10-02-2026, 10:04 PM
Chapter 81 – The BOLD & OPEN Request
The guest room door was shut — air thick with the scent of whiskey still clinging to Bharath’s shirt and the faint jasmine from Mirnaa’s nighty lingering in the hallway.
Vikram stood rigid — heart thudding, jaw clenched.
Bharath leaned against the wall — eyes steady, voice low.
“My request is bit complex but i need it most.”
Vikram waited — breath held.
Bharath spoke — slow, deliberate, each word measured like a blade.
“The 7 days you planned for Noida and Dubai… the same 7 days, I want you to speak with Mirna about having an open date with me. And you need to speak with her — she should know it’s happening with your permission and consent.”
Vikram’s eyes flashed — rage barely contained.
“What date? Haven’t you already kissed her — consolation? You said you don't intend to have intention of sex. Now what’s the drama with the date? How’s that different from this and I need to tell her this way? Are you mad?”
Bharath raised a hand — calm, patient.
“Please calm down. I have reasons. Please hear me.”
He took a minute — voice turning stern, serious.
“The 7 days is not just about business for you and protection for Mirnaa. It’s about risk.”
Vikram’s fists clenched.
Bharath continued — eyes locked on Vikram’s.
“If you think I’m trying to find reasons to get Mirnaa — it’s wrong. Let me tell you why.”
He stepped forward slightly.
“Vikram… when Aadharsh said he’s gonna end you there in Noida, the chances of me getting Mirnaa are high. When you’re out of the picture, it’s easy for me to get her. But I chose to tell you. You need to value that.”
Vikram’s eyes narrowed — a flicker of rage, but he stayed silent.
Bharath’s voice dropped lower.
“I also know when you get back from Dubai — or Noida — I may not even have a chance to work with you. Given the nature of control you’ll get. Aadharsh still could be trouble. I might just need to totally eradicate him, but business… your control will be there.”
He paused — letting the weight settle.
“A month back when I asked her for sex… I have not been with her. Now — I have spoken with her. I know her. She is genuine, pure, and innocent.
Do you think I can harm her? After knowing her… no, Vikram.
I just jealous of you. I need to feel her love and care… at least 7 days. Like you get for your entire life”
Vikram’s fists clenched at his sides.
“I’m asking you a help not just to get past myself as Mirnaa is my key.
But also to feels good about being loved for a while.”
Bharath leaned closer — voice almost a whisper.
“And the RISK PART — this is important.
Aadharsh won’t be idle. He will be tapping all our calls with influences.
When he can get a mole in our tight team and get a voice clip — why not this?”
He paused — eyes intense.
“When she is in a normal state, her hands will always search for your number to call and speak. If you didn’t call or idle — she will be worried. If Mirnaa panicked and wanted to see you… Aadharsh may smell it.”
Vikram’s breath caught.
Bharath continued — voice steady.
“The big benefit — when she is distracted with a date with me… she won’t bother calling you. As we practically cannot ask her not to call you — she will throw many questions… we can hide with date excuse.
Date is one way she is distracted.
It’s a win-win situation for all. I will get a feel of her love. You can do your job without an issue.”
Silence hung heavy.
Vikram stared at him — processing.
Bharath’s words were a knife — sharp, honest in their brutality, yet wrapped in loyalty. He was admitting the temptation, admitting the jealousy, admitting the opportunity — and choosing to warn Vikram anyway.
Vikram felt the trap — but also the logic.
A week of Mirnaa distracted — no panicked calls — no risk of Aadharsh intercepting her worry.
A week of Bharath “healing” — keeping him loyal, keeping the double-agent game alive.
A week of Bharath away from the deal — reducing any chance of betrayal in Noida.
Vikram exhaled — voice rough.
“How do I sell this to Mirnaa? Why should I tell her to be open?”
Bharath smiled — small, knowing.
“Tell her it’s a serious date — to bring me back. Harmless. No trouble/ She doesn’t need to know about Noida or Aadharsh. Just… a week to help a friend heal. Tell her I badly need the kiss, the hug — nothing more. See — I can cheat you while you’re away, but I want to be honest with you.”
He paused.
“And start of honesty is being open.
The main part — you ask why open?
What if in middle of 3rd day she got doubt — she may look out for you. Live your life, have a calm date, don’t call me… will be a nice hitch she will get sold.”
Vikram stared — weighing.
Bharath added — softer.
“And one more, Vikram — I will leave Chennai once you are back from Dubai. I’m moving to Bangalore for new life.”
Vikram: “What? What about business empire?”
Bharath: “I can handle for some time until you get options. But that too via phone, not physical presence.”
Vikram: “But why?”
Bharath: “It’s best for all. I can move forward. After all dates, this is best.”
He paused.
“Don’t tell her the leaving part — she’ll worry. Just tell her it’s a serious week of friendship and an open date to help me close the old chapter. She’ll feel safe — mentally. No pressure. Just… friendship that heals.”
Vikram stared at him — calculating and actually convinced…
Bharath added — softer.
“Speak with her tonight. Let us all know what we are doing. No secrets. Nothing. I’ll be in your control. The game — whatever you call it — continues.”
Vikram nodded once — jaw still tight.
“I’ll talk to her.”
Bharath smiled — hidden triumph in his eyes.
“Thank you.”
He left the room.
Vikram stood alone — fists clenched.
He does'nt knew the request was a trap.
But he had no choice.
He walked upstairs.
Mirnaa was in the bedroom — folding clothes, still in her nighty, quiet.
Vikram sat on the bed.
“Mirnaa… we need to talk.”
She looked up — eyes soft, still carrying last night’s guilt.
Vikram took a deep breath.
“Bharath… he asked for something.”
Mirnaa’s breath hitched.
“While I’m away in Dubai. A long date — to help him move on from Manya. Kisses. Hugs. Comfort. Nothing more.”
And more importantly, he specifically asked we all 3 should know about this
Mirnaa’s eyes widened.
“A week? Alone? And whats all 3 of us should know”
Didnt you already asked me to date him and keep it subtle
VIkram said calm down. Vikram caught her hand.
“I trust you. I trust him. No secrets. He’ll respect boundaries. And… when I come back — he’ll move to a new place. New life.
He actually asked not to say about him moving to new place.. but i have to know why he want now. He said your comfort is all he needs
He wanted to stay honest no cheating so he apporached me genuinely before asking you.. I want to respect that openness. Consider this we are repaying him.”
Mirnaa swallowed.
Vikram squeezed her hand.
“Do this for me. For him. For us.”
Mirnaa nodded — slow, but her mind reeled that magic word again as much as i love
She left a small smile
“Okay. if you are okay im okay too”
Vikram kissed her forehead — possessive.
The plan was moving.
And Bharath — in the guest room — smirked.
Bharath was on phone with Rishi — voice low, amused.
Rshi: “Is he mad to agree?”
Rishi’s voice crackled through the speaker — half incredulous, half laughing.
“No, he’s shrewd. He cannot risk offending me until the Dubai deal. If he offends me, the chance of his deal in Noida too will be questionable. He is smart. He acted like he is offering. He believed I’m just going to have a harmless date. So he is leaving Mirnaa to me for safety — nothing else. He knows I will risk anything to protect Mirnaa.”
Rishi exhaled — a mix of admiration and confusion.
“Still… why you are doing so much drama?
Can’t you just threaten him and take Mirnaa yourself?”
Bharath’s smirk deepened.
“No No, Nothing beats forbidden sex that comes with consent.”
Rishi laughed — short, disbelieving.
“I don’t understand anything you do, Bharath.”
Bharath’s voice dropped — darker now.
“But that’s not the sole reason. I have one more too. I want to give back what he did.”
Rishi paused.
“What? What he did — the way you are doing over-dramatic stuffs?”
Bharath’s eyes glinted in the dim light.
“I will let you know soon.”
A soft sound in the background — water shutting off, footsteps.
Rishi’s voice lowered.
“Sorry — Malini has just come out from bath. She is so angry on you…”
Bharath chuckled — low, dangerous.
“Give phone to her.”
Rishi hesitated.
“She is not getting it.”
Bharath’s tone shifted — playful threat, but edged.
“Tell her I will come and punish her for not obeying.”
Rishi burst into open laughter —
They said good night to each other
The call cut.
Bharath set the phone down.
He knew.
He was yet to start his game.
This was just the beginning.
The trap was closing.
The guest room door was shut — air thick with the scent of whiskey still clinging to Bharath’s shirt and the faint jasmine from Mirnaa’s nighty lingering in the hallway.
Vikram stood rigid — heart thudding, jaw clenched.
Bharath leaned against the wall — eyes steady, voice low.
“My request is bit complex but i need it most.”
Vikram waited — breath held.
Bharath spoke — slow, deliberate, each word measured like a blade.
“The 7 days you planned for Noida and Dubai… the same 7 days, I want you to speak with Mirna about having an open date with me. And you need to speak with her — she should know it’s happening with your permission and consent.”
Vikram’s eyes flashed — rage barely contained.
“What date? Haven’t you already kissed her — consolation? You said you don't intend to have intention of sex. Now what’s the drama with the date? How’s that different from this and I need to tell her this way? Are you mad?”
Bharath raised a hand — calm, patient.
“Please calm down. I have reasons. Please hear me.”
He took a minute — voice turning stern, serious.
“The 7 days is not just about business for you and protection for Mirnaa. It’s about risk.”
Vikram’s fists clenched.
Bharath continued — eyes locked on Vikram’s.
“If you think I’m trying to find reasons to get Mirnaa — it’s wrong. Let me tell you why.”
He stepped forward slightly.
“Vikram… when Aadharsh said he’s gonna end you there in Noida, the chances of me getting Mirnaa are high. When you’re out of the picture, it’s easy for me to get her. But I chose to tell you. You need to value that.”
Vikram’s eyes narrowed — a flicker of rage, but he stayed silent.
Bharath’s voice dropped lower.
“I also know when you get back from Dubai — or Noida — I may not even have a chance to work with you. Given the nature of control you’ll get. Aadharsh still could be trouble. I might just need to totally eradicate him, but business… your control will be there.”
He paused — letting the weight settle.
“A month back when I asked her for sex… I have not been with her. Now — I have spoken with her. I know her. She is genuine, pure, and innocent.
Do you think I can harm her? After knowing her… no, Vikram.
I just jealous of you. I need to feel her love and care… at least 7 days. Like you get for your entire life”
Vikram’s fists clenched at his sides.
“I’m asking you a help not just to get past myself as Mirnaa is my key.
But also to feels good about being loved for a while.”
Bharath leaned closer — voice almost a whisper.
“And the RISK PART — this is important.
Aadharsh won’t be idle. He will be tapping all our calls with influences.
When he can get a mole in our tight team and get a voice clip — why not this?”
He paused — eyes intense.
“When she is in a normal state, her hands will always search for your number to call and speak. If you didn’t call or idle — she will be worried. If Mirnaa panicked and wanted to see you… Aadharsh may smell it.”
Vikram’s breath caught.
Bharath continued — voice steady.
“The big benefit — when she is distracted with a date with me… she won’t bother calling you. As we practically cannot ask her not to call you — she will throw many questions… we can hide with date excuse.
Date is one way she is distracted.
It’s a win-win situation for all. I will get a feel of her love. You can do your job without an issue.”
Silence hung heavy.
Vikram stared at him — processing.
Bharath’s words were a knife — sharp, honest in their brutality, yet wrapped in loyalty. He was admitting the temptation, admitting the jealousy, admitting the opportunity — and choosing to warn Vikram anyway.
Vikram felt the trap — but also the logic.
A week of Mirnaa distracted — no panicked calls — no risk of Aadharsh intercepting her worry.
A week of Bharath “healing” — keeping him loyal, keeping the double-agent game alive.
A week of Bharath away from the deal — reducing any chance of betrayal in Noida.
Vikram exhaled — voice rough.
“How do I sell this to Mirnaa? Why should I tell her to be open?”
Bharath smiled — small, knowing.
“Tell her it’s a serious date — to bring me back. Harmless. No trouble/ She doesn’t need to know about Noida or Aadharsh. Just… a week to help a friend heal. Tell her I badly need the kiss, the hug — nothing more. See — I can cheat you while you’re away, but I want to be honest with you.”
He paused.
“And start of honesty is being open.
The main part — you ask why open?
What if in middle of 3rd day she got doubt — she may look out for you. Live your life, have a calm date, don’t call me… will be a nice hitch she will get sold.”
Vikram stared — weighing.
Bharath added — softer.
“And one more, Vikram — I will leave Chennai once you are back from Dubai. I’m moving to Bangalore for new life.”
Vikram: “What? What about business empire?”
Bharath: “I can handle for some time until you get options. But that too via phone, not physical presence.”
Vikram: “But why?”
Bharath: “It’s best for all. I can move forward. After all dates, this is best.”
He paused.
“Don’t tell her the leaving part — she’ll worry. Just tell her it’s a serious week of friendship and an open date to help me close the old chapter. She’ll feel safe — mentally. No pressure. Just… friendship that heals.”
Vikram stared at him — calculating and actually convinced…
Bharath added — softer.
“Speak with her tonight. Let us all know what we are doing. No secrets. Nothing. I’ll be in your control. The game — whatever you call it — continues.”
Vikram nodded once — jaw still tight.
“I’ll talk to her.”
Bharath smiled — hidden triumph in his eyes.
“Thank you.”
He left the room.
Vikram stood alone — fists clenched.
He does'nt knew the request was a trap.
But he had no choice.
He walked upstairs.
Mirnaa was in the bedroom — folding clothes, still in her nighty, quiet.
Vikram sat on the bed.
“Mirnaa… we need to talk.”
She looked up — eyes soft, still carrying last night’s guilt.
Vikram took a deep breath.
“Bharath… he asked for something.”
Mirnaa’s breath hitched.
“While I’m away in Dubai. A long date — to help him move on from Manya. Kisses. Hugs. Comfort. Nothing more.”
And more importantly, he specifically asked we all 3 should know about this
Mirnaa’s eyes widened.
“A week? Alone? And whats all 3 of us should know”
Didnt you already asked me to date him and keep it subtle
VIkram said calm down. Vikram caught her hand.
“I trust you. I trust him. No secrets. He’ll respect boundaries. And… when I come back — he’ll move to a new place. New life.
He actually asked not to say about him moving to new place.. but i have to know why he want now. He said your comfort is all he needs
He wanted to stay honest no cheating so he apporached me genuinely before asking you.. I want to respect that openness. Consider this we are repaying him.”
Mirnaa swallowed.
Vikram squeezed her hand.
“Do this for me. For him. For us.”
Mirnaa nodded — slow, but her mind reeled that magic word again as much as i love
She left a small smile
“Okay. if you are okay im okay too”
Vikram kissed her forehead — possessive.
The plan was moving.
And Bharath — in the guest room — smirked.
Bharath was on phone with Rishi — voice low, amused.
Rshi: “Is he mad to agree?”
Rishi’s voice crackled through the speaker — half incredulous, half laughing.
“No, he’s shrewd. He cannot risk offending me until the Dubai deal. If he offends me, the chance of his deal in Noida too will be questionable. He is smart. He acted like he is offering. He believed I’m just going to have a harmless date. So he is leaving Mirnaa to me for safety — nothing else. He knows I will risk anything to protect Mirnaa.”
Rishi exhaled — a mix of admiration and confusion.
“Still… why you are doing so much drama?
Can’t you just threaten him and take Mirnaa yourself?”
Bharath’s smirk deepened.
“No No, Nothing beats forbidden sex that comes with consent.”
Rishi laughed — short, disbelieving.
“I don’t understand anything you do, Bharath.”
Bharath’s voice dropped — darker now.
“But that’s not the sole reason. I have one more too. I want to give back what he did.”
Rishi paused.
“What? What he did — the way you are doing over-dramatic stuffs?”
Bharath’s eyes glinted in the dim light.
“I will let you know soon.”
A soft sound in the background — water shutting off, footsteps.
Rishi’s voice lowered.
“Sorry — Malini has just come out from bath. She is so angry on you…”
Bharath chuckled — low, dangerous.
“Give phone to her.”
Rishi hesitated.
“She is not getting it.”
Bharath’s tone shifted — playful threat, but edged.
“Tell her I will come and punish her for not obeying.”
Rishi burst into open laughter —
They said good night to each other
The call cut.
Bharath set the phone down.
He knew.
He was yet to start his game.
This was just the beginning.
The trap was closing.
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