[heygiwriter]

Chapter 19 – The Engineered Crisis


Rohan woke before dawn, the dream of the red kurta still burning behind his eyes.
He had the map now — Prem’s blind trust, Nivi’s buried fire, Aaravind’s leash.
But Prem had slammed the door again.
“Just a homemaker.”

Rohan’s jaw set.
Fine.

He would force it open.
He picked up the phone.
First call — to the logistics client, Mr. Ruban.
“Delay the meeting. Tell Prem something urgent came up. Then say you’re open to hearing from Largebase instead — Aaravind reached out.”
Second call — to Aaravind.
“Send a fake representative to your office this afternoon. Make it look like you’re pitching hard for the logistics project. Drag it out. Answer questions poorly on purpose.”

Aaravind’s voice greedy on the other end. “And the CEO title?”

“Play this perfectly — and we’ll talk.”
By nine AM, the trap was set.

Prem called Rohan in panic an hour later.

“Rohan! Ruban just messaged — Aravind is comoing to Ruban's office this afternoon. Says Aaravind offered a better deal. What do we do?”

Rohan’s voice calm, almost bored. “Maybe he’s not interested in your pitch. Ruban doesn’t jump unless he smells less profit.”

Prem’s voice cracked. “No — he said if I’m interested, I can come to Ruban's place and present.”

Rohan let the silence stretch. “That’s a public humiliation setup. He’ll tear you apart in front of Aaravind, prove your approach is weak.”

Prem desperate now. “What should I do?”

Rohan paused. “Don’t you have a pitch team? Marketing?”

Prem laughed bitterly. “Budget’s tight — you know that.”

Rohan sighed. “Go to Ruban's office. I’ll come. With a better pitch person. Someone who convinced me once.”

Prem didn’t hesitate. “Thank you. I’m leaving now.”

Rohan hung up.

Third call — to Nivi.

Direct. No Prem.

“Nivi. It’s Rohan. Emergency. Ruban is meeting Aaravind this afternoon. Your husband’s walking into a trap. I need you for the pitch. Now.”

Silence on her end.
Then: “I’m coming.”
She asked: Did Prem wanted me?
Rohan: No, he doesnt know.. he would disapprove!
She: You know it?
Rohan: I Sensed it..
She: Then why me?
Rohan: I trust you.. .
She: Thanks.. where should i come
Rohan: I'm near your street.. 


Nivi was on cloudnine she felt it like a dream.. She thanked Rohan million times

A minute later she saw the same mercedes once she hit... the same she saw at party hall.. she looked at Rohan more than once.. she sat inside the car turned back and saw Rohan groups its printed on rear window.. 

Nivi smiled inside... she is not sure if she should open it to him now...

Aaravind’s office — afternoon.

The conference room was already in session.

Aaravind sat at the head, smug, beside a “representative” from his team — actually a junior briefed to fumble answers.
Venkat listened, asking sharp questions.

The junior stumbled — vague on scalability, weak on AI integration.
Prem arrived alone first, sweating, restless in his seat, eyes darting to the door.

Then the Mercedes pulled up outside.
Prem saw it through the glass — heart sinking.
Driver opened the back door.
Rohan stepped out.

Passenger door — Nivi.

In a deep green saree, hair tied neatly, laptop bag in hand.

Prem’s stomach dropped.

What is she doing here?
They entered.

Prem stood. “Nivi? What—”
Rohan cut in smoothly. “Where’s the pitch person?” Prem asked, confused.
Rohan looked at Nivi. “She’s right in front of you.”

Prem laughed nervously. “Don’t play, Rohan.”

Rohan’s voice steel. “I’m not. She convinced me once. 
I believe in her one hundred percent. If anyone can shut Aaravind down today, it’s her.” 

He glanced at Aaravind’s smug face. “And it’ll sting more coming from her.”

Aaravind’s smirk faltered.
Ruban raised an eyebrow, interested.

Prem opened his mouth — then closed it.
He looked at Nivi.

She met his eyes — steady, fierce.
Ready.

Ruban spoke. “Rohan already showed me your product earlier — answers weren’t convincing. Let’s try this. Three questions. If I like what I hear, the project is yours. If not — Aaravind’s.”

First question: AI market shifts in the next two years.
Nivi answered — clear, data-backed, forward-thinking.
Second: Feasibility at scale, risk mitigation.
She broke it down — practical, confident, addressing pain points Ruban had raised earlier.
Third: Cost-benefit over in-house.
She painted the story — certainty, growth, partnership.
Ruban leaned back.
Smiled.
“Prem Infinity Solutions it is.”

Aaravind’s face — thunder.
Prem — stunned silent.
Rohan — quiet satisfaction. He know even if she answered wrong the project will be prem's but it was a test for her talent and she passed it. 

Rohan and Ruban shared a knowing smile.. 

As they walked out, Ruban shaking Nivi’s hand first.
Outside, Prem approached Rohan, voice thick.

“Thank you. Really.”
Rohan looked past him to Nivi, then back.
“Thank your wife.”
He put a hand on Prem’s shoulder — firm, pulled him aside.

“I don’t know what you think she is. But she’s your best asset. Use her. You don’t even have to pay her. She’s interested. Utilise that talent.”

Prem nodded slowly. “Yeah… let’s give it a try.” Hesitated. “But—”

Rohan cut him. “I’ll bring more clients. Bigger ones.”

Prem’s eyes lit.
“On one condition.”

Prem: “Anything.”
Rohan’s voice low, final.
“Nivi must be in the room for all future meetings.”

Prem glanced at Nivi standing a distance away — green saree catching the light, head high.
He swallowed.
Reluctantly.
“Yes.”

Rohan released his shoulder.
Smiled.

The cage door cracked wider.
And Rohan now held the key.

[heygiwriter]

I think Partap is the best candidate don't mess up so many characters one time one man otherwise you can't justied for thos beautiful story you are a good writer keep it up

Pratap is a good man.. I just included his character to say there are few harmless good men too... He may have ideas but he is controlled or suppressed to be called good man

[heygiwriter]

Writing pretty good!!! Keep rocking boss!!! Thanks for the updates!!!

Thank you bosss

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 20 – The Drive Home (Prem’s POV)


Prem gripped the steering wheel of their old Swift, the engine humming steadily as they left Ruban’s place..
His mind was still reeling.
The conference room. Ruban’s questions. Aaravind’s smug face turning to stone.


And Nivi.
His Nivi.
Answering like she’d been doing this for years. Calm. Sharp. Brilliant.


He glanced at her in the passenger seat.


She was looking out the window, a small smile playing on her lips — the kind he hadn’t seen in a long time. Not since college, maybe. When she used to talk about starting her own company, eyes bright with plans.


She looked… happy.
Really happy.
Speaking with Ruban. With Rohan.


He felt a strange mix in his chest — pride, yes, but something else too.
Guilt?


He had restricted her all these years. For safety. For Aara. For the family.


Men like Aaravind, Prakash, Rakesh — they were out there.
He had seen what they could do.
But today…


Working in the office — with him, with staff around — was that really dangerous?
Safer than home alone, even.


Why was he always overthinking?
The Mercedes pulling away caught his eye in the rear-view mirror.
Rohan’s car.


Shining, expensive, effortless.
Prem blinked.


“That car… it’s Rohan’s?”


Nivi turned, following his gaze. “Yes.”


Prem shook his head slowly. “How does he have that kind of money? He seemed so… normal. Simple shirt, no show-off. His portfolio didn’t look that flashy either. I thought he just had networks.”


Nivi took a deep breath, her voice soft but sure.


“He has focus, Prem. That’s how.”
Prem glanced at her.


She continued, eyes on the road ahead. “Ever since we met him, he’s been on point. Never distracted. Never wasted time on too many stories. He sees business. Possibilities. Nothing else.”


She smiled faintly. “If we focus like that… one day you might drive a Lamborghini. And I’ll take a Ferrari.”


They both laughed — light, real.


Prem felt the tension ease.
Yes.


Rohan never crossed a line. Never tried to be too friendly. Practical. Professional.


That’s why the contacts were gold.
He was the real deal.


Prem reached over, squeezed her hand.
“You were brilliant today, Nivi.”


She looked at him, eyes warm. “Are you happy with my performance?”
He started to say more, but the words caught.
He nodded instead. “I’m happy.”


Then, quieter: “Rohan wants you in all future client meetings. If we get busy — and at this rate, we will — I’ll be deep in operations. Can you manage the pitch side?”


Nivi’s smile grew — genuine, bright.


“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this.”


She leaned over, kissed his cheek. “Thank you. And thank Rohan.”


Home wasn’t far now.


As they pulled into the gate, Nivi’s phone was already in her hand.
She typed quickly.
Thanks for today.
Sent.
To Rohan.


Across the city, in his penthouse, Rohan’s phone lit up.
He read the message.Smiled.
Didn’t reply. Not yet.
He knew when to react.
When not to.
Calm. Cool.


Planning the next move. The clients were coming.
The meetings would be private. Often. And Nivi would be there.
Every time.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 21 – Lines Drawn, Trust Earned

The air was different — charged, but not tense.

Prem spoke first.

“We need to draw lines, Nivi. House and office.”
Nivi nodded, waiting.

“You handle the pitches. You’re brilliant at it. But Aara comes home by 4. You must be back by 6 PM latest — homework, dinner, bedtime.”
Nivi’s eyes flickered, but she agreed. “Okay.”

“By 10:30 Am, you need to be at office.”
She smiled faintly. “Understood.”

Prem leaned forward. “Once the business grows — really grows — I’ll hire professional marketing people. Train them. Then you can step back if you want. Lessen the burden. You’ll have more time for Aara… and us.”

Nivi looked at him for a long moment.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
But inside, something stirred.
Step back?

She wasn’t sure she wanted to.

The following week, it began.
Rohan brought one client every week — carefully chosen, mid-to-large, hungry for outsourcing.
Nivi shone in every meeting.

Her pitches were stories — not slides.
Clients leaned in.
Signed.

Prem’s small office grew louder — more staff, more phones ringing, more revenue.
Nivi became the face of the front end.

Prem handled the back — delivery, operations, scripts.
After one particularly big win, Rohan turned to her in the conference room.

“There’s a new prospect. Needs a personal touch. Dinner meeting tomorrow night?”
Nivi hesitated.

Prem, in the room, handed her the car keys without missing a beat.
“Go. You’ll close it.”

Then, smoothly, he turned to Rohan.
“Stay back a minute? Need your thoughts on scaling the team.”

Rohan sat.
He understood.
Trust not fully earned yet.
Prem still guarding.
Rohan smiled inwardly.
Fine.

He had time.
That night, he texted Aaravind.

Move on Inforexat Pvt Ltd. Cause a scene. Nivi will be there for the pitch.
Aaravind replied instantly: Done.

The next day — thirty minutes into Nivi’s solo pitch at Inforexat — trouble.
Fake technical glitch, planted by Aaravind’s “representative.”

Client frustrated.
Nivi called Prem, voice calm but urgent.

Prem panicked — critical script release that day.
He couldn’t leave.

“Rohan’s nearby,” he said. “I’ll send him.”
Rohan arrived.

Fixed it — quietly, efficiently.
Client impressed.
Deal closed.

From then on, for almost a month, it became pattern.
Every client meet.
Every escalation.
Rohan accompanied Nivi.

Prem too busy with operations to join.
“Safer anyway,” Prem told himself.

Rohan and Nivi — car rides, conference rooms, coffee breaks between meetings.
Always professional.
Never personal.

But the time together grew.
They talked shop — market trends, client psychology, scaling dreams.

Rohan listened when she spoke about old college ideas.
Never pushed.
Never flirted overtly.
Just… present.
Attentive.

He loved her company more than the thought of taking her to bed.
For now.

The trust bloomed.
Slowly.

One evening, after a late meeting in Rohan’s mall office, rain threatening again.
Nivi gathered her laptop.

“Thank you for coming today. Again.”
Rohan looked up from his desk.

“You don’t need to thank me every time.”
She smiled — small, genuine.
“I know. But I mean it.”

He held her gaze.
“You’re wasted on just pitches, Nivi.”
She paused at the door.
“What do you mean?”
He leaned back.
“You could run the whole show. One day.”
She laughed softly.
“One day.”
She left.

Rohan watched her go.
The obsession deepened.
Not just her body.

Her mind.
Her fire.
The way she was waking up.

He could wait.
The bed would come.
When she was ready to burn.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 22 – The Breaking Point



The weeks blurred into a rhythm Nivi had never known.
Client meetings. Pitches. Wins.
Rohan brought one big fish every week — carefully selected, high-value.
Nivi closed them all.


Her confidence grew with each handshake, each signed contract.
One afternoon, after sealing a particularly large deal in a quiet hotel conference room overlooking the city, Rohan lingered as the client left.
He turned to her, casual.


“Why not start your own marketing agency?”
Nivi froze, laptop half-closed.
“What?”


Rohan leaned against the table, arms crossed.
“You manage it. We go for the big pitches together. Partners. 50–50 ownership.”
Her breath caught.


The old dream — college talks, late-night sketches of logos and plans — flooded back.
Eyes glowing, she whispered, “I… I’ve always wanted…”
Then hesitation. “Prem…”


Rohan nodded, reading her. “I know. He may not approve. That’s why I said partnership firm. Call it namesake. We split revenue quietly. He’ll think it’s just more work for Prem Infinity. He’ll be in — indirectly.”


Nivi shook her head slowly. “You don’t know him.”
Rohan’s voice lowered. “I know he’s insecure. Overprotective. But don’t waste your talent, Nivi. You dreamed this once.”


The words hung heavy.
The man I loved… never understood.
She looked away, throat tight.


Rohan took a breath. “If you stand in everyone’s shoes, every vision feels right to them. Don’t overthink. Let’s do it.”
He paused.


“We pitch some companies on our own. Land deals. Allocate smaller clients to other firms, take our share. Clean. Profitable.”


Nivi’s eyes glowed brighter.
“I’m ready to jump in.”
Then softer: “But I’m scared of Prem.”
Rohan met her gaze. “You loved him enough to marry him against the world. He’ll understand. Eventually.”
She didn’t answer.


But the seed was planted.


That night at dinner, Nivi tested the water.
Casual.


“Rohan had this idea today… what if I partnered with him on the marketing side? Just time, no money. Separate agency.”
Prem’s fork paused.


“You’re already busy with Prem Infinity. That’s enough.” A small laugh. “Don’t think you’re some super-smart businesswoman now.”
The words stung — sharp, deliberate.


He said it lightly, teasing. But Nivi heard the edge.
Control. She smiled tightly. Silence.
Later, in bed, Prem asleep, Nivi stared at the ceiling.
For the first time, she wanted to stand against him.
Just once.
She picked up her phone.
Texted Rohan.
He said no. Shot it down.
Rohan’s reply came fast.
That’s why I said don’t reveal yet. We’ll take care of it. Trust me.
She set the phone down.
Panicked.
Excited.


Rohan unleashed his plan immediate morning...… An unexpected plan to keep them in closer orbit and that makes Prem powerless and has to agree with what he say…


Next Evening.

The knock came sharp at 9 PM.
Prem opened cautiously.
Two men in security officer khaki, one holding papers.
“Court eviction notice. Vacate immediately.”


Prem’s eyes narrowed. “At night? Show me your IDs. This is illegal — I’m calling the station right now.”


He pulled out his phone, dialed a station number.
Aaravind stepped from the shadows, grinning, goons behind him..


One “officer” flashed a badge quickly. “Emergency execution. Landlord filed.”
Prem: “Bullshit. Let me verify—”


Aaravind laughed. “Call whoever. These officers are on special duty tonight… because I paid them extra. Money talks faster than your complaints, Prem.”


The goons moved forward, starting to grab boxes.
Nivi clutched Aara, eyes wide.


Prem tried the call again — line engaged, or snatched briefly.
Realisation hit. Bought.
Corrupt. Outmatched.


“You think I’ll watch calmly while you snatch all my clients?” Aaravind’s voice was venom, low and furious.
Prem: you are crossing the limit.. I can sue you in court …


Aravind: You move legally.. I will move the company's legal notice.. And demand the 10 cr.. I planned it carefully to humiliate you.. The landlord got the cash and gave me instant registration in the morning… Move out now.. 


His voice shook with rage, but he saw Aara scared, Nivi pale.
He couldn’t risk violence. He dialed the only number left.
Rohan.
…
Rohan arrived twenty minutes later.
Stepped out of the Mercedes, surveyed the scene.
To Aaravind: “You paid these men? How much?”
Aaravind smug. “Enough.”
Rohan nodded slowly. “I’ll remember that.”


Then to Prem, voice low: “No point tonight. Take what you need. Come with me.”
He lifted sleeping Aara gently from Nivi’s arms.
The goons hesitated — something in Rohan’s calm made them pause.
Aaravind snarled but didn’t stop them.
Rohan’s men arrived minutes later — real professionals — began packing efficiently.
Nivi, Aara followed Rohan to the cars.
Prem drove the swift..
As they drove away, Nivi looked back at their home — lights blazing, Aaravind’s silhouette in the doorway.
Then at Rohan — steady, in control.
Safe.
For the first time in years, truly safe.
But not at home.
In his world.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 23 – The Luxury Trap



The Mercedes glided into the underground parking of a towering glass building in the heart of Chennai’s most exclusive neighbourhood.
Prem’s Swift followed behind, looking small and ordinary next to it.
Rohan led them to the private elevator — biometric scan, soft chime, direct to the penthouse floor.

The doors opened into the apartment.
Prem stopped dead.
Nivi’s breath caught.
Aara’s eyes went wide.
It wasn’t an apartment.
It was a palace in the sky.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city lights and distant sea. Marble floors that gleamed under recessed lighting. Open-plan living with sleek Italian furniture, art on the walls that looked like they belonged in galleries. A kitchen bigger than their old house. Infinity pool on the terrace visible through sliding glass.

No one would say no to this place.
Rich. Mighty. Untouchable.
Prem turned to Rohan, voice low. “Who are you, actually?”

Rohan smiled, casual, pouring water from a crystal jug.

“At the rate your company is performing, three years down the line you’ll buy bigger than this.” He handed glasses to Prem and Nivi. “I’ve received twenty lakhs in the last two months just from your company. Why can’t it grow more with my expertise across twenty-plus companies?”

Prem blinked, processing.

Nivi looked around, silent, but her eyes took in every detail.
Rohan showed them the guest wing — two large bedrooms connected by a sitting area, attached baths, walk-in closets already stocked with fresh linens.

Aara’s room had toys waiting — someone had prepared.
“Your space,” Rohan said simply. “Make it home.”

He bid good night and disappeared into the master wing.
The door closed softly behind him.

Next morning, over breakfast on the terrace — fresh fruits, idlis prepared by the silent house staff — Prem spoke first.
“I’ll start looking for a house today. Rental first.”
Rohan sipped his coffee, gazing at the sea.

“Don’t look for rental. Buy one. Don’t shift things twice. Let’s get you a proper house in a month. Until then, stay here.”
You are running a company now that deals business in crores and you don’t want to own a house. Ridiculous.. Plus assets can be useful in business for loans.. 

He smiled, easy. “I’m all alone anyway. My wife’s in Kerala with the kids.”
Prem smiled back, grateful. “Thank you. Again.”

Rohan set his cup down.
Then, casual as weather talk:
“I’m starting a new company. Marketing focused. It would be great if Nivi came in as partner. Her face is the star in the market now. I’ll fund 50%. What do you say?”

Prem paused.

Rohan continued smoothly. “Two entities — tax efficient. If you build an in-house marketing team, you pay full taxes, salaries. This way, money flows outside but stays ours. My auditor suggested it.”
Prem listened carefully.

Rohan stood. “I’ll visit your office this afternoon. Some outside work first.”
He handed spare keycards to both Prem and Nivi.
“Use the place as yours.”
Then left.

In the car, after dropping Aara at college, Prem driving, Nivi beside him.
He spoke first.
“Let’s give it a try. The new marketing startup.”
Nivi looked at him.
No big smile.
She knew.
It wasn’t Prem deciding. It was necessity. Rohan had made it inevitable.
But still. Her dream. Coming true.

That night, in their guest bedroom — doors to Rohan’s wing just down the hall — Nivi’s phone lit up.
Message from Rohan.

Hope all went the way we wanted. Bangalore next week — one night stay, two meetings. Get ready. When we return, we’ll have a new company in our name.
Nivi read it twice.
Smiled in the dark.
The kind of smile she hadn’t worn in years.
The dream wasn’t just coming true. It was hers now. And his.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 24 – The Night in Bangalore



The day before the Bangalore trip, tension hung in the penthouse like monsoon clouds.
Prem paced the living room after dinner, Aara already asleep.

Nivi packed quietly in their guest bedroom — small suitcase, professional clothes, laptop.
Prem finally spoke.
“You’re going overnight. With him.”

Nivi didn’t look up. “It’s business. One night. Two meetings.”
Prem’s voice tight. “I trust you. But men… I don’t trust any man.”
He paused.

“With Rohan… he’s plastic. No emotion. All business.”
Nivi zipped the bag. “That’s why it’s safe.”

Prem shook his head. “And Aara? Two days?”
Nivi turned. “Rohan arranged a sitter. The staff here know her routine.”

Prem’s jaw set. “He’s a businessman. Sees only outcome. Doesn’t feel family. That’s why his wife and kids are in Kerala.”
The words landed hard.

Nivi’s eyes flashed — brief, controlled.
She stepped closer.
“Please. Just this once.”

Silence.

Prem looked away.
Finally, reluctant: “Okay.”
But his face said he was unhappy.

“Soon build it big,” he muttered. “Hire staff. No more outside trips.”
Nivi nodded.

But inside, she registered the fight.
The blame.
The control.
The morning arrived.

Flight to Bangalore — business class, Rohan’s booking.
In the lounge, he slid a folder across.

Nivi opened it.
Company papers.
Nivisha Managing Ltd.
Incorporation documents. Her name as Managing Director.
50% shares — hers.
His — silent.
She looked up, stunned.
“Why not your name? Mine?”
Rohan smiled, small.
“It was your dream, right?”
Her throat tightened.

She took a photo of the cover page.
Thought of posting it — proof, pride.
Then didn’t.
Not yet.
The meetings flew.
First client — impressed by the pitch, the vision.
Signed by afternoon.
Second — even faster.
All done by early evening.
Nivi closed her laptop.
“All ended so soon. Going back to Chennai?”
Rohan stood, stretched.
“No.”
She blinked.
“You look like a machine sometimes,” he said. “I decided to show you Bangalore’s night life. We fly back tomorrow. Come. Enjoy this.”
Nivi hesitated.
Unsure.

It felt like… an unsaid date.
But she followed.
They explored.

MG Road lights. Street food — she laughed at his attempts with masala dosa.
Then a rooftop bar — music thumping, city sparkling below.

Nivi didn’t drink.

But when the DJ played an old favourite, she danced.

Free.
Hair loose, saree pallu slipping with movement, body moving to the beat.
Rohan watched from the edge — drink in hand, eyes dark.
When it was time to leave, the crowd surged.
Nivi lost in the press of bodies.
Rohan panicked — real, raw.
He pushed through, heart hammering.
Spotted her.
Grabbed her hand — firm, protective.
Pulled her out into the cool night air.
She looked up, breathless.
His face still disturbed.
“You okay?”
He exhaled. “I panicked looking for you. Only when I held your hand… I breathed again.”
Nivi sensed it.
Safety.
Care.

She smiled softly. “You speak this well? I never knew.”
They walked to the car in silence — hands brushing, not quite letting go.
Back at the hotel — luxury penthouse suite Rohan had booked. Top floor. Private pool terrace overlooking the city.
They sat at the edge, feet dangling, lights twinkling below.
Nivi spoke first.

“Thank you. For everything. From the bottom of my heart.”
Rohan looked at her — long, steady.
“You don’t need to thank me.”

She shook her head. “I do. The company. The name. The chance. No one else…”
Her voice trailed.
He reached out — slow — tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
His fingers lingered on her cheek.
“You deserve it, Nivi.”
The air shifted.

Heavy.
Charged.
She didn’t pull away.

The city lights reflected in her eyes.
And for the first time, she leaned — just slightly — into his touch.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 25 – The Kiss by the Pool 


The penthouse suite in Bangalore was quiet, the city lights shimmering below like scattered diamonds.


Nivi stood on the terrace, phone in hand, staring at the pool’s soft glow.
The day had been perfect — deals signed, her name on the company papers, freedom tasting real for the first time.
Then the phone rang.
Prem.


She answered, heart sinking.
His voice came sharp, agitated.


“Nivi? Separate rooms or same room? Put the video on — now.”
Nivi glanced at Rohan inside.
He nodded calmly — Go. Do as he needs.
She switched to video.


Prem’s face filled the screen — tired, eyes narrowed.
“Who’s there with you? Where exactly are you?”


Nivi kept her voice steady. “Separate room. Hotel booked two. I’m alone.”


Prem’s words tumbled. “I trust you. But men — I know how they look at you. Aaravind… Rakesh… I protected you from all that. And now you’re away overnight?”


He ranted — reasons piling up.
Insecurity. Fear. Control dressed as care.
Every word a chain.
Rohan watched from the doorway, silent.
Listening.


The call dragged — Prem demanding proof, questioning timings, blaming the trip.
Finally, Nivi cut it.


“I’m safe. Good night.”
She hung up.
Hands shaking.
She walked back inside, face pale.
Rohan stepped closer.
“You okay?”
She exhaled, eyes wet but fierce.
“He’s like this because of the past. Aaravind. Rakesh. And… Prakash.”
Rohan’s brow lifted slightly.
“What did they do?”
Nivi hesitated.
Then the words came — quiet, heavy.


“Aaravind tried to force himself on me in college. Prem saved me.”
“Rakesh — at the textile shop. Grabbed me. I slapped him.”
“And Prakash…”


Her voice cracked.
“The night he tried. The pill. The bedroom. I woke up… feeling used. But I pretended I didn’t remember. When Prem and I fought once, he dragged Aaravind’s name. I was terrified if he said Prakash… it would destroy him. The guilt of not protecting me.”


She looked at Rohan, tears brimming.
“So I lied. Said I didn’t know. He thinks he spared me trauma by hiding it. But really… I spared him from traumatising me with his reaction.”
Rohan moved nearer.


His presence warm, steady.
“You’ve carried too much alone.”
She nodded, voice breaking.
“These things… they made Prem never trust any man around me. Never.”
Rohan’s voice soft.


“It’s natural. You’re beautiful. If I were your husband… I’d be secured too.”
He paused.


“But not over-insecured. Trust is the base of everything.”
Nivi looked at him — grateful, raw.
He asked gently.
“So you knew about Prakash all along?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I pretended… to protect us both.”
Rohan stepped even closer.
“You’ve been strong too long.”
He opened his arms.
“My shoulder is for you. Hug me. Cry if you need. I’m here.”
Nivi stepped into his arms.
He wrapped her tight — strong, protective.
She pressed herself into his warmth, face against his chest.
The tears came then — silent, years of weight.
He held her. Tighter.
Minutes. His hands on her back — steady, safe.
She felt his heartbeat.
Fast.
Like hers.
They pulled back slowly. Faces inches apart.
Eyes locked. 


“My husband doesn’t understand me,” she whispered.
“Unlike you… your wife will be lucky.”
Rohan’s gaze darkened.
He sat at the pool edge, feet in water.
Nivi sat beside him.
He told his story.
Quiet.


“My wife wants me in Kerala. Full time. Leave Chennai, the business here. Build everything there. With her family.”
Nivi listened.


“So we’re travelling the same boat,” she said softly.
“Prem wants to shut my dreams. Go his way.”
“Your wife wants the same with you.”
“Irony.”


They laughed — low, shared.
The city quiet below.
Minutes passed.
Her head rested on his shoulder.
Natural.


“When will our lives go good?” she murmured.
Their faces turned. Lips closer. Closer.
Touch. Electric.
Who started — they didn’t know.
Didn’t care.
The kiss began soft.


A gentle brush of lips — tentative, like the first raindrop testing the surface of still water.
Then hungry.
Deeper. Urgent.
Tongues met — slow at first, exploring, tasting the shared breath of the night. 
It turned crazy. Twenty minutes lost in it.
Hands in hair — fingers threading, pulling closer.
Bodies pressed at the pool edge — the cool stone against her back, his warmth against her front.
Breaths mingling — fast, shallow, one rhythm.
The world gone.
Only them. Only this.
They shifted — balance lost in the heat — and slipped together onto the soft cushioned floor beside the pool.
Not a fall. A surrender.
He cushioned her beneath him, careful even in the fire.
She pulled him down, arms around his neck.
They kissed like lovers who had waited years.
Like lovers who had finally found home.
Slow now.
Deep.
Endless.
Her fingers traced his jaw.
His hand cradled her face, thumb brushing her cheek.
No rush.
No end.
Just the quiet sound of water lapping at the pool edge.
And two hearts finally speaking the same language.
When they finally parted — foreheads resting together, breaths still shared — the city lights below seemed brighter.
The night warmer.
And something inside both of them — long quiet — had come alive.


When they finally parted — gasping, foreheads together.
No words.
Just the glow of the pool.
And the knowledge.
The line was crossed.
Irreversibly.

[heygiwriter]

Amazing script work a perfect pitch

Wonderful narration excellent

Keep going like this

Thank you

[heygiwriter]

I clearly guessed wrong.. amazing writing sir! Thank you for the quick updates!

Thanks :)

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 26 – The Night We Didn’t Cross



When their lips parted, it was Rohan who felt the shift more deeply.

Nivi’s eyes were wide, breath unsteady, cheeks flushed with the rush of the moment.
But Rohan — the man who had brought countless women to this very penthouse suite, who had fucked models and married women in these same sheets out of frustration and rebellion against his distant wife — felt something entirely new.
Not just lust.
Something softer.
Deeper.
A longing he hadn’t expected.

Love, perhaps — or the closest he’d come in years.

He had booked this place with heat in mind — to finally have her, claim her body the way his fantasies had demanded for weeks.
Talks slowly, manipulate gently, take her to bed.
It could have taken even a month more.

But Prem's call changed everything.

The overprotective rant triggered Nivi's explanation.
Which turned into raw conversation.
Which needed comfort from him.
That's the crack.

Deep down, he thanked Prem and his endless overthinking.
If he hadn't called, irritated Nivi, shown his control…

Nivi and he would not have dived into the conversation that landed in comfort... and the kiss.
His heart wanted more.  Understanding. Companionship.
Someone to share the silence with. Without thinking, the words slipped out.
“Sorry… I shouldn’t have.”

His voice rough, genuine.
“But your kiss… it healed something. Eight years of pain.”

Nivi looked at him — really looked.
Saw the rawness in his eyes.
She came back to reality.
She knew that pain.
The same emptiness.

Rohan stood, offered his hand.
She took it. He pulled her up gently.
“No need to be sorry,” he said quietly. “It wasn’t a mistake. We both felt it. Some kind of… longing. I don’t have words for it. Just… I felt like I finally had someone I could talk to.”

Nivi nodded, still dazed from the kiss, from his honesty.
From the truth in his words.

Rohan looked at her — vulnerable for the first time.
“I have tons to share. Would you mind… sleeping with me tonight?”
She blinked.

He clarified quickly, softly.
“Just a friend beside me. Hear my stories. Sleep side by side. Assurance. Nothing more.”

Nivi saw his eyes.
The need. Not for her body. For her presence. 
She felt it too.
The loneliness.

The want for someone who listened. Who understood.
She nodded.
Quietly followed him.

They sat on the same bed — backs against the headboard, side by side.
No touching. Just talking. 
Rohan first.
His love story — crazy, passionate at the start. How his wife slowly withdrew.
Stopped satisfying his needs — emotional, physical. How he turned to others.
Models. Married women.
In this very room.

“But your kiss,” he said, voice low. “It was different. It healed me.”
Nivi smiled — first words in thirty minutes.
“I felt the same.”

She told her story — the dreams buried, the cage of love, the talent ignored.
How Prem never truly saw her fire.

"But what's surprising is how you can speak this well — close, personal — and not just business."

Rohan smiled, a real one this time, the kind that reached his eyes and softened the sharp edges of his face.

"I'm a fun person, Nivi. More jovial than practical, really. I love laughing, sharing stories, being light. But my wife's sudden withdrawal... it drove me to constantly overthink, keep everything locked inside."
He looked out at the city lights, voice quieter.

"I distract it all in business. Deals, numbers, control — that's where I bury the noise. It's safer than feeling."
Nivi understood it completely.
She kind of experienced the same.

Deep down, she was a fun person too — quick to laugh, full of ideas, playful once.
College Nivi danced at culturals, dreamed big, teased friends.
But over the years, she was not heard by Prem.
Her voice faded.
She lived the life which Prem dictated — safe, protected, but small.
No room for her fire.No space for the girl who wanted to build empires, laugh loud, feel alive.
She nodded slowly, eyes on the pool water.
"I get it," she whispered.

"The cage isn't always bars. Sometimes it's love... that forgets to let you breathe."
They sat in silence a moment.
Comfortable.
Shared.
The night deeper now.
Closer.

They spoke until voices grew soft.
Until eyelids heavy.
They never knew when they dozed off — still sitting, heads leaning closer.
Morning came gentle.
They woke — somehow lying down, her head on his chest, his arm around her.
No memory of moving. Just natural.
They hugged — warm, lingering. No guilt.
Just comfort.

The flight home was quiet. Side by side again.
Nivi saw how he was deep into a magazine, reading digital on latest trends and sharing insights with her.
With not even a glimpse of anything on his head about last night.
It felt like she had dreamed something and it didn't happen in real last night.
Nivi asked, “How can you be so focused? I’m still thinking about last night.”
Rohan smiled.

“It’s how we have to be. I treat you as a good friend now. Last night won’t stop us. Every month, we’ll travel back to the same penthouse. Speak our hearts. Celebrate. And if you decide… our lips connect again.” He winked.
Nivi wasn’t sure if he was playing about the kiss or serious.
But she wanted the other things — speaking, sharing, caring…
She didn’t answer.
Just looked out the window.
Smiled inside.

Back in Chennai.
The days turned to routine.
Nivi and Rohan signed papers. Found a new office.
Shifted her space. Assigned employees.
Pitched new clients.
Built hierarchy.

Rohan stayed focused — professional, driven.
Nivi noticed how he seemed to… forget the heat.
Or control it.

She decided to follow his lead.
Focus.

The company grew.
Nivi landed projects without Rohan’s help.
Kept Prem busy.

At home, she and Prem shared the same bedroom.
But no connection. Not like that one night in Bangalore.
She missed it. Not the kiss.
The talking. The comfort. The celebration.
The feeling of being understood. 

One night, a month later.
Her phone lit up.
Message from Rohan.
Sorry for not telling earlier. Same client. Bangalore. Tomorrow.
Nivi’s heart leaped. Overjoyed.
Not for business. For him.
For that night again.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 27 – The Second Bangalore Night



The morning before the Bangalore trip, tension crackled in the penthouse.
Prem noticed Nivi packing early — suitcase open, professional clothes folded neatly.
“You’re going again?” His voice sharp.


Nivi didn’t look up. “It’s for Prem Infinity. Client meeting.”
Prem stepped closer. “You’re earning now, so you behave like this? This is why I wanted to keep you home, not in business.”
The words landed like a slap.
Nivi’s hands stilled.
She didn’t reply.


Just closed the suitcase.
Irritated.
Excited.


She grabbed her bag, walked out of the room.
Knocked on Rohan’s door.
“Let’s go soon,” she said, voice steady.
Rohan looked up. “Aara awake?”
“Yes. I asked the nanny to stay tonight.”
They left before Prem came out of the bath.


Flight smooth.
Landing in Bangalore — same penthouse suite booked.
Client meeting — but unlike last time, Rohan had already handled everything on the phone.
Nivi just signed documents.
All done in thirty minutes.
She looked at him. “What next?”
Rohan smiled.
“Surprise.”


He took her to a high-end mall.
“No more boring sarees,” he said. “Wear something modern. Suits parties, business meetings — modern yet gracious.”
He picked outfits — kurtas, tops, dresses.


She tried them on.
Came out in a fitted red tops — sleeveless, elegant cut, hugging her curves.
Rohan’s breath caught.
He took photos. Lots.


She laughed — free, excited.
She felt like she’d entered a new world.
One she never explored.
Rohan wanted this.


And the result was clear.
He then took her to a kurta section.


Ordered a red one — the exact style he had dreamed.
She asked, “Why this?”
“I dreamed you wearing it. And kissing me. Wanted to see how you’d look.”
Nivi froze.
Wanted to say no.
But he bought it.
The day went crazy.


Cinema — hand in hand, laughing, chattering.
Noon — company visit.
Evening — exploring nightlife.


She wore one modern top and shorts to a pub.
Danced with Rohan — close, carefree.


When night reached, they celebrated the one-month successful company launch.



She wore a nighty, got ready for a call with Prem.
He called.
She mocked: “You want to check if I’m alone? Check.”
She toured the room on video — Rohan on the pool side.
After the call ended, they shared smiles. They are visibly cheating prem.. 


Sat again on the same bed.
Stories again. Now about kids.. Dreams and goals in life.. Nivi started seeing more fun side of Rohan…


As their shoulders touched each other… one more moment came..
This time, the kiss started.
Not sure who or how.
Deep.
Mad.
Nivi realised she couldn’t stop it.


After 15 minutes, they went into hugging mode. Lay inside bedsheets..
Kissed again.


Nivi realised his dick — dangerously hitting her.
She opened the bedsheet.
“It’s better we sleep separate,” she said softly.
Rohan admitted, voice rough: “Yes.”


Words unspoken.
Both knew what they were hinting.


Next morning, they got ready to return to Chennai.
Rohan asked her to wear the red kurta he had dreamed of.
Same penthouse style.


She came out. Gorgeous. 
Rohan stopped.
“I need to wait one more month again.”


Nivi laughed — light, teasing.
She came closer.
Her hand reached his.
Pulled his face.
Locked lip to lip.
Twenty minutes of mad kiss.
Deep.
Hungry.


No holding back.
When they parted, breathless.
No words.
Just the promise of more.

[heygiwriter]

Prem recreating the dream sequence and their second kiss

[heygiwriter]

Wonderful

thanks a lot

[heygiwriter]

great writing

Thanks a lot

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 28 – The House and the Change


They returned from the second Bangalore trip as always — focused, professional.
No lingering glances in front of Prem.
No whispers.
Just business updates, client wins, revenue numbers.


Prem watched them sometimes — Nivi glowing, Rohan calm — and felt the old doubt creep in.
But nothing to grasp.
They were hundred percent business.
He judged himself for suspecting.


Determined to be better.
Support her dreams.
Be the husband she deserved.


He didn’t know it was too late.
The change had already rooted too deep.


Rohan — now part of their daily life — decided to push further.


One morning, he called Prem.
“Let’s look at houses today. Individual villas. I know a builder — expert.”
Prem surprised, but grateful.


That afternoon, the three drove to the site — premium layout on the city outskirts.
Luxury villas in progress — gardens, pools, privacy.
Prem walked the model home, eyes wide.
Jokingly to Rohan: “What, throwing us out already?”
Rohan smiled.


“No. Thinking of shifting to your new home myself.”
Prem laughed — took it as friendly banter.
Rohan had become the trusted friend. Well-wisher.
He let the remark slide.


Nivi, in the back seat on the drive, caught Rohan’s eyes in the mirror.
She knew the meaning.
Deeper.
They couldn’t leave their families. Yet couldn’t stop falling.
The monthly night was changing them — bit by bit.


They just hadn’t spoken it yet.


They discussed with the builder.


Fixed a plot.


Token advance paid the same day — Rohan quietly covering half, calling it “investment in friends.”
Back at the penthouse.
Prem headed to office.
“I’ll handle operations. You two finalize details.”
He left.


Nivi turned to Rohan in the living room.
“Why are you doing all this? You keep making me feel indebted.”
Rohan casual, stepping closer.
“If you feel indebted… credit it with a kiss.”
She stepped back, half-laughing, half-serious.
He pulled her gently — kissed her.
Soft. Quick.


In the room she shared with Prem.


When lips parted, she whispered, “No, Rohan. Once a month. Not this way.”


He smiled.
“I know. Just releasing some debt.”
They smiled at each other.  Shared secret.


The days flew.
Building shaped faster than expected — thirty days.
Prem noticed the change in himself.
Softened. Encouraging.
Supporting her dreams — in words, at least.
For him the soft and encouraging is nothing but not blocking Nivi.. it barely reached Nivi.. She never noticed it.



The third trip came.
Morning.
Nivi arranging clothes. Expected the fight.
“I’m going to Bangalore today.”


Prem looked up from coffee.
“Take care. Eat on time. Don’t walk alone — take Rohan’s help wherever you go.”


The words hung heavy.
Is this my Prem?
She questioned herself.


This was the husband she had wanted for years.
Supportive. Trusting.
Should she be happy?
Or move an inch ahead with Rohan?
Confused.


Until Rohan knocked.
“Time for the flight.”
Nivi turned.
Walked to Prem.
Kissed his cheek.
“Take care, darling.”


Prem flushed — surprised, pleased.
Rohan saw it all.
Deep down, he realised.


His control might not be the same again.
The game had shifted.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 29 –  Rohan taking back the control



The Mercedes sped toward the airport, the morning traffic parting smoothly.
Nivi sat beside Rohan, quiet.
Prem’s words from the morning echoed.
Supportive.
Encouraging.
The Prem she had longed for.
Her love.

For a moment, guilt washed over her like a wave.
No sex yet with Rohan. But the emotional pull — the talks, the comfort.
The kisses. It was cheating. Emotional. Physical.


A tear rolled down her cheek — silent.
Rohan didn’t miss it.


He stayed calm — masterfully orchestrating deep inside.


The flight boarded.
Business class.
Seats side by side.


Rohan took her hand under the armrest.


Congratulating squeeze.
Nivi looked up. “What? Why?”
He smiled faintly. “Prem is changing. Isn’t that what we longed for?”
The word we touched her — intimate, shared.
She smiled weakly.

“You know what… today is a special day.”
Nivi surprised. “What’s special?”
Rohan turned. “Today’s my birthday.”
Her eyes brightened. “Happy birthday, big man!”
He continued, voice low. “You know what? I already received my gift.”

She pressed. “What is it?”
“Ooh,” he teased gently. “The gift is Prem’s change. We longed for some real love from our loved ones. It’s happening — for me or you, doesn’t matter. It’s happening.”


She laughed softly, but it calmed her — a reminder of the good.
Rohan decided to do his manipulation a subtle doubt to get back Nivi.


"I see his genuineness," Rohan added. "But I know you might still doubt his intentions. We can't surrender easily. Maybe he's acting... but I see the real shift."
He subtly planted it — the seed of doubt.
What if Prem is acting?
Nivi took a seat back, staring out the window.


He continued it might be tough to believe again the loved one when they hurt.. 
Rohan said, "After all, we were caged and distanced by the same love." We believe surrender ourself they hurt again…


Rohan saw the deep inhale sign with Nivi he know it works


Rohan said but it's a good change. We will be having like 30 mins to meet like the previous Bangalore trip.. If you want to leave you can go ahead. I will stay here..


Nivi asked, "Why are you staying here?
Rohans said I planned to celebrate my birthday with you alone.. It's been years since I have celebrated with someone closer.. So plans are made..


The flight landed smoothly.
Rohan lifted his bag. "If you stay with me tonight, I'll be happy. Finally a birthday with someone. If you go back after the meeting... just promise a video call."
Nivi pressed his hand. "Gentleman, drop your acting. Just say you need me tonight for the party, for the celebration."
Rohan smiled. "Yes, I cannot act. I need you today."
She laughed. "Deal."


But the doubt he installed lingered — a quiet whisper in her mind.


The cinema was a disaster — boring movie, plot dragging.
They talked random stuff through it — whispering, laughing softly, ignoring the screen.


Rohan said, "Call Prem. Enquire about him — what he ate, what he's doing. When someone showers love on you, reciprocate it."
Nivi saw his eyes — sincere, guiding.
She nodded, pulled out her phone.
Called Prem.


They spoke — light, caring.
She thanked Rohan after. "You're right. It felt good."


He smiled. "I’ll guide you on what a husband wants. If his intention is true, days aren't long — you'll get the empire you want. Not just business empire... the home empire you longed for. I see it in you."


She admitted.. 


Shopping was next — but Nivi was left in thoughts.
Still, she bought a small gift for Rohan — a tie, simple for birthday.


Pub followed — both didnt drink but danced— but her mind elsewhere.
They reached the penthouse late, city lights twinkling below.
She turned into her nighty, freshened up.


Prem's call came — as always.
She asked Rohan, "Should I say the truth?"
Rohan shook his head. "No. Don't spoil it. Lie as usual — I'll hide out."
She toured the room on video — Rohan on the pool side, out of sight.
Call ended.


Soon, a cake arrived — delivered discreetly.
Rohan had bought it earlier.
They shared — cutting together, celebrating his birthday.
Laughter, stories.


As usual, they came and sat on the bed.
This time, it was different.
Rohan announced, "I know you're confused. May i be i dont ask for a kiss.. Let me just hug you... no kisses."
She nodded.


He hugged her from behind — arms wrapping gently, chin on her shoulder.
His boner — hard, unintentional — brushed her back lightly.
He panicked, shifted slightly.
But Nivi felt it.
A shiver.

[heygiwriter]

Excellent writing again and slow buildup is really good.

As for the characters, Shameless people..trying to find reasons for their affair...

"The cage isn't always bars. Sometimes it's love... that forgets to let you breathe."

Who asked them not to confide their true pain and intentions to their partners and confront the cage? Their loved one's will understand and change their ways provided these two give them the chance...but No they want dreams fulfilled by some one else, planning their kisses and nights together and showing to each other we are doing it because we are alone...such bullshit....cheating is a choice not accident.

Some day she will realize the pain when she loses Prem and Aara lol

~RCF

Thanks for the feedback.. As you said yes its a choice, reasons are for convenient to hide their flaws.. im just showcasing stories where characters finds the reaons..

[heygiwriter]

Only one word.... Excellent....

Thanks a lot