12-04-2026, 04:58 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-04-2026, 05:02 PM by heygiwriter. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
Chapter 84: The Painful Decision
The evening light had softened into a warm golden hue by the time the three of them gathered in the living room. The children were already asleep after an exhausting day. The house felt unusually quiet, as if it too was holding its breath for what was about to unfold.
Anandhi sat on the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Rahul sat beside her, calm and composed, offering silent support. Suriya sat opposite them, his posture straight but his eyes already carrying the weight of suspicion.
Anandhi took a deep breath. Her voice came out soft, almost fragile.
“Suriya… before we talk about anything else, I need to tell you something important.”
She paused, her fingers trembling slightly. Rahul had coached her well, but the words still felt heavy on her tongue.
“The doctor said my health is weak right now. My blood pressure is elevated, and any stress or emotional turmoil could lead to complications — for me and for the baby. She strictly advised complete rest and peace. No fights. No heavy conversations. I have to stay calm at all costs.”
Suriya’s face tightened with concern. He leaned forward instinctively. “Then why are we having this talk right now? If it’s bad for your health—”
Anandhi raised her hand gently, stopping him. Her eyes were already glistening with tears.
“Because I can’t delay it anymore. I’ve taken a solid decision… and it’s painful. Very painful.”
She looked at Suriya directly, her voice cracking as she spoke the words she had rehearsed with Rahul.
“Suriya… I have decided to stay with Rahul as his wife. Only his wife. I cannot continue the way we were. Not anymore.”
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Suriya stared at her, his face slowly draining of colour. The words hit him like a physical blow. He had expected hesitation, maybe even tears, but not this — not such a clear, final rejection.
Anandhi continued, her voice trembling but determined, repeating almost verbatim what Rahul had told her earlier.
“I know this will hurt you. I know I gave you hope. I know I promised things. I know you stood by me when no one else could. I will never forget that. But we cannot destroy three lives just to correct one mistake. The children need stability. Society will ask questions. The baby needs a clear family. And… I cannot keep putting you through the humiliation you faced today at the hospital.”
She grabbed every point Rahul had given her and delivered them with genuine emotion, as if they were coming from her own heart.
“If we try to live as three… it won’t work. You will be sidelined everywhere. You won’t be able to openly claim me or the children. You will keep facing the same treatment you faced today — again and again. I cannot do that to you. It would be cruel.”
Suriya’s hands clenched into fists on his knees. His eyes were red, his jaw tight. He looked broken.
Anandhi’s tears finally spilled over.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for hurting you. I gave you false hope of marriage. I made you dream of a life together. But now Rahul is back. He is my husband. This is the morally right decision for the children, for the baby, and for all of us.”
Rahul sat silently beside her, his expression one of quiet support. He reached out and gently placed a hand on Anandhi’s shoulder, as if offering comfort. On the inside, he was satisfied — she was delivering every line perfectly.
Suriya finally spoke, his voice hoarse and strained.
“So… that’s it? After everything… you’re just cutting me off?”
Anandhi shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I’m not cutting you off, I'm just telling you what is right for the family. .
Suriya asked: You said you want me too in life, what happened to that now? Did Rahul say anything to you to stop me having you?
He is one reason why we are like this, see if he says he doesnt want to share you its a lie.
“Anandhi… I know Rahul is acting. He never really lost his memory. I figured it out. I saw the evidence — he masturbated while watching us have sex on the floor. He was there, outside in the staircase I saw his leaks.. He knew everything.”
Anandhi’s breath caught. She looked at Rahul for a split second, then back at Suriya.
“I know,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the tears. “I know he had bits and pieces of memory. It mentally tortured him. Because of his trust in me, he stayed calm and waited. I need to honor that trust. And about masturbation… I know it’s because of the experiment. Sexual thoughts come to him abnormally now. I can understand him.”
Suriya’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t backing down easily.
“I’m not complaining about him,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “I wanted to convey that Rahul may act outside that he doesn't want it, inside he jerks on us. Talk with him privately he will tell the truth. He has no issues like I'm your sexual partner atleast if not a husband. See I'm okay with any decision.… as long as I can also be part of your life. I don’t want to take everything away from him. I just want to be with you too.”
Anandhi asked, you consider me only for Sex?!
Suriya was broken.. He never expected this. Not even Rahul, this was a blow.
“NO!” he shouted, his voice cracking. “You didn’t understand me at all. Sex has always been my love language with you. That’s why I said that. But have I ever mistreated you in the past months? Haven’t I been a good father and a good husband to you and the children? How could you reduce me to just that?”
Anandhi shook her head firmly, more tears slipping down her cheeks.
“No, Suriya. I just wanted to know your real priority. I thought you would understand my mental and physical health right now. I cannot do this. I cannot have two husbands. It’s not fair to anyone—not to Rahul, not to the children, not to you, and not to the baby. We have to choose one clear path.”
We have to part ways!
Suriya’s eyes flashed with pain.
He asked, "Are you asking to move out right away?"
“I cannot just move out like that. This house has my money too. I invested everything I had. I have no business left — I leased my gym, sold what I could. This place was supposed to be our home.”
Im not cornering you financially, im just telling im broken too mentally and financially in invested all in the house, thinking this will be our future.
Anandhi spoke, Suriya, I'm not asking you to move out, I just say we need to part ways, not physically, it's emotionally, but I know this is your house too. But I'm willing to buy this.. Irrespective of ownership You can stay here as long as you need. You are still family to the children. But the romantic part… the physical part… it has to stop. We have to withdraw gradually. For everyone’s sake.”
“We will return your money… or compensate you in any other way. We won’t leave you stranded.”
Rahul, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. His tone was calm, measured, and perfectly reasonable.
“Suriya, I honestly had no idea this was coming. I’m surprised how quickly Anandhi reached this decision in one day. Maybe the doctor’s words affected her deeply. A few hours ago, she wasn’t ready to give up on you at all. But if this is what she truly wants, we should respect it.”
He paused, then continued with calculated warmth.
“Even though I feel I wronged you, you are still family to me. I wanted full ownership of Anandhi—just like you did—but I never hated you. I will always be thankful for what you did for her and the children when I was gone.”
“Suriya, I understand how difficult this is. I was the one who pushed Anandhi toward you in the first place. I take responsibility for that. But I agree with what Anandhi tells now, we cannot keep complicating things any further.”
He paused, then continued with calculated generosity.
“Instead of simply returning your money, I have a better proposal. Let’s start a joint business together. You will take the major share. I will arrange the initial investment. This way, you remain connected to the family, but you can build a strong, independent future. In one or two years, once you’re settled and earning well, you can buy your own place and move out comfortably. There will be no sudden break. We can all move forward with dignity.”
Suriya sat there, staring at the floor. His world had crumbled in the span of a few minutes. The woman he loved had just chosen her past man in front of him. The house he had poured his savings into was no longer his future. Even the baby he suspected might be his was being claimed by someone else.
Yet he didn’t explode. The constant reminder of Anandhi’s “weak health” kept his anger in check. He simply nodded slowly, his voice barely audible.
Suriya stared at Rahul for a long moment, suspicion and hurt evident in his eyes.
Then came his final weapon. His voice dropped low, almost dangerous.
“And what if the child is mine?”
“You know what? I already have no access to my first child. If this baby is mine too, and I’m not even Anandhi's husband… it will destroy me. Again, I’ll be in a position where I cannot openly claim my own child.”
The room went deathly silent.
Anandhi’s heart clenched. She took a deep breath and answered as Rahul had instructed.
“We will figure that out when the baby is born. But right now, as mature adults, we need clear clarity. I cannot continue this way. The children need stability. I need peace. We all need to move forward with respect.”
Both Rahul and I wont restrict you on kids.
Suriya didn’t want to give up on Anandhi. But with no support from the very woman who had once promised to marry him, and strangely finding some support from the man he wanted to hate, he saw the business proposal as the only thread that could keep him connected to her life.
He simply nodded slowly, his voice barely audible.
“If that’s what you both want… then I will accept it.”
Anandhi’s heart ached at the sight of his broken expression. She wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but she stopped herself. Rahul’s hand on her shoulder was a silent reminder.
Suriya asked, "What business do you want to join with me?"
Rahul said i will discuss with you soon.
But right now, lets keep things straight,
Rahul and Anandhi are husband and wife, we have three kids, you are my friend, and a business mate, nothing else, you and her share no relationship.
Suriya kept his face idle and asked what about the kid.
Let's decide on that when the baby is born.
I cannot withdraw from a relationship just like that, what if the baby was mine, i wanted to take care of Anandhi, whenever i have an opportunity, at-least for the baby.
Rahul wanted to tell no.
Anandhi placed her hand over Rahul’s, stopping him from saying anything harsher. She spoke gently, “We will always be good friends, Suriya. You can be there for the children… but the moment I feel the boundary is crossing, it will only put all of us in more pain. Let’s depart emotionally and keep the good memories.”
Suriya gave one final nod. He didn’t say another word. He simply stood up and walked towards his room, his shoulders heavy with defeat.
The moment his door closed, Anandhi collapsed against Rahul, crying uncontrollably. Sobs wracked her body as the weight of what she had just done hit her fully.
Rahul held her quietly for a moment, then slowly let her go and left her alone in the living room, giving her the space to grieve.
As he walked away, a quiet sense of victory settled in his chest.
His plan had worked.
The evening light had softened into a warm golden hue by the time the three of them gathered in the living room. The children were already asleep after an exhausting day. The house felt unusually quiet, as if it too was holding its breath for what was about to unfold.
Anandhi sat on the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Rahul sat beside her, calm and composed, offering silent support. Suriya sat opposite them, his posture straight but his eyes already carrying the weight of suspicion.
Anandhi took a deep breath. Her voice came out soft, almost fragile.
“Suriya… before we talk about anything else, I need to tell you something important.”
She paused, her fingers trembling slightly. Rahul had coached her well, but the words still felt heavy on her tongue.
“The doctor said my health is weak right now. My blood pressure is elevated, and any stress or emotional turmoil could lead to complications — for me and for the baby. She strictly advised complete rest and peace. No fights. No heavy conversations. I have to stay calm at all costs.”
Suriya’s face tightened with concern. He leaned forward instinctively. “Then why are we having this talk right now? If it’s bad for your health—”
Anandhi raised her hand gently, stopping him. Her eyes were already glistening with tears.
“Because I can’t delay it anymore. I’ve taken a solid decision… and it’s painful. Very painful.”
She looked at Suriya directly, her voice cracking as she spoke the words she had rehearsed with Rahul.
“Suriya… I have decided to stay with Rahul as his wife. Only his wife. I cannot continue the way we were. Not anymore.”
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Suriya stared at her, his face slowly draining of colour. The words hit him like a physical blow. He had expected hesitation, maybe even tears, but not this — not such a clear, final rejection.
Anandhi continued, her voice trembling but determined, repeating almost verbatim what Rahul had told her earlier.
“I know this will hurt you. I know I gave you hope. I know I promised things. I know you stood by me when no one else could. I will never forget that. But we cannot destroy three lives just to correct one mistake. The children need stability. Society will ask questions. The baby needs a clear family. And… I cannot keep putting you through the humiliation you faced today at the hospital.”
She grabbed every point Rahul had given her and delivered them with genuine emotion, as if they were coming from her own heart.
“If we try to live as three… it won’t work. You will be sidelined everywhere. You won’t be able to openly claim me or the children. You will keep facing the same treatment you faced today — again and again. I cannot do that to you. It would be cruel.”
Suriya’s hands clenched into fists on his knees. His eyes were red, his jaw tight. He looked broken.
Anandhi’s tears finally spilled over.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry for hurting you. I gave you false hope of marriage. I made you dream of a life together. But now Rahul is back. He is my husband. This is the morally right decision for the children, for the baby, and for all of us.”
Rahul sat silently beside her, his expression one of quiet support. He reached out and gently placed a hand on Anandhi’s shoulder, as if offering comfort. On the inside, he was satisfied — she was delivering every line perfectly.
Suriya finally spoke, his voice hoarse and strained.
“So… that’s it? After everything… you’re just cutting me off?”
Anandhi shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I’m not cutting you off, I'm just telling you what is right for the family. .
Suriya asked: You said you want me too in life, what happened to that now? Did Rahul say anything to you to stop me having you?
He is one reason why we are like this, see if he says he doesnt want to share you its a lie.
“Anandhi… I know Rahul is acting. He never really lost his memory. I figured it out. I saw the evidence — he masturbated while watching us have sex on the floor. He was there, outside in the staircase I saw his leaks.. He knew everything.”
Anandhi’s breath caught. She looked at Rahul for a split second, then back at Suriya.
“I know,” she said quietly, her voice steady despite the tears. “I know he had bits and pieces of memory. It mentally tortured him. Because of his trust in me, he stayed calm and waited. I need to honor that trust. And about masturbation… I know it’s because of the experiment. Sexual thoughts come to him abnormally now. I can understand him.”
Suriya’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t backing down easily.
“I’m not complaining about him,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “I wanted to convey that Rahul may act outside that he doesn't want it, inside he jerks on us. Talk with him privately he will tell the truth. He has no issues like I'm your sexual partner atleast if not a husband. See I'm okay with any decision.… as long as I can also be part of your life. I don’t want to take everything away from him. I just want to be with you too.”
Anandhi asked, you consider me only for Sex?!
Suriya was broken.. He never expected this. Not even Rahul, this was a blow.
“NO!” he shouted, his voice cracking. “You didn’t understand me at all. Sex has always been my love language with you. That’s why I said that. But have I ever mistreated you in the past months? Haven’t I been a good father and a good husband to you and the children? How could you reduce me to just that?”
Anandhi shook her head firmly, more tears slipping down her cheeks.
“No, Suriya. I just wanted to know your real priority. I thought you would understand my mental and physical health right now. I cannot do this. I cannot have two husbands. It’s not fair to anyone—not to Rahul, not to the children, not to you, and not to the baby. We have to choose one clear path.”
We have to part ways!
Suriya’s eyes flashed with pain.
He asked, "Are you asking to move out right away?"
“I cannot just move out like that. This house has my money too. I invested everything I had. I have no business left — I leased my gym, sold what I could. This place was supposed to be our home.”
Im not cornering you financially, im just telling im broken too mentally and financially in invested all in the house, thinking this will be our future.
Anandhi spoke, Suriya, I'm not asking you to move out, I just say we need to part ways, not physically, it's emotionally, but I know this is your house too. But I'm willing to buy this.. Irrespective of ownership You can stay here as long as you need. You are still family to the children. But the romantic part… the physical part… it has to stop. We have to withdraw gradually. For everyone’s sake.”
“We will return your money… or compensate you in any other way. We won’t leave you stranded.”
Rahul, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. His tone was calm, measured, and perfectly reasonable.
“Suriya, I honestly had no idea this was coming. I’m surprised how quickly Anandhi reached this decision in one day. Maybe the doctor’s words affected her deeply. A few hours ago, she wasn’t ready to give up on you at all. But if this is what she truly wants, we should respect it.”
He paused, then continued with calculated warmth.
“Even though I feel I wronged you, you are still family to me. I wanted full ownership of Anandhi—just like you did—but I never hated you. I will always be thankful for what you did for her and the children when I was gone.”
“Suriya, I understand how difficult this is. I was the one who pushed Anandhi toward you in the first place. I take responsibility for that. But I agree with what Anandhi tells now, we cannot keep complicating things any further.”
He paused, then continued with calculated generosity.
“Instead of simply returning your money, I have a better proposal. Let’s start a joint business together. You will take the major share. I will arrange the initial investment. This way, you remain connected to the family, but you can build a strong, independent future. In one or two years, once you’re settled and earning well, you can buy your own place and move out comfortably. There will be no sudden break. We can all move forward with dignity.”
Suriya sat there, staring at the floor. His world had crumbled in the span of a few minutes. The woman he loved had just chosen her past man in front of him. The house he had poured his savings into was no longer his future. Even the baby he suspected might be his was being claimed by someone else.
Yet he didn’t explode. The constant reminder of Anandhi’s “weak health” kept his anger in check. He simply nodded slowly, his voice barely audible.
Suriya stared at Rahul for a long moment, suspicion and hurt evident in his eyes.
Then came his final weapon. His voice dropped low, almost dangerous.
“And what if the child is mine?”
“You know what? I already have no access to my first child. If this baby is mine too, and I’m not even Anandhi's husband… it will destroy me. Again, I’ll be in a position where I cannot openly claim my own child.”
The room went deathly silent.
Anandhi’s heart clenched. She took a deep breath and answered as Rahul had instructed.
“We will figure that out when the baby is born. But right now, as mature adults, we need clear clarity. I cannot continue this way. The children need stability. I need peace. We all need to move forward with respect.”
Both Rahul and I wont restrict you on kids.
Suriya didn’t want to give up on Anandhi. But with no support from the very woman who had once promised to marry him, and strangely finding some support from the man he wanted to hate, he saw the business proposal as the only thread that could keep him connected to her life.
He simply nodded slowly, his voice barely audible.
“If that’s what you both want… then I will accept it.”
Anandhi’s heart ached at the sight of his broken expression. She wanted to reach out, to comfort him, but she stopped herself. Rahul’s hand on her shoulder was a silent reminder.
Suriya asked, "What business do you want to join with me?"
Rahul said i will discuss with you soon.
But right now, lets keep things straight,
Rahul and Anandhi are husband and wife, we have three kids, you are my friend, and a business mate, nothing else, you and her share no relationship.
Suriya kept his face idle and asked what about the kid.
Let's decide on that when the baby is born.
I cannot withdraw from a relationship just like that, what if the baby was mine, i wanted to take care of Anandhi, whenever i have an opportunity, at-least for the baby.
Rahul wanted to tell no.
Anandhi placed her hand over Rahul’s, stopping him from saying anything harsher. She spoke gently, “We will always be good friends, Suriya. You can be there for the children… but the moment I feel the boundary is crossing, it will only put all of us in more pain. Let’s depart emotionally and keep the good memories.”
Suriya gave one final nod. He didn’t say another word. He simply stood up and walked towards his room, his shoulders heavy with defeat.
The moment his door closed, Anandhi collapsed against Rahul, crying uncontrollably. Sobs wracked her body as the weight of what she had just done hit her fully.
Rahul held her quietly for a moment, then slowly let her go and left her alone in the living room, giving her the space to grieve.
As he walked away, a quiet sense of victory settled in his chest.
His plan had worked.
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