[சிவா முருகன்]

The car carrying Ratnam was heading towards Tirunelveli. As he gazed out of the window, there was only one thought running through his mind.

*“I wish this one month would pass quickly… I simply can't bear to stay away from Nandhini and my child.”*

Meanwhile, in his office, the CEO and MD Santhosh were sitting together in private.

**CEO:**
“Santhosh, Ratnam has left.”

**Santhosh:**
“Good. Everything has happened exactly as you said it would.”

**CEO:**
“But there's one thing. His family must not become suspicious.”

**Santhosh:**
“I'll take care of that. From now on, Nandhini won't belong to Ratnam anymore. She'll be mine alone.”

**CEO:**
“Ratnam trusts us a great deal.”

**Santhosh:**
“That's exactly the trust we're going to take advantage of.”

The CEO remained silent for a moment.

**CEO:**
“I understand why you're so interested in Nandhini. But everything must happen according to plan. Don't rush things.”

**Santhosh:**
“I won't rush. She must enter our company willingly. That's the first step.”

**CEO:**
“She is Ratnam's wife. And Ratnam trusts you. Even one small mistake could expose everything.”

**Santhosh:**
“That's why we'll offer her a good job first. We'll appreciate her abilities and make sure she doesn't suspect anything.”

**CEO:**
“Fine. But remember… our plan must never be exposed.”

**Santhosh:**
“It won't be.”

A faint smile appeared on Santhosh's face.

## Ratnam's House

A few days later, Santhosh visited Ratnam's house.

Sudha was standing at the entrance.

**Sudha:**
“Welcome, sir. Ratnam has told us a lot about you.”

**Santhosh (thinking to himself):**
“Wow! My goodness, what a beauty!”

**Santhosh:**
“Are you Nandhini?”

**Sudha:**
“Oh my God! No, no! I'm Ratnam's mother, Sudha. His wife is inside.”

**Santhosh:**
“Oh, is that so, ma? I thought you were his wife. I'm sorry! I simply can't believe it. Looking at you, nobody would think you're Ratnam's mother. You won't mistake me for asking, will you? How old are you?”

**Sudha:**
“Why would I take offence at that? My real age is 45, but my Aadhaar card says 48.”

**Santhosh:**
“Only 45? Oh my God, aunty, I simply can't believe it! If you participated in a beauty pageant, you'd definitely win first prize!”

**Sudha:**
“Oh, stop it, sir! You're something else!”

His compliments made her feel proud, and at the same time, she blushed.

**Sudha:**
“Oh dear! I've been keeping you standing here and talking all this time. Please, come inside and sit down.”

**Santhosh:**
“Am I disturbing you by visiting when Ratnam isn't here?”

**Sudha:**
“Not at all. It's nice of you to visit. Since Ratnam has been away, the house has been rather quiet.”

**Santhosh:**
“That's why I come by now and then to see how you're all doing. Ratnam is an important employee of our company. His family is like our own family.”

At that moment, Nandhini came out.

The moment Santhosh saw her, he almost felt as though he would faint.

*“Damn! Now this is what I call beauty! From the day I first saw you, I've been going crazy over you, girl!”* he thought to himself.

**Nandhini:**
“Welcome, sir.”

Santhosh was so lost in his thoughts that he barely heard her.

**Nandhini:**
“Sir?”

When she called him again, he snapped back to reality and composed himself.

**Santhosh:**
“Welcome, Nandhini. How are you?”

**Nandhini:**
“I'm fine, sir.”

**Santhosh:**
“How is Ratnam? Is the work in Tirunelveli very difficult?”

**Nandhini:**
“He doesn't talk much about it, but he calls me every day. He says the work is going well.”

**Santhosh:**
“That sounds like him. He's always responsible when it comes to his work.”

Sudha smiled.

**Sudha:**
“He's been responsible since childhood. After starting a family, he's become even more responsible.”

**Santhosh:**
“That's a good thing, ma.”

Santhosh began playing with the child.

**Santhosh:**
“What about you, little one? Are you feeling sad because Daddy isn't here?”

The baby smiled.

**Nandhini:**
“He misses his father a lot.”

**Santhosh:**
“Daddy will be back soon.”

Santhosh behaved as though he were naturally close to the family.

After spending some time with them, he got up to leave.

**Santhosh:**
“Okay, I actually came nearby for some work. On my way, I suddenly remembered that Ratnam's house was here, so I thought I'd drop in and have a chat.”

He turned towards Nandhini.

“Okay, Nandhini. I'll leave now.”

Then he looked at Sudha.

“Goodbye, aunty. I'll visit again.”

With that, he left the house.

## The Job Opportunity

One day, the CEO spoke to Nandhini.

**CEO:**
“Nandhini, Ratnam has told me about your education.”

**Nandhini:**
“What is it, sir?”

**CEO:**
“He told me that you're well educated and interested in administrative work.”

**Nandhini:**
“Yes, sir. I've studied quite a bit, but I haven't worked since getting married.”

**CEO:**
“That's exactly why I wanted to ask you something.”

**Nandhini:**
“Please tell me, sir.”

**CEO:**
“There is a good position vacant in our company. If you're interested, you can join us.”

Nandhini was surprised.

**Nandhini:**
“Me, sir?”

**CEO:**
“Yes. It's a position suitable for your qualifications. You don't have to make a decision immediately. Discuss it with your family and then decide.”

Santhosh, who was standing nearby, joined the conversation.

**Santhosh:**
“Nandhini, Ratnam has told us many good things about you. There's no reason for you to keep your education and abilities confined to the home.”

**Nandhini:**
“I've always wanted to work, sir. But my child is still very young…”

**Santhosh:**
“You have a responsibility to take care of your child. At the same time, you can put your talents to good use. We can even arrange working hours that are convenient for you.”

**Nandhini:**
“I'll discuss it at home and let you know.”

**CEO:**
“Fine. Talk to Ratnam about it as well.”

That night, Nandhini called Ratnam.

**Ratnam:**
“Hello, Nandhini.”

**Nandhini:**
“What are you doing, dear?”

**Ratnam:**
“I've finished work and I'm in my room. What about you?”

**Nandhini:**
“Someone from your company told me something.”

**Ratnam:**
“What is it?”

**Nandhini:**
“They've asked me to come and work at your company.”

**Ratnam:**
“You?”

**Nandhini:**
“Yes.”

**Ratnam:**
“Who told you that?”

**Nandhini:**
“The CEO, sir. MD Santhosh was there too.”

**Ratnam:**
“Oh, is that so?”

**Nandhini:**
“Don't you like the idea?”

**Ratnam:**
“It's not like that. You've always wanted to work, haven't you?”

**Nandhini:**
“But what about the baby?”

**Ratnam:**
“Mother is there to help. You can take care of the baby too. First, find out what the working hours are like.”

**Nandhini:**
“So, can I go to work?”

**Ratnam:**
“Of course you can.”

**Nandhini:**
“Are you really okay with it?”

**Ratnam:**
“If you're happy, I'm happy too. It's a good thing for you to make use of your education.”

**Nandhini:**
“Thank you so much.”

**Ratnam:**
“What are you thanking me for?”

**Nandhini:**
“Whatever decision I make, you always trust me.”

**Ratnam:**
“If I don't trust you, whom else can I trust?”

They continued talking romantically for a little while before finally ending the call.

## Sudha's Doubts

After Nandhini put down the phone, Sudha looked at her.

**Sudha:**
“What was that about?”

**Nandhini:**
“Mother, they've asked me to join the company.”

**Sudha:**
“Are you going to take the job?”

**Nandhini:**
“Ratnam has given his consent.”

**Sudha:**
“Then go ahead. But you must take care of the baby.”

She paused before adding,

“If you don't like the job, you can always leave it.”

**Nandhini:**
“Okay, aunty. Thank you!”

**Sudha:**
“What are you thanking me for?”

**Nandhini:**
“Thank you, aunty.”

**Sudha:**
“I know you've always wanted to work. As long as you're happy, that's enough for me.”

Then Sudha became a little serious.

**Sudha:**
“But there's one thing.”

**Nandhini:**
“What is it?”

**Sudha:**
“It's a new place for you. Don't trust everyone completely right away. Be friendly with people, but be careful too.”

Nandhini smiled.

**Nandhini:**
“Okay, aunty.”

The next morning, Nandhini got ready for work. She looked beautiful in her simple, elegant outfit and carried an office bag in her hand.

She handed the baby over to Sudha.

**Nandhini:**
“Aunty, please give the baby lunch on time.”

**Sudha:**
“Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.”

**Nandhini:**
“I'll come back early.”

**Sudha:**
“Don't rush on your very first day. Take your time, learn the work properly, and then come home.”

**Nandhini:**
“Okay, aunty.”

Nandhini left for the office.

Meanwhile, at the company, the CEO and MD Santhosh were waiting for her.

**CEO:**
“Today is her first day.”

**Santhosh:**
“Yes.”

**CEO:**
“Everything must happen according to our plan.”

**Santhosh:**
“It will.”

**CEO:**
“She must not suspect us.”

**Santhosh:**
“She must see us as good people.”

**CEO:**
“And Ratnam must see us that way too.”

**Santhosh:**
“He will.”

At that moment, the receptionist entered the room.

**Receptionist:**
“Sir… Nandhini madam has arrived.”

Santhosh immediately stood up.

**Santhosh:**
“Ask her to come inside.”

A few seconds later, the large glass door of the office opened.

Nandhini walked in, carrying her bag.

She looked around at the magnificent office in front of her, feeling a little surprised.

There was only one thought in her mind.

*“It's my first day. I must learn the work properly. Ratnam has placed his trust in me.”*

With a small smile, she took her first step into the office.

Little did she know that the very office she had entered to begin her career was also the place where a sinister conspiracy against her was slowly taking shape.

Santhosh escorted Nandhini to her cabin and made sure she was seated comfortably. Then he returned to his own cabin.

As soon as he was alone, the expression on his face changed.

**Santhosh (thinking to himself):**

*“Nandhini, now my game begins! Before Ratnam returns, I'll have you completely under my control. You'll come to crave the pleasure I give you, and you'll find yourself longing for me.”*

A wicked smile spread across his face as he began planning his next move.