11-12-2025, 09:07 PM
Chapter 13: First Kiss
Vikram had been driving for nearly three hours straight, the Thar jeep humming along the road toward Coimbatore With two hours still to go, Arjun, firm in his resolve, refused to let Vikram continue. Pooja, worried about his health, urged, "Vikram should drive, Arjun." But Arjun snapped, "No!" She stopped the music player, her voice soft yet firm, "You said you have a headache—how can you drive?"
A realization dawned—she sensed his jealousy, his reluctance to let her sit with Vikram. "Okay, I'm coming with you in the back seat. Rest your head on me," she said. Arjun slowed the car, and they moved to the back. Vikram took the wheel. Pooja's smile returned as, after a long time, Arjun placed his head on her shoulder. She thanked Vikram through the mirror glass, thinking, These tricks worked. Arjun's inner turmoil breached—his eyes teared up, missing her softness, her love. How stupid of you to move away from her, he thought. Pooja sensed the tears, asking, "What happened, Arjun?" He mumbled, "Nothing, just a headache," and slept like a baby on her shoulder. Vikram, watching them, felt a mix of emotions—partly happy seeing her joy, partly angry at Arjun for his distant act and hidden secrets causing Pooja's turmoil. He genuinely cared for Arjun, yet jealousy simmered.
Two hours later, they reached Coimbatore. Vikram drove them to a nearby drive-in restaurant, bringing food for all. After eating, he took them to the booked lodge. After helping with the luggage, Vikram finally hit the bed in his room. A knock came at his door. He opened it to find Pooja, who hugged him tightly and said, "Thanks," her chest pressing against him unexpectedly. "Hey, Pooja, what happened?" he asked, startled. "See, he loves me so much. He slept like a child on my shoulder. I missed this all these days. If not for our jealousy game, he wouldn't have let me do it. Thanks," she said, her voice warm. Vikram was half-minded—unable to fully rejoice in their reunion or mourn his missed chance. He caught her face, kissing her forehead deeply for two minutes. She pushed him away, "What?" Vikram smiled, "I'm happy for you. Finally, I see your smile this big." Pooja shook with joy like a college kid, his words catching her heart. She knew he loved her deeply. Not wanting to hurt him, she placed her hand on his chest, patting it. Feeling his heartbeat, she said, "Someone apt will get this..." Vikram smiled, though she knew she was hurting him. "Maybe I should move city. In Chennai, Anjali's presence is troubling him. Here in Coimbatore, he's his old self," she mused. Vikram asked, "Did you confirm it's Anjali and cheating, you idiot? Now he's back—just enjoy with him, go ahead." Pooja shyly smiled and returned to her room.
Arjun was just stepping out of the shower. Pooja went in, then came back in bra and panties to entice him. But she faced a cold dismissal—Arjun bluntly said, "Wear some nightgown. Are you going to sleep with these? I'm tired, Pooja." Unsure what to do, she climbed into bed. When his hand hugged her as she settled, she feared pushing for sex, feeling shame, and left it be.
The next day, dressed up, Pooja and Arjun got ready. Vikram met them at the reception, and they headed to the mandapam 5 km away for the cousin's wedding. Pooja avoided Vikram's eyes, recalling her happiness from the night yet frustrated that nothing happened in their room. How can I tell him things didn't go as planned? she thought, turned off. Vikram, like a lonely driver, sat upfront. At the mandapam, Arjun introduced Vikram to everyone. Pooja slowly began talking to Vikram, apologizing, "Sorry, I was too much last night." Vikram asked, "Nothing fruitful happened, right? Hmm, that's what they say in cricket—don't celebrate before hitting a century." She awkward smiled, then accompanied him while Arjun mingled with relatives. An aged man, seeing Pooja with Vikram, asked her father-in-law, "Who is he?" Her father-in-law replied, "Her friend." The relative muttered, "These days, married women appreciating men's friendship—it all goes to cheating, leaving husbands behind." Unaware of Arjun nearby, her father-in-law shouted at the relative, defending Pooja. Later, he approached Arjun, apologizing, then revealed, "Pooja would never treat you bad or harm your reputation, mapplai. You know, when you met an accident weeks before marriage, in the same hospital, another patient was admitted under your name. They called for Arjun's relative—we went, and the doctor said you can't conceive due to the accident. All relatives wanted her to leave you, but she said, 'It's okay, let him consider me as his baby and live with me.' She even barred me and my wife for two days from seeing you. May be she hided this as it could not hurt you. Only on the second day, when confusion cleared, she let us in. How could such a woman leave you, mapplai? These relatives know nothing; they blabber generally." Arjun was shocked. What did I do to earn such love? His heart sank. Why should she waste her life for me? He decided on something stronger. Vikram, overhearing, felt jealous—How did he win her?
That evening, before returning to the lodge, Vikram asked Pooja, "What did he do to you that you defended him in the hospital that way?" i overheared your father telling this. Pooja replied, "Vikram, you once said love has no reason, so does mine. The first spark said he's mine, and I've treated him that way. He's my love of life—our eyes say we're made to be together." Vikram patted her shoulder and moved away, leaving Pooja wondering, Am I hurting Vikram again and again?
That night at the lodge, Pooja made a move. Arjun caught her hand, asking, "What do you want?" Hesitantly, she said, "We haven't made love for months." Arjun replied, "I'm not in the mood, just sleep." The rejection cut her like a blade. At 12 AM, she received a text from Vikram: "Come to my room. I'm bleeding—a sharp knife cut." She woke Arjun, and they rushed to Vikram's room. As he opened the door, it was dark. He pulled them in, and before they could react, a candle lit up—"Happy Birthday, Pooja!" It was Vikram's surprise. Arjun slammed him, "Why are you disturbing my sleep?" Pooja was hurt—How could he not see the intention behind it? Vikram calmed Arjun, "See, it's her birthday." Arjun retorted, "I know, there's a time for it, not this way." Pooja's gaze turned icy, feeling like killing him. Arjun added, "See, traveling long drive, I need proper sleep. You guys celebrate it—cut that soon, Pooja. Pooja cuts while, vikram sing, arjun caught the cake soon from her hand and gets a bit , he gave back quick and said, im done, you guys celerbrate, i need to sleep.Open the door slow without noise," and he shut the door, leaving them alone.
Pooja couldn't control her tears, throwing the cake in anger, "Today, I'm going to finish him!" Vikram controlled her, "We're at a new place—calm down. Maybe he's really tired." She sobbed, "Why is he doing this to me? Am I becoming unimportant? He's rejecting me on bed, now on my birthday—why is he avoiding me?" Vikram pulled her and made her sit on the bed, consoling her in a tight embrace. Only then did he realize, beneath her nightgown, Pooja wore nothing—no bra. His manhood rose. The moment Vikram lost control, he said, "He hurts you, but you feed him cake. When it was my turn, you threw it away." Despite this, she laughed, "I'm sorry." Her face lit up as she asked, "You know how to make me laugh?" He went down, picked a cake piece that wasn't spoiled, and returned. He gave it to her hand, "Feed me." She did, and he fed her, "Happy birthday, my love. From today, I should not see your tears." He caught her face, before she realise, vikram sealed his mouth on hers, their lips meeting in a deep, electric kiss. For five minutes, their mouths fused—Pooja felt a surge of forbidden desire, her body trembling as Vikram's warmth ignited a primal hunger, his breath hot against her skin. Vikram's heart raced, a mix of triumph and longing, his hands gripping her tighter as lust pulsed through him. Yet, as their lips parted, guilt stabbed Pooja—This is wrong, I'm married—while Vikram's chest tightened with regret, I've crossed a line. She broke away, quickly stood, and tried to speak but stopped, "We should not cross it, Vikram. I know I hurt you. You love me, but..." Vikram reached her, "I know my limits. I just felt you deserve better. I couldn't let your birthday mood spoil. He denied you sex; I gave you a kiss—accepting or rejecting is your choice. Like a bull or alpha, I make my statement. Good night." Pooja moved her mind, Am I cheating? No, we should speak with Vikram in the morning and clear things.
Chapter 14: Echoes of Doubt
Continuatoion:
A few minutes earlier, while Pooja was kissing Vikram inside the room, Arjun had spotted them through the keyhole. Torn between anguish and resolve, he knew this was the only way forward. Initially skeptical about leaving Pooja alone, the father-in-law's revelation about her stubborn loyalty—marrying him despite the doctor's mistaken claim of his infertility—shifted his perspective.
How will she move to another if she holds this love for me? he realized. Moving away and letting Vikram in wouldn't solve it; he needed her to forget him, to hate him. She'd fight for my behavior if I push her enough, he thought. I'm sorry, Pooja, I have to hurt you, but let me do it tactically instead of shouting. Ten minutes later, Pooja arrived at his room. Arjun acted like he was sleeping, resolving, Going forward, I'll do all things to make her feel I'm distant, carry no love or care, and if necessary, show real hatred for my doings.
Morning arrived , Pooja got ready while Arjun was still sleeping. She woke him, and he prepared for the morning function at their cousin's home, after which they'd head back to Chennai.
Pooja couldn't believe she'd let Vikram kiss her—How did he do it so suddenly, with that tone asserting control over me? Should I confront him? What if he says I was involved? Her head was blank since last night, a mix of guilt and confusion. She avoided speaking with Vikram as they approached the car after vacating the lodge. Torn, she wondered where to sit—with Arjun, who hadn't wished her a happy birthday, or Vikram, who'd crossed a boundary. Vikram approached, saying, "Sit back with Arjun. I'll take some flowers in the front passenger seat." As they boarded, Vikram slowed at a flower shop, purchasing ritual items, then diverted to a famous temple nearby instead of the cousin's house. Arjun asked, "Why are we here?" Vikram replied, "It's Pooja's birthday—I thought we'd visit." Arjun acted surprised, "Sorry, Pooja, my mind's stuck. I'm really sorry, happy birthday." He stepped out, buying a mallipoo flower, a traditional husband's gift, lifting Pooja's spirits. Inside the temple, she happily held Arjun's hand.
The temple was crowded, and they decided on a ticketed poojai. They got three tickets. Vikram wrote his name and zodiac signs, then asked Arjun for his star sign and nakshatra, which Arjun provided. Vikram took another ticket to write Pooja's name. Watching, Pooja expected Arjun to know her signs, but he asked, "Sorry, what were yours?" To avoid humiliation before Vikram, she opened her mouth to say but, she was surprised to see Vikram had already written her signs.
So you know her a lot, Vikram, Arjun thought privately.
Pooja felt a pang—her husband, whom she loved, didn't know her details, while Vikram, with his one-sided love, remembered everything. The husband forgot her birthday; the friend didn't. She closed her eyes, letting the thoughts go. After the temple prayers, the trio headed to the cousin's house.
Pooja chatted casually with cousin Veni while Arjun mingled with relatives.
Vikram, lost in thought, processed recent events. I mustn't spoil the game by overstepping, he mused, deciding to check Pooja's pulse. He called his apartment contractors, learning the renovation finished five days ago. He asked for neat arrangements and key handover the next day, planning to leave Arjun's house in a week. A split will give her a taste of wanting me for solace, company, and discussion, he believed. Twenty minutes later, Veni mentioned 30-40 sarees for return gifts, asking Pooja to pick. Confused, she asked Arjun to choose. Keeping her birthday in mind, he picked a rich one, but Pooja's eyes showed disinterest. Vikram, arriving to ask about leaving, heard Veni tease, "Sir, your friend Arjun didn't pick a good one for Pooja. You choose—let's see if she likes it." Pooja's eyes tested Vikram's knowledge. He swiftly selected a blue, red, and brown saree, saying, "Pooja would pick one of these." Stunned, she realized she'd eyed those colors, but to avoid hurting Arjun or letting others question their relationship, she said, "Arjun's was better; I'll take that." Veni teased, "Sir, you're a poor friend," and a few women laughed. Vikram walked away, and Pooja felt happy inside yet guilty for hurting him again. Society doesn't know what I like; they want my husband to seem understanding. Let that safe game play, she thought.
They returned to drive to Chennai. Vikram took the wheel, with Arjun and Pooja in the back. Pooja felt torn—At least I should've sat in front. Arjun slept, and since morning, she hadn't spoken to vikram since morning. He crossed the line, but he just loves me, maybe without perverse thoughts. Why am I punishing him? Maybe I should speak and protect his friendship, she thought. Vikram slowed at a restaurant. As Arjun and Pooja went in, Vikram announced, "I'm sleeping for a bit." Pooja felt bad—If it were yesterday, before the kiss, I'd have dragged him by the hand to eat. That kiss really pushed us away. Her mind panicked, but she did nothing, just watching him alone. After lunch, Arjun offered to drive, but Vikram ignored him. They reached Chennai at 8 PM, had dinner at an open dine, and Arjun thanked Vikram, who replied, "What's this between friends?" The night went quiet; all, tired, hit the bed early.
Next day, as Arjun got ready for office, Pooja woke, dressed, and arrived. Seeing Vikram ready too, he asked, "Shall we go?" She replied, "Hmm," her first proper response in 24 hours.
Pooja said, "I didn't prepare food. Vikram and I will eat at the office; Arjun, you eat outside."
He nodded. As she joined Vikram's car, they sat quietly after 10 minutes pooja breaked the silence, she asked, "Why didn't you let Arjun drive yesterday?" Vikram responded, "I wasn't sure about your mental state. You might've felt unsafe with me, torn about the toughs plus you might want to stick with him, so I drove to give you stability and safety, not to bother you. I'm sorry, Pooja, for crossing the line that night. Honestly, I was pissed at how Arjun rejected you and ignored your birthday—his sleep mattered more than your peace. I thought your need for intimacy should be honored; I didn't care about morality. I thought a kiss might solidify your state of mind. I didn't consider how you'd feel—I'm really sorry. I'm not perverse; I had you and your feelings in my head, but I hurt you again. I'm sorry."
Pooja measured each word, inwardly agreeing, but stayed neutral, saying, "It's okay, I'm sorry too. I should've spoken to you." She then asked, "How did you know my stars, birthday, and colors I like?" Vikram said, "I've loved you for over three years, even after your marriage—you're all I have in my heart. Won't I know? Your birthday's a week before mine. I followed you to a temple to learn your stars. Colors—your scooty, purse, slipper set, fake necklace, and kurtas—all dominated by blue, red, and brown."
Pooja gazed into his eyes intensely—Why does this man love me so much? Doesn't he know I'm taken and can't come to him? She didn't respond.
Vikram handed her his mobile, saying, "Open the gallery." She saw recent images of a newly renovated apartment. "What's this?" she asked. "My apartment's ready. Guess I'll vacate your house in a week."
Her mouth asked, "Are you moving away?" while her heart whispered, Are you leaving me? Did I hurt you? For the first time, her heart wanted someone else besides her husband—even if just friendship, it was new for her.
Chapter 15: Vikram left Pooja & House: Arjun Secret Plan in motion
Continnuation
Pooja heart heavy with Vikram's decision to move out. The void gnawed at her as her mind replaying his care—the forehead kiss, his slightest attention to her details.
Meanwhile, Arjun visited the hospital. The doctor's voice was grave: "You need surgery to prevent nerve damage from the cancer cells—otherwise, your legs could become immovable. If unsuccessful, this might be your last day. Call your wife." Arjun's response was cold, "I'm divorcing her. She found love elsewhere; I have no one." Shocked, the doctor pressed, "Without surgery, you'll need support forever—limping, even with only five months left. Inform her; seeing you like this might change her heart, or act it to make her understand." Arjun thought, What a curse—why can't I die peacefully? He muttered, "Thank you, doctor," and left, refusing to share his burden.
He met Anjali for counseling, their talk normal, but outside, he resolved, If she sees me struggling, she won't leave. I must hasten this. He visited his old boss, a startup supporter, pitching to sell his company completely to him. The boss admired the creativity his products had at the startup but warned, "They need R&D and marketing, or they'll fail." Impressed, he asked the price. Arjun quoted 35 lakhs. "Why so low?" the boss asked. "Just my investment and hospital expenses," Arjun admitted, revealing his condition and requesting discretion. "I wanted to Prove myself a successful businessman, so im going to enact like i earned this money not by selling but with a revenue, once i acted this before the people i want i will ransfer full power to you, but assign someone as your proxy now, acting as partner." "Who?" the boss asked. "Anjali, my friend," Arjun said.
The boss agreed, and Arjun set his plan in motion.
At the office, Pooja struggled to focus, her mind flooded with Vikram. His love in such a short time contrasted with Arjun's sudden dismissal. Now he's leaving— why do I feel i want his love? It's forbidden, illicit, improper, but why does my heart crave it? she wondered. Just deep friendship, she told herself, but how sinful for a wife to think of another man. Her work stalled. Vikram noticed her distraction, thinking, My move is working.
Elsewhere, Arjun met a lawyer. "I'm filing for divorce," he said. "Why?" the lawyer asked. "My wife's cheating." "Proof?" "Not yet—collect it. File under adultery." His motive was clear: hurt her, push her away, make her hate him, all while preparing for a big action later. Mutual divorces take time, labeling adultery on him wont work as pooja wont choose it even if he does, but he can claim her, mock her , ridicule her, this would make her hate me. Filing divorce on adultery works even quicker he thought.
That evening, Vikram and Pooja were home. Arjun was out. Freshened up, Pooja sought Vikram for a talk. They discussed the office IT crash causing havoc. Vikram, seeing her distraction in office, asked, "You've been off all day—what's bugging you, Pooja? I'm here."
He caught her hand. "Nothing," she said as Arjun entered silently, asking for dinner, then pretended to sleep but hid to spy.
Post-dinner, alone again, Pooja asked, "Are you sure you're moving out?" Vikram nodded, "Yes, what reason do I have to stay? Work's incomplete. Sunday, I've planned a housewarming—be there!" "Okay," she said. "Don't feel bad—I won't invite Arjun." She didn't question, replying, "If that's what you want, I'm okay." Vikram added, "Sunday's my birthday too. Pooja said I know, i plan to buy you a gift. Don't buy a gift—I'll ask for one." Virkam said.
"What?" she asked. "Day after tomorrow, I'm moving. Let's discuss it tomorrow. I won't come to office after dropping you, have to look after final work at house —wait till evening to know." He built suspense, ensuring it lingered in her mind.
Next morning, Arjun was standing before mirror in bedroom while pooja came there he said , "I'm partnering with a client—funds next week." Pooja said, "oh, glad you remember me." Alarmed this could shift her focus from Vikram, he mocked, "I'm not telling you—I'm practicing for a meeting. before mirror" Hurt, she withdrew.
That evening, Arjun hid again to spy. Vikram began, "Pooja, you know I love you."
"Yes," she replied.
"I should end this with respect and love," he said.
Her heart tightened. "Why? Can't we stay good friends?"
Vikram continued, "I know, but I'm causing you turmoil. My craving to have you disturbed me; now it's bugging you."
Silent, she listened. "For one day, be my date—like a real lover. Forget all, be a kid. Morning, temple; housewarming after; noon, lunch at a luxury hotel; evening, beach walk; night, your guesthouse rooftop cake cutting—my wish. If you're in, I'm gifted."
Torn, she couldn't say yes or no. "I'll think, but I'll meet you Sunday for the housewarming."
Take time pooja "Decide and tell me by Saturday night," he said.
She rushed off with a "Good night."
Next day dawned with a quiet tension as Vikram rose before the first light, his resolve hardened. He moved methodically through the house, packing his belongings into carefully labeled boxes—clothes folded with precision, books stacked, and personal mementos tucked away, each item a silent farewell to the life he'd briefly shared with Pooja and Arjun.
The clink of glass and rustle of fabric filled the early morning as he loaded his car, the trunk groaning under the weight of his departure. Stepping inside, he found Arjun sipping coffee, his expression unreadable.
"I'm moving out," Vikram announced, his voice steady. Arjun nodded, "Okay," his mind calculating the emotional impact this distance would have on Pooja, a calculated blow to push her further from him. Seeing this as an opportunity, Arjun silently committed to a cold treatment—severing the routine of picks and drops, erasing the warmth of shared rides.
That morning, Vikram drove Pooja to the office, his hands gripping the wheel tightly, the air between them thick with unspoken words. "I'm off for three days—manage it," he said curtly, his eyes avoiding hers as he dropped her off, the car door's slam echoing his departure.
The following days unraveled into a tormenting void for Pooja. Without Vikram's steady presence, she felt unmoored—demotivated, her work slipping through her fingers, disturbed by the silence where his laughter once lived.
Forced to navigate cabs through Chennai's chaotic streets, she missed his companionship keenly. Evenings grew colder as Arjun, entrenched in his plan, spoke animatedly to friends on the phone, his voice a distant hum that excluded her. He made sure she listens to anjali voice randomly.
He pressured her to cook—chicken sizzling in the pan, eggs cracking into the skillet—like a hired worker, never offering a word of thanks or sharing the meal, his avoidance a deliberate knife twist. This relentless neglect intensified her thoughts of Vikram, his care a haunting contrast.
One evening, the dam broke—Pooja's voice cracked as she burst out, "Why are you doing this? Why the disrespect?" Her eyes searched his, pleading for an answer. Arjun, his face a mask of indifference, shrugged, "You're just overreacting," and walked away, leaving her standing in the kitchen, tears stinging her eyes.
In morning at office, Pooja eyes looked at empty table of Vikram, while in nights she remember how good vikram was to her, she really missed the chats and talks in car, which seemed like she never experieced with arjun.
Saturday arrived, a day heavy with longing as Pooja moved through the house like a ghost, each corner whispering memories of Vikram's closeness—the gentle hum of their drives, the warmth of their evening chats, the quiet love and compassion he'd shown her. His absence carved a hollow in her chest, a void where his presence had once steadied her. The weight of it pressed on her as she sat alone, her mind replaying his tender gestures—the way he'd chosen her saree, the sincerity in his apology. Her hand trembled, fingers hesitating over her phone, the screen blurring with unshed tears.
Finally, with a shaky breath, she typed, her heart pounding, "What should I wear for a date?!!" The message sent, a leap into the forbidden, her pulse racing as she awaited his reply, torn between guilt and an aching need she could no longer deny.
Vikram had been driving for nearly three hours straight, the Thar jeep humming along the road toward Coimbatore With two hours still to go, Arjun, firm in his resolve, refused to let Vikram continue. Pooja, worried about his health, urged, "Vikram should drive, Arjun." But Arjun snapped, "No!" She stopped the music player, her voice soft yet firm, "You said you have a headache—how can you drive?"
A realization dawned—she sensed his jealousy, his reluctance to let her sit with Vikram. "Okay, I'm coming with you in the back seat. Rest your head on me," she said. Arjun slowed the car, and they moved to the back. Vikram took the wheel. Pooja's smile returned as, after a long time, Arjun placed his head on her shoulder. She thanked Vikram through the mirror glass, thinking, These tricks worked. Arjun's inner turmoil breached—his eyes teared up, missing her softness, her love. How stupid of you to move away from her, he thought. Pooja sensed the tears, asking, "What happened, Arjun?" He mumbled, "Nothing, just a headache," and slept like a baby on her shoulder. Vikram, watching them, felt a mix of emotions—partly happy seeing her joy, partly angry at Arjun for his distant act and hidden secrets causing Pooja's turmoil. He genuinely cared for Arjun, yet jealousy simmered.
Two hours later, they reached Coimbatore. Vikram drove them to a nearby drive-in restaurant, bringing food for all. After eating, he took them to the booked lodge. After helping with the luggage, Vikram finally hit the bed in his room. A knock came at his door. He opened it to find Pooja, who hugged him tightly and said, "Thanks," her chest pressing against him unexpectedly. "Hey, Pooja, what happened?" he asked, startled. "See, he loves me so much. He slept like a child on my shoulder. I missed this all these days. If not for our jealousy game, he wouldn't have let me do it. Thanks," she said, her voice warm. Vikram was half-minded—unable to fully rejoice in their reunion or mourn his missed chance. He caught her face, kissing her forehead deeply for two minutes. She pushed him away, "What?" Vikram smiled, "I'm happy for you. Finally, I see your smile this big." Pooja shook with joy like a college kid, his words catching her heart. She knew he loved her deeply. Not wanting to hurt him, she placed her hand on his chest, patting it. Feeling his heartbeat, she said, "Someone apt will get this..." Vikram smiled, though she knew she was hurting him. "Maybe I should move city. In Chennai, Anjali's presence is troubling him. Here in Coimbatore, he's his old self," she mused. Vikram asked, "Did you confirm it's Anjali and cheating, you idiot? Now he's back—just enjoy with him, go ahead." Pooja shyly smiled and returned to her room.
Arjun was just stepping out of the shower. Pooja went in, then came back in bra and panties to entice him. But she faced a cold dismissal—Arjun bluntly said, "Wear some nightgown. Are you going to sleep with these? I'm tired, Pooja." Unsure what to do, she climbed into bed. When his hand hugged her as she settled, she feared pushing for sex, feeling shame, and left it be.
The next day, dressed up, Pooja and Arjun got ready. Vikram met them at the reception, and they headed to the mandapam 5 km away for the cousin's wedding. Pooja avoided Vikram's eyes, recalling her happiness from the night yet frustrated that nothing happened in their room. How can I tell him things didn't go as planned? she thought, turned off. Vikram, like a lonely driver, sat upfront. At the mandapam, Arjun introduced Vikram to everyone. Pooja slowly began talking to Vikram, apologizing, "Sorry, I was too much last night." Vikram asked, "Nothing fruitful happened, right? Hmm, that's what they say in cricket—don't celebrate before hitting a century." She awkward smiled, then accompanied him while Arjun mingled with relatives. An aged man, seeing Pooja with Vikram, asked her father-in-law, "Who is he?" Her father-in-law replied, "Her friend." The relative muttered, "These days, married women appreciating men's friendship—it all goes to cheating, leaving husbands behind." Unaware of Arjun nearby, her father-in-law shouted at the relative, defending Pooja. Later, he approached Arjun, apologizing, then revealed, "Pooja would never treat you bad or harm your reputation, mapplai. You know, when you met an accident weeks before marriage, in the same hospital, another patient was admitted under your name. They called for Arjun's relative—we went, and the doctor said you can't conceive due to the accident. All relatives wanted her to leave you, but she said, 'It's okay, let him consider me as his baby and live with me.' She even barred me and my wife for two days from seeing you. May be she hided this as it could not hurt you. Only on the second day, when confusion cleared, she let us in. How could such a woman leave you, mapplai? These relatives know nothing; they blabber generally." Arjun was shocked. What did I do to earn such love? His heart sank. Why should she waste her life for me? He decided on something stronger. Vikram, overhearing, felt jealous—How did he win her?
That evening, before returning to the lodge, Vikram asked Pooja, "What did he do to you that you defended him in the hospital that way?" i overheared your father telling this. Pooja replied, "Vikram, you once said love has no reason, so does mine. The first spark said he's mine, and I've treated him that way. He's my love of life—our eyes say we're made to be together." Vikram patted her shoulder and moved away, leaving Pooja wondering, Am I hurting Vikram again and again?
That night at the lodge, Pooja made a move. Arjun caught her hand, asking, "What do you want?" Hesitantly, she said, "We haven't made love for months." Arjun replied, "I'm not in the mood, just sleep." The rejection cut her like a blade. At 12 AM, she received a text from Vikram: "Come to my room. I'm bleeding—a sharp knife cut." She woke Arjun, and they rushed to Vikram's room. As he opened the door, it was dark. He pulled them in, and before they could react, a candle lit up—"Happy Birthday, Pooja!" It was Vikram's surprise. Arjun slammed him, "Why are you disturbing my sleep?" Pooja was hurt—How could he not see the intention behind it? Vikram calmed Arjun, "See, it's her birthday." Arjun retorted, "I know, there's a time for it, not this way." Pooja's gaze turned icy, feeling like killing him. Arjun added, "See, traveling long drive, I need proper sleep. You guys celebrate it—cut that soon, Pooja. Pooja cuts while, vikram sing, arjun caught the cake soon from her hand and gets a bit , he gave back quick and said, im done, you guys celerbrate, i need to sleep.Open the door slow without noise," and he shut the door, leaving them alone.
Pooja couldn't control her tears, throwing the cake in anger, "Today, I'm going to finish him!" Vikram controlled her, "We're at a new place—calm down. Maybe he's really tired." She sobbed, "Why is he doing this to me? Am I becoming unimportant? He's rejecting me on bed, now on my birthday—why is he avoiding me?" Vikram pulled her and made her sit on the bed, consoling her in a tight embrace. Only then did he realize, beneath her nightgown, Pooja wore nothing—no bra. His manhood rose. The moment Vikram lost control, he said, "He hurts you, but you feed him cake. When it was my turn, you threw it away." Despite this, she laughed, "I'm sorry." Her face lit up as she asked, "You know how to make me laugh?" He went down, picked a cake piece that wasn't spoiled, and returned. He gave it to her hand, "Feed me." She did, and he fed her, "Happy birthday, my love. From today, I should not see your tears." He caught her face, before she realise, vikram sealed his mouth on hers, their lips meeting in a deep, electric kiss. For five minutes, their mouths fused—Pooja felt a surge of forbidden desire, her body trembling as Vikram's warmth ignited a primal hunger, his breath hot against her skin. Vikram's heart raced, a mix of triumph and longing, his hands gripping her tighter as lust pulsed through him. Yet, as their lips parted, guilt stabbed Pooja—This is wrong, I'm married—while Vikram's chest tightened with regret, I've crossed a line. She broke away, quickly stood, and tried to speak but stopped, "We should not cross it, Vikram. I know I hurt you. You love me, but..." Vikram reached her, "I know my limits. I just felt you deserve better. I couldn't let your birthday mood spoil. He denied you sex; I gave you a kiss—accepting or rejecting is your choice. Like a bull or alpha, I make my statement. Good night." Pooja moved her mind, Am I cheating? No, we should speak with Vikram in the morning and clear things.
Chapter 14: Echoes of Doubt
Continuatoion:
A few minutes earlier, while Pooja was kissing Vikram inside the room, Arjun had spotted them through the keyhole. Torn between anguish and resolve, he knew this was the only way forward. Initially skeptical about leaving Pooja alone, the father-in-law's revelation about her stubborn loyalty—marrying him despite the doctor's mistaken claim of his infertility—shifted his perspective.
How will she move to another if she holds this love for me? he realized. Moving away and letting Vikram in wouldn't solve it; he needed her to forget him, to hate him. She'd fight for my behavior if I push her enough, he thought. I'm sorry, Pooja, I have to hurt you, but let me do it tactically instead of shouting. Ten minutes later, Pooja arrived at his room. Arjun acted like he was sleeping, resolving, Going forward, I'll do all things to make her feel I'm distant, carry no love or care, and if necessary, show real hatred for my doings.
Morning arrived , Pooja got ready while Arjun was still sleeping. She woke him, and he prepared for the morning function at their cousin's home, after which they'd head back to Chennai.
Pooja couldn't believe she'd let Vikram kiss her—How did he do it so suddenly, with that tone asserting control over me? Should I confront him? What if he says I was involved? Her head was blank since last night, a mix of guilt and confusion. She avoided speaking with Vikram as they approached the car after vacating the lodge. Torn, she wondered where to sit—with Arjun, who hadn't wished her a happy birthday, or Vikram, who'd crossed a boundary. Vikram approached, saying, "Sit back with Arjun. I'll take some flowers in the front passenger seat." As they boarded, Vikram slowed at a flower shop, purchasing ritual items, then diverted to a famous temple nearby instead of the cousin's house. Arjun asked, "Why are we here?" Vikram replied, "It's Pooja's birthday—I thought we'd visit." Arjun acted surprised, "Sorry, Pooja, my mind's stuck. I'm really sorry, happy birthday." He stepped out, buying a mallipoo flower, a traditional husband's gift, lifting Pooja's spirits. Inside the temple, she happily held Arjun's hand.
The temple was crowded, and they decided on a ticketed poojai. They got three tickets. Vikram wrote his name and zodiac signs, then asked Arjun for his star sign and nakshatra, which Arjun provided. Vikram took another ticket to write Pooja's name. Watching, Pooja expected Arjun to know her signs, but he asked, "Sorry, what were yours?" To avoid humiliation before Vikram, she opened her mouth to say but, she was surprised to see Vikram had already written her signs.
So you know her a lot, Vikram, Arjun thought privately.
Pooja felt a pang—her husband, whom she loved, didn't know her details, while Vikram, with his one-sided love, remembered everything. The husband forgot her birthday; the friend didn't. She closed her eyes, letting the thoughts go. After the temple prayers, the trio headed to the cousin's house.
Pooja chatted casually with cousin Veni while Arjun mingled with relatives.
Vikram, lost in thought, processed recent events. I mustn't spoil the game by overstepping, he mused, deciding to check Pooja's pulse. He called his apartment contractors, learning the renovation finished five days ago. He asked for neat arrangements and key handover the next day, planning to leave Arjun's house in a week. A split will give her a taste of wanting me for solace, company, and discussion, he believed. Twenty minutes later, Veni mentioned 30-40 sarees for return gifts, asking Pooja to pick. Confused, she asked Arjun to choose. Keeping her birthday in mind, he picked a rich one, but Pooja's eyes showed disinterest. Vikram, arriving to ask about leaving, heard Veni tease, "Sir, your friend Arjun didn't pick a good one for Pooja. You choose—let's see if she likes it." Pooja's eyes tested Vikram's knowledge. He swiftly selected a blue, red, and brown saree, saying, "Pooja would pick one of these." Stunned, she realized she'd eyed those colors, but to avoid hurting Arjun or letting others question their relationship, she said, "Arjun's was better; I'll take that." Veni teased, "Sir, you're a poor friend," and a few women laughed. Vikram walked away, and Pooja felt happy inside yet guilty for hurting him again. Society doesn't know what I like; they want my husband to seem understanding. Let that safe game play, she thought.
They returned to drive to Chennai. Vikram took the wheel, with Arjun and Pooja in the back. Pooja felt torn—At least I should've sat in front. Arjun slept, and since morning, she hadn't spoken to vikram since morning. He crossed the line, but he just loves me, maybe without perverse thoughts. Why am I punishing him? Maybe I should speak and protect his friendship, she thought. Vikram slowed at a restaurant. As Arjun and Pooja went in, Vikram announced, "I'm sleeping for a bit." Pooja felt bad—If it were yesterday, before the kiss, I'd have dragged him by the hand to eat. That kiss really pushed us away. Her mind panicked, but she did nothing, just watching him alone. After lunch, Arjun offered to drive, but Vikram ignored him. They reached Chennai at 8 PM, had dinner at an open dine, and Arjun thanked Vikram, who replied, "What's this between friends?" The night went quiet; all, tired, hit the bed early.
Next day, as Arjun got ready for office, Pooja woke, dressed, and arrived. Seeing Vikram ready too, he asked, "Shall we go?" She replied, "Hmm," her first proper response in 24 hours.
Pooja said, "I didn't prepare food. Vikram and I will eat at the office; Arjun, you eat outside."
He nodded. As she joined Vikram's car, they sat quietly after 10 minutes pooja breaked the silence, she asked, "Why didn't you let Arjun drive yesterday?" Vikram responded, "I wasn't sure about your mental state. You might've felt unsafe with me, torn about the toughs plus you might want to stick with him, so I drove to give you stability and safety, not to bother you. I'm sorry, Pooja, for crossing the line that night. Honestly, I was pissed at how Arjun rejected you and ignored your birthday—his sleep mattered more than your peace. I thought your need for intimacy should be honored; I didn't care about morality. I thought a kiss might solidify your state of mind. I didn't consider how you'd feel—I'm really sorry. I'm not perverse; I had you and your feelings in my head, but I hurt you again. I'm sorry."
Pooja measured each word, inwardly agreeing, but stayed neutral, saying, "It's okay, I'm sorry too. I should've spoken to you." She then asked, "How did you know my stars, birthday, and colors I like?" Vikram said, "I've loved you for over three years, even after your marriage—you're all I have in my heart. Won't I know? Your birthday's a week before mine. I followed you to a temple to learn your stars. Colors—your scooty, purse, slipper set, fake necklace, and kurtas—all dominated by blue, red, and brown."
Pooja gazed into his eyes intensely—Why does this man love me so much? Doesn't he know I'm taken and can't come to him? She didn't respond.
Vikram handed her his mobile, saying, "Open the gallery." She saw recent images of a newly renovated apartment. "What's this?" she asked. "My apartment's ready. Guess I'll vacate your house in a week."
Her mouth asked, "Are you moving away?" while her heart whispered, Are you leaving me? Did I hurt you? For the first time, her heart wanted someone else besides her husband—even if just friendship, it was new for her.
Chapter 15: Vikram left Pooja & House: Arjun Secret Plan in motion
Continnuation
Pooja heart heavy with Vikram's decision to move out. The void gnawed at her as her mind replaying his care—the forehead kiss, his slightest attention to her details.
Meanwhile, Arjun visited the hospital. The doctor's voice was grave: "You need surgery to prevent nerve damage from the cancer cells—otherwise, your legs could become immovable. If unsuccessful, this might be your last day. Call your wife." Arjun's response was cold, "I'm divorcing her. She found love elsewhere; I have no one." Shocked, the doctor pressed, "Without surgery, you'll need support forever—limping, even with only five months left. Inform her; seeing you like this might change her heart, or act it to make her understand." Arjun thought, What a curse—why can't I die peacefully? He muttered, "Thank you, doctor," and left, refusing to share his burden.
He met Anjali for counseling, their talk normal, but outside, he resolved, If she sees me struggling, she won't leave. I must hasten this. He visited his old boss, a startup supporter, pitching to sell his company completely to him. The boss admired the creativity his products had at the startup but warned, "They need R&D and marketing, or they'll fail." Impressed, he asked the price. Arjun quoted 35 lakhs. "Why so low?" the boss asked. "Just my investment and hospital expenses," Arjun admitted, revealing his condition and requesting discretion. "I wanted to Prove myself a successful businessman, so im going to enact like i earned this money not by selling but with a revenue, once i acted this before the people i want i will ransfer full power to you, but assign someone as your proxy now, acting as partner." "Who?" the boss asked. "Anjali, my friend," Arjun said.
The boss agreed, and Arjun set his plan in motion.
At the office, Pooja struggled to focus, her mind flooded with Vikram. His love in such a short time contrasted with Arjun's sudden dismissal. Now he's leaving— why do I feel i want his love? It's forbidden, illicit, improper, but why does my heart crave it? she wondered. Just deep friendship, she told herself, but how sinful for a wife to think of another man. Her work stalled. Vikram noticed her distraction, thinking, My move is working.
Elsewhere, Arjun met a lawyer. "I'm filing for divorce," he said. "Why?" the lawyer asked. "My wife's cheating." "Proof?" "Not yet—collect it. File under adultery." His motive was clear: hurt her, push her away, make her hate him, all while preparing for a big action later. Mutual divorces take time, labeling adultery on him wont work as pooja wont choose it even if he does, but he can claim her, mock her , ridicule her, this would make her hate me. Filing divorce on adultery works even quicker he thought.
That evening, Vikram and Pooja were home. Arjun was out. Freshened up, Pooja sought Vikram for a talk. They discussed the office IT crash causing havoc. Vikram, seeing her distraction in office, asked, "You've been off all day—what's bugging you, Pooja? I'm here."
He caught her hand. "Nothing," she said as Arjun entered silently, asking for dinner, then pretended to sleep but hid to spy.
Post-dinner, alone again, Pooja asked, "Are you sure you're moving out?" Vikram nodded, "Yes, what reason do I have to stay? Work's incomplete. Sunday, I've planned a housewarming—be there!" "Okay," she said. "Don't feel bad—I won't invite Arjun." She didn't question, replying, "If that's what you want, I'm okay." Vikram added, "Sunday's my birthday too. Pooja said I know, i plan to buy you a gift. Don't buy a gift—I'll ask for one." Virkam said.
"What?" she asked. "Day after tomorrow, I'm moving. Let's discuss it tomorrow. I won't come to office after dropping you, have to look after final work at house —wait till evening to know." He built suspense, ensuring it lingered in her mind.
Next morning, Arjun was standing before mirror in bedroom while pooja came there he said , "I'm partnering with a client—funds next week." Pooja said, "oh, glad you remember me." Alarmed this could shift her focus from Vikram, he mocked, "I'm not telling you—I'm practicing for a meeting. before mirror" Hurt, she withdrew.
That evening, Arjun hid again to spy. Vikram began, "Pooja, you know I love you."
"Yes," she replied.
"I should end this with respect and love," he said.
Her heart tightened. "Why? Can't we stay good friends?"
Vikram continued, "I know, but I'm causing you turmoil. My craving to have you disturbed me; now it's bugging you."
Silent, she listened. "For one day, be my date—like a real lover. Forget all, be a kid. Morning, temple; housewarming after; noon, lunch at a luxury hotel; evening, beach walk; night, your guesthouse rooftop cake cutting—my wish. If you're in, I'm gifted."
Torn, she couldn't say yes or no. "I'll think, but I'll meet you Sunday for the housewarming."
Take time pooja "Decide and tell me by Saturday night," he said.
She rushed off with a "Good night."
Next day dawned with a quiet tension as Vikram rose before the first light, his resolve hardened. He moved methodically through the house, packing his belongings into carefully labeled boxes—clothes folded with precision, books stacked, and personal mementos tucked away, each item a silent farewell to the life he'd briefly shared with Pooja and Arjun.
The clink of glass and rustle of fabric filled the early morning as he loaded his car, the trunk groaning under the weight of his departure. Stepping inside, he found Arjun sipping coffee, his expression unreadable.
"I'm moving out," Vikram announced, his voice steady. Arjun nodded, "Okay," his mind calculating the emotional impact this distance would have on Pooja, a calculated blow to push her further from him. Seeing this as an opportunity, Arjun silently committed to a cold treatment—severing the routine of picks and drops, erasing the warmth of shared rides.
That morning, Vikram drove Pooja to the office, his hands gripping the wheel tightly, the air between them thick with unspoken words. "I'm off for three days—manage it," he said curtly, his eyes avoiding hers as he dropped her off, the car door's slam echoing his departure.
The following days unraveled into a tormenting void for Pooja. Without Vikram's steady presence, she felt unmoored—demotivated, her work slipping through her fingers, disturbed by the silence where his laughter once lived.
Forced to navigate cabs through Chennai's chaotic streets, she missed his companionship keenly. Evenings grew colder as Arjun, entrenched in his plan, spoke animatedly to friends on the phone, his voice a distant hum that excluded her. He made sure she listens to anjali voice randomly.
He pressured her to cook—chicken sizzling in the pan, eggs cracking into the skillet—like a hired worker, never offering a word of thanks or sharing the meal, his avoidance a deliberate knife twist. This relentless neglect intensified her thoughts of Vikram, his care a haunting contrast.
One evening, the dam broke—Pooja's voice cracked as she burst out, "Why are you doing this? Why the disrespect?" Her eyes searched his, pleading for an answer. Arjun, his face a mask of indifference, shrugged, "You're just overreacting," and walked away, leaving her standing in the kitchen, tears stinging her eyes.
In morning at office, Pooja eyes looked at empty table of Vikram, while in nights she remember how good vikram was to her, she really missed the chats and talks in car, which seemed like she never experieced with arjun.
Saturday arrived, a day heavy with longing as Pooja moved through the house like a ghost, each corner whispering memories of Vikram's closeness—the gentle hum of their drives, the warmth of their evening chats, the quiet love and compassion he'd shown her. His absence carved a hollow in her chest, a void where his presence had once steadied her. The weight of it pressed on her as she sat alone, her mind replaying his tender gestures—the way he'd chosen her saree, the sincerity in his apology. Her hand trembled, fingers hesitating over her phone, the screen blurring with unshed tears.
Finally, with a shaky breath, she typed, her heart pounding, "What should I wear for a date?!!" The message sent, a leap into the forbidden, her pulse racing as she awaited his reply, torn between guilt and an aching need she could no longer deny.
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