13-04-2026, 07:33 PM
Chapter 103: The Storm Before the Door
Anandhi’s mind had been a quiet storm ever since the Mumbai trip.
The second birthday celebration of AaRa, the Expo, the laughter, the family photos — everything looked perfect on the outside. But inside her, the single word “Suriya Appa” from Rohan kept echoing like a warning she couldn’t silence. She had come back to their normal life, playing the perfect wife, taking care of the children, and giving Rahul the warmth he craved. Yet every night, when she closed her eyes, the guilt and fear refused to leave.
Rahul, on the other hand, was riding high. He was impressed by how professionally Xavier and the SAN Fitness team had approached him at the Expo. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly burdenless.
The morning after they returned, Rahul was casually checking classifieds on his laptop when something caught his eye. SAN Fitness had released a big advertisement calling for franchise partners. They planned to open 25 new branches and franchise 50 locations across multiple states. Right below it was another ad from XMAN Gym — both looked like serious competitors.
He remembered Xavier’s words at the Expo: “The area where you are has no proper gym right now. If you can arrange a good location, we can pay upfront.”
Rahul immediately dialled Xavier.
“Xavier, I have a perfect location in mind for a new branch or franchise. Let’s discuss.”
Xavier was polite but firm. “Please communicate properly through mail and fix an appointment. We don’t entertain direct phone calls for proposals.”
Anandhi, who was nearby folding clothes, overheard and gently warned him, “You are an IT person. You don’t have deep knowledge in gym equipment or operations. Don’t enter this blindly.”
Rahul smiled confidently. “Trust me. If they approach, I’ll just give advice on IT and supplements — the part where we are already partnered with Madhavan. That’s safe.”
Anandhi nodded, but her eyes carried quiet worry.
Following week, Rahul sent a detailed proposal. SAN Fitness received a huge list of enquiries, so they decided to go for a public bid. Prices were sealed and submitted. Ten participants would be selected based on the best quote, and the results would be openly displayed in a magazine.
Madhavan helped Rahul prepare the documents.
Another week passed. The magazine arrived.
Rahul’s company was among the six shortlisted. SAN Fitness allocated them 3 existing branches, one new branch, and one franchise. The franchise cost looked high, but the potential was massive.
SAN Fitness had arranged an investors and partners meet in Chennai. Rahul decided to turn it into a short family trip, matching the welcome ceremony.
The week came. They reached Chennai a day before the ceremony.
Rahul went to enquire about SAN Fitness. Xavier met him in a cabin and expressed happiness at the partnership. Rahul was eager to sign as soon as possible.
Xavier brought out the preliminary agreements. Rahul and Madhavan signed them. Two more investors and partners signed the same day. Everyone was super confident.
Xavier explained the bid process in detail and showed all the data. “Further commercials will be shared by the actual owner tomorrow. He is in the UK right now and will be back tomorrow. Hoping for a great partnership ahead.”
Back in the hotel room, Anandhi seemed lost in thoughts. Ever since Rohan had said “Suriya Appa” at the Expo, a quiet fear had settled in her heart. What if he is still around us somewhere? What if he knows that my husband was the reason for his downfall?
She picked up the welcome ceremony invite and read the list of participants. Among the names on the partner side, she saw Rahul and Madhavan. But her eyes also caught 2–3 entries with the name “Suriya.” under franchise participants.
Her heart raced.
What if Suriya is following us all the way for revenge or something? What if he is already here and we have no idea?
While she was lost in these thoughts, there was a knock on the door — three firm knocks, then a pause, then three more.
It was unusual. Something about the rhythm made her uneasy.
She walked to the door slowly, her pulse quickening. She hesitated for a second, then opened it.
She was shocked.
Anandhi’s mind had been a quiet storm ever since the Mumbai trip.
The second birthday celebration of AaRa, the Expo, the laughter, the family photos — everything looked perfect on the outside. But inside her, the single word “Suriya Appa” from Rohan kept echoing like a warning she couldn’t silence. She had come back to their normal life, playing the perfect wife, taking care of the children, and giving Rahul the warmth he craved. Yet every night, when she closed her eyes, the guilt and fear refused to leave.
Rahul, on the other hand, was riding high. He was impressed by how professionally Xavier and the SAN Fitness team had approached him at the Expo. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly burdenless.
The morning after they returned, Rahul was casually checking classifieds on his laptop when something caught his eye. SAN Fitness had released a big advertisement calling for franchise partners. They planned to open 25 new branches and franchise 50 locations across multiple states. Right below it was another ad from XMAN Gym — both looked like serious competitors.
He remembered Xavier’s words at the Expo: “The area where you are has no proper gym right now. If you can arrange a good location, we can pay upfront.”
Rahul immediately dialled Xavier.
“Xavier, I have a perfect location in mind for a new branch or franchise. Let’s discuss.”
Xavier was polite but firm. “Please communicate properly through mail and fix an appointment. We don’t entertain direct phone calls for proposals.”
Anandhi, who was nearby folding clothes, overheard and gently warned him, “You are an IT person. You don’t have deep knowledge in gym equipment or operations. Don’t enter this blindly.”
Rahul smiled confidently. “Trust me. If they approach, I’ll just give advice on IT and supplements — the part where we are already partnered with Madhavan. That’s safe.”
Anandhi nodded, but her eyes carried quiet worry.
Following week, Rahul sent a detailed proposal. SAN Fitness received a huge list of enquiries, so they decided to go for a public bid. Prices were sealed and submitted. Ten participants would be selected based on the best quote, and the results would be openly displayed in a magazine.
Madhavan helped Rahul prepare the documents.
Another week passed. The magazine arrived.
Rahul’s company was among the six shortlisted. SAN Fitness allocated them 3 existing branches, one new branch, and one franchise. The franchise cost looked high, but the potential was massive.
SAN Fitness had arranged an investors and partners meet in Chennai. Rahul decided to turn it into a short family trip, matching the welcome ceremony.
The week came. They reached Chennai a day before the ceremony.
Rahul went to enquire about SAN Fitness. Xavier met him in a cabin and expressed happiness at the partnership. Rahul was eager to sign as soon as possible.
Xavier brought out the preliminary agreements. Rahul and Madhavan signed them. Two more investors and partners signed the same day. Everyone was super confident.
Xavier explained the bid process in detail and showed all the data. “Further commercials will be shared by the actual owner tomorrow. He is in the UK right now and will be back tomorrow. Hoping for a great partnership ahead.”
Back in the hotel room, Anandhi seemed lost in thoughts. Ever since Rohan had said “Suriya Appa” at the Expo, a quiet fear had settled in her heart. What if he is still around us somewhere? What if he knows that my husband was the reason for his downfall?
She picked up the welcome ceremony invite and read the list of participants. Among the names on the partner side, she saw Rahul and Madhavan. But her eyes also caught 2–3 entries with the name “Suriya.” under franchise participants.
Her heart raced.
What if Suriya is following us all the way for revenge or something? What if he is already here and we have no idea?
While she was lost in these thoughts, there was a knock on the door — three firm knocks, then a pause, then three more.
It was unusual. Something about the rhythm made her uneasy.
She walked to the door slowly, her pulse quickening. She hesitated for a second, then opened it.
She was shocked.
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