26-03-2026, 09:21 AM
Chapter 43: Search for Rahul in Mumbai
Practical reality hit her like cold water.
“Tomorrow?” she asked, voice tired. “Who will take care of the kids? I can’t take them to mumbai or just leave them here alone. Riya and Rohan are too young.”
I will take care of kids, Suriya answered before Jeeva could say a word
“I’ll stay here and take care of the kids,” Suriya said quietly, his voice steady and reassuring. “They already trust me. They play with me every Sunday. I can handle their meals, homework, and bedtime. You two go. Don’t worry about them.”
Anandhi looked at him with so many questions and countless gratitude.
Anandhi felt a wave of relief at his practicality. Suriya was thinking ahead, giving her space, not forcing anything. It was the opposite of Jeeva’s intensity.
Jeeva said, here it is, i dont like to wait on this anymore, whatever. Just let's decide in the next two days he said and left the place to his room.
Anandhi looked at Jeeva who was returning to his room, he turned back at suriya and said we need to talk.
Sure he said and signalled not here, let's go to my house.
As soon as they entered, they saw kids playing.. Anandhi said play time over, go home and do homework, the kids' faces drowned.
After the kids left, she and suriya were alone. She said
“Thank you,”
she said softly. “For understanding… for everything.”
Suriya gave a small nod. He glanced at her and said.
Anandhi, you never know how I feel.
I know you are torn inside , I want to open my arms and ask you to Hug me. To ease yourself. But on what rights. I don't want any of us to get disappointed.
“I’m also unsure how to proceed,” he admitted honestly.
Jeeva might look like he is pushing us. But it’s good to go and search for Rahul. You deserve closure.
I will book the flight tickets for both of you — tomorrow. And I will also book separate rooms during the stay. No pressure. Just go and find out the truth.”
I just want to say, whatever the findings may be, I will be here. Don't worry about kids. And don't worry about Jeeva too. He won't do anything to you. Like me he had chances here and I know.
Anandhi looked at him.. She said I have countless thanks, stocked in for you. Thanks, I need to find Rahul for myself. I'm not ready to think about the next phase of my life.
Suriya said i know, But jeeva is not even in a position to understand it, in another 35 days, he will go abroad, until then we have to be careful.
I will stand by you. In case you could not find Rahul or the result is undesirable. Jeeva might push you to choose him. You just trust me and choose me and play along with me and lets act like a real couple.
Once he is gone, let's figure out. After all, kids need some stability, she agreed. I will just do what you ask me. Thanks again.
Anandhi looked at him — gratitude and uncertainty mixing in her eyes.
They both smiled lightly, they stood closer, but both felt a pull. She felt a warm hug from him even without him offering, she said good night and left the place .
The next morning arrived with a heavy quiet in the flat.
Anandhi sat at the small dining table, staring at her half-empty tea cup. The events of the previous day still swirled in her mind — Suriya’s confession, the hug, Jeeva’s aggressive proposal, the slap, the argument. Everything felt too fast, too raw. She had barely slept.
She looked up as Jeeva entered the hall, limping slightly for show, his face set with determination.
“In 4 hours we have a flight,” he said without preamble, “we go to Mumbai. We find out the truth about Rahul. If he really left you for another woman, then you have to choose. Me or Suriya. No more waiting.”
Anandhi’s fingers tightened around the cup.
Before Jeeva could answer, Suriya’s door across the corridor opened. He had clearly been listening. He stepped into the flat — calm, composed, wearing a simple T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest.
He said Rohan and Riya awake, let me bathe them and you guys get prepared for leaving.
Anandhi was surprised and felt happy to see Suriya himself coming into the picture to take care of kids.
Jeeva had been doing that for weeks, for instance Jeeva had reminded her of Raul through her actions, but he looked different now.
“Thank you,” she said softly. Looking at Suriya.
Suriya gave a small nod. He glanced at Jeeva, then back at her.
Jeeva, meanwhile, had been busy behind the scenes.
With Madhavan’s help, he had set up false testimonies. All with AI. Photos and short video clips were “leaked” — Rahul at a beach shop with a woman, laughing intimately, then near a cheap lodge, entering together. The images were convincing enough — blurred faces, but the height, build, and clothes matched Rahul perfectly. Madhavan had even created fake witness statements from “roommates” and “shopkeepers” who claimed they saw Rahul with his “new girlfriend” multiple times.
All this before they board the flight.
Suriya took his car and all of them boarded it, Suriya dropped kids at college and he dropped Jeeva and Anandhi to the airport in the next town.
Before boarding, Suriya catched her hand and said, whatever stays strong, text me, don't worry about kids. I hope you find him or the truth. If something is not desirable, don't worry, remember an idiot who is loving you and waiting for you. Let's figure it out.
A friendly assurance gave a lot of confidence in Anandhi. She was happy that he is not pushing anything like love dialogues . The practical moral stand to her is what she wanted and Suriya delivered the same.
Anandhi and Jeeva reached Mumbai, the first place they went to is tRahuls office,
The office person said Rahul didn't quit company yet, he just vanished without a trace, while staffs say they didn't see anything with a women, a watchman who got handful of money from madhavan said he had not seen Rahul with any women, but one day in beach he had witnessed him with some women.
The news was shocking to her. Her trust kept broking, she started witnessing it. but she wanted to believe the women could be a stranger a friend or something or colleague the watchman mistook for.
Her Mind painted with an image of someone stealing her life and all the love she had been giving him seemed not enough?
Looking at her uneasiness, Jeeva suggested letting them return to the room.
Jeeva as Rahul knows it might hurt her, he could not see her in pain, return to room in taxi was hard,
She got a message popped up in WhatsApp
It was Suriya, a selfie of kids and him in the house. After all the battle her mind was fighting inside, the image of kids gave her a smile. Her finger traced the kids and said mom will be there for you even if the world seemed to be on odds. For my kds happiness. When Anandhi and Jeeva reached Mumbai the next day, Jeeva guided her through the “investigation.”
She texted back thanks to Suriya.
The night was sleepless, Suriya phoned her and they had a brief talk, he explained how he cooked for kids and their favorites. He even came on video call to tell her how kids sleeping with him in bed, Rohan was keeping head on his chest.
The image made Anandhi feel it had to be a place Rahul needed to be. She was glad that she made the right decision leaving the kids to Suriya.
Next Morning When she woke up, she saw a video from Suriya, he was making kids bathe in the bathroom, he was getting them ready to take them to college.
She left a smile. She thanked him in text.
Hours later, she was on street again with Jeeva. Searching investigation about Rahul.
At corner of Rahul’s mansion, Jeeva approached a shop and enquired,
Another mole planted by Madhavan.
The shop man showed her the photos on his phone — “Look… this is him. With her.”
Anandhi’s hands shook as she scrolled. The images looked real. The pain in her chest deepened.
Jeeva twisted the knife gently.
“There’s no use going to the security officer about this. We can’t turn back time. He chose someone else. He left you with money and a note. It’s over.”
Anandhi stared at the screen — disappointed, heartbroken, the last threads of hope fraying.
The watchman’s testimony and the shop man’s photos make it real.
Rahul had been in an affair with some women.
And he left for another woman.
She asked how Thilaga missed when information was open here.
Jeeva smartly diverted it like, “Maybe Thilaga knows it. Instead of hurting you with the truth, she warned with vague information and asked you to lead a good life. That’s why she might have hidden it.”
Jeeva manipulated her.
Broken, she decided to leave the place immediately. She felt like she could not breathe there. She wanted to return — return to her kids, return to her place where it was her home.
Hours later, Suriya booked a flight for them.
She came back from Mumbai even more broken than before.
The flight home was silent. She didn’t speak much. Her eyes were distant, lost in the images of Rahul with another woman.
They took a cab and reached the town.
When they reached the flat, Suriya was there — kids fed, homework done, the house neat and calm. He greeted them with quiet concern, his presence steady and comforting.
Anandhi looked at him — really looked.
The house suddenly looked like it was ready for another war.
It reminded her of a challenge, a challenge to choose one among them, if they found Rahul is cheating.
In that moment, the contrast was stark.
Jeeva — intense, pushing, forcing decisions.
Suriya — patient, practical, giving her space and time.
She didn’t know what to do.
But the seed had been planted.
The plan was moving forward.
Practical reality hit her like cold water.
“Tomorrow?” she asked, voice tired. “Who will take care of the kids? I can’t take them to mumbai or just leave them here alone. Riya and Rohan are too young.”
I will take care of kids, Suriya answered before Jeeva could say a word
“I’ll stay here and take care of the kids,” Suriya said quietly, his voice steady and reassuring. “They already trust me. They play with me every Sunday. I can handle their meals, homework, and bedtime. You two go. Don’t worry about them.”
Anandhi looked at him with so many questions and countless gratitude.
Anandhi felt a wave of relief at his practicality. Suriya was thinking ahead, giving her space, not forcing anything. It was the opposite of Jeeva’s intensity.
Jeeva said, here it is, i dont like to wait on this anymore, whatever. Just let's decide in the next two days he said and left the place to his room.
Anandhi looked at Jeeva who was returning to his room, he turned back at suriya and said we need to talk.
Sure he said and signalled not here, let's go to my house.
As soon as they entered, they saw kids playing.. Anandhi said play time over, go home and do homework, the kids' faces drowned.
After the kids left, she and suriya were alone. She said
“Thank you,”
she said softly. “For understanding… for everything.”
Suriya gave a small nod. He glanced at her and said.
Anandhi, you never know how I feel.
I know you are torn inside , I want to open my arms and ask you to Hug me. To ease yourself. But on what rights. I don't want any of us to get disappointed.
“I’m also unsure how to proceed,” he admitted honestly.
Jeeva might look like he is pushing us. But it’s good to go and search for Rahul. You deserve closure.
I will book the flight tickets for both of you — tomorrow. And I will also book separate rooms during the stay. No pressure. Just go and find out the truth.”
I just want to say, whatever the findings may be, I will be here. Don't worry about kids. And don't worry about Jeeva too. He won't do anything to you. Like me he had chances here and I know.
Anandhi looked at him.. She said I have countless thanks, stocked in for you. Thanks, I need to find Rahul for myself. I'm not ready to think about the next phase of my life.
Suriya said i know, But jeeva is not even in a position to understand it, in another 35 days, he will go abroad, until then we have to be careful.
I will stand by you. In case you could not find Rahul or the result is undesirable. Jeeva might push you to choose him. You just trust me and choose me and play along with me and lets act like a real couple.
Once he is gone, let's figure out. After all, kids need some stability, she agreed. I will just do what you ask me. Thanks again.
Anandhi looked at him — gratitude and uncertainty mixing in her eyes.
They both smiled lightly, they stood closer, but both felt a pull. She felt a warm hug from him even without him offering, she said good night and left the place .
The next morning arrived with a heavy quiet in the flat.
Anandhi sat at the small dining table, staring at her half-empty tea cup. The events of the previous day still swirled in her mind — Suriya’s confession, the hug, Jeeva’s aggressive proposal, the slap, the argument. Everything felt too fast, too raw. She had barely slept.
She looked up as Jeeva entered the hall, limping slightly for show, his face set with determination.
“In 4 hours we have a flight,” he said without preamble, “we go to Mumbai. We find out the truth about Rahul. If he really left you for another woman, then you have to choose. Me or Suriya. No more waiting.”
Anandhi’s fingers tightened around the cup.
Before Jeeva could answer, Suriya’s door across the corridor opened. He had clearly been listening. He stepped into the flat — calm, composed, wearing a simple T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest.
He said Rohan and Riya awake, let me bathe them and you guys get prepared for leaving.
Anandhi was surprised and felt happy to see Suriya himself coming into the picture to take care of kids.
Jeeva had been doing that for weeks, for instance Jeeva had reminded her of Raul through her actions, but he looked different now.
“Thank you,” she said softly. Looking at Suriya.
Suriya gave a small nod. He glanced at Jeeva, then back at her.
Jeeva, meanwhile, had been busy behind the scenes.
With Madhavan’s help, he had set up false testimonies. All with AI. Photos and short video clips were “leaked” — Rahul at a beach shop with a woman, laughing intimately, then near a cheap lodge, entering together. The images were convincing enough — blurred faces, but the height, build, and clothes matched Rahul perfectly. Madhavan had even created fake witness statements from “roommates” and “shopkeepers” who claimed they saw Rahul with his “new girlfriend” multiple times.
All this before they board the flight.
Suriya took his car and all of them boarded it, Suriya dropped kids at college and he dropped Jeeva and Anandhi to the airport in the next town.
Before boarding, Suriya catched her hand and said, whatever stays strong, text me, don't worry about kids. I hope you find him or the truth. If something is not desirable, don't worry, remember an idiot who is loving you and waiting for you. Let's figure it out.
A friendly assurance gave a lot of confidence in Anandhi. She was happy that he is not pushing anything like love dialogues . The practical moral stand to her is what she wanted and Suriya delivered the same.
Anandhi and Jeeva reached Mumbai, the first place they went to is tRahuls office,
The office person said Rahul didn't quit company yet, he just vanished without a trace, while staffs say they didn't see anything with a women, a watchman who got handful of money from madhavan said he had not seen Rahul with any women, but one day in beach he had witnessed him with some women.
The news was shocking to her. Her trust kept broking, she started witnessing it. but she wanted to believe the women could be a stranger a friend or something or colleague the watchman mistook for.
Her Mind painted with an image of someone stealing her life and all the love she had been giving him seemed not enough?
Looking at her uneasiness, Jeeva suggested letting them return to the room.
Jeeva as Rahul knows it might hurt her, he could not see her in pain, return to room in taxi was hard,
She got a message popped up in WhatsApp
It was Suriya, a selfie of kids and him in the house. After all the battle her mind was fighting inside, the image of kids gave her a smile. Her finger traced the kids and said mom will be there for you even if the world seemed to be on odds. For my kds happiness. When Anandhi and Jeeva reached Mumbai the next day, Jeeva guided her through the “investigation.”
She texted back thanks to Suriya.
The night was sleepless, Suriya phoned her and they had a brief talk, he explained how he cooked for kids and their favorites. He even came on video call to tell her how kids sleeping with him in bed, Rohan was keeping head on his chest.
The image made Anandhi feel it had to be a place Rahul needed to be. She was glad that she made the right decision leaving the kids to Suriya.
Next Morning When she woke up, she saw a video from Suriya, he was making kids bathe in the bathroom, he was getting them ready to take them to college.
She left a smile. She thanked him in text.
Hours later, she was on street again with Jeeva. Searching investigation about Rahul.
At corner of Rahul’s mansion, Jeeva approached a shop and enquired,
Another mole planted by Madhavan.
The shop man showed her the photos on his phone — “Look… this is him. With her.”
Anandhi’s hands shook as she scrolled. The images looked real. The pain in her chest deepened.
Jeeva twisted the knife gently.
“There’s no use going to the security officer about this. We can’t turn back time. He chose someone else. He left you with money and a note. It’s over.”
Anandhi stared at the screen — disappointed, heartbroken, the last threads of hope fraying.
The watchman’s testimony and the shop man’s photos make it real.
Rahul had been in an affair with some women.
And he left for another woman.
She asked how Thilaga missed when information was open here.
Jeeva smartly diverted it like, “Maybe Thilaga knows it. Instead of hurting you with the truth, she warned with vague information and asked you to lead a good life. That’s why she might have hidden it.”
Jeeva manipulated her.
Broken, she decided to leave the place immediately. She felt like she could not breathe there. She wanted to return — return to her kids, return to her place where it was her home.
Hours later, Suriya booked a flight for them.
She came back from Mumbai even more broken than before.
The flight home was silent. She didn’t speak much. Her eyes were distant, lost in the images of Rahul with another woman.
They took a cab and reached the town.
When they reached the flat, Suriya was there — kids fed, homework done, the house neat and calm. He greeted them with quiet concern, his presence steady and comforting.
Anandhi looked at him — really looked.
The house suddenly looked like it was ready for another war.
It reminded her of a challenge, a challenge to choose one among them, if they found Rahul is cheating.
In that moment, the contrast was stark.
Jeeva — intense, pushing, forcing decisions.
Suriya — patient, practical, giving her space and time.
She didn’t know what to do.
But the seed had been planted.
The plan was moving forward.
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