15-06-2026, 03:30 PM
Chapter 46: Care & Lies
The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains as Nikitha stirred awake. Her body ached from the emotional storm of the previous night, but she pushed herself up, determined. Jay needed her. Even now, even as her heart pulled her toward Tharun, she couldn’t abandon the man who had shared her bed and her struggles for so long.
She moved quietly into the small kitchen and prepared kanji — a simple, nourishing rice porridge simmered with ginger and a touch of salt. The warm, comforting aroma filled the air as she carried the bowl downstairs. Jay lay propped against the pillows, his face pale but his eyes following her every movement with quiet intensity.
Without a word, she set the bowl aside and dipped a soft cloth in warm water. She began wiping his face with gentle strokes, tracing the line of his jaw, his fever-damp forehead, then down to his arms. Her touch was tender, almost maternal, yet laced with the heaviness of guilt.
“You don’t have to do this,” Jay whispered hoarsely, his voice cracking. “I’m sorry… for making things so hard for you, Nikki.”
Her hand paused. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. “You’re ill. Don’t speak. Just rest.” She continued cleaning him, her fingers lingering a second longer on his skin, remembering nights when this same body had held her through her own fevers and heartbreaks. “The doctor mentioned contaminated water. How did this happen?”
He nodded weakly. “You didn’t come back to the office. I waited for you. When you didn’t come, I realized you went with him.” I thought you wont come early to cook, so i just ate at a new place, thing i got it there.. So about you going with him not an official meet? A date?
She replied softly, “Yeah… I went to have a proper date this time.
I mean, true time to spend
You just went on a date a day before?...So it's not a proper date? He asked
She exhaled and said. “ I should admit, I was a bit hazy, rushed everything. May be outcome of our recent fights. But i had to be honest, i don't want to do anything in rush. I feel like I’m hurting everybody. This has been in my heart. I wanted to speak with you about the office, the Anjali thing, about my decision, but you were sick.”
Jay looked at her, his eyes searching.
“Looks like you have decided something.. Don't say you are going to Leave me?”
The question hit her like a stone in the chest. Nikitha’s breath caught. Her fingers twisted in the bedsheet. “I’m not thinking that far ahead. Right now… I’m being selfish, Jay. I just want to experience what real love feels like. To start fresh with him — to actually know him. It’s not out of anger toward you. It’s for me.”
Jay swallowed hard. “And what I said about love… the one we have for each other and challenges? You don't want it anymore??”
The silence stretched. Memories flooded her — late nights, shared laughter turning into heated kisses, the comfort of his arms during her lowest days. Guilt clawed at her throat.
She looked at him, no immediate answer. The question pushed her into guilt.
She began.. We should stop fooling ourself thinking like a real husband and wife. “We were friends with benefits,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “Somewhere along the way, expectations got twisted. It caused so much damage. Let’s just… be friends for now. See where it goes without forcing anything. I don’t want either of us destroyed. You even challenged me — said you’d prove your love, that you’d make me realise my love for you. But I don’t think that’s possible anymore. I don’t want you holding onto false hope.”
Then, he asked, “Then why do you care about me so much?”
Nikitha smiled sadly.“Because we lived together, Jay. We survived tough times side by side. Remember when I had that terrible fever — worse than this — bedridden with malaria? You stayed up all night, wiping my sweat, telling me silly stories just to keep me awake. Your voice… it was the only thing that made the pain bearable. Those memories are burned into me..”
Jay smirked with a small smile. “You questioned me about what memories we have together. This is one, Nikki.”
And I have won the first step in my challenge, a little memory of us together.. This is the love you are unwilling to see.
Nikitha was caught by him.. The weight of their shared history pressed on her heart like an anchor. Before she could respond, the sharp ring of the doorbell echoed from upstairs.
The ring came from the upstairs main door. Nikitha’s heart jolted. Tharun. She quickly wiped her eyes. “Stay in bed. I’ll handle it.”
She hurried upstairs, her bare feet padding on the cool floor. When she opened the door, Tharun stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in a casual shirt and jeans. His eyes widened the moment they landed on her.
She was still in her nighty — a soft, pale lavender piece that hugged her body like a second skin. The thin straps rested delicately on her shoulders, the neckline dipping just enough to reveal the gentle swell of her breasts. The hem fluttered mid-thigh, her legs smooth and inviting after her morning wash. Without a bra, her nipples had hardened slightly in the cool morning air, faintly visible through the fabric.
“Oh fuck, Nikki…” Tharun breathed, his voice dropping into a husky growl. He stepped inside immediately, kicking the door shut behind him. “You look so goddamn sexy like this. Fresh out of bed, all soft and warm… it’s driving me insane.”
Nikitha for a second was shocked, just last evening there in an agreement but he seemed to go off the line as soon as he entered. Wait, didn't we have an agreement?
But Tharun ignored her…His hands found her waist instantly, pulling her flush against him. The heat of his body radiated through the thin nighty, and she could already feel the growing hardness pressing against her stomach. His gaze darkened with raw desire — the sight of her like this, vulnerable yet sensual, her hair tousled and cheeks still flushed from emotion, ignited something primal in him. It wasn’t just the outfit; it was the intimacy of catching her in this private, domestic moment
“I missed you so much,” he murmured hotly against her ear, lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck.
Nikitha’s breath hitched, a rush of heat flooding her core despite the situation. She pushed lightly against his chest, though her body betrayed her with a shiver of arousal. “Tharun! You were supposed to be a good boy after last night. Now you’re like this? Behave.”
He chuckled darkly, nipping at her earlobe. “Can you blame me? You’re standing here looking like every wet dream I’ve had for a long time.. That nighty should be illegal on you.” His fingers traced the strap on her shoulder, tugging it teasingly. Nikki's face turned red.
Tharun raised his hand, okay I surrender.. Let me be a good boy!
But before that let me ask you one question? “Did you wear anything underneath while taking care of him? Or are you completely bare, like last time?” I bet you gave him hard which you were supposed to give to me!. Lucky bastard
She slapped his chest playfully, though her cheeks burned. “Behave, you horny idiot!” But she was laughing too, the tension mixing with undeniable chemistry. “I made him kanji and came straight up. Yes, tonight. Jay is not a pervert like you, he didn't even notice?”
She asked why are you here Unannounced? His eyes were blazing. “I was a little worried about Jay… and yeah, maybe a little insecure. But mostly I just needed to see you.”
She slapped his hand again as it wandered back to her hip.
“I know how to take care of myself.
Okay you came to see him right, then check on him and leave soon.. What's the urgency? Tharun asked
Nikka pushed him. Come on, let’s go down together, she directed him out of house via stairs
They slipped out and descended. Before entering Jay’s room, Nikitha composed herself,
Tharun put on a concerned face as they stepped in. “Hey man, how are you feeling? Niki told me you were sick last night. Sorry to hear that. With your wife working abroad and all… it’s tough. That’s exactly why I’m moving away from Mithra and sticking with Niki. Distance relationships ruin everything. But look at Niki — such a good-hearted friend. Your wife even called her to take care of you.”
Jay’s face tightened with stunned disbelief at the web of lies. Behind Tharun, Nikitha shot him a sharp, pleading look — stay calm.
Jay was clearly irritated, he doesn't want to act before her, allowing another man to boss around him and his wife.. He forced a strained smile. “It’s better if you two leave. Headache’s killing me.” His voice dripped with irritation. “Thanks for checking on me… Mrs. Nikitha.”
The tension was thick enough to cut. Tharun frowned, sensing something off but not understanding it. As they stepped outside, he muttered, “He’s too cocky. You shouldn’t have to deal with that rude asshole. Come back to me at noon, okay? I’ll make it worth your while.”
Tharun tried to come with her upstairs, but Nikitha sent him away after a few sweet talks to reduce the tension.
The first rays of morning light filtered through the curtains as Nikitha stirred awake. Her body ached from the emotional storm of the previous night, but she pushed herself up, determined. Jay needed her. Even now, even as her heart pulled her toward Tharun, she couldn’t abandon the man who had shared her bed and her struggles for so long.
She moved quietly into the small kitchen and prepared kanji — a simple, nourishing rice porridge simmered with ginger and a touch of salt. The warm, comforting aroma filled the air as she carried the bowl downstairs. Jay lay propped against the pillows, his face pale but his eyes following her every movement with quiet intensity.
Without a word, she set the bowl aside and dipped a soft cloth in warm water. She began wiping his face with gentle strokes, tracing the line of his jaw, his fever-damp forehead, then down to his arms. Her touch was tender, almost maternal, yet laced with the heaviness of guilt.
“You don’t have to do this,” Jay whispered hoarsely, his voice cracking. “I’m sorry… for making things so hard for you, Nikki.”
Her hand paused. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. “You’re ill. Don’t speak. Just rest.” She continued cleaning him, her fingers lingering a second longer on his skin, remembering nights when this same body had held her through her own fevers and heartbreaks. “The doctor mentioned contaminated water. How did this happen?”
He nodded weakly. “You didn’t come back to the office. I waited for you. When you didn’t come, I realized you went with him.” I thought you wont come early to cook, so i just ate at a new place, thing i got it there.. So about you going with him not an official meet? A date?
She replied softly, “Yeah… I went to have a proper date this time.
I mean, true time to spend
You just went on a date a day before?...So it's not a proper date? He asked
She exhaled and said. “ I should admit, I was a bit hazy, rushed everything. May be outcome of our recent fights. But i had to be honest, i don't want to do anything in rush. I feel like I’m hurting everybody. This has been in my heart. I wanted to speak with you about the office, the Anjali thing, about my decision, but you were sick.”
Jay looked at her, his eyes searching.
“Looks like you have decided something.. Don't say you are going to Leave me?”
The question hit her like a stone in the chest. Nikitha’s breath caught. Her fingers twisted in the bedsheet. “I’m not thinking that far ahead. Right now… I’m being selfish, Jay. I just want to experience what real love feels like. To start fresh with him — to actually know him. It’s not out of anger toward you. It’s for me.”
Jay swallowed hard. “And what I said about love… the one we have for each other and challenges? You don't want it anymore??”
The silence stretched. Memories flooded her — late nights, shared laughter turning into heated kisses, the comfort of his arms during her lowest days. Guilt clawed at her throat.
She looked at him, no immediate answer. The question pushed her into guilt.
She began.. We should stop fooling ourself thinking like a real husband and wife. “We were friends with benefits,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “Somewhere along the way, expectations got twisted. It caused so much damage. Let’s just… be friends for now. See where it goes without forcing anything. I don’t want either of us destroyed. You even challenged me — said you’d prove your love, that you’d make me realise my love for you. But I don’t think that’s possible anymore. I don’t want you holding onto false hope.”
Then, he asked, “Then why do you care about me so much?”
Nikitha smiled sadly.“Because we lived together, Jay. We survived tough times side by side. Remember when I had that terrible fever — worse than this — bedridden with malaria? You stayed up all night, wiping my sweat, telling me silly stories just to keep me awake. Your voice… it was the only thing that made the pain bearable. Those memories are burned into me..”
Jay smirked with a small smile. “You questioned me about what memories we have together. This is one, Nikki.”
And I have won the first step in my challenge, a little memory of us together.. This is the love you are unwilling to see.
Nikitha was caught by him.. The weight of their shared history pressed on her heart like an anchor. Before she could respond, the sharp ring of the doorbell echoed from upstairs.
The ring came from the upstairs main door. Nikitha’s heart jolted. Tharun. She quickly wiped her eyes. “Stay in bed. I’ll handle it.”
She hurried upstairs, her bare feet padding on the cool floor. When she opened the door, Tharun stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in a casual shirt and jeans. His eyes widened the moment they landed on her.
She was still in her nighty — a soft, pale lavender piece that hugged her body like a second skin. The thin straps rested delicately on her shoulders, the neckline dipping just enough to reveal the gentle swell of her breasts. The hem fluttered mid-thigh, her legs smooth and inviting after her morning wash. Without a bra, her nipples had hardened slightly in the cool morning air, faintly visible through the fabric.
“Oh fuck, Nikki…” Tharun breathed, his voice dropping into a husky growl. He stepped inside immediately, kicking the door shut behind him. “You look so goddamn sexy like this. Fresh out of bed, all soft and warm… it’s driving me insane.”
Nikitha for a second was shocked, just last evening there in an agreement but he seemed to go off the line as soon as he entered. Wait, didn't we have an agreement?
But Tharun ignored her…His hands found her waist instantly, pulling her flush against him. The heat of his body radiated through the thin nighty, and she could already feel the growing hardness pressing against her stomach. His gaze darkened with raw desire — the sight of her like this, vulnerable yet sensual, her hair tousled and cheeks still flushed from emotion, ignited something primal in him. It wasn’t just the outfit; it was the intimacy of catching her in this private, domestic moment
“I missed you so much,” he murmured hotly against her ear, lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck.
Nikitha’s breath hitched, a rush of heat flooding her core despite the situation. She pushed lightly against his chest, though her body betrayed her with a shiver of arousal. “Tharun! You were supposed to be a good boy after last night. Now you’re like this? Behave.”
He chuckled darkly, nipping at her earlobe. “Can you blame me? You’re standing here looking like every wet dream I’ve had for a long time.. That nighty should be illegal on you.” His fingers traced the strap on her shoulder, tugging it teasingly. Nikki's face turned red.
Tharun raised his hand, okay I surrender.. Let me be a good boy!
But before that let me ask you one question? “Did you wear anything underneath while taking care of him? Or are you completely bare, like last time?” I bet you gave him hard which you were supposed to give to me!. Lucky bastard
She slapped his chest playfully, though her cheeks burned. “Behave, you horny idiot!” But she was laughing too, the tension mixing with undeniable chemistry. “I made him kanji and came straight up. Yes, tonight. Jay is not a pervert like you, he didn't even notice?”
She asked why are you here Unannounced? His eyes were blazing. “I was a little worried about Jay… and yeah, maybe a little insecure. But mostly I just needed to see you.”
She slapped his hand again as it wandered back to her hip.
“I know how to take care of myself.
Okay you came to see him right, then check on him and leave soon.. What's the urgency? Tharun asked
Nikka pushed him. Come on, let’s go down together, she directed him out of house via stairs
They slipped out and descended. Before entering Jay’s room, Nikitha composed herself,
Tharun put on a concerned face as they stepped in. “Hey man, how are you feeling? Niki told me you were sick last night. Sorry to hear that. With your wife working abroad and all… it’s tough. That’s exactly why I’m moving away from Mithra and sticking with Niki. Distance relationships ruin everything. But look at Niki — such a good-hearted friend. Your wife even called her to take care of you.”
Jay’s face tightened with stunned disbelief at the web of lies. Behind Tharun, Nikitha shot him a sharp, pleading look — stay calm.
Jay was clearly irritated, he doesn't want to act before her, allowing another man to boss around him and his wife.. He forced a strained smile. “It’s better if you two leave. Headache’s killing me.” His voice dripped with irritation. “Thanks for checking on me… Mrs. Nikitha.”
The tension was thick enough to cut. Tharun frowned, sensing something off but not understanding it. As they stepped outside, he muttered, “He’s too cocky. You shouldn’t have to deal with that rude asshole. Come back to me at noon, okay? I’ll make it worth your while.”
Tharun tried to come with her upstairs, but Nikitha sent him away after a few sweet talks to reduce the tension.
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