15-05-2026, 09:20 PM
Chapter 119 - Poles Apart
The morning air was cool and crisp as Suresh and Sneha stepped out for their walk. There was an unsaid bond reshaping itself overnight — fragile, tentative, but undeniably present. Suresh wanted to control himself, not knowing what the night could turn into if emotions ran too high.
He tried asking her gently, “What are you really up to with Gowtham?”
Sneha gave a small, mysterious smile. “It’s a suspense. You’ll see.”
They walked mostly in silence, but the silence felt different today — less cold, more shared. Breakfast passed quietly. Suresh then took Ramya to the hostel, kissing her forehead before she ran inside.
Sneha realized Gowtham had not yet knocked her door? It doesn't seem to be a regular ‘missing’ moment in the house when Ramya was here.
For her plan to work, she needs Gowtham to be pro active like he used to be and tonight she definitely needs him.
She decided to check on him, without showing desperation.
She visited Gowtham’s house. He was getting ready for work, looking tired and visibly upset — dark circles under his eyes, movements slow and heavy.
She wanted to ask what was wrong, but she reminded herself: This is the face he usually shows when he wants me to feel sorry for him… the same face that eventually makes me fall into his arms and have sex.
So she decided to avoid being so caring and pretended to be more casual..
Gowtham, why are you late today
“Come for breakfast,” she said casually.
Gowtham came over, ate mechanically, his mind clearly full of Varsha. When he was about to leave.
Sneha couldn’t understand his behavior.. She wanted to test him.. Sneha reached up purposely, kissed him on the cheek, and whispered, “Have a good day. Just to register about her to him.. to lure the now-distant Gowtham back into her web. She needed him close if she wanted to do what she wanted to.
Gowtham reached the office the next morning with Varsha occupying every corner of his mind. Her smile, her sharp eyes, the way she had looked at him at lunch.. But post that one word, she detached from him.. it all haunted him.
The moment he stepped into the workspace, reality struck even harder. The atmosphere felt messier than ever.
Mr. Prakash had fully forgiven Rahul. The morning meeting with him and Varsha had been about exactly that. Citing Rahul’s “past contributions,” the boss had decided to give him one last chance. Rahul returned to work with renewed confidence, diving back into the proposal, while Varsha once again seemed completely comfortable around him, as if nothing had happened.
It irked Gowtham to no end.
He had expected at least a simple conversation.. But Varsha was cold toward him. Professional, distant, and painfully polite. She answered only when necessary, never meeting his eyes for more than a second.
At noon, they had lunch at the pantry section. Rahul and Varsha sat close, talking and laughing. Gowtham ate alone in the corner, his food untouched, eyes fixed on them. Every time Rahul leaned in to say something and Varsha laughed, it felt like a fresh wound.
He couldn’t understand why she was treating him this way.
The man who had tried to take advantage of her received warmth and ease, while he was left to suffer in silence.
It was hard for Gowtham to work without distraction.. And thoughts.
The trio worked on finalizing the tender proposal throughout the day. When it was finally wrapped up and mailed to Prakash, the time clocked 7PM.
Rahul turned to Varsha with a charming smile.
“As an apology for yesterday’s mess, let me drop you home today. No excuses.”
Varsha returned the smile, soft and genuine. “Sure. Thank you.”
Gowtham watched the exchange from his desk, his chest tightening with a painful mix of jealousy and helplessness.
When everyone started leaving, Gowtham couldn’t hold back any longer.
He waited near the parking area, his blood boiling.
The moment Varsha walked toward Rahul’s car, he stepped forward,
grabbed her wrist, and
pulled her behind a nearby pillar, out of sight.
“What the hell is this?” he hissed, his voice low but trembling with anger and hurt.
“You rejected me like I was nothing—just because I called you a slut once?
But you’re smiling and getting into his car the very next day after what he tried to do to you?
I justsaid a word.
He tried to molest you!”
Varsha looked at him, her expression tired and cold.
She yanked her hand free.
“Why do you care, Gowtham?” she said flatly.
“I’m just behaving exactly like you said I am. I’m a slut, right?”
You should be happy right?
Varsha why are you torturing me with the words.
or are you deliberatley doing this to piss me off.
What are you telling Mr. Gowtham when did i torture you?
I'm being myself, getting on a car is a issue for you?
“Varsha… don’t you get it?”
His voice cracked.
“I think I’m in love with you.
I want you with me. Forever.”
For a second, something flickered in her eyes, but it vanished quickly.
She let out a short, bitter laugh.
Still her throat seemed sore suddenly..
yet she began...
“Sorry, I don’t have space for any relationship or feelings right now,”
she said calmly. “I have too many responsibilities.
Too many people depending on me.”
She paused, then continued, her tone detached. “And regarding im being close with Rahul.. Its just professional.
I have no personal issue with Rahul.
I lured him that night. If I hadn’t, he wouldn’t have behaved that way.
He’s a colleague again—senior in HR.
I can’t afford to create a rift with him.
I’m just being professional.”
“Professional bullshit,” Gowtham muttered.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself,
then spoke more gently.
“Varsha, listen. I’ll take care of your responsibilities.
Your family will become mine.
I’ll hand over my entire salary to you.
You can look after them.”
Varsha smiled like she had just heard a joke.
Are you joking Gowtham.. does any of these will be practically feasible?
okay Okay lets say!!
“Okay, let’s say I agree.
We get married. Then what? Where will we live?”
“Here in Bangalore,” he replied immediately.
“Will your parents accept us? Especially me?”
“I’ll speak to them.”
“See?” she said, her voice sharp.
“You said ‘I will speak to them.’ Not ‘we will decide.’
You’re still thinking like a bachelor with freedom.
Your family is yours to handle.”
Now if i want my family to tied with you, you have to seek their advice every time.
Gowtham could not answer for that immediately
She shook her head.
“Forget that. What’s your plan after marriage? Kids? Our future?”
Gowtham smiled faintly. The question was like that..
He said... “We can enjoy a year or two, then plan for kids in the second or third year—”
“Exactly,” Varsha cut in.
“You know my situation.
My family needs my money.
If I have a baby, I’ll have to stop working.
That puts pressure on you, and my family suffers. How will I support them then?”
She looked straight into his eyes, her voice cold and final.
Gowtham this is just a starter questions, there is a lot behind.. a lot factors, it may look nice and emotional to hug you for a moment, kiss you in a day and making love with you for some night, but when the day came back we need to run, run behind the money.
Gowtham said, Money is not alone the only thng Varsha, there is a lot more than that.. have you seen couples even though they struggle, they still choose to be a cute couple.
I dont want that struggle.. Varsha said.
She then calmly said.
“You still don’t understand. I need money. Security. Something that can change my family’s life right now—not after years of struggle.
You can’t give me that. Don’t fool yourself.” Lets keep it simple that way.
Gowtham’s temper flared again.
See you have decided to go with him because he’s rich?
and Dont belittle me
accept you want his money you are going with him.
Varsha’s eyes flashed with anger.
“Yes. Why shouldn’t I choose him?
Rahul can give me what I need. He has the money.
He has the position.
What do you have, Gowtham? A decent salary and jealousy?
That’s not enough for me.”
Gowtham flinched. “So you’ll become the mistress of a married man?
You’re that desperate?”
Varsha stepped closer, her words cutting like knives.
“I would rather be Rahul’s mistress than marry a man like you.
At least with him, I know exactly what I’m getting—stability and respect for my needs.
With you… I’ll only get nights like this.
You dragging me into corners and calling me names when things don’t go your way.”
Her voice dropped to a painful whisper.
“Go find someone on your level. I’m aiming much higher. I won’t settle for less.”
Varsha turned and walked away without looking back.
She got into Rahul’s car, forced a smile, and they drove off.
But the moment the car turned the corner, her smile disappeared. She leaned her head against the window, eyes burning with unshed tears.
Why did I say all that? she thought, her heart aching. I hate myself for hurting him…
Deep down, she knew the truth. She had real feelings for Gowtham. His honesty, his support, the way he had stood by her—it had touched her deeply. After last night, it was clear he loved her. She had originally wanted to stay away, but when Rahul was forgiven, she saw her chance. She deliberately pushed Gowtham away and made him hate her. That's the reason she purposely choose to have lunch with Rahul and agreed to go with him in the car.
She realize, they were from different worlds. She had suffered too much already. She couldn’t drag him into her endless responsibilities.
Survival had always come first. Even if it meant breaking both their hearts.
Gowtham stood frozen, humiliated and furious. As he started his bike and reached the entrance gate, he saw Rahul’s car still parked near the exit. Through the back window, he caught a glimpse of Varsha’s tear-streaked face. She reached for a tissue near the gear lever. Rahul leaned in at the same time to help her. From that angle, in the dim light, it looked like they were kissing.
Gowtham’s heart shattered.
He wiped his own tears roughly and muttered through clenched teeth, “That bitch doesn’t deserve me.”
He revved the accelerator hard and sped out through the second gate, refusing to follow them
The morning air was cool and crisp as Suresh and Sneha stepped out for their walk. There was an unsaid bond reshaping itself overnight — fragile, tentative, but undeniably present. Suresh wanted to control himself, not knowing what the night could turn into if emotions ran too high.
He tried asking her gently, “What are you really up to with Gowtham?”
Sneha gave a small, mysterious smile. “It’s a suspense. You’ll see.”
They walked mostly in silence, but the silence felt different today — less cold, more shared. Breakfast passed quietly. Suresh then took Ramya to the hostel, kissing her forehead before she ran inside.
Sneha realized Gowtham had not yet knocked her door? It doesn't seem to be a regular ‘missing’ moment in the house when Ramya was here.
For her plan to work, she needs Gowtham to be pro active like he used to be and tonight she definitely needs him.
She decided to check on him, without showing desperation.
She visited Gowtham’s house. He was getting ready for work, looking tired and visibly upset — dark circles under his eyes, movements slow and heavy.
She wanted to ask what was wrong, but she reminded herself: This is the face he usually shows when he wants me to feel sorry for him… the same face that eventually makes me fall into his arms and have sex.
So she decided to avoid being so caring and pretended to be more casual..
Gowtham, why are you late today
“Come for breakfast,” she said casually.
Gowtham came over, ate mechanically, his mind clearly full of Varsha. When he was about to leave.
Sneha couldn’t understand his behavior.. She wanted to test him.. Sneha reached up purposely, kissed him on the cheek, and whispered, “Have a good day. Just to register about her to him.. to lure the now-distant Gowtham back into her web. She needed him close if she wanted to do what she wanted to.
Gowtham reached the office the next morning with Varsha occupying every corner of his mind. Her smile, her sharp eyes, the way she had looked at him at lunch.. But post that one word, she detached from him.. it all haunted him.
The moment he stepped into the workspace, reality struck even harder. The atmosphere felt messier than ever.
Mr. Prakash had fully forgiven Rahul. The morning meeting with him and Varsha had been about exactly that. Citing Rahul’s “past contributions,” the boss had decided to give him one last chance. Rahul returned to work with renewed confidence, diving back into the proposal, while Varsha once again seemed completely comfortable around him, as if nothing had happened.
It irked Gowtham to no end.
He had expected at least a simple conversation.. But Varsha was cold toward him. Professional, distant, and painfully polite. She answered only when necessary, never meeting his eyes for more than a second.
At noon, they had lunch at the pantry section. Rahul and Varsha sat close, talking and laughing. Gowtham ate alone in the corner, his food untouched, eyes fixed on them. Every time Rahul leaned in to say something and Varsha laughed, it felt like a fresh wound.
He couldn’t understand why she was treating him this way.
The man who had tried to take advantage of her received warmth and ease, while he was left to suffer in silence.
It was hard for Gowtham to work without distraction.. And thoughts.
The trio worked on finalizing the tender proposal throughout the day. When it was finally wrapped up and mailed to Prakash, the time clocked 7PM.
Rahul turned to Varsha with a charming smile.
“As an apology for yesterday’s mess, let me drop you home today. No excuses.”
Varsha returned the smile, soft and genuine. “Sure. Thank you.”
Gowtham watched the exchange from his desk, his chest tightening with a painful mix of jealousy and helplessness.
When everyone started leaving, Gowtham couldn’t hold back any longer.
He waited near the parking area, his blood boiling.
The moment Varsha walked toward Rahul’s car, he stepped forward,
grabbed her wrist, and
pulled her behind a nearby pillar, out of sight.
“What the hell is this?” he hissed, his voice low but trembling with anger and hurt.
“You rejected me like I was nothing—just because I called you a slut once?
But you’re smiling and getting into his car the very next day after what he tried to do to you?
I justsaid a word.
He tried to molest you!”
Varsha looked at him, her expression tired and cold.
She yanked her hand free.
“Why do you care, Gowtham?” she said flatly.
“I’m just behaving exactly like you said I am. I’m a slut, right?”
You should be happy right?
Varsha why are you torturing me with the words.
or are you deliberatley doing this to piss me off.
What are you telling Mr. Gowtham when did i torture you?
I'm being myself, getting on a car is a issue for you?
“Varsha… don’t you get it?”
His voice cracked.
“I think I’m in love with you.
I want you with me. Forever.”
For a second, something flickered in her eyes, but it vanished quickly.
She let out a short, bitter laugh.
Still her throat seemed sore suddenly..
yet she began...
“Sorry, I don’t have space for any relationship or feelings right now,”
she said calmly. “I have too many responsibilities.
Too many people depending on me.”
She paused, then continued, her tone detached. “And regarding im being close with Rahul.. Its just professional.
I have no personal issue with Rahul.
I lured him that night. If I hadn’t, he wouldn’t have behaved that way.
He’s a colleague again—senior in HR.
I can’t afford to create a rift with him.
I’m just being professional.”
“Professional bullshit,” Gowtham muttered.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself,
then spoke more gently.
“Varsha, listen. I’ll take care of your responsibilities.
Your family will become mine.
I’ll hand over my entire salary to you.
You can look after them.”
Varsha smiled like she had just heard a joke.
Are you joking Gowtham.. does any of these will be practically feasible?
okay Okay lets say!!
“Okay, let’s say I agree.
We get married. Then what? Where will we live?”
“Here in Bangalore,” he replied immediately.
“Will your parents accept us? Especially me?”
“I’ll speak to them.”
“See?” she said, her voice sharp.
“You said ‘I will speak to them.’ Not ‘we will decide.’
You’re still thinking like a bachelor with freedom.
Your family is yours to handle.”
Now if i want my family to tied with you, you have to seek their advice every time.
Gowtham could not answer for that immediately
She shook her head.
“Forget that. What’s your plan after marriage? Kids? Our future?”
Gowtham smiled faintly. The question was like that..
He said... “We can enjoy a year or two, then plan for kids in the second or third year—”
“Exactly,” Varsha cut in.
“You know my situation.
My family needs my money.
If I have a baby, I’ll have to stop working.
That puts pressure on you, and my family suffers. How will I support them then?”
She looked straight into his eyes, her voice cold and final.
Gowtham this is just a starter questions, there is a lot behind.. a lot factors, it may look nice and emotional to hug you for a moment, kiss you in a day and making love with you for some night, but when the day came back we need to run, run behind the money.
Gowtham said, Money is not alone the only thng Varsha, there is a lot more than that.. have you seen couples even though they struggle, they still choose to be a cute couple.
I dont want that struggle.. Varsha said.
She then calmly said.
“You still don’t understand. I need money. Security. Something that can change my family’s life right now—not after years of struggle.
You can’t give me that. Don’t fool yourself.” Lets keep it simple that way.
Gowtham’s temper flared again.
See you have decided to go with him because he’s rich?
and Dont belittle me
accept you want his money you are going with him.
Varsha’s eyes flashed with anger.
“Yes. Why shouldn’t I choose him?
Rahul can give me what I need. He has the money.
He has the position.
What do you have, Gowtham? A decent salary and jealousy?
That’s not enough for me.”
Gowtham flinched. “So you’ll become the mistress of a married man?
You’re that desperate?”
Varsha stepped closer, her words cutting like knives.
“I would rather be Rahul’s mistress than marry a man like you.
At least with him, I know exactly what I’m getting—stability and respect for my needs.
With you… I’ll only get nights like this.
You dragging me into corners and calling me names when things don’t go your way.”
Her voice dropped to a painful whisper.
“Go find someone on your level. I’m aiming much higher. I won’t settle for less.”
Varsha turned and walked away without looking back.
She got into Rahul’s car, forced a smile, and they drove off.
But the moment the car turned the corner, her smile disappeared. She leaned her head against the window, eyes burning with unshed tears.
Why did I say all that? she thought, her heart aching. I hate myself for hurting him…
Deep down, she knew the truth. She had real feelings for Gowtham. His honesty, his support, the way he had stood by her—it had touched her deeply. After last night, it was clear he loved her. She had originally wanted to stay away, but when Rahul was forgiven, she saw her chance. She deliberately pushed Gowtham away and made him hate her. That's the reason she purposely choose to have lunch with Rahul and agreed to go with him in the car.
She realize, they were from different worlds. She had suffered too much already. She couldn’t drag him into her endless responsibilities.
Survival had always come first. Even if it meant breaking both their hearts.
Gowtham stood frozen, humiliated and furious. As he started his bike and reached the entrance gate, he saw Rahul’s car still parked near the exit. Through the back window, he caught a glimpse of Varsha’s tear-streaked face. She reached for a tissue near the gear lever. Rahul leaned in at the same time to help her. From that angle, in the dim light, it looked like they were kissing.
Gowtham’s heart shattered.
He wiped his own tears roughly and muttered through clenched teeth, “That bitch doesn’t deserve me.”
He revved the accelerator hard and sped out through the second gate, refusing to follow them
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