28-06-2026, 02:29 PM
Chapter 63: Jealousy in the Pantry & Tharun's Control.
For a few minutes after calling Sharmi, Jay could not take his eyes off her. She moved with an energetic bounce that reminded him of a much younger, brighter version of the woman he once knew. Sharmi looked like someone who had arrived exactly at the right time to give him clarity about what he had been doing wrong. But a quiet voice inside him whispered, You came like a savior… but it’s a bit late.
He wasn’t sure if things could still be reversed. He felt Nikitha had already crossed a line. Yet he was strangely thankful to Sharmi. Her innocent concern and the way she had tried to reach him had forced him to see how cold and unresponsive he had become with Nikitha. Perhaps it was better to know something had gone wrong because of his own actions, rather than watching it crumble for no clear reason.
The noon break arrived. Jay stood up and walked over to Sharmi’s desk.
“Let’s go,” he said simply. “Lunch at 1 PM, like I promised.”
Sharmi’s face lit up with genuine excitement. She grabbed her bag quickly, almost as if she had been waiting for this moment. As they walked toward the pantry canteen together, she chattered lightly, trying to keep the conversation easy and warm.
Minutes later, as they settled at a table with their trays, Nikitha entered the pantry with Tharun walking beside her. She waved casually at Sharmi, who waved back with a bright smile.
But Sharmi noticed something else.
Nikitha’s eyes kept drifting toward their table. The stare was subtle, but unmistakable. While she sat with Tharun, picking at her food, her gaze repeatedly returned to Jay and Sharmi. There was visible jealousy in the way her fingers tightened around her spoon, in the slight tension around her mouth.
Jay, lost in his own thoughts, remained unbothered, staring down at his plate. Sharmi, however, saw the perfect opportunity. She decided to test how far Nikitha’s tolerance would stretch.
She leaned in a little closer to Jay, laughing softly at something minor he said, making her laughter just loud enough to carry. She touched his arm lightly while speaking, playing the role of an enthusiastic junior perfectly. “You know, you really are a great mentor. I feel so much better working with you.”
Nikitha’s eyes never left them.
She tried to focus on Tharun, smiling and nodding at whatever he was saying, but her attention kept slipping back. Sharmi noticed every glance. Interesting, she thought. For years Jay was openly involved with Anjali, and Nikitha never showed open anger then. One can see her discomfort, only when some one focus her expression. But now… she’s watching like this?
Sharmi relaxed, hiding a small, knowing smile. She remembered she needed to get closer to Nikitha to uncover the truth. Playing a little more wouldn’t hurt. She laughed again — brighter this time — and leaned in toward Jay while sharing a small work anecdote, making sure the moment looked warm and friendly.
Nikitha had seen Jay grow close to Anjali before, but this time, watching him with Sharmi affected her differently. It wasn’t the sharp, stabbing pain of the past like a mere discomfort, back then she knows She tried to console herself. This is just to protect our marriage secret in front of others .
But now its different, deep down, she knew the truth: she was ready to move away from Jay, yet she couldn’t fully break the bond. Now a new complication had arrived in the form of Sharmi. A deep, uneasy discomfort settled in her chest — heavier and more confusing. She felt like she is getting some realization of how deep she had been attached emotionally to Jay.
She was trying to reason why to herself... Unlike Anjali, who had come to Jay purely for physical thrill and tension-filled encounters, Sharmi was different. Here Jay looks like making an extra effort ... Jay took her to lunch. They shared light conversations, soft smiles, and genuine communication. Nikitha could see the difference clearly. There was warmth. Comfort. A slow-building connection.
A fierce wave of possessiveness mixed with jealousy surged through her.
He never did any of this with Anjali.
Tharun noticed her distracted gaze fixed on Jay’s table. He leaned closer during lunch and asked softly, “What happened, Nikki? Why are you staring at his table… or at Sharmi? Is something odd? Are you still thinking about jay have seen us kissing that day?”
Nikitha quickly masked her emotions. “No,” she said, forcing a small smile. “I just have neck pain. I have to sit like this. Then after a pause she said... I don’t have any appetite.” She pushed her plate away and left the cafeteria, her mind swirling in confusion. She still couldn’t make a clear decision about anything.
Sharmi, who had been watching from afar, noted Nikitha’s departure. A small, calculated smile formed on her lips. She’s possessive. And jealous. She wondered if pushing a little more would finally make Nikitha snap and confront her. But she also doubted it — after all, Nikitha had stayed silent even when Jay was involved with Anjali.
Tharun followed Nikitha shortly after. These days, she spent most afternoons in his cabin. He entered, locked the door behind him, and walked over to her.
He gently placed his hands on her neck and shoulders, massaging slowly. “Is it paining here, darling?”
Nikitha stayed lost in thought. Tharun could sense something was deeply disturbing her. He continued the massage, his voice low and caring. “Are you still thinking about who might have watched us kissing? Do you think Jay and Sharmi are talking about it?”
After a long pause, Nikitha shook her head. “No.”
“Then why do you keep staring at their seats?” Tharun asked gently. “I know you don’t have neck pain.”
She stayed silent, unsure how to explain without revealing too much.
Tharun sighed softly. “There must be only two reasons for your behavior…” He waited, then continued when she didn’t speak. “Tell me, Nikki.”
She finally opened up, choosing her words carefully. “I was thinking about my husband. These days, he and my friend are becoming too close. It’s hurting me.”
Tharun was stunned. He hadn’t expected such honesty. He realized she still hadn’t fully let go of her husband, nor accepted the possibility of a new relationship. Still, he probed gently, “How is that related to you staring at Jay’s table?”
Nikitha tried to reason without exposing her secret. “I was just wondering… how Jay moved on so easily with Sharmi after Anjali left. Is it that easy for men to move on?”
Tharun let out a soft laugh, though there was a hint of unease behind it. “So you’re placing Jay in your husband’s position?” He laughed again, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s natural, Nikki. When we’re no longer attached physically or emotionally, men or women tend to move forward. But I’m not sure about Sharmi… you might be overthinking it.”
Nikitha nodded weakly. “Yes… I’m not clear in my decisions. I keep oscillating. I keep hurting everyone. I couldn’t accept his sudden love, nor could I accept how he took me for granted before. I’m stuck.” Her voice cracked slightly. “But I’m realizing I’m getting jealous… even too possessive.”
Tharun’s heart sank a little. A quiet fear crept in — at this pace, she might drift away from him. He decided to distract her, to pull her back into the present moment with him.
He continued massaging her neck and shoulders, his hands slow and deliberate. “Nikki, listen to me,” he said softly, his breath warm against her ear. “Sometimes we need to let go. No matter how much we once loved someone, if it’s not reciprocated, it’s best to move on. What you’re doing is worse than hate. By not letting him go and freeing yourself, you’re hurting both him and you.”
He paused, then added gently, “I’m not saying this because I fear losing you. I’m saying it because I fear you are losing the best version of yourself… and the best opportunity waiting for all of us.”
Nikitha closed her eyes, conflicted. “But I can’t come out of it. Maybe I still love him… the part I keep denying. I don’t know how to distract myself from these thoughts.”
Tharun’s voice dropped, turning husky. “There is a way.”
Nikitha looked up at him, startled. “How?”
Tharun’s voice dropped, turning dangerously husky. “There is a way.”
Before Nikitha could even process his words, his hands moved with sudden, bold intent.
Standing behind her chair, he didn’t ask. He didn’t hesitate.
His hands slipped swiftly from her neck, gliding down her shoulders and diving straight through the open neckline of her kurta in one smooth, assertive motion. Warm, strong fingers slid inside her bra without warning, cupping her bare breasts directly. The shock of skin-on-skin contact hit her instantly — his hot palms pressing fully against her soft, sensitive flesh.
Nikitha gasped sharply, her body jolting in surprise. “Tharun—!”
But he didn’t let her speak.
In the next second, he bent down, tilting her head back firmly with one hand while the other continued possessively massaging her bare breasts. He captured her mouth in a deep, hungry kiss — raw, consuming, and completely in control. His tongue invaded her mouth with urgent passion, swallowing her surprised moan.
His hands were relentless now. He squeezed her breasts with firm, erotic pressure, thumbs rolling over her hardening nipples, pinching and teasing them between his fingers. The sudden shift from gentle massage to this bold, dominant touch left her breathless and trembling. Bare skin against bare skin, his warm palms kneading and owning her chest as he kissed her like he was claiming every inch of her attention.
Nikitha’s mind spun. One moment she had been lost in guilt and confusion — the next, Tharun had taken complete control, his hands inside her kurta, groping and massaging her naked breasts while devouring her lips. The shock mixed with overwhelming pleasure made her thighs press together instinctively.
He broke the kiss just enough to growl against her lips, voice thick with desire, “This is how I distract you, baby. Stop thinking about him.”
Then he kissed her again, even deeper, his fingers continuing their sensual assault on her bare breasts — squeezing, stroking, and teasing her nipples until her body arched helplessly into his touch.
For those heated moments, Tharun had taken full control — and Nikitha was too shocked, too aroused, to stop him.
For a few minutes after calling Sharmi, Jay could not take his eyes off her. She moved with an energetic bounce that reminded him of a much younger, brighter version of the woman he once knew. Sharmi looked like someone who had arrived exactly at the right time to give him clarity about what he had been doing wrong. But a quiet voice inside him whispered, You came like a savior… but it’s a bit late.
He wasn’t sure if things could still be reversed. He felt Nikitha had already crossed a line. Yet he was strangely thankful to Sharmi. Her innocent concern and the way she had tried to reach him had forced him to see how cold and unresponsive he had become with Nikitha. Perhaps it was better to know something had gone wrong because of his own actions, rather than watching it crumble for no clear reason.
The noon break arrived. Jay stood up and walked over to Sharmi’s desk.
“Let’s go,” he said simply. “Lunch at 1 PM, like I promised.”
Sharmi’s face lit up with genuine excitement. She grabbed her bag quickly, almost as if she had been waiting for this moment. As they walked toward the pantry canteen together, she chattered lightly, trying to keep the conversation easy and warm.
Minutes later, as they settled at a table with their trays, Nikitha entered the pantry with Tharun walking beside her. She waved casually at Sharmi, who waved back with a bright smile.
But Sharmi noticed something else.
Nikitha’s eyes kept drifting toward their table. The stare was subtle, but unmistakable. While she sat with Tharun, picking at her food, her gaze repeatedly returned to Jay and Sharmi. There was visible jealousy in the way her fingers tightened around her spoon, in the slight tension around her mouth.
Jay, lost in his own thoughts, remained unbothered, staring down at his plate. Sharmi, however, saw the perfect opportunity. She decided to test how far Nikitha’s tolerance would stretch.
She leaned in a little closer to Jay, laughing softly at something minor he said, making her laughter just loud enough to carry. She touched his arm lightly while speaking, playing the role of an enthusiastic junior perfectly. “You know, you really are a great mentor. I feel so much better working with you.”
Nikitha’s eyes never left them.
She tried to focus on Tharun, smiling and nodding at whatever he was saying, but her attention kept slipping back. Sharmi noticed every glance. Interesting, she thought. For years Jay was openly involved with Anjali, and Nikitha never showed open anger then. One can see her discomfort, only when some one focus her expression. But now… she’s watching like this?
Sharmi relaxed, hiding a small, knowing smile. She remembered she needed to get closer to Nikitha to uncover the truth. Playing a little more wouldn’t hurt. She laughed again — brighter this time — and leaned in toward Jay while sharing a small work anecdote, making sure the moment looked warm and friendly.
Nikitha had seen Jay grow close to Anjali before, but this time, watching him with Sharmi affected her differently. It wasn’t the sharp, stabbing pain of the past like a mere discomfort, back then she knows She tried to console herself. This is just to protect our marriage secret in front of others .
But now its different, deep down, she knew the truth: she was ready to move away from Jay, yet she couldn’t fully break the bond. Now a new complication had arrived in the form of Sharmi. A deep, uneasy discomfort settled in her chest — heavier and more confusing. She felt like she is getting some realization of how deep she had been attached emotionally to Jay.
She was trying to reason why to herself... Unlike Anjali, who had come to Jay purely for physical thrill and tension-filled encounters, Sharmi was different. Here Jay looks like making an extra effort ... Jay took her to lunch. They shared light conversations, soft smiles, and genuine communication. Nikitha could see the difference clearly. There was warmth. Comfort. A slow-building connection.
A fierce wave of possessiveness mixed with jealousy surged through her.
He never did any of this with Anjali.
Tharun noticed her distracted gaze fixed on Jay’s table. He leaned closer during lunch and asked softly, “What happened, Nikki? Why are you staring at his table… or at Sharmi? Is something odd? Are you still thinking about jay have seen us kissing that day?”
Nikitha quickly masked her emotions. “No,” she said, forcing a small smile. “I just have neck pain. I have to sit like this. Then after a pause she said... I don’t have any appetite.” She pushed her plate away and left the cafeteria, her mind swirling in confusion. She still couldn’t make a clear decision about anything.
Sharmi, who had been watching from afar, noted Nikitha’s departure. A small, calculated smile formed on her lips. She’s possessive. And jealous. She wondered if pushing a little more would finally make Nikitha snap and confront her. But she also doubted it — after all, Nikitha had stayed silent even when Jay was involved with Anjali.
Tharun followed Nikitha shortly after. These days, she spent most afternoons in his cabin. He entered, locked the door behind him, and walked over to her.
He gently placed his hands on her neck and shoulders, massaging slowly. “Is it paining here, darling?”
Nikitha stayed lost in thought. Tharun could sense something was deeply disturbing her. He continued the massage, his voice low and caring. “Are you still thinking about who might have watched us kissing? Do you think Jay and Sharmi are talking about it?”
After a long pause, Nikitha shook her head. “No.”
“Then why do you keep staring at their seats?” Tharun asked gently. “I know you don’t have neck pain.”
She stayed silent, unsure how to explain without revealing too much.
Tharun sighed softly. “There must be only two reasons for your behavior…” He waited, then continued when she didn’t speak. “Tell me, Nikki.”
She finally opened up, choosing her words carefully. “I was thinking about my husband. These days, he and my friend are becoming too close. It’s hurting me.”
Tharun was stunned. He hadn’t expected such honesty. He realized she still hadn’t fully let go of her husband, nor accepted the possibility of a new relationship. Still, he probed gently, “How is that related to you staring at Jay’s table?”
Nikitha tried to reason without exposing her secret. “I was just wondering… how Jay moved on so easily with Sharmi after Anjali left. Is it that easy for men to move on?”
Tharun let out a soft laugh, though there was a hint of unease behind it. “So you’re placing Jay in your husband’s position?” He laughed again, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s natural, Nikki. When we’re no longer attached physically or emotionally, men or women tend to move forward. But I’m not sure about Sharmi… you might be overthinking it.”
Nikitha nodded weakly. “Yes… I’m not clear in my decisions. I keep oscillating. I keep hurting everyone. I couldn’t accept his sudden love, nor could I accept how he took me for granted before. I’m stuck.” Her voice cracked slightly. “But I’m realizing I’m getting jealous… even too possessive.”
Tharun’s heart sank a little. A quiet fear crept in — at this pace, she might drift away from him. He decided to distract her, to pull her back into the present moment with him.
He continued massaging her neck and shoulders, his hands slow and deliberate. “Nikki, listen to me,” he said softly, his breath warm against her ear. “Sometimes we need to let go. No matter how much we once loved someone, if it’s not reciprocated, it’s best to move on. What you’re doing is worse than hate. By not letting him go and freeing yourself, you’re hurting both him and you.”
He paused, then added gently, “I’m not saying this because I fear losing you. I’m saying it because I fear you are losing the best version of yourself… and the best opportunity waiting for all of us.”
Nikitha closed her eyes, conflicted. “But I can’t come out of it. Maybe I still love him… the part I keep denying. I don’t know how to distract myself from these thoughts.”
Tharun’s voice dropped, turning husky. “There is a way.”
Nikitha looked up at him, startled. “How?”
Tharun’s voice dropped, turning dangerously husky. “There is a way.”
Before Nikitha could even process his words, his hands moved with sudden, bold intent.
Standing behind her chair, he didn’t ask. He didn’t hesitate.
His hands slipped swiftly from her neck, gliding down her shoulders and diving straight through the open neckline of her kurta in one smooth, assertive motion. Warm, strong fingers slid inside her bra without warning, cupping her bare breasts directly. The shock of skin-on-skin contact hit her instantly — his hot palms pressing fully against her soft, sensitive flesh.
Nikitha gasped sharply, her body jolting in surprise. “Tharun—!”
But he didn’t let her speak.
In the next second, he bent down, tilting her head back firmly with one hand while the other continued possessively massaging her bare breasts. He captured her mouth in a deep, hungry kiss — raw, consuming, and completely in control. His tongue invaded her mouth with urgent passion, swallowing her surprised moan.
His hands were relentless now. He squeezed her breasts with firm, erotic pressure, thumbs rolling over her hardening nipples, pinching and teasing them between his fingers. The sudden shift from gentle massage to this bold, dominant touch left her breathless and trembling. Bare skin against bare skin, his warm palms kneading and owning her chest as he kissed her like he was claiming every inch of her attention.
Nikitha’s mind spun. One moment she had been lost in guilt and confusion — the next, Tharun had taken complete control, his hands inside her kurta, groping and massaging her naked breasts while devouring her lips. The shock mixed with overwhelming pleasure made her thighs press together instinctively.
He broke the kiss just enough to growl against her lips, voice thick with desire, “This is how I distract you, baby. Stop thinking about him.”
Then he kissed her again, even deeper, his fingers continuing their sensual assault on her bare breasts — squeezing, stroking, and teasing her nipples until her body arched helplessly into his touch.
For those heated moments, Tharun had taken full control — and Nikitha was too shocked, too aroused, to stop him.
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