14-04-2026, 06:23 PM
(This post was last modified: 14-04-2026, 06:36 PM by heygiwriter. Edited 2 times in total. Edited 2 times in total.)
Chapter 105: Whispers of Unease
The third floor of the convention hall had been transformed into an exclusive lounge for partners and VIPs. Soft lighting, live classical music, and the rich aroma of premium biryani filled the air. Waiters moved gracefully with trays of drinks and appetizers.
Rahul, Madhavan, and Anandhi barely spoke after Suriya’s speech. The shock still hung over them like a thick fog. Every group around them seemed to know one another, laughing and networking, while the three of them felt like odd ones out.
A few guests approached Madhavan to congratulate him for being Suriya’s mentor. Madhavan forced polite smiles, but his eyes kept darting toward Rahul.
Anandhi noticed the subtle signal Madhavan gave Rahul.
A minute later, Rahul leaned close to her. “We’ll be back in ten minutes,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on her lower back. “Just need to freshen up.”
Anandhi nodded silently, holding a glass of juice. She watched them walk toward the restroom area, her heart heavy with unspoken fears.
In the quiet, marble-tiled restroom, away from the crowd, Rahul and Madhavan finally spoke freely.
Rahul leaned against the sink, staring at his own reflection. “I can’t believe what’s happening. Suriya is not just back — he’s a super successful businessman now.”
Madhavan washed his hands slowly, his usual calm fractured. “Did you hear his speech? He thanked us. He told the whole world we’re the reason for his learning and success. For a moment, I almost believed it. Everything he said matched — the way he built branches under direct supervision, the combo plans we once envisioned. It’s logical… but I’m scared. I fear he’s up to something.”
Rahul nodded, jaw tight. “The doubt crept in me too. But as he spoke, I almost bought it. Now I have this uneasiness. The issue is we’ve already signed the deal without knowing he was the founder. If I had known, I would never have proceeded.”
Madhavan turned to him. “Why? What’s with the business?”
Rahul’s voice dropped. “What if this is revenge? What if he found out we were behind his downfall? He could be hiding it and setting up a trap through the business. I brought Anandhi with me. She doesn’t know what we did to Suriya. If she wasn’t here, I would have stepped back, faced the consequences, and walked away. I wouldn’t be standing here waiting for his food and greet.”
Madhavan dried his hands, expression tense. “Don’t take any hasty decision. Frankly, I don’t think he knows what we did. Only we know we are behind it. How could he know? If he had known, he wouldn’t have been silent. He would have chased us, or at least fought us in some way. I’m convinced of that…”
He paused, then added with a frown:
“But yes, I have a doubt. One thing that doesn’t add up at all. Let’s assume he doesn’t know what we did and considers us mentors… if so, why was he hiding all these months? Why didn’t he phone us? Why didn’t he inform us he was starting a business? This is where I doubt him. This is where I fear he is up to something.”
Madhavan continued, “But I don’t doubt his business. It’s a good deal also. We saw Xavier explaining how we were shortlisted — it was like an open bid. Everyone called out the results and they were published in the magazine. That can’t be fake.”
Rahul exhaled sharply. “Correct. I’m stuck on what we should do now.”
Madhavan added, “Let’s go back. I guess he’ll come to every partner for discussion. Based on how he behaves, we’ll decide. Right now, don’t lose your cool. Don’t show even a pinch of disappointment or uneasiness. Put on an act — say we missed him, ask why he didn’t call. If he asks why we didn’t visit him in prison, tell him we were being watched by the media and couldn’t make a move. He’ll understand. I’ll share the agreement copy with our lawyer. If there’s any loophole, we can back off in this early stage.”
They both stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their past actions and the new uncertainty pressing down on them.
Meanwhile, Anandhi stood alone near the large glass windows overlooking the city lights. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
She kept replaying Suriya’s speech, his calm eyes, the way he had looked toward their row. Every word had felt like a knife wrapped in silk.
What if he knows? What if he’s here to take AaRa away?
What if he wants revenge… and I’m the only one who can stop it?
She closed her eyes, remembering the raw pain in Suriya’s eyes the last time she had seen him being taken away by the security officer. The same eyes that had once looked at her with love and devotion.
Her body trembled slightly. She felt torn — between the man she had chosen as her husband and the man who had fathered her youngest child. Between loyalty and guilt. Between love and the fear of what her silence had caused.
She whispered to herself, barely audible, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
That moment, Suriya entered the hall.
He didn’t head to his assigned seat. He walked directly toward Anandhi.
The entire hall’s eyes turned toward them.
Anandhi was stunned. She had expected Rahul or Madhavan to return first. What the fuck are they doing in the restroom?
Suriya stopped in front of her, scanning her face with a mild, almost proud smile.
Anandhi’s expression was pure unease and fear.
Suriya opened his mouth.
“Anandhi… you watched everything.
You know the entire story.
Yet you are staying calm? Silent?
I didn’t expect this from you.
You have disappointed me a lot of times, but this is unforgivable.”
Anandhi was shocked, stunned, shivering.
what … he knows the entire story?
“What… what do you mean?” she stammered.
Suriya put on a smile. “Yeah, the stories I gave in my speech, You dont hear it?
Come on, I expected a congratulations from you, after you hearing that entire story!.
Atleast a word I’m happy for you… but you disappointed me.
You’re staying so silent. Is this acceptable?”
Anandhi got her breath back. She was not sure if he was telling the truth or teasing her.
Suriya then let out a mock anger. “I came back after almost a year, standing before you… and you are not happy seeing me?”
Anandhi stood idle. Inside her mind, she was fighting with herself. She was indeed happy for his growth, but what if he was here to take the happiness of her family, her baby, or to take revenge on Rahul? The thought put her in a fit of panic.
Suriya then smirked and said, Okay I'm not Rahul, i should not have expected that right?
The visuals of Anandhi leaving Suriya's hand, When the moment she saw Rahul, years back, came to her mind.
It caused an unberable pain in her.
Before she could open her mouth, Rahul and Madhavan returned.
Rahul was shocked to see them having a conversation.
Suriya saw him and stretched his hand for a handshake.
Rahul ignored it and said sharply,
“Why didn’t you tell me you were out of prison?
Why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t you give any idea of what you were doing?”
Anandhi saw her Rahul, putting up an act?
He knows to act well? Anandhi looking at her husbands talent.
Suriya smiled. “Glad at least you spoke with care… I’m sorry. Actually, some way I got out on bail. I used to read papers inside prison. I got to know our company was often targeted by previous investors because of the issues caused by me. I felt small to stand before you all. I felt shame. I didn’t want to stand as a failed man before you or Anandhi or especially the kids.
It still remember how Rohan pointed a news paper and said Suriya uncle photo in the paper. I was broken then.. The kids actually started calling me Appa, i dont want a father figure to be a failed person.
So I thought of moving away, living a proper life, doing something, earning, and standing as a man before returning to see you all.”
He turned to Anandhi. “I wanted to create a moment where Rohan would find another photo of me in the newspaper — this time a story he could be proud of. Coming to see you all after that would be apt, I thought.”
“Gladly, the prison superintendent picked me the day I came out. My life changed. I got busy setting up shops, new business opportunities in the UK. I thought of meeting you all soon after I became a great businessman.”
He turned back to Rahul. “Fate brought you guys to pitch a proposal in my company. I’m happy it happened this way.”
Rahul and Madhavan looked at each other. They seemed convinced.
Madhavan hugged him and said, “I’m sorry we could not come to the prison. Too many things were happening. We wanted to show the world we had cut links with you.”
Suriya said, “That’s okay.”
Xavier came near them. Suriya ordered, “See, they are MVIPs here. Treat them well. Their partnership deal — don’t do anything in haste. Madhavan sir knows more legal terms than us. Assist him when you draft something. He will guide you. Don’t treat them like we usually do with others. They are my people.”
Rahul and Madhavan felt quite at ease and happy.
Rahul asked, “So where are you staying? Chennai or planning to come to our town?”
Suriya said, “No, I will be in the city where the next shop begins to setup.” He turned and asked, “What’s the next branch we are setting up?”
Xavier said, “Sir, Rahul sir’s place has no gym, so he proposed an idea. I have the draft but couldn’t send it because of the arrangements.”
Suriya said, “Well, if that is the case, next is our hometown. Let me come there and see all setups. Maybe I need to build a house for me there. Rahul, help me if we can find a piece of land. I need at least 25 cents for it.”
Rahul instantly said, “Well, that’s awesome. See, the place is none other than your old gym. The person had left as he had more debts. And for the empty land, there is one closer to our house. I will speak with the landowner and get you a deal.”
Madhavan slightly pulled Rahul’s hand to stop him from going overboard, but Rahul didn’t notice.
Suriya said, “Right now we are in the verge of completing a branch in Coimbatore. Once that’s over, let’s get things done in our hometown. I don’t know if there are decent lodges now. Old ones are pretty bad.”
Rahul said, “You have our home. You can stay there.”
Suriya smiled. “You are welcoming, but Anandhi is not at all welcoming me.”
Rahul realised the blunder he made and looked at Anandhi’s eyes.
She had many thoughts in her mind and could not process anything. She just blurted out, “Feel free to be with us… why do you need to stay at lodges for temporary stay,.
Rahul looked Anandhi with a proud.. The choice of words she said, temporary stay.. Rahul thought though i made a blunder by inviting, Anandhi fixes the place.. The place for Suriya, it wont be same like before. A blind confidence raise in him.
Anandhi continued if you could inform us ahead it will be better for us to arrange things. The house has 3 kids ruling every corner.
Suriya instantly interjected . “Don’t worry, I won’t come immediately.
I'm not like before..
I have better goals now. The number on the poster — that’s what I’m chasing.”
He indirectly told he had moved on. Rahul and Anandhi didnt failed to notice his subtle hint, whlie Rahul buyed it Anandhi still had her doubts.
So i wont visit random, i have schedules, my stay and trips are managed by my assistants, i will inform you in advance.
“Maybe I will visit next week. As the setup is getting finished in 2 days. It will be a business cum, personal visit. Before that Rahul send the propsal to me directly. Lets start immediately when i arrive there. I badly want to see Rohan, Riya, and the small cutie. What’s her name?”
Rahul said, “AaRa.”
Anandhi said, “Magizhini.”
“Two names?” Suriya asked.
“Yeah,” they both replied.
The superintendent came near them and shook hands with Rahul and Madhavan. “You have molded a gold. Back in prison, he kept talking about business. I knew he had a spark. He has a bright future.”
“So what’s next, Suriya? I mean personally?” Madhavan asked.
Suriya smiled. “You will see it with your own eyes once the 100th branch opens.”
“Looks like the girl is ready?” the superintendent asked jokingly.
Suriya said, first invitation is for you.
Rahul asked why not for me?
Suriya joked are we not a family do i really need to invite you with an invitation.
Rahul and Madhavan laughed, but a strange jealousy hit Anandhi.
Suriya could not stay with them for long.
He left them to engage with everyone else.
Xavier gave Rahul Suriya’s new number.
The event went successfully. They left after the food.
Back in the room, Anandhi rushed to AaRa, took her in her arms, and kissed her repeatedly.
Rahul noticed something strange in her eyes.
“Everything okay?”
She forced a gentle smile and nodded. “Yes. My mind was with her the full day. She got scratches last night, right? She would have missed me.”
But inside, the storm continued to rage.
The night was still young.
And none of them knew that the real game had only just begun.
The third floor of the convention hall had been transformed into an exclusive lounge for partners and VIPs. Soft lighting, live classical music, and the rich aroma of premium biryani filled the air. Waiters moved gracefully with trays of drinks and appetizers.
Rahul, Madhavan, and Anandhi barely spoke after Suriya’s speech. The shock still hung over them like a thick fog. Every group around them seemed to know one another, laughing and networking, while the three of them felt like odd ones out.
A few guests approached Madhavan to congratulate him for being Suriya’s mentor. Madhavan forced polite smiles, but his eyes kept darting toward Rahul.
Anandhi noticed the subtle signal Madhavan gave Rahul.
A minute later, Rahul leaned close to her. “We’ll be back in ten minutes,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on her lower back. “Just need to freshen up.”
Anandhi nodded silently, holding a glass of juice. She watched them walk toward the restroom area, her heart heavy with unspoken fears.
In the quiet, marble-tiled restroom, away from the crowd, Rahul and Madhavan finally spoke freely.
Rahul leaned against the sink, staring at his own reflection. “I can’t believe what’s happening. Suriya is not just back — he’s a super successful businessman now.”
Madhavan washed his hands slowly, his usual calm fractured. “Did you hear his speech? He thanked us. He told the whole world we’re the reason for his learning and success. For a moment, I almost believed it. Everything he said matched — the way he built branches under direct supervision, the combo plans we once envisioned. It’s logical… but I’m scared. I fear he’s up to something.”
Rahul nodded, jaw tight. “The doubt crept in me too. But as he spoke, I almost bought it. Now I have this uneasiness. The issue is we’ve already signed the deal without knowing he was the founder. If I had known, I would never have proceeded.”
Madhavan turned to him. “Why? What’s with the business?”
Rahul’s voice dropped. “What if this is revenge? What if he found out we were behind his downfall? He could be hiding it and setting up a trap through the business. I brought Anandhi with me. She doesn’t know what we did to Suriya. If she wasn’t here, I would have stepped back, faced the consequences, and walked away. I wouldn’t be standing here waiting for his food and greet.”
Madhavan dried his hands, expression tense. “Don’t take any hasty decision. Frankly, I don’t think he knows what we did. Only we know we are behind it. How could he know? If he had known, he wouldn’t have been silent. He would have chased us, or at least fought us in some way. I’m convinced of that…”
He paused, then added with a frown:
“But yes, I have a doubt. One thing that doesn’t add up at all. Let’s assume he doesn’t know what we did and considers us mentors… if so, why was he hiding all these months? Why didn’t he phone us? Why didn’t he inform us he was starting a business? This is where I doubt him. This is where I fear he is up to something.”
Madhavan continued, “But I don’t doubt his business. It’s a good deal also. We saw Xavier explaining how we were shortlisted — it was like an open bid. Everyone called out the results and they were published in the magazine. That can’t be fake.”
Rahul exhaled sharply. “Correct. I’m stuck on what we should do now.”
Madhavan added, “Let’s go back. I guess he’ll come to every partner for discussion. Based on how he behaves, we’ll decide. Right now, don’t lose your cool. Don’t show even a pinch of disappointment or uneasiness. Put on an act — say we missed him, ask why he didn’t call. If he asks why we didn’t visit him in prison, tell him we were being watched by the media and couldn’t make a move. He’ll understand. I’ll share the agreement copy with our lawyer. If there’s any loophole, we can back off in this early stage.”
They both stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their past actions and the new uncertainty pressing down on them.
Meanwhile, Anandhi stood alone near the large glass windows overlooking the city lights. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
She kept replaying Suriya’s speech, his calm eyes, the way he had looked toward their row. Every word had felt like a knife wrapped in silk.
What if he knows? What if he’s here to take AaRa away?
What if he wants revenge… and I’m the only one who can stop it?
She closed her eyes, remembering the raw pain in Suriya’s eyes the last time she had seen him being taken away by the security officer. The same eyes that had once looked at her with love and devotion.
Her body trembled slightly. She felt torn — between the man she had chosen as her husband and the man who had fathered her youngest child. Between loyalty and guilt. Between love and the fear of what her silence had caused.
She whispered to herself, barely audible, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
That moment, Suriya entered the hall.
He didn’t head to his assigned seat. He walked directly toward Anandhi.
The entire hall’s eyes turned toward them.
Anandhi was stunned. She had expected Rahul or Madhavan to return first. What the fuck are they doing in the restroom?
Suriya stopped in front of her, scanning her face with a mild, almost proud smile.
Anandhi’s expression was pure unease and fear.
Suriya opened his mouth.
“Anandhi… you watched everything.
You know the entire story.
Yet you are staying calm? Silent?
I didn’t expect this from you.
You have disappointed me a lot of times, but this is unforgivable.”
Anandhi was shocked, stunned, shivering.
what … he knows the entire story?
“What… what do you mean?” she stammered.
Suriya put on a smile. “Yeah, the stories I gave in my speech, You dont hear it?
Come on, I expected a congratulations from you, after you hearing that entire story!.
Atleast a word I’m happy for you… but you disappointed me.
You’re staying so silent. Is this acceptable?”
Anandhi got her breath back. She was not sure if he was telling the truth or teasing her.
Suriya then let out a mock anger. “I came back after almost a year, standing before you… and you are not happy seeing me?”
Anandhi stood idle. Inside her mind, she was fighting with herself. She was indeed happy for his growth, but what if he was here to take the happiness of her family, her baby, or to take revenge on Rahul? The thought put her in a fit of panic.
Suriya then smirked and said, Okay I'm not Rahul, i should not have expected that right?
The visuals of Anandhi leaving Suriya's hand, When the moment she saw Rahul, years back, came to her mind.
It caused an unberable pain in her.
Before she could open her mouth, Rahul and Madhavan returned.
Rahul was shocked to see them having a conversation.
Suriya saw him and stretched his hand for a handshake.
Rahul ignored it and said sharply,
“Why didn’t you tell me you were out of prison?
Why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t you give any idea of what you were doing?”
Anandhi saw her Rahul, putting up an act?
He knows to act well? Anandhi looking at her husbands talent.
Suriya smiled. “Glad at least you spoke with care… I’m sorry. Actually, some way I got out on bail. I used to read papers inside prison. I got to know our company was often targeted by previous investors because of the issues caused by me. I felt small to stand before you all. I felt shame. I didn’t want to stand as a failed man before you or Anandhi or especially the kids.
It still remember how Rohan pointed a news paper and said Suriya uncle photo in the paper. I was broken then.. The kids actually started calling me Appa, i dont want a father figure to be a failed person.
So I thought of moving away, living a proper life, doing something, earning, and standing as a man before returning to see you all.”
He turned to Anandhi. “I wanted to create a moment where Rohan would find another photo of me in the newspaper — this time a story he could be proud of. Coming to see you all after that would be apt, I thought.”
“Gladly, the prison superintendent picked me the day I came out. My life changed. I got busy setting up shops, new business opportunities in the UK. I thought of meeting you all soon after I became a great businessman.”
He turned back to Rahul. “Fate brought you guys to pitch a proposal in my company. I’m happy it happened this way.”
Rahul and Madhavan looked at each other. They seemed convinced.
Madhavan hugged him and said, “I’m sorry we could not come to the prison. Too many things were happening. We wanted to show the world we had cut links with you.”
Suriya said, “That’s okay.”
Xavier came near them. Suriya ordered, “See, they are MVIPs here. Treat them well. Their partnership deal — don’t do anything in haste. Madhavan sir knows more legal terms than us. Assist him when you draft something. He will guide you. Don’t treat them like we usually do with others. They are my people.”
Rahul and Madhavan felt quite at ease and happy.
Rahul asked, “So where are you staying? Chennai or planning to come to our town?”
Suriya said, “No, I will be in the city where the next shop begins to setup.” He turned and asked, “What’s the next branch we are setting up?”
Xavier said, “Sir, Rahul sir’s place has no gym, so he proposed an idea. I have the draft but couldn’t send it because of the arrangements.”
Suriya said, “Well, if that is the case, next is our hometown. Let me come there and see all setups. Maybe I need to build a house for me there. Rahul, help me if we can find a piece of land. I need at least 25 cents for it.”
Rahul instantly said, “Well, that’s awesome. See, the place is none other than your old gym. The person had left as he had more debts. And for the empty land, there is one closer to our house. I will speak with the landowner and get you a deal.”
Madhavan slightly pulled Rahul’s hand to stop him from going overboard, but Rahul didn’t notice.
Suriya said, “Right now we are in the verge of completing a branch in Coimbatore. Once that’s over, let’s get things done in our hometown. I don’t know if there are decent lodges now. Old ones are pretty bad.”
Rahul said, “You have our home. You can stay there.”
Suriya smiled. “You are welcoming, but Anandhi is not at all welcoming me.”
Rahul realised the blunder he made and looked at Anandhi’s eyes.
She had many thoughts in her mind and could not process anything. She just blurted out, “Feel free to be with us… why do you need to stay at lodges for temporary stay,.
Rahul looked Anandhi with a proud.. The choice of words she said, temporary stay.. Rahul thought though i made a blunder by inviting, Anandhi fixes the place.. The place for Suriya, it wont be same like before. A blind confidence raise in him.
Anandhi continued if you could inform us ahead it will be better for us to arrange things. The house has 3 kids ruling every corner.
Suriya instantly interjected . “Don’t worry, I won’t come immediately.
I'm not like before..
I have better goals now. The number on the poster — that’s what I’m chasing.”
He indirectly told he had moved on. Rahul and Anandhi didnt failed to notice his subtle hint, whlie Rahul buyed it Anandhi still had her doubts.
So i wont visit random, i have schedules, my stay and trips are managed by my assistants, i will inform you in advance.
“Maybe I will visit next week. As the setup is getting finished in 2 days. It will be a business cum, personal visit. Before that Rahul send the propsal to me directly. Lets start immediately when i arrive there. I badly want to see Rohan, Riya, and the small cutie. What’s her name?”
Rahul said, “AaRa.”
Anandhi said, “Magizhini.”
“Two names?” Suriya asked.
“Yeah,” they both replied.
The superintendent came near them and shook hands with Rahul and Madhavan. “You have molded a gold. Back in prison, he kept talking about business. I knew he had a spark. He has a bright future.”
“So what’s next, Suriya? I mean personally?” Madhavan asked.
Suriya smiled. “You will see it with your own eyes once the 100th branch opens.”
“Looks like the girl is ready?” the superintendent asked jokingly.
Suriya said, first invitation is for you.
Rahul asked why not for me?
Suriya joked are we not a family do i really need to invite you with an invitation.
Rahul and Madhavan laughed, but a strange jealousy hit Anandhi.
Suriya could not stay with them for long.
He left them to engage with everyone else.
Xavier gave Rahul Suriya’s new number.
The event went successfully. They left after the food.
Back in the room, Anandhi rushed to AaRa, took her in her arms, and kissed her repeatedly.
Rahul noticed something strange in her eyes.
“Everything okay?”
She forced a gentle smile and nodded. “Yes. My mind was with her the full day. She got scratches last night, right? She would have missed me.”
But inside, the storm continued to rage.
The night was still young.
And none of them knew that the real game had only just begun.
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