grab that number you doubt—I'll spy on it for you. If it's nothing, great; if not, you deserve truth." Pooja nodded, her suspicion from the woman's voice lingering. That night, after dinner, Pooja pulled Arjun aside. "I need time to speak," she said firmly. "Where have you been? Why no calls?" Arjun sighed. "I was busy!" She led him to bed. "Go for bed; I have to speak." Later, as they lay down, before Pooja started, Arjun preempted, "Sorry, I was really busy finding someone to close the debts." Pooja's mind relaxed—Okay, he navigated away for this. My bad, I doubted it. Glad Vikram was right; I was overthinking. She smiled, tension easing.
Arjun, sensing the moment, shifted the mood. "There's a game my client was playing with his wife today—the answers amazed me. Wanted to try on you." Pooja raised an eyebrow. "What?" He asked, "Do you love me?" She laughed. "What question is this?" Then, "What will you do if I die before you?" She paused, voice soft. "I will die along with you." Arjun shook his head. "Dishonest answer." Pooja asked, "What will you do?" Arjun replied, "I will move on with my life, but carry your memories." Pooja frowned. "Tell me what the answer has to do with the game." Arjun said, "It's just a test of how attached. You're too attached to me—that's why you're always troubled." Arjun lied—there was no game, no client; he wanted to gauge what Pooja would do if he were gone. Her answer confirmed it: she'd end her life. Shit, 26 and she has a long way to go—why stick to me? He added, "I actually forgot; there was too much logical reasoning, but let me take you there one day. Ask them directly." He confused the scenario and said good night. Pooja now doubted something—she felt Arjun diverted the topic, sleeping emotionally. Slowly, she grabbed his mobile, checked photos—nothing much—and saved the "Client Friend" number, texting Vikram at midnight: Spy on this number? She slept.
Vikram, who had overheard their talks from outside, went back to his room, recounting every word. He was sure again Arjun hid something. He knows I love her, knows I spoke out of range, yet he allows me to tag along with Pooja. He's still maintaining distance with her—something is off. Which idiot will turn off a women who was about to make love. Something really off. Vikram decided to up his manipulation game further after spying on the phone number.
The next day, Vikram tracked it down—it belonged to psychologist Anjali. Is he getting consulted? What issue? She can't be a friend, so is it' related to health.
He met her in the noon, but Anjali denied details. "Arjun is my client on a health-related project." Vikram didn't buy it—the number belonging to a woman was enough to stir doubt in Pooja. At the IT office post-lunch, he showed Anjali's photo to Pooja. "Abruptly, she's the one." As an HR meeting came, they dispersed, Vikram leaving half-details to make her mind register Anjali and Arjun as a thing.
Back in the evening, Vikram said, "It's a client, it seems. Pakka—no need to worry. But yeah, they meet often... but these doesn't make you think Arjun is cheating? Plus, she's a psychologist—basically treating his depression." Stop defending your friend Vikram, Pooja didn't buy it, resolving to pursue the matter directly, but Vikram stopped her. "In a relation, biggest weapon one could get to hurt one is doubting. If you doubt him, it will hurt him more.
Just trust him—you hanging with me, does that mean we're cheating?" Pooja's sense returned; he held her hand and said, "You've got a nice life—stop being delusional and making it hard for all." Vikram slipped genuinely, causing his own manipulation to falter. While they drove back, Pooja said, "Let's go and meet Arjun." However, back in the morning, Arjun had visited the hospital, took a cab fearing he couldn't drive, and reached the guesthouse with the spare key, deciding to sleep till evening and get back at night.
When they reached the office, Pooja didn't find Arjun; she called, but he answered in a haze, "I'll be late—very busy in office." He hung up. She was shocked, tears out. Vikram asked, "What?" She said, "He lied—lied on my face. He says he's in office." Vikram thanked Arjun wholeheartedly, picked Pooja's hand, and started driving. When they reached home, Pooja said, "Let's go somewhere—I can't sit here." Vikram said, "Okay," and took her for a long drive, almost 40 km on ECR road. He remembered their guesthouse there and drove to it. On the way, Arjun called Pooja; Vikram asked her not to fight, just listen. She said hello; Arjun said, "Sorry da, still in office—will be back in 3 hours." Pooja said, "It's okay. I've also gone out for a birthday party—don't disturb for another 2 hours. Don't worry, I'm with Vikram and safe." She cut the call. Arjun, looking at the sky, the beach touchable distance a sight, decided to start. He turned all lights off in the guesthouse; when getting out, he forgot he opened the rooftop door wide. He shut it and ran to the top to close it, saw a light glowing, as Arjun stood on the rooftop, the sea breeze carrying the distant roar of waves. He had turned off the last glowing light, the door now shut tight, when a faint rumble broke his solitude. A Thar Jeep approached, its headlights slicing through the darkness. Who are they? His heart thudded, a mix of dread and disbelief. He grabbed the night binoculars from the ledge, hands trembling as he adjusted the focus. The vehicle slowed to a stop, and two figures emerged, their silhouettes stark against the jeep's glow. The binoculars sharpened the image, and a jolt of shock coursed through him—Pooja and Vikram. His breath caught, his mind reeling. "She said don't disturb me, birthday party—all lie? She started cheating?" The words echoed in his head, a panicked scream trapped in his chest.
His eyes narrowed, expecting betrayal, searching for proof. Pooja's face, usually soft with loyalty, was etched with tension, her lips pressed into a thin line—no smile, only the weight of her tears from earlier. But Vikram, ever the charmer, leaned close, whispering something—perhaps a joke to lift her mood. Arjun caught the faint tilt of Vikram's head, a grin breaking through as he said, "Come on, even the sea's jealous of your frown—smile for me!" Pooja's lips twitched, a reluctant curve forming, and Arjun's heart twisted. They walked hand in hand toward the guesthouse, Vikram's fingers laced with hers, a casual intimacy that stabbed at Arjun's core. The sight ignited a storm within him—rage at Vikram's audacity, despair at Pooja's vulnerability, and a gnawing guilt for orchestrating this drift. Did I push her too far? Is this my doing? His protection vow clashed with the cuckold role he'd silently accepted, torn between letting her go for her happiness and the primal urge to reclaim her.
Tears stung his eyes as he lowered the binoculars, the image burning into his soul—Pooja's hesitant smile, Vikram's triumphant stride. His legs weakened, the rooftop railing his only support. She's mine, but she's slipping... No, she's not cheating—she's lost, and I failed her. The pain in his chest flared, a sharp reminder of his fading health, mirroring the fracture in his heart. He sank to his knees, the binoculars slipping from his grasp, as the sound of their footsteps grew closer, each step a hammer on his resolve.
Continuation:
As Pooja rose from the couch ready to retreat to the bedroom, Vikram's voice stopped her, laced with calculated gentleness. "What if Arjun is hiding something?" His tone was genuine, though his motives ran deeper. Pooja paused, turning back. "What?" she asked, curiosity piqued. Vikram gestured for her to sit, his eyes softening with rehearsed concern. "What if he's hiding something—a reason why he's staying away? Maybe depression, inner conflicts, or secrets that could hurt you... even if it's not what you think." He paused, hinting subtly at betrayal, then pivoted. "Or perhaps business pressures—he's been distant right? Let's not jump to conclusions." Pooja frowned, shaking her head. "Don't you think I don't notice? It's just that he always comes late and sleeps immediately after dinner. Mornings, he wakes up late and rushes to the office. The bare minimum attention he's not giving—he's leaving me lonely." Vikram leaned in, voice low. "Speak with him. Maybe he feels he'd break if he opens up, so he fakes sleep or something..." Pooja thought for a moment, then nodded. "Thanks." They exchanged good-night wishes and retired to their rooms.
In the bedroom, Pooja entered to find Arjun lying silently, seemingly asleep. She lay facing him, whispering, "I know you're not sleeping." Arjun opened his eyes, startled. "How did you know?" Pooja's voice trembled. "Just now, I was complaining to Vikram that you're drifting away again, making me lonely." Arjun's eyes widened. "When did you start sharing your issues with Vikram?" Pooja's tears fell. "Don't I need a friend to share issues? I consider Vikram as one." Arjun sighed. "Having a friend to lean on is fine, but you can treat your husband as a friend too." Pooja's tone sharpened. "Jealousy creeping in, right? Fine, get up—I need to seriously talk about this. What's troubling you, Arjun, tell me." They sat up on the bed, tension thick. He forced a smile. "Just business." Pooja doubted him. "Ever since the day you fainted, you've acted strangely, always leaving me alone. Thankfully, Vikram's confession hit my husbands sense and it got my Arjun back, and now again I'm sharing personal stuff with Vikram. Your jelously creeps in you tell me to treat you as a friend first.
Glad Vikram was here—I got your attention at least by making you jealous."
Vikram, lingering near the door, overheard and Arjun asked, "What were you guys speaking?" Pooja, shy but honest, recounted it all. "I asked about the womanizer rumors, and he said, 'How could I hurt a woman I love? Any man touching other women is sex. With a soulmate, it's lovemaking. I wished lovemaking with you.' He took my hand, said the touch is enough, that's love to explore. He even said, 'In that case, I'm already fulfilled, I spend time with you, chat, get your attention—in my world, all these are like I'm already making love to you. And you're cheating your husband.'" Vikram chuckled. "Okay, in his world, you're a cheating wife." They laughed again, and Pooja felt a flicker of happiness—Vikram's role had rekindled her connection with Arjun. "You know my limits; I treat him as a good friend, that's all," she said. Arjun nodded. "I'm not jealous. I'm glad you have a friend. Stay tight—I believe once my issues are sorted, I'll be back." Pooja tried to make love, but Arjun pulled away. "I'm too occupied in head," he murmured, though his pain flared the moment she undressed. Though pooja was hurt, she let that pass for the love.
A week passed, Arjun's absences mounting—client meets dragging into nights, His irregular office visits left Pooja's calls unanswered, his returns delayed by exhaustion. He collapsed into bed early, avoiding talk, fearing a slip about his diagnosis. Pooja saw it as distance, her loyalty straining as things keep repeating again and again
The next day
Pooja asked Arjun to accompany her shopping for a distant relative's marriage. He declined, voice strained. "I cant, important work, if you want some one to accompany, ask if Vikram can." Vikram took leave, and Pooja did too. The shopping trip was a headache—crowded stores, heavy bags. At a jewelry shop, Pooja tried on gold jhumkas and necklaces, dialing Arjun. to ask "What do you think of these jhumkas?" , but the phone rang unanswered. She texted a photo, no reply. At a clothing store, she browsed silk red sarees and salwar kameez, texting, "This shirt —size 38 fit?" Silence. Vikram helped with bags, his presence a comfort amid her worry. Vikram made all desicions in place of Arjun as he was unreachable. He even picked her some outfits for Pooja. Pooja cant miss vikram admiration on her, and her appearance.
Meanwhile, Arjun's pain returned, sharper, forcing him to the ER at a nearby hospital. Doctors confirmed deterioration, prescribing stronger medication. Ignoring Pooja's calls, he lay in the waiting area. Emerging, he checked WhatsApp—Vikram's status showed selfies: Pooja at the jewelry counter, laughing in the clothing store, her arm linked with his.
The shop near his startup, Pooja and Vikram went there, she was shocked to found Arjun was not there, further the manager saying, "Arjun sir's out for a client meet. For two weeks, he's been irregular." Worry gripped her. She was sure something was off really off for recently.
On the way back, Pooja, in the car, was definite Arjun hid something, recalling the woman's voice from "Client Friend" calls. Vikram said, "You're overthinking," but she insisted, "No, I know Arjun—he's not this distant. Not picking calls, not at the office, hiding something..." Vikram's earlier hint—secrets that could hurt—echoed, planting a subtle doubt of cheating. Vikram said you are overthing, it cant, who will have a heart to betray you. Tear flowing down from pooja eyes, as vikram drove their car stuck in traffic. Opposite lane, Arjun spotted them—Pooja crying, tears streaming, Vikram's finger caressing her face, wiping them with tender care. The sight twisted in his gut, but his plan held—Let her be happy. The green signal blared dramatically, horns erupting in a chaotic symphony, the light flashing like a spotlight on their intimacy. Arjun's car slowed, world blurring as vehicles surged, forcing him to accelerate. In the rear mirror, the signal turned green; Pooja and Vikram drove past, figures receding like a fading mirage. He drove alone forward, pain in his chest mirroring his heart, Vikram's wipe of her tears a stark reminder of the drift.
Chapter 9 - Arjun's lie exposed making pooja to seeks Vikram help and lonetime
While driving back to home, Vikram sensed Arjun was hiding something—something profound, perhaps some secrets—but the thought thrilled him deeper, a thank-you to fate for handing him this chance to exploit Pooja's growing loneliness. If luck held, he could claim her heart or bed, either way a victory. Yet, he was torn, morality gnawing at him; his crush and love for Pooja blinded him, worsened by the sexual attraction that surged whenever she was near. Still, he'd defend Arjun to her, ensuring he didn't appear a villain—whatever Arjun did had a "good reason." But subtly, he'd hint at cheating, letting Pooja's doubt fester.
The Evening, after reaching the home, Vikram said "Stay calm, You are just overthinking, be good to him, and grab that number you doubt—I'll spy on it for you. If it's nothing, great; if not, you deserve truth." Pooja nodded, her suspicion from the woman's voice lingering. That night, after dinner, Pooja pulled Arjun aside. "I need time to speak," she said firmly. "Where have you been? Why no calls?" Arjun sighed. "I was busy!" She led him to bed. "Go for bed; I have to speak." Later, as they lay down, before Pooja started, Arjun preempted, "Sorry, I was really busy finding someone to close the debts." Pooja's mind relaxed—Okay, he navigated away for this. My bad, I doubted it. Glad Vikram was right; I was overthinking. She smiled, tension easing.
Arjun, sensing the moment, shifted the mood. "There's a game my client was playing with his wife today—the answers amazed me. Wanted to try on you." Pooja raised an eyebrow. "What?" He asked, "Do you love me?" She laughed. "What question is this?" Then, "What will you do if I die before you?" She paused, voice soft. "I will die along with you." Arjun shook his head. "Dishonest answer." Pooja asked, "What will you do?" Arjun replied, "I will move on with my life, but carry your memories." Pooja frowned. "Tell me what the answer has to do with the game." Arjun said, "It's just a test of how attached. You're too attached to me—that's why you're always troubled." Arjun lied—there was no game, no client; he wanted to gauge what Pooja would do if he were gone. Her answer confirmed it: she'd end her life. Shit, 26 and she has a long way to go—why stick to me? He added, "I actually forgot; there was too much logical reasoning, but let me take you there one day. Ask them directly." He confused the scenario and said good night. Pooja now doubted something—she felt Arjun diverted the topic, sleeping emotionally. Slowly, she grabbed his mobile, checked photos—nothing much—and saved the "Client Friend" number, texting Vikram at midnight: Spy on this number? She slept.
Vikram, who had overheard their talks from outside, went back to his room, recounting every word. He was sure again Arjun hid something. He knows I love her, knows I spoke out of range, yet he allows me to tag along with Pooja. He's still maintaining distance with her—something is off. Which idiot will turn off a women who was about to make love. Something really off. Vikram decided to up his manipulation game further after spying on the phone number.
The next day, Vikram tracked it down—it belonged to psychologist Anjali. Is he getting consulted? What issue? She can't be a friend, so is it' related to health.
He met her in the noon, but Anjali denied details. "Arjun is my client on a health-related project." Vikram didn't buy it—the number belonging to a woman was enough to stir doubt in Pooja. At the IT office post-lunch, he showed Anjali's photo to Pooja. "Abruptly, she's the one." As an HR meeting came, they dispersed, Vikram leaving half-details to make her mind register Anjali and Arjun as a thing.
Back in the evening, Vikram said, "It's a client, it seems. Pakka—no need to worry. But yeah, they meet often... but these doesn't make you think Arjun is cheating? Plus, she's a psychologist—basically treating his depression." Stop defending your friend Vikram, Pooja didn't buy it, resolving to pursue the matter directly, but Vikram stopped her. "In a relation, biggest weapon one could get to hurt one is doubting. If you doubt him, it will hurt him more.
Just trust him—you hanging with me, does that mean we're cheating?" Pooja's sense returned; he held her hand and said, "You've got a nice life—stop being delusional and making it hard for all." Vikram slipped genuinely, causing his own manipulation to falter. While they drove back, Pooja said, "Let's go and meet Arjun." However, back in the morning, Arjun had visited the hospital, took a cab fearing he couldn't drive, and reached the guesthouse with the spare key, deciding to sleep till evening and get back at night.
When they reached the office, Pooja didn't find Arjun; she called, but he answered in a haze, "I'll be late—very busy in office." He hung up. She was shocked, tears out. Vikram asked, "What?" She said, "He lied—lied on my face. He says he's in office." Vikram thanked Arjun wholeheartedly, picked Pooja's hand, and started driving. When they reached home, Pooja said, "Let's go somewhere—I can't sit here." Vikram said, "Okay," and took her for a long drive, almost 40 km on ECR road. He remembered their guesthouse there and drove to it. On the way, Arjun called Pooja; Vikram asked her not to fight, just listen. She said hello; Arjun said, "Sorry da, still in office—will be back in 3 hours." Pooja said, "It's okay. I've also gone out for a birthday party—don't disturb for another 2 hours. Don't worry, I'm with Vikram and safe." She cut the call. Arjun, looking at the sky, the beach touchable distance a sight, decided to start. He turned all lights off in the guesthouse; when getting out, he forgot he opened the rooftop door wide. He shut it and ran to the top to close it, saw a light glowing, as Arjun stood on the rooftop, the sea breeze carrying the distant roar of waves. He had turned off the last glowing light, the door now shut tight, when a faint rumble broke his solitude. A Thar Jeep approached, its headlights slicing through the darkness. Who are they? His heart thudded, a mix of dread and disbelief. He grabbed the night binoculars from the ledge, hands trembling as he adjusted the focus. The vehicle slowed to a stop, and two figures emerged, their silhouettes stark against the jeep's glow. The binoculars sharpened the image, and a jolt of shock coursed through him—Pooja and Vikram. His breath caught, his mind reeling. "She said don't disturb me, birthday party—all lie? She started cheating?" The words echoed in his head, a panicked scream trapped in his chest.
His eyes narrowed, expecting betrayal, searching for proof. Pooja's face, usually soft with loyalty, was etched with tension, her lips pressed into a thin line—no smile, only the weight of her tears from earlier. But Vikram, ever the charmer, leaned close, whispering something—perhaps a joke to lift her mood. Arjun caught the faint tilt of Vikram's head, a grin breaking through as he said, "Come on, even the sea's jealous of your frown—smile for me!" Pooja's lips twitched, a reluctant curve forming, and Arjun's heart twisted. They walked hand in hand toward the guesthouse, Vikram's fingers laced with hers, a casual intimacy that stabbed at Arjun's core. The sight ignited a storm within him—rage at Vikram's audacity, despair at Pooja's vulnerability, and a gnawing guilt for orchestrating this drift. Did I push her too far? Is this my doing? His protection vow clashed with the cuckold role he'd silently accepted, torn between letting her go for her happiness and the primal urge to reclaim her.
Tears stung his eyes as he lowered the binoculars, the image burning into his soul—Pooja's hesitant smile, Vikram's triumphant stride. His legs weakened, the rooftop railing his only support. She's mine, but she's slipping... No, she's not cheating—she's lost, and I failed her. The pain in his chest flared, a sharp reminder of his fading health, mirroring the fracture in his heart. He sank to his knees, the binoculars slipping from his grasp, as the sound of their footsteps grew closer, each step a hammer on his resolve.
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