23-12-2025, 09:17 AM
Chapter 28 – The House and the Change
They returned from the second Bangalore trip as always — focused, professional.
No lingering glances in front of Prem.
No whispers.
Just business updates, client wins, revenue numbers.
Prem watched them sometimes — Nivi glowing, Rohan calm — and felt the old doubt creep in.
But nothing to grasp.
They were hundred percent business.
He judged himself for suspecting.
Determined to be better.
Support her dreams.
Be the husband she deserved.
He didn’t know it was too late.
The change had already rooted too deep.
Rohan — now part of their daily life — decided to push further.
One morning, he called Prem.
“Let’s look at houses today. Individual villas. I know a builder — expert.”
Prem surprised, but grateful.
That afternoon, the three drove to the site — premium layout on the city outskirts.
Luxury villas in progress — gardens, pools, privacy.
Prem walked the model home, eyes wide.
Jokingly to Rohan: “What, throwing us out already?”
Rohan smiled.
“No. Thinking of shifting to your new home myself.”
Prem laughed — took it as friendly banter.
Rohan had become the trusted friend. Well-wisher.
He let the remark slide.
Nivi, in the back seat on the drive, caught Rohan’s eyes in the mirror.
She knew the meaning.
Deeper.
They couldn’t leave their families. Yet couldn’t stop falling.
The monthly night was changing them — bit by bit.
They just hadn’t spoken it yet.
They discussed with the builder.
Fixed a plot.
Token advance paid the same day — Rohan quietly covering half, calling it “investment in friends.”
Back at the penthouse.
Prem headed to office.
“I’ll handle operations. You two finalize details.”
He left.
Nivi turned to Rohan in the living room.
“Why are you doing all this? You keep making me feel indebted.”
Rohan casual, stepping closer.
“If you feel indebted… credit it with a kiss.”
She stepped back, half-laughing, half-serious.
He pulled her gently — kissed her.
Soft. Quick.
In the room she shared with Prem.
When lips parted, she whispered, “No, Rohan. Once a month. Not this way.”
He smiled.
“I know. Just releasing some debt.”
They smiled at each other. Shared secret.
The days flew.
Building shaped faster than expected — thirty days.
Prem noticed the change in himself.
Softened. Encouraging.
Supporting her dreams — in words, at least.
For him the soft and encouraging is nothing but not blocking Nivi.. it barely reached Nivi.. She never noticed it.
The third trip came.
Morning.
Nivi arranging clothes. Expected the fight.
“I’m going to Bangalore today.”
Prem looked up from coffee.
“Take care. Eat on time. Don’t walk alone — take Rohan’s help wherever you go.”
The words hung heavy.
Is this my Prem?
She questioned herself.
This was the husband she had wanted for years.
Supportive. Trusting.
Should she be happy?
Or move an inch ahead with Rohan?
Confused.
Until Rohan knocked.
“Time for the flight.”
Nivi turned.
Walked to Prem.
Kissed his cheek.
“Take care, darling.”
Prem flushed — surprised, pleased.
Rohan saw it all.
Deep down, he realised.
His control might not be the same again.
The game had shifted.
They returned from the second Bangalore trip as always — focused, professional.
No lingering glances in front of Prem.
No whispers.
Just business updates, client wins, revenue numbers.
Prem watched them sometimes — Nivi glowing, Rohan calm — and felt the old doubt creep in.
But nothing to grasp.
They were hundred percent business.
He judged himself for suspecting.
Determined to be better.
Support her dreams.
Be the husband she deserved.
He didn’t know it was too late.
The change had already rooted too deep.
Rohan — now part of their daily life — decided to push further.
One morning, he called Prem.
“Let’s look at houses today. Individual villas. I know a builder — expert.”
Prem surprised, but grateful.
That afternoon, the three drove to the site — premium layout on the city outskirts.
Luxury villas in progress — gardens, pools, privacy.
Prem walked the model home, eyes wide.
Jokingly to Rohan: “What, throwing us out already?”
Rohan smiled.
“No. Thinking of shifting to your new home myself.”
Prem laughed — took it as friendly banter.
Rohan had become the trusted friend. Well-wisher.
He let the remark slide.
Nivi, in the back seat on the drive, caught Rohan’s eyes in the mirror.
She knew the meaning.
Deeper.
They couldn’t leave their families. Yet couldn’t stop falling.
The monthly night was changing them — bit by bit.
They just hadn’t spoken it yet.
They discussed with the builder.
Fixed a plot.
Token advance paid the same day — Rohan quietly covering half, calling it “investment in friends.”
Back at the penthouse.
Prem headed to office.
“I’ll handle operations. You two finalize details.”
He left.
Nivi turned to Rohan in the living room.
“Why are you doing all this? You keep making me feel indebted.”
Rohan casual, stepping closer.
“If you feel indebted… credit it with a kiss.”
She stepped back, half-laughing, half-serious.
He pulled her gently — kissed her.
Soft. Quick.
In the room she shared with Prem.
When lips parted, she whispered, “No, Rohan. Once a month. Not this way.”
He smiled.
“I know. Just releasing some debt.”
They smiled at each other. Shared secret.
The days flew.
Building shaped faster than expected — thirty days.
Prem noticed the change in himself.
Softened. Encouraging.
Supporting her dreams — in words, at least.
For him the soft and encouraging is nothing but not blocking Nivi.. it barely reached Nivi.. She never noticed it.
The third trip came.
Morning.
Nivi arranging clothes. Expected the fight.
“I’m going to Bangalore today.”
Prem looked up from coffee.
“Take care. Eat on time. Don’t walk alone — take Rohan’s help wherever you go.”
The words hung heavy.
Is this my Prem?
She questioned herself.
This was the husband she had wanted for years.
Supportive. Trusting.
Should she be happy?
Or move an inch ahead with Rohan?
Confused.
Until Rohan knocked.
“Time for the flight.”
Nivi turned.
Walked to Prem.
Kissed his cheek.
“Take care, darling.”
Prem flushed — surprised, pleased.
Rohan saw it all.
Deep down, he realised.
His control might not be the same again.
The game had shifted.
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