[சிவா முருகன்]

Sivamurugan 85

Nandhini's New Beginning

The first few days after Nandhini joined the company went by quite normally.

A new job.

New people.

New responsibilities.

But there was one person in the company who was paying special attention to her — the Managing Director, Santhosh.

One day, while Nandhini was sitting in her cabin and working, someone knocked on the door.

Nandhini:
"Come in."

The door opened, and Santhosh walked inside.

Nandhini:
"Please come in, sir."

Santhosh:
"How is the work going?"

Nandhini:
"It's going well, sir. Everything is a little new to me, so I'm still learning."

Santhosh:
"You're learning things very quickly."

Nandhini:
"Thank you, sir."

Santhosh:
"When I first looked at your qualifications, I understood something."

Nandhini:
"What is that, sir?"

Santhosh:
"You're not someone who is meant to remain confined to household responsibilities. You have the ability to take charge of major responsibilities and manage them successfully."

Nandhini smiled.

Nandhini:
"I didn't know I had such great abilities, sir."

Santhosh:
"You underestimate yourself. That's your problem."

Nandhini:
"Is that so?"

Santhosh:
"Yes. The way you speak, the speed at which you understand things... everything about you is impressive."

Nandhini:
"Rathnam always tells me that I shouldn't waste my education."

There was a slight change in Santhosh's expression.

Santhosh:
"Rathnam thinks very highly of you."

Nandhini:
"He trusts me a lot."

Santhosh:
"Always make sure you live up to that trust."

Nandhini:
"Definitely, sir."

Santhosh looked at her for a few moments before leaving the cabin.

A Few Days Later

Nandhini was struggling with a particular file.

Just then, Santhosh entered her cabin again.

Santhosh:
"Are you still working on this file?"

Nandhini:
"Yes, sir. I'm unable to understand this calculation."

Santhosh:
"Let me see."

He stood beside her and examined the file. As he explained the calculation, he stood very close to her, his shoulder occasionally brushing against hers.

The fragrance of his body spray was surprisingly captivating to her.

Santhosh:
"This is where the mistake is. You need to calculate it this way."

Nandhini:
"Oh... I understand now, sir."

Santhosh:
"Don't worry. Everyone faces these difficulties when they're new."

Nandhini:
"I want to learn everything as quickly as possible."

Santhosh:
"You will. I'll help you."

Nandhini:
"Thank you very much, sir."

Santhosh:
"One thing, though. If you face any problems, come directly to me. Don't get confused by asking too many other people."

Nandhini:
"Okay, sir."

For Nandhini, it seemed like an ordinary gesture of help.

But for Santhosh, it meant something entirely different.

Helping her.

Winning her trust.

Understanding her habits.

Observing the things she was comfortable talking about.

These were all the next steps in his plan.

Santhosh Starts Visiting Their House

One evening, Santhosh visited Rathnam's house.

Sudha opened the door.

Sudha:
"Welcome, Santhosh! What brings you here at this hour?"

Santhosh:
"Nothing special, Aunty. I just came to visit. Since Rathnam isn't here, I thought I'd drop by and see how everyone is doing."

Sudha:
"If he were here, he would have been sitting and chatting with you by now."

Santhosh:
"Yes, Aunty. I really miss having him around."

At that moment, Nandhini came out of the kitchen.

Nandhini:
"Welcome, sir."

Santhosh looked at her for a moment.

Santhosh:
"How is it possible that your beauty never seems to fade, Nandhini?"

He continued looking at her for a few seconds.

Santhosh:
"You seem to have become even more beautiful after joining the office."

Nandhini felt a little shy.

Nandhini:
"Nothing like that, sir."

But secretly, she felt pleased by his compliment.

Santhosh:
"No, I'm telling the truth. You have a wonderful personality. You look very dignified in your office attire too."

Nandhini:
"Thank you, sir."

Sudha was watching him carefully.

Santhosh immediately changed the subject.

Santhosh:
"Aunty, you also look very beautiful."

Sudha:
"Oh my! Why have you suddenly started praising everyone?"

Santhosh:
"I'm only telling the truth. Looking at you, I can understand where Nandhini gets her beauty from."

Sudha:
"She's more beautiful than me."

Santhosh:
"Both of you are beautiful."

Nandhini smiled.

Nandhini:
"Sir, you seem to praise everyone you meet!"

Santhosh:
"Why shouldn't I, when it's the truth?"

Sudha continued observing him silently.

Rathnam's Phone Calls Become Less Frequent

Meanwhile, Rathnam's workload in Tirunelveli kept increasing.

One night, Nandhini called him.

Rathnam:
"Hello..."

Nandhini:
"Dear, haven't you finished work yet?"

Rathnam:
"No. I still have a few files to complete. Have you eaten?"

Nandhini:
"Yes, I have."

Rathnam:
"What about the child?"

Nandhini:
"He has fallen asleep."

Rathnam:
"Okay. I'll finish some work and then go to sleep."

Nandhini:
"All right."

Rathnam ended the call.

Nandhini stared at her phone for a few seconds.

Earlier, they used to talk for a long time.

Now, their conversations ended within just a few minutes.

Since she was also busy with work, she didn't give it much importance.

But that growing distance was turning into an advantage for Santhosh.

### A Small Change

One evening, Nandhini was working late at the office.

Santhosh entered her cabin.

**Santhosh:**
"Nandhini, haven't you left yet?"

**Nandhini:**
"I need to finish this report, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"You can finish it tomorrow."

**Nandhini:**
"No, sir. If I complete it today, I'll have less work tomorrow."

**Santhosh:**
"That's your problem."

**Nandhini:**
"What do you mean, sir?"

**Santhosh:**
"You're too serious about your work."

**Nandhini:**
"Isn't that a good thing?"

**Santhosh:**
"Of course. But you should also learn to enjoy life a little."

**Nandhini:**
"Once my work is finished, I'm happy to go home."

**Santhosh:**
"You're lucky to have a husband like Rathnam."

**Nandhini:**
"Yes, I am."

**Santhosh:**
"He loves you very much."

**Nandhini:**
"Yes."

**Santhosh:**
"It's a blessing to have someone who loves you that much."

Nandhini smiled.

**Nandhini:**
"That's why I respect him so much."

Santhosh didn't like that answer, but he didn't show it.

**Santhosh:**
"All right. Finish your work and go home."

### The Company Party

A few days later, an announcement was made at the company.

"MD Santhosh's Birthday Celebration – All Employees Are Requested to Attend."

Nandhini mentioned it at home.

**Nandhini:**
"Aunty, there's an office party tomorrow."

**Sudha:**
"What is it for?"

**Nandhini:**
"It's the MD's birthday."

**Sudha:**
"Do you have to attend?"

**Nandhini:**
"Everyone from the office is going. They've asked me to come too."

**Sudha:**
"All right. But make sure you return home on time."

**Nandhini:**
"Okay."

The following day, Nandhini arrived at the office wearing something slightly more modern than her usual outfits.

A few colleagues complimented her.

Santhosh noticed her too.

**Santhosh:**
"Nandhini..."

**Nandhini:**
"Yes, sir?"

**Santhosh:**
"You look very different today."

**Nandhini:**
"It's because of the party, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"You look beautiful. You look like an angel in that dress."

**Nandhini:**
"Thank you, sir."

She smiled to herself, thinking that this was only a small preview. He would see her real appearance that evening.

### The Birthday Party – Evening

**Latha:**
"Jennifer, hasn't Nandhini arrived yet?"

**Jennifer:**
"No. She said she would come."

**Latha:**
"Did she tell you what dress she was going to wear today?"

**Jennifer:**
"No. She just said it would be a surprise."

Just then, Nandhini entered the party hall, looking like an angel who had descended from heaven.

She was wearing a beautiful lehenga with elaborate embroidery.

Without excessive jewellery or makeup, she looked elegant and incredibly attractive.

As soon as she walked in, several people nearby stopped talking and turned to look at her.

Latha stared at her with her mouth open.

**Latha:**
"Hey! Is this really our Nandhini?"

Jennifer turned around.

**Jennifer:**
"Wow!"

**Latha:**
"I've never seen her looking like this before!"

Nandhini walked towards them.

**Nandhini:**
"Why are both of you staring at me like that?"

**Jennifer:**
"Do you even have to ask? You look absolutely gorgeous today!"

**Latha:**
"Just saying beautiful isn't enough. You're the highlight of today's party!"

**Nandhini:**
"It's nothing like that."

**Jennifer:**
"No, Nandhini. I'm telling you the truth. This lehenga is absolutely perfect for you."

**Latha:**
"You look like a film heroine attending a grand reception!"

Nandhini smiled.

**Nandhini:**
"Enough! Stop praising me so much."

**Jennifer:**
"Why? Don't you like hearing compliments?"

**Nandhini:**
"I do... but I'm feeling shy."

Santhosh had been listening to their conversation.

He looked at Nandhini.

Her outfit, her graceful walk and her beautiful smile—all of them caught his attention.

He walked towards her.

**Santhosh:**
"Nandhini."

She turned around.

**Nandhini:**
"Yes, sir?"

Santhosh looked at her silently for a few moments.

**Nandhini:**
"What is it, sir?"

**Santhosh:**
"I've forgotten what I was going to say."

Latha laughed.

**Latha:**
"Sir, have you lost your words after seeing her?"

Santhosh smiled.

**Santhosh:**
"Honestly, Nandhini doesn't even look like an ordinary employee of our company today."

**Jennifer:**
"Then what does she look like?"

**Santhosh:**
"She looks like a famous actress attending an award ceremony."

**Latha:**
"That's absolutely right!"

**Santhosh:**
"Some people can be called beautiful. Some can be called gorgeous. But when you look at certain faces, the only word that comes to mind is 'angel'."

Nandhini felt embarrassed.

**Nandhini:**
"Sir... that's enough."

She blushed deeply.

**Santhosh:**
"Why? Even now, look at how beautiful you become when you blush!"

**Nandhini:**
"You're saying all this in front of everyone!"

**Santhosh:**
"There's no need to feel shy about telling the truth."

Jennifer laughed.

**Jennifer:**
"Nandhini, you're getting all the compliments today!"

**Latha:**
"Yes! You can feel a little proud of yourself."

Nandhini smiled inwardly.

'Am I really this beautiful?'

A slight sense of pride began to rise within her.

'Rathnam never compliments me this often,' she thought.

As the party continued, Nandhini went and sat inside her cabin for a while.

### Inside Santhosh's Cabin

When the party became a little quieter, Santhosh approached Nandhini.

**Santhosh:**
"Nandhini, can you come to my cabin for two minutes?"

**Nandhini:**
"Sure, sir."

Both of them entered his cabin.

Santhosh left the door slightly open.

**Santhosh:**
"Please sit down."

**Nandhini:**
"Tell me, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"I'm going to ask you something personal. Please don't misunderstand me."

**Nandhini:**
"Okay."

**Santhosh:**
"Does Rathnam still talk to you the way he used to?"

Nandhini thought for a moment.

**Nandhini:**
"Not really. Our conversations have become a little less frequent."

**Santhosh:**
"Does that upset you?"

**Nandhini:**
"A little."

**Santhosh:**
"Have you told him about it?"

**Nandhini:**
"If I tell him, he'll feel bad. I don't want to disturb him when he's busy with work."

**Santhosh:**
"Are you always like this?"

**Nandhini:**
"Like what?"

**Santhosh:**
"Do you always hide your own feelings and think only about others?"

Nandhini remained silent.

**Santhosh:**
"You need someone who understands you."

**Nandhini:**
"I have Rathnam, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"Yes, you have him. But right now, he doesn't have time to talk to you."

Nandhini looked at him.

**Nandhini:**
"Everything will become normal once he comes back."

Santhosh smiled.

**Santhosh:**
"You still have complete faith in him."

**Nandhini:**
"Yes, I do."

**Santhosh:**
"That's good."

He continued.

**Santhosh:**
"I never imagined you would come dressed like this to the party."

As he spoke, he moved a little closer to her.

**Santhosh:**
"But sometimes, it's important to talk to people who understand us."

Nandhini tried to get up.

At that moment, Santhosh gently placed his hand on hers.

Nandhini immediately looked at him.

For a moment, silence filled the room.

**Santhosh:**
"Sorry... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Nandhini hesitated before replying.

**Nandhini:**
"It's okay, sir. And... thank you."

**Santhosh:**
"Thank you? For what?"

**Nandhini:**
"For everything. I also have a lot of respect for you, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

Nandhini looked at him.

A little confusion began to develop in her mind.

But the next moment, Rathnam's face appeared in her thoughts.

She remembered his words.

"I trust you more than anyone else. Whom else could I trust?"

Slowly, she removed her hand from his.

**Nandhini:**
"Sir... shall I leave now?"

Santhosh smiled.

**Santhosh:**
"All right. You can go."

Then he asked:

**Santhosh:**
"It's getting late. Shall I drop you home?"

**Nandhini:**
"No, sir. I'll go on my two-wheeler. Thank you."

Nandhini opened the door and walked out.

Santhosh continued looking in the direction she had gone.

His plan had not yet succeeded completely.

But one thing was clear in his mind.

**Santhosh:**
"Rathnam... just a few more days."

Outside, Nandhini returned to the party hall.

Latha immediately came running towards her.

Nandhini joined her friends again.

There was a familiar smile on her face.

But inside her mind, one question kept troubling her.

'Why has Santhosh sir suddenly started talking to me like this?'

She still didn't have an answer.

Santhosh continued watching her.

But Nandhini's thoughts were elsewhere.

She took out her phone and checked it.

There was no message from Rathnam.

She sent him a message.

**Nandhini:**
"There's an office party today. I might be a little late."

After some time, a reply arrived.

**Rathnam:**
"Okay. Come home safely."

Nandhini read those two words again and again.

"Come home safely."

A smile appeared on her face.

But there were certain things she hadn't told him.

### Some Things Were Left Unsaid

That night, Rathnam called her again.

**Rathnam:**
"How was the party?"

**Nandhini:**
"It was good."

She didn't mention what had happened there.

**Rathnam:**
"What happened?"

**Nandhini:**
"Nothing much. Everyone just spent some time together."

She deliberately kept the incidents at the party to herself.

'They're just small things. There's no need to tell him everything,' she convinced herself.

**Rathnam:**
"All right. Go to sleep."

**Nandhini:**
"Okay."

The call ended.

The party was finally over.

Nandhini reached home quite late that night.

Sudha had already gone to sleep.

### The End of One Month

Rathnam's stay in Tirunelveli was nearing its end.

One day, he spoke to the CEO.

**Rathnam:**
"Sir, my one-month period will be completed in another two days."

**CEO:**
"Yes, Rathnam."

**Rathnam:**
"Can I return after that?"

The CEO remained silent for a moment.

**CEO:**
"Rathnam, there's something I need to tell you."

**Rathnam:**
"What is it, sir?"

**CEO:**
"We're planning to create a new position in our company."

**Rathnam:**
"What position, sir?"

**CEO:**
"For your wife, Nandhini."

Rathnam was surprised.

**Rathnam:**
"For Nandhini?"

**CEO:**
"Yes. Her performance has been excellent. Our MD has decided to promote her to the position of Manager."

Rathnam's face immediately lit up with happiness.

At the same time, another thought troubled him.

'If she's going to receive such an important promotion, how will I be able to return home?'

**Rathnam:**
"I'm very happy that she's getting this opportunity, sir."

**CEO:**
"I knew you would be happy."

**Rathnam:**
"She deserves this position because of her talent."

Santhosh, who was standing nearby, smiled.

**Santhosh:**
"Rathnam, your wife is very talented. I also want to see her grow quickly in this company."

There was a hidden double meaning behind his words.

**Rathnam:**
"Thank you very much, sir."

Rathnam didn't suspect anything.

There was only one thought in his mind.

'Nandhini will be so happy!'

### The Promotion

The following day, Nandhini was called to the MD's office.

**Santhosh:**
"Nandhini, please sit down."

**Nandhini:**
"Tell me, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"You've performed extremely well during these past few weeks."

**Nandhini:**
"Thank you, sir."

**Santhosh:**
"When you first joined the company, you had a different designation. Now your responsibilities are going to increase."

**Nandhini:**
"Sir?"

**Santhosh:**
"From now on, you'll be the Manager of one of our company's divisions."

Nandhini was shocked.

**Nandhini:**
"Me?"

**Santhosh:**
"Yes. You deserve it."

**Santhosh:**
"We're also planning to celebrate your promotion with a party at a grand five-star hotel."

**Nandhini:**
"Another party, sir? I don't think I can attend all these celebrations. I've only been working here for a short time."

**Santhosh:**
"Talent shouldn't be measured by the number of years someone has worked. Besides, Rathnam will be very happy about your promotion."

**Nandhini:**
"All right, sir. But I'm still thinking about the party. I'll discuss it and let you know."

She walked out of his office with a happy expression.

She immediately called Rathnam.

**Rathnam:**
"Hello, Nandhini."

**Nandhini:**
"Dear!"

**Rathnam:**
"Why do you sound so happy?"

**Nandhini:**
"I've got a promotion!"

**Rathnam:**
"What?"

He pretended not to know anything.

**Nandhini:**
"I'm going to become a Manager!"

Rathnam remained silent for a few moments.

Then pride could clearly be heard in his voice.

**Rathnam:**
"I always knew that one day you would reach this position."

**Nandhini:**
"It's because of your confidence in me."

**Rathnam:**
"No. It's because you believed in yourself and worked hard."

**Nandhini:**
"When are you coming home?"

**Rathnam:**
"I'll leave in another two days."

**Nandhini:**
"I'll be waiting for you."

**Rathnam:**
"Me too."

The call ended.

Nandhini happily left for home.

But the upcoming party was going to be the first real test for Nandhini.

**Sivamurugan 85**

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