[heygiwriter]

@heygiwriter, I have a genuine question about Jay's character arc.

Why should Jay remain sexless while Nikita and Tarun are allowed to move forward physically? Would Jay being with someone else automatically mean he hasn't changed or that his love for Nikita wasn't real?

To me, those aren't necessarily the same thing.

If Jay sleeps with someone immediately after everything falls apart, I'd agree that it could undermine his redemption arc and make it seem like he hasn't learned from his mistakes.

But if enough time has passed, the marriage is truly over, and Jay has genuinely grown as a person, then eventually finding love again or even becoming intimate with someone new doesn't erase what he felt for Nikita. In fact, it could show that he's finally become capable of building a healthy relationship instead of repeating his old mistakes.

Character growth isn't measured by whether someone remains celibate. It's measured by whether they've learned accountability, honesty, and emotional maturity.

I'm curious to see how you handle this, because I think Jay deserves an ending that reflects his growth, not just his punishment.

Why should Jay have sex now? 

What is the need?

[heygiwriter]

When we read a story,we used to relate ourselves with any of the characters in the story,in this story,most of the readers relates them to jay,that’s why they want jay to have everything..

He is still figuring out, having sex is not an issue for him, he is figuring out his need,  his priority, his future, with Nikitha to keep surprising him with sudden distance, sudden closness, behaving odd before relative, pushing him to go for village. He is completely unable to think also with physical restriction after the accident, do you expect him to have sex with immovable elbow.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 121 - Tharun's first fear 


The drive back to the office was quiet.

Nikitha sat in the passenger seat, her head resting against the window, eyes distant. Her body still carried the warmth of their recent intimacy, the faint ache between her thighs, the lingering taste of him on her lips, but her mind was somewhere else entirely. She kept replaying the letter, the uncle’s confrontation, Jay’s pained face. Who would benefit from damaging all of them like this? Her thoughts drifted from face to face ,colleagues, rivals, even old enemies. Every possibility felt like a shadow she couldn’t quite catch.


Tharun drove in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other occasionally tightening on the gear shift. He kept stealing glances at her, but he didn’t speak. He could see the distraction in her eyes, the way her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of her seat. She was lost in her own world again.




For the first time, Tharun felt the ground shift beneath his confidence. He had believed, deeply, sincerely, that if he remained patient and genuine, Nikitha would eventually turn to him fully. That Jay’s mistakes would echo in her memory like warning bells, creating distance without anyone needing to force it.  No need for force. No need for drama. Just time and consistency. All he need to do is love her, love unconditionally, support whatever she want to do
 
But the mirror incident she had shared earlier had cracked that confidence in him. As the clarity settled in his thoughts, it brought an unexpected ache 


Jay used sex the same way, Nikitha’s realization about how she misunderstood Jay’s love, is a warning sign to him. 



I love Nikitha unconditionally, we both agreed to start a life soon, looking at my sincerity and love. She wants to honor it but her heart is yet to move from his EX, she knows it's done for real, but she needs time at the same time she also wants to reciprocate my love, the method she chooses? Sex. Satisfying me physically. 


The mirror had just displayed her, the reason why Jay would have been like that, he didn't reciprocate her love, not because he hated her or didn't want her, it's because he is also a person in pain, not able to move on from his Ex, when Nikitha was showering love to him. 


Nikitha now had realized it was Jay’s clumsy, misguided attempt to show love through the only language he seemed to know at the time. Just like Nikitha had tried with him today. 


The realization should have freed him. It should have erased the last lingering resentment Nikitha carried toward Jay. 



This realization becomes the biggest threat to his relationship with Nikitha, because it was a foundational wound in their relationship — one that could not be actually fixed. But it got fixed today.. without a single effort from Jay.



To make it worse, Nikitha now wanted to find the real culprit behind the letter. Like adding salt to the wound, she wanted his help to clear Jay’s name.


Tharun’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. She wanted his help clearing Jay’s name. He hadn’t missed the distraction in her eyes even during their most intimate moments. Her body had been present, passionate, but her mind… parts of it had already drifted toward this new mission. Tharun didn’t doubt her sincerity toward him. Not for a second. He understands she just wanted to help Jay to get a good life by clearing his name, a remedy on her side for the mess up. He also clearly knows she still prefers to move on and be in a relationship with him, even after knowing Jay had no wrong in his part it's a misunderstood love. 


But, what terrified him was the momentum building around Jay.


When everything that looks like an issue gets solved without any effort, it pushes him to make a move, giving him a competition to prove himself before their proven love.


When he was in such a position, now Nikitha cruelly wants to help her clear his name?


It gives him an irony, She was helping the man she claimed to be moving away from. And it didn't stop there, there was another request from here, the Cochin trip she wanted to cancel so she could go with Jay to the village function.



She had said she had a plan. But Tharun wasn’t sure if that plan would finally end the Jay-Nikitha chapter… or quietly begin it again, leaving him on the sidelines.



The fear crept in slowly but steadily. He had given her space. He had been patient. He had shown her what real love could look like. But now, with every obstacle Jay faced, Nikitha seemed to step closer to him instead of further away.


As they neared the office, Tharun made a silent decision.
He would draw a line.



He wouldn’t push her today — not when she was already carrying so much. But soon, before the village trip or any more “plans” to help Jay, he would speak with her clearly. He would ask her to make a choice. He would push — gently but firmly — for her to file for divorce.



Because he couldn’t keep fighting a ghost.



The car finally pulled into the office parking lot. Nikitha turned to him with a small, tired smile and squeezed his hand once before stepping out. Tharun watched her walk toward the entrance, his mind still racing.



He sat there for a moment longer, engine idling, staring at the building.


This can’t continue like this, he thought.
Not anymore.



Nikkitha, doesnt want to Hide anything to Tharun, it was the first sign, that she emotionally started her way into loving Tharun wholeheartedly, but it unexpectedly, unknowingly started breaking Tharun, who was confident and giving all to Nikkitha without a judgement. 

[heygiwriter]

I know you'll probably bring up his elbow injury, his depression, and everything else but that's all in the past, right?

And you're selectively reading my comments. I'm talking about what happens next.

Why can't he have his moment during his return to the village? In the middle of all this intense drama, why shouldn't there be some casual sex?

Is it mandatory?

Or its like oh Nikitha have new lover, she is having sex, 

Jay is hero, he cant be loser, ask him to bury his dick in some women?

Not it doesn't work here. 

All these years he had plenty of sex, with Nikitha or Anjali, lets his dick have a rest. 

and what that causal sex about?  who will he have sex with? Nikitha would not allow. Who else you want?

[heygiwriter]

@heygiwriter, this is how I'm seeing the story at this point.

I understand that Anjali is out of the picture now, and Nikita has moved on. So I don't expect anything physical to happen between Jay and Nikita anymore. She's married, and from how you've written her character, she isn't the type to cross that line again.

I'm also wondering if that's why you're sending Jay to his maternal uncle's town to give him a fresh environment and some emotional distance. Or perhaps Nikita herself wanted him to leave so he could heal and clear his mind. If that's the case, it also suggests she still cares deeply about him. 

Similarly, her planning the Cochin trip with Tarun around the same time could simply be her own way of moving forward.

What really catches my attention is that Nikita keeps expressing concern and gratitude toward Jay. Every time she does that, Tarun seems to pick up on it. He already sensed the emotional pull between them, and even when Nikita tried to explain herself, he didn't fully accept it. 

He even hinted that if she had told Jay she loved Tarun—even if it wasn't completely true he would have understood. That says a lot about what Tarun is already noticing.

As for the mystery of the letter, I'm genuinely curious.

At this point, I feel Sharmi's role is mostly over, and Anjali has already served her purpose by revealing that she was the one who saw Jay and Nikita kissing.

If Anjali wrote the letter, I'm not sure how that would move the story forward. If Tarun wrote it, that would be surprising because you've consistently portrayed him as someone with strong principles, so it would need a very convincing explanation. Jay writing it doesn't seem likely either. 

Nikita writing it herself also feels impossible. And Sharmi doesn't even know enough about the situation, so if it somehow turns out to be her, it might feel a bit forced.

So, right now, I'm genuinely stumped. 

Similarly, her planning the Cochin trip with Tarun around the same time could simply be her own way of moving forward.//

IN story, she is asking to reschedule , cancelling the trip to be with Jay.  Where it got conveyed like they are leaving him alone. 

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 122: Doubt and Devotion

---

As they reached the office, the first thing Nikitha noticed was the distant, lost-in-thought look on Tharun’s face. He hadn’t spoken much during the drive back, and now, even as they walked toward the building, his usual confident stride seemed heavier.

For a split second, a dark thought crossed her mind.

What if… what if Tharun was the one who wrote the letter?
The idea made her stomach twist. So that Jay and I would split…

She immediately pushed it away. No. It can’t be him. He is not that kind of person.

But love can sometimes make people blind, can’t it?
She cleared her throat, gathering courage.

“Tharun… please, can I ask you something?” she said softly as they entered his cabin. “Don’t think badly about it… but by any chance… was it your attempt to win me? A trick to make Jay distant from me?”

Tharun stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at her, his expression shifting from surprise to quiet hurt.

“Why now?” he asked, voice low. “You misjudged Jay all along… and now you feel like you misjudged me too? As a good person?”

Nikitha’s heart sank. She quickly caught his hand, holding it tightly.

“I’m sorry… I could not think of anyone else. Only we three have access, and, and...  I don’t doubt you… I’m just making sure.”

Tharun looked at her for a long moment. Then he gently pulled his hand away.
He raised his other hand, palm open, as if asking for silence.

“Now I’m more eager to catch the real culprit,” he said, voice steady but edged with pain. “This… I would equate it to doubting my relationship and love itself. A man who can throw mud on the woman he claims to love can never be a true lover. He has to protect her until the last drop of blood remains. That’s how I envision love.”

He paused, eyes meeting hers with raw honesty.

“Today… you didn’t just disappoint me, Nikitha. You actually hurt me in the worst possible way.”

Nikitha’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry, Tharun—”

Before she could finish, Tharun turned aside.
“I won’t touch any files here until I get at least a slightest clue,” he said firmly. He moved toward the door.

Knowing his anger, Nikitha followed him quickly. She grabbed his hand from behind and tried to hug him, pressing her face against his back.

“Please don’t go,” she whispered, voice breaking. “Let’s figure it out together.”
Tharun stopped. He turned around slowly. His eyes were pained, but there was still love in them.

“When the first time the letter incident came up, you said Jay would not do anything like that,” he said quietly. “Even after you came out of his relationship, you trusted him. While I was your current lover — at least the person you chose to marry — why didn’t you have that same trust in me?”

Nikitha couldn’t answer. Tears slipped down her cheeks.

Tharun looked at her tears, his heart ached, he wiped her tears and said. “I’m sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you, but I do have a  heart, it even aches to see your tears. How would I be someone who could damage myself, you and me are one and the same? And it even hurts when your thought process always surrounds Jay!

Don’t speak another word. I will not move an inch in this office until I find something — a clue to trap him. The one who tried to destroy all of us.”

He left her standing in the cabin, the door closing softly behind him.
Nikitha stood there, tears flowing freely now. She blamed herself for escalating things like this. 

She felt like she herself gave an impression like she had been taking Tharun for granted, by keeping her talks and thoughts always surrounding Jay every time, when Tharun was patiently waiting to get her love.  

Tharun… please don’t hate me. I keep on thinking about Jay. It is not that I'm giving importance to him, it's just that something else stands before me. I need to get his life stable, just a few more days. Once I get Jay’s life going forward, I will cut every relation with him. I will keep myself only for you. Let’s figure out a way that I would get myself to love you…I thought you would understand me about Jay part as you always know what happened from the start , I didn't know I needed to explain every detail.

Tears kept flowing, She moved to the attached washroom, locked the door, and washed her face. Looking at herself in the mirror, another realization hit her like a wave.
Jay must have felt the same way.

Whenever she was pissed about Anjali or her disappointed talks with him about Anjali. Jay would have felt the same. He would have wanted to scream like her. 

“Dont hate me Nikkitha, I always tag around Anjali, not because i want her, she stands before our secret, i need to protect that, once the loan period ends and when we have a back up, i would cut of relationship with her, and i will keep myself only for you..I thought you would understand me about Anjali part as you always know what happened from the start , I didn't know I needed to explain every detail.


She imagined the words, that Jay would have chosen .The thought hit her again, She was always misjudging Jay, she knew she walked faraway from him. She apologized to him in tears.
 
Almost 20 mins after a storm of thoughts, She now realizes she should be verbal and open about everything to Tharun, she doesn't want to do the mistake that Jay made.  She took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and made a silent promise.

She stepped out of the washroom, determined.

But deep down, she knew the path ahead would not be easy — with her determination and life with Tharun on one side, and the growing unease about the truth of the love she and Jay shared on the other.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 123 – Dead Ends and Breakthroughs

---

Almost two hours later, Tharun finally stepped back into his cabin. The moment the door clicked shut, Nikitha didn’t wait. She stood up, her voice trembling with emotion as she poured out everything that had been weighing on her heart.


“Tharun… please don’t hate me,” she said, stepping closer. “I keep thinking about Jay. It’s not that I’m giving him importance — it’s just that something else stands before me. I need to get his life stable. Just a few more days. Once I get Jay’s life going forward, I will cut every relation with him. I will keep myself only for you… Let’s figure out a way that I would get myself to love you. I thought you would understand me about the Jay part, as you always knew what happened from the start. I didn’t know I needed to explain every detail.”


Tharun looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke, his voice calm but edged with quiet pain.
“I declared to myself that I should not speak or accept any apology until I clear my name.”


Nikitha looked visibly disturbed. She opened her mouth, unsure what to say, but Tharun continued.
“I’m determined to find the truth,” he said, “but 
Nikkitha looked at him


He continued… 
I’m not sure why nothing leads to a concrete answer. It feels like a dead end to the mystery.”


Nikitha asked softly, “What happened?”
Tharun exhaled heavily and sat on the edge of his desk.


“I went to the security team to check for footage. All the CCTV cameras from this floor have been taken away for the new building. So recordings were taken during that time so I couldn’t check who came in at the time we were kissing. I didn’t expect that.”


He paused, rubbing his temple.

“I thought of an alternate method. Even if we couldn’t get the CCTV from this floor, only the two of us were present that day. Given how the culprit mentioned the exact time, I’m very sure it must be an insider job. Maybe someone from another floor who knew the CCTV doesn’t work here came in for something or spied on us and witnessed us.”



“So I checked the other floor CCTV cameras — anyone who got up from their place or was missing during our kiss time would be a potential culprit who could have seen us. I had my people enquire with two teams and asked for their room footages. 


I checked myself. None of the people, including Jay, moved from their chairs. But around 5/10 mins later or before.. Two people had moved — one woman from marketing was having a conversation on phone at the pantry, and one guy went out for a smoke. I confirmed both with the footage.”


Tharun’s voice grew frustrated.
“It’s strange. How did none of them move from their places — including Jay — but someone still saw us and wrote that letter? Especially when I clearly remember locking the door. It doesn’t add up.”


He looked at her, his eyes heavy with disappointment.
“I feel terrible not being able to get any leads.”
Nikitha caught his hand gently.
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “Let’s forget it. I trust you.”
Tharun gave a sad smile.
“You know what? When our hands are tied with uncertainties, when we want to prove ourselves, there can’t be anything that feels worse than that.”
He sighed.
“I asked for the attendance file from a staff member. He should be reaching anytime soon.” Maybe I will get some clue there, like the one who pretended to be absent on record but secretly hides here?


Twenty minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
Tharun said, “Yes, come in.”
No one entered.
Another knock came.



Tharun stood up, irritated. “Come in, Baskar. I’ve been telling you to come—”
He opened the door himself.
Tharun said coldly, “Can’t you open it yourself?”
Baskar looked nervous. “Sir, did you forget? This entire floor — we can roam around, but only with thumb impression prints we could open these doors. Only exclusive members and top rankers have access here. Here is the attendance list, sir. He left immediately fearing him”
Tharun took the paper, but something else hit him like lightning.
Thumb imprints.


His mind worked sharper than ever. He remembered using his thumbprint to open the HR door a few hours back to search for clues.
He suddenly laughed — a sharp, triumphant sound.


“Nikitha!” he exclaimed, turning to her. “I guess we got him. How did I miss this?”

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 124 – The Culprit & the plan

---

At the network and IT room, looking at the screen, Tharun shouted.
“Yes!”

He turned to Nikitha, eyes wide with triumph.
“We got him.”

Nikitha’s heart skipped a beat.
“Sorry — it’s her. She got caught!”

Nikitha leaned in and read the name on the screen.
Anjali.

She froze in shock.
“She left the company… how did she do it?”

Tharun leaned back in his chair, a mix of satisfaction and disbelief on his face.
“Thumbprint access got the culprit.”

Nikitha stared at him, stunned.
“How? How do you know you can get culprit through this?”

Tharun smiled, his voice steady but excited.
“I always knew there was an outsider other than us that day. But I couldn’t prove it logically. The moment Baskar mentioned the thumbprint system, it hit me. We were stupid not to think of it earlier.”

Nikitha urged him, “Tell me clearly.”
Tharun turned fully toward her.

“Did you forget? This entire floor — especially the HR cabin — is thumbprint access enabled. For the flexibility of top rankers, every cabin on this floor can be opened with the registered thumbprints of authorized members from this floor.”

He continued, gesturing animatedly.
“I realized that on the day of the function, while all of us were in the hall for the celebration, only very few people would have entered the HR cabin. So I figured — if we track the log records of thumbprint login access, we could catch the person.”

He paused for effect.

“Anjali was the one whose print was still registered on our door as well as the HR cabin. So on the day we kissed, we did lock the door. But Anjali must have come there for some reason, opened it unknowingly, and saw us. That’s how she remembered the events and wrote the letter. She wanted revenge on Jay — that’s why she made it look exactly like his handwriting.”

Nikitha’s eyes widened.
“How did she manage that? The handwriting looked exactly like his.”
Tharun gave a bitter smile.
“With the abundant growth in technology, do you think it’s impossible?”

He stood up, grabbing a folder.
“Let’s go meet HR in their new office building.”

Give me 10 mins, i need to check reception about the common entry registers. 

---

Tharun's Plans

On the way, Tharun carefully dictated his plan on what they should say and what they must not say — to protect everyone’s secrets and avoid violating company policies. He took all the evidence with him.

When they reached HR, the head looked up from his desk, surprised.
“What’s this?”

Tharun placed the folder in front of him.
“It’s the record that proves only Anjali came in that night. She wanted to destroy Jay, so she decided to throw dirt on us. She could have even thought that by pinning his name, we would fight with each other, and in the process, the company’s trusted top technicians would clash and spoil productivity. She did this against the company.”

HR’s face changed.
“So Jay didn’t do it?”

Tharun shook his head firmly.
“No.”

HR leaned back, visibly disturbed.
“Shit… I have done injustice to him. But It was him who agreed to take the blame, I dont know why”

Nikitha stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.
“We know, sir. We just want you to step in and clarify about him publicly.”
HR nodded slowly.

“I will. Immediately. But first, we need to hear from Anjali too.”
Tharun raised his hand.

“Sorry, sir. I already asked the receptionist about her purpose for visiting that day. Her accounts had been frozen by our company — that’s why she tried to throw dirt on us. I don’t want you to give chances to people who try to take revenge on the company or its employees.”

He continued, his tone respectful but resolute.

“Attempting to talk with her and trying to get the truth is equal to doubting us. 
We had already doubted Jay once. Please don’t make us feel the same again.”

HR sighed, rubbing his forehead.
“Okay. Then what should we do?”

Nikitha spoke clearly.
“Give a public clarification on Jay’s name. 
And talk to him over the phone. He would be happy to see that his mentor understood him.”

HR nodded.
“I will. What shall we do regarding Anjali? Should we take legal action?”

Tharun replied firmly (and safely not wanting to drag it deep so they would face enquiry).
“Sir, first revoke all her access. Let’s pay whatever pending amount the company owes her. As for punishment, just make her sign an apology letter and fix it on the notice board. Make her sign on the content that we put.”

HR thought for a moment, then agreed.
“Let’s do that.”

[heygiwriter]

Question that remains to be seen is if she is learning to love Tharun or in the process understanding Jay better lol

Every one learns. 

Tharun learns something,  
Jay learns something, 
Nikitha learns something.

[heygiwriter]

Updated the chapter refresh it

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 125 – Clearing Names and Heavy Hearts

---

When HR finally said, “Let’s do it,” Tharun raised his hand respectfully.

“Sir, one request — please don’t reveal our names. If Anjali realises it was us who brought this to light, she might try to damage our reputations further. What if she takes it personally? Also, issuing the clarification in the name of the company like company find it out, will send a stronger message. Employees will know the company is watching.”

HR thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Agreed.”

As they left the cabin, Nikitha turned to Tharun.
“Why did you want to cover our names?”

Tharun looked straight ahead, his voice quiet.

“I don’t want Jay to think we were involved. You promised we would start soon as a family. I don’t want him to have any false hope.” Like you still have love thats why you help clear his name. 

The drive back to the office was cold and silent. When they entered the building, the entire floor was buzzing.
A fresh notice had been put up on the board.

OFFICIAL CLARIFICATION

After a thorough internal review, it has been confirmed that Mr. Jay did not write or send the previous letter that harmed companies image. The company apologizes for any inconvenience caused and reaffirms its trust in him.

Nikitha felt a quiet wave of relief. She instinctively reached for Tharun’s hand and held it tighter. 
When she turned to look at his face, however, there was no joy — only pain.

“Why aren’t you happy? that His name is cleared.”
Tharun gave a small smirk, sad smile.

“I will wait until you understand me right.
Take your hand. I don’t want people to think badly of us.”

He gently pulled away and walked toward his cabin without another word.
He barely spoke for the rest of the day.

In the evening, as they drove back, Nikitha couldn’t bear the silence any longer.

“Are you still angry with me?” she asked. 
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it. Tell me what you want. I’ll do it.”

Tharun turned to her, his eyes heavy.
“I want to feel your love one day.
I want to see you proceed with the divorce. 
I want to marry you as soon as possible.”

Nikitha fell silent.

She knew it would take time for her to truly fall in love with him. Jay, even in his current condition, was not ready to give a divorce — the last time she had asked, he had said anything except that. And marriage without divorce was impossible.

The conversation ended in a heavy, known silence.

When the car stopped outside Jay’s house, Nikitha saw a cheerful Sharmi waiting. Sharmi came forward and hugged her warmly.
“Nikki, I didn’t know you could help him like this. I’m so happy.”

She hugged her for a moment longer, then left with a bright smile.
When Nikitha entered the hall, she saw a visibly relieved and happy Jay. 

She realised HR must have informed him — under the pretext of not revealing the secret.

“Thanks,” Jay said softly, looking at her.
Nikitha gave a small nod.

Jay continued, his voice gentle.
“I don’t know if you still think about me after everything that’s happened between us.”

Nikitha avoided his eyes.
“Did you have your tea? I’m going to prepare your favourite, as you got cleared your name.”

Jay walked closer.
“I’m happy that you at least started to understand me.”

“Ask me whatever you want. Let me try to honour it.”

Nikitha looked at him for a long moment, then said calmly,

“I’m happy we were able to clear your name. But the only thing I want is for you to lead a happy life without me. I will clear every mess I made. Open your eyes and see — I have moved on for real. My relationship with Tharun is more than sex”

She paused, then added firmly,
I have a need from myself, 
“Divorce me as soon as possible. Mutual and medical — that says my uterus has a problem and I cannot conceive.”


Divorce? the moment you ask, consider, everything is over between us. 
She calmly said, I'm asking you divorce for the same. 


The night became unbearably heavy.

They slept on the same bed after dinner, but the distance between them felt wider than ever. Nikitha kept checking her phone, hoping for a message from Tharun. She sent a long, sincere apology, but there was no response.

The next day was her turn to take care of Jay at home, but none of them know the day will bring one more unexpected scenario, That will push Jay to the extreme, that he would take a decision, he doesn't want all the time. 

[heygiwriter]

Too many discussions, sometimes the theories make wonder are they speaking about this story or something else :D

[heygiwriter]

I think it is better for Jay to divorce her and move on, when some is hellbent on ignoring her feelings and mutual love to this extent then there is no point to honor that love anymore

RCF

  To make him decide that i need to bring him a breaking point where he cannot think otherwise. given a history he wont give up just like that.

[heygiwriter]

I only hope it doesn't end like the Mirna Vikram Bharat or Anandhi Rahul and Suriya where live with one while having occasional fling with other. that dilutes everything

Nice idea :D

[heygiwriter]

Thanks for all the updates bro..you are a master writer in this forum.your stories could be taken into hot web series bro,that much quality in your writing..your commitment to finish your stories always amaze me,thanks a lot for your Stories,
Anymore update for today or we can go to sleep?

Yes, in few minutes.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 126 – Silent Anger and Midnight Promises

---

The entire day, despite her firm decision to distance herself emotionally, Nikitha continued taking care of Jay with quiet dedication. She prepared his meals, gave him medicine on time, and checked his temperature regularly. But her mind was elsewhere — fully occupied by Tharun. His anger, his silence, the hurt in his eyes — it consumed her. She waited anxiously for his text, checking her phone every few minutes, but by noon, there was still nothing.

When Jay finally fell asleep after lunch, Nikitha slipped away and called Tharun. The phone rang endlessly. No answer. She tried again in the evening. Still no response.

At 3 PM, unable to bear it any longer, she left for the office.

Tharun was deeply focused on his monitor when the door opened. He looked up, surprised.
“What are you doing here, Nikki?” he asked.

“You’re not picking up my calls or responding,” she said, her voice trembling. “What else could I do? I don’t want you to hate me. I beg you… let’s compromise.”

Tharun looked at her for a long moment, then sighed.
“I promise I’ll text you tonight. Now go.”

Nikitha controlled her emotions only after hearing his promise. She nodded and left the cabin, her heart still heavy.

---

That evening, she waited anxiously for his message. When it didn’t come, she texted him first.

Nikitha: I truly want to speak with you in person, more than text.
There was no reply.

Meanwhile, at home, Jay was slowly regaining his strength and confidence. Ever since he heard from HR that Nikitha and Tharun were the ones who helped clear his name, a quiet hope had bloomed inside him.

Would Nikitha risk something like this without love? he thought. She even made Tharun an accomplice in clearing my name.
He remembered her words about wanting a divorce. He smiled to himself.

No, Nikitha. You still love me. Let tomorrow come. When Sharmi arrives for her shift, I’ll go to the hospital and get my bandages removed. A- Surprise,  Then I’ll pursue you again. I’ll make you choose me.

One good thing had come out of all this confusion — we are finally going back to the village after many years. This time, I will take you with me.

---

The night came. Still no message from Tharun.

After dinner, Jay went to bed early, the medicine making him drowsy. He looked at Nikitha lying beside him, her face turned away. He whispered to himself with quiet determination:

Take care, darling. Tomorrow, I will hold you in my arms again. I will force myself to make you accept.
The medicine took effect, and his eyes slowly closed, Nikitha’s image fading in his mind.

Minutes later, a message finally arrived.

Tharun: Sorry, I had to complete both days’ work. Tomorrow, I’m leaving for Mumbai for a one-day trip unexpectedly. The proposal I prepared today was instantly approved. I need to send the papers in person. Will be back the day after tomorrow.

Nikitha: I thought if you had texted me earlier, I would have asked you to meet me in person. May be you dont want to meet me thats why you respond me late, i know you are still angry and pretending to busy at work. 

Tharun smiled to himself, looking at how Nikitha worried, he felt like he want kiss and hug her at the moment and shower love with her. 
He controlled himself and tried to enact a playfull conversation. 

Tharun: What if I say I’m angry? That’s the reason I’m pretending to…
Nikitha: I know. Please don’t be like that…
Tharun: Okay. What will I get in return for leaving my anger?
Nikitha: Ask. Anything!

Tharun laughed anything? may be i should ask something naughty and see. 

Tharun: I need to take you… Anal.

Nikitha stared at the screen, a blush rising to her cheeks. She understood the moment seeing the message, may be he got cooled down and just playing with me. 

Nikitha: You rascal… You acted all angry just to ask this??
Tharun: Haha, no. I do have anger toward you, but the moment you reached the office in the noon,
I decided not to react much and spoil your mood.
Nikitha: Then what’s this?
Tharun: Every time we have sex, I always keep anal in my mind, but you eventually stop me. For the wish that doesn’t happen the other times, I just tried my luck.

There was no message for two to three minutes.
Then Nikitha replied:
Nikitha: Do as you wish… if that can help you get rid of the anger.
Tharun laughed, looking at the screen. He hadn’t expected her to accept so readily, thinking he was still angry. It looked cute to him. But he was also disappointed — he had to wait because of the Mumbai trip.
Still, he didn’t want to miss this moment. He decided to keep her emotionally close.
Tharun: I will be there in 10 minutes.
Nikitha: What? Tonight? No way, it’s too late.
Tharun: Why not? You are at fault, don’t you want to please your husband? ?
Tharun didn’t wait for her reply. He put on a t-shirt, grabbed his car keys, and rushed to the parking lot.

Not knowing this, Nikitha texted again:
Nikitha: My husband is sleeping. You are not my husband.
Tharun was already in the car and hadn’t seen the messages yet.
Nikitha panicked.
Nikitha: Sorry, I mean you are not yet my husband.
Still no reply.
Nikitha: Sorry, I will consider only you as my husband. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
Tharun, now driving, finally noticed the messages. He realised she had misunderstood his silence.
He was about to reply, You are mistaken, I’m not angry… when another message came.

Nikitha: Come tonight. I will wait for you upstairs. I will have pills, don’t worry about condoms.


Tharun laughed softly. He didn’t reply with text. Instead, he sent a voice note:
“I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”
She looked at time which reads 11.35 PM. 

Nikitha, fearing to open the voice note, quietly left the room and walked toward the upstairs house, her heart racing with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

---

At 12:00 AM, the soft tick of the wall clock in the hall gently pulled Jay from his sleep. It was a mild, familiar sound — not an alarm, not loud enough to wake most people. But tonight, it stirred him.


He turned to his side, reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table. That’s when he noticed it.
Nikitha was not there.

He thought she might have gone to the bathroom. But the attached bathroom door was locked from the outside. A strange unease settled in his chest. He slowly got up, and walked into the hall. The kitchen was empty. The living room was dark and silent.

His eyes drifted toward the internal staircase that led to the upstairs apartment. Maybe she’s angry and went up to sleep alone, he thought. I should talk to her.

He climbed the stairs quietly, each step heavier than the last, the old wood creaking faintly under his weight despite his efforts. The hallway light was off, but a soft, warm glow spilled from the direction of the living room and bedroom. As he reached the top, something felt profoundly wrong. The air was thicker up here, warmer, laced with a faint, musky scent that made his stomach tighten. Then came the sounds—soft gasps, low, breathy moans, the unmistakable rhythmic slap of skin against skin, the subtle creak of furniture under movement.


His heart began to pound, a heavy drumbeat in his ears.

He walked forward slowly, almost against his will, his bare feet silent on the cool floor. On the sofa lay her nighty, carelessly discarded in a crumpled heap of silk. A few steps further, her black lace bra was tangled on the rug. Then, near the half-open bedroom door, her panties—dainty, red, lay abandoned like evidence at a crime scene.

Jay froze. His breath caught in his throat, sharp and painful.

No… it can’t be.

His mind raced through a thousand denials, but his body moved closer anyway, drawn by a sick, magnetic horror. He approached the bedroom door on legs that trembled, his pulse roaring. Peering through the narrow gap, he felt the last fragile pieces of his world shatter.

The sight that greeted him destroyed him instantly.

Nikitha was on the bed, facing down, her upper body pressed firmly into the mattress, ass raised high in surrender. Tharun was behind her, gripping her full hips with strong, possessive hands. He thrust deep into her ass with slow, powerful strokes, each one deliberate and claiming. The thick woolen blanket had been shoved aside, pooling at the foot of the bed, revealing every explicit detail in the dim lamplight. Nikitha’s face was turned sideways on the pillow, her mouth open in a continuous, broken moan of pain and pleasure. Her fingers clutched the sheets desperately, knuckles bone-white. Every powerful thrust jolted her forward, her heavy breasts squishing against the mattress, her back arching deeply as she took him.


Tharun’s muscular body glistened with sweat, his broad shoulders flexing with each movement. He leaned down, teeth grazing her shoulder before biting down harder, eliciting a sharp cry from her lips. His cock—thick, veined, and slick with lube—disappeared inch by inch into her tightest hole, stretching her obscenely.

“Fuck… you feel so tight,” Tharun groaned, his voice low and rough with lust. “Even tighter than your pussy. You’re squeezing me so good, baby.”
Nikitha moaned loudly in response, the sound raw and filled with both hurt and undeniable ecstasy. Her body was clearly struggling—pain etched across her features with each deep invasion—but she was pushing back against him greedily, hips rolling to meet his thrusts, taking every thick inch. Her thighs quivered, slick arousal visibly coating her neglected pussy and dripping down onto the sheets. She looked utterly lost in sensation, her usual graceful poise replaced by desperate, animal need.


“Yes… oh no, Tharun… it hurts but don’t stop,” she gasped, voice muffled by the pillow. “Deeper… please…”

Jay stood there, completely frozen, one hand braced against the doorframe to keep from collapsing. The world seemed to collapse around him in slow motion. he images searing themselves permanently into his mind 

The air felt suffocating, thick with their mingled scents and the wet sounds of their coupling.

He wanted to burst in. To scream. To tear them apart. But his body wouldn’t obey. A

Tharun suddenly increased his pace, slamming into her harder, the wet slap of his hips against her ass growing louder and more obscene. Nikitha cried out sharply, her voice breaking into a high-pitched whimper as her body jolted forward with every brutal thrust. Her fingers twisted the sheets, her face contorted in a mixture of overwhelming pleasure and the sharp sting of being stretched so deeply.
“Fuck—Tharun!” she gasped, half-sob, half-moan.

With a deep, guttural groan that seemed to come from his very core, Tharun buried himself fully inside her ass, his muscular body going rigid. His cock pulsed powerfully as he came, flooding her with thick, hot spurts. He shuddered violently on top of her, hips grinding in small, possessive circles as he emptied himself completely. Nikitha’s walls clenched around him, milking every drop, her own body trembling through the intense sensation.

For a long moment, they stayed locked together, both breathing heavily, ragged gasps filling the room. Then soft, breathless laughter bubbled up from them—intimate, satisfied, almost affectionate. Tharun kissed the back of her neck, murmuring something too low for Jay to hear. The casual tenderness in that moment hurt almost as much as the sex itself.

Jay’s legs nearly gave out. He gripped the doorframe tighter, knuckles white, bile rising in his throat.


Before he could force himself to turn away, Tharun slowly pulled out of her with a wet, slick sound. A thick trickle of his cum leaked from her reddened, gaping ass as he rolled onto his back and rested against the headboard, his chest still heaving. His cock, glistening and still impressively hard, twitched against his abs.


“Come on,” he said, voice husky and commanding, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. “Now get on your favourite—cowgirl ride.”

Nikitha, flushed and glistening with sweat, didn’t hesitate. With a wicked, thoroughly satisfied smile that Jay had never seen directed at him with such raw hunger, she pushed herself up and straddled Tharun’s waist. She reached between her legs, wrapping her fingers around his slick cock, stroking it once, twice, before positioning the thick head at her dripping pussy.

She sank down slowly, inch by inch, her mouth falling open in a long, throaty moan as she took him deep inside her. The wet, squelching sound of her arousal was unmistakable. Once fully seated, she paused for a second, grinding her hips in a slow circle, savoring the fullness.

Then she began to ride him with abandon.

Her full, heavy breasts bounced heavily with every rise and fall, nipples stiff and dark. Her hips rolled and ground in sensual circles, taking him as deep as possible before lifting almost all the way off and slamming back down. The obscene sound of skin slapping skin and her soaked pussy devouring his cock filled the room. Tharun gripped her waist firmly, his hands played with her breast for sometime, then his fingers digging into her soft flesh, pulling her down harder to meet his upward thrusts.

They shared a deep, messy kiss—tongues tangling wildly, saliva glistening on their chins—as she rode him faster. Nikitha’s moans grew louder, unrestrained, shameless. Each one was a dagger in Jay’s heart.


The visual burned into his mind forever: his wife—the woman he had loved silently, devotedly for years—riding another man with such raw, passionate abandon. Her body moved with a freedom and hunger he had rarely seen from her. The way her ass rippled with every downward slam, the way her breasts swayed hypnotically, the pure ecstasy written across her face.


She looked alive in a way she hadn’t with him in a long time.

Tharun groaned beneath her, one hand moving up to roughly squeeze and slap her bouncing breast. “That’s it, baby..”

Nikitha whimpered in delight at his words, riding him even more frantically, her moans turning into desperate cries as another orgasm began building inside her.


Jay finally stumbled back a step, his world fracturing completely. The woman he thought was his… was someone else entirely in this room. 


He remembered how he had taken Anjali in the storage room — how people had heard her moans. Now he understood what Nikitha must have felt then. The cruelty of it.


With a broken heart, he turned away weakly and walked back down the stairs, each step heavier than the last. Every moan he heard from above felt like a knife twisting deeper.

When he finally reached the bottom, he remembered her words from earlier:
It’s more than sex with Tharun.

He realised, in that moment, that nothing could be done anymore.
He decided to move on.

He would give her the divorce she had asked for.

[heygiwriter]

Good night, More tomorrow. 

I wont change the track or path. I will travel thought what i envisioned as far as i get time to write..

[heygiwriter]

Yes please, we don't want you to deviate orginal plan.. Lets wait how you navigate the plot in upcoming chapters

Upcoming Chapters 

Jay applies for divorce. 
The Village Visit and Sudagaran's Intent.
Mithra's Entry

[heygiwriter]

I mean how does this change anything? Jay witnessing them without their knowledge or they doing it assuming he is sleeping. If having sex is the breaking point then it happened in Mumbai and then twice at Tharuns place already.

But I feel Tharun having sex in their home is still not acceptable considering how patient he was shown
Just because she agreed for Anal , couldn't he have waited one more day after his return from Mumbai and done this at his place.why risk Jay witnessing them ? Not sure where this story is going towards, but I think there are ulterior motives of Tharun which we are not aware of?

Also Tarun became insecure because of Nikitas decision to visit Jay's village but didn't talk to her about that so far.

Is this sex one of his rash decisions Heyglwriter mentioned?

He had not seen with his own eyes. 

The first time he saw them kiss, he lost cool, that paved all way till here. 
The first sex, he could not stop, he dindn see it. 
The second and third, he was not aware of, he had not seen it.
This, he had seen it, its the BREAKING POINT. 

See even my readers, who all these days patiently reading everything was fine, even with Tharun, Nikitha sex before, the moment they witnessed Jay witnessing it, the lost it. Thats exactly how Jay feel. 

There is no way back he had to divorce her, make his mind up and recover, grow as a man or rework on him. From here his redemption arc will start. But will that help the love that broken now multi level? that we have to wait and watch

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 127 – The Surprise and the Aftermath

---

Nikitha collapsed on Tharun’s chest, breathing heavily, her entire body trembling. Her legs shook uncontrollably, thighs slick with their combined juices. It had been the most intense sex she had experienced in a long time — raw, mindless, and completely consuming. She had invited Tharun herself tonight, determined to cool his anger and give him whatever he wanted. Now, as they lay tangled together, she realised just how far they had gone.

Her mind reeled. She remembered how he had kissed her the moment he stepped through the door — hungry, possessive, almost desperate. She had welcomed it shamelessly, like a woman in a secret affair. The dim lights, the scattered clothes across the floor, the way he had taken her again and again… it all felt thrilling and dangerous.

Oh No, what did I do? she thought, a shy, guilty smile creeping onto her lips. What if Jay woke up? He might think the worst… I hope the pills kept him asleep.
But she was in no state to feel guilt right now. Her body was still buzzing, her pussy and ass throbbing from the relentless pounding. She slowly moved her hips, keeping his softening cock inside her, not ready to let go just yet. Her head rested on his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat.
If not for Tharun’s anger, I would never have invited him here, she thought. I just wish i and jay could depart for real sometime soon. I don’t want to endure Jay’s pain anymore.

Tharun’s cock was still rock hard inside her but slowly losing its strength. In the past, whenever he asked for a second round, she would say no — Jay had always been the reason. Tonight, however, she was sure. She would not break it. She would be available for him, even if he wanted her until morning.
Tharun’s one hand rested on her back, the other holding his phone. She didn’t know what was going through his mind.


Tharun, however, was lost in a different storm. No matter how Nikitha tried to move her hips, grinding gently to keep him hard, his erection was fading. His eyes were fixed on the message on his screen.

“Do you think I will just like that go away from your life?”
His face kept reading it, visibly shaken.


Unknowing the storm tharun had been in… she kept moving slowly, grinding her hips in small circles, trying to keep him hard. Her voice was husky, almost pleading.

“Can we go for round 2?”

Tharun’s heart sank. His cock lost strength completely by now.

Tharun didn’t respond immediately. His mind was elsewhere. He slowly lifted her off him, his movements gentle but distant. He got up from the bed, walking weakly toward his clothes.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I need to catch my flight. I need to sleep. I’ll call you in the morning.”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly, almost mechanically, before dressing quickly and leaving.

Nikitha lay there for a moment, naked and confused. She eventually got up, picked up her scattered clothes from the hall, and decided to stay in the upstairs bedroom instead of going down.

---

Morning

The next day was Sharmi’s shift to take care of Jay. Nikitha went about her routine calmly, preparing kanji and fresh juice in the kitchen. She had barely slept, her mind still replaying the night before.

When Sharmi arrived, she went straight into Jay’s room to check on him. He had been sleeping unusually long. What she didn’t know was that Jay was only pretending — lying still with his eyes closed, his mind wide awake and heavy with pain.

Nikitha continued her chores quietly, trying to push away the guilt that kept creeping in.


Sharmi had been quietly observing the household tension for days. That morning, as sunlight filtered through the curtains, she noticed Jay subtly turning his head away, his eyes clamped shut in an exaggerated pretense of sleep. His breathing was too controlled, too deliberate for someone actually resting. Something was clearly wrong.


The moment Nikitha grabbed her bag and left for work with a quick goodbye, the facade dropped. Jay’s eyes fluttered open, staring at the ceiling with a haunted expression.
Sharmi crossed her arms, her voice gentle but firm. “Why are you acting like you’re sleeping? I saw you. What’s going on, Jay?”


He opened his mouth, then hesitated, the words tumbling out raw and fragmented. “I… I hated seeing it. That fear on her face. On his face. On everyone’s face around me lately.”


Sharmi tilted her head, not fully understanding but sensing the depth of his turmoil. She sat down beside him, choosing her words carefully. “Fear? Why fear? If you’ve done something wrong, then yes, it makes sense to feel uneasy. But even then, it shouldn’t be hate or fear that rules you. It should be shame — the kind that makes you bow your head and reflect. But if you know deep down you’re not the one at fault… then why hide? Stand straight, Jay. Walk forward. Life is still yours to claim. Don’t let guilt that isn’t yours chain you down.”

Her words were vague, almost philosophical, yet they landed with unexpected precision. A quiet clarity washed over Jay’s face. The fog that had clouded his mind for weeks finally lifted. He had been clinging to a broken marriage out of habit, pain, and misplaced hope. But it was time to release it.


“I’ve decided,” he said softly, more to himself than to her. I made the decision last night, I don't have courage, but I think after what you spoke, it does enlighten me.   “I’m going to divorce Nikitha. It will be hard to move on… but I have to let it go.”


Sharmi’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “We need to go to the hospital. I want these bandages off. And I want to surprise Nikitha this evening.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Surprise her? With what?”
“You’ll see,” Jay replied, a faint, determined smile breaking through. “I’ll tell you the full story on the way.”


By 6:20 PM, the front door clicked open. Nikitha stepped inside, exhausted from the day, only to see Sharmi slipping out with a neutral expression, offering nothing more than a polite nod.

“Had your tea?” Nikitha asked Jay automatically, turning toward the living room. The words died on her lips.

Jay stood near the window, transformed. The unkempt beard was gone. The bandages that had hidden his injuries had disappeared. He looked like the man she had fallen in love with years ago — sharp, clean-shaven, with a quiet confidence radiating from him. The broken, sobbing version of Jay who had torn himself apart these past weeks was nowhere to be seen. In his place stood someone who looked… renewed. Charismatic. Almost dangerous in his composure.

Nikitha couldn’t help the big, genuine smile that spread across her face. This was what she had wanted for him — for him to stand on his own again, to choose a good life. So she could finally move on without the crushing weight of guilt.

The TV played a soft, melodious romantic song in the background, its lyrics floating through the room like a gentle breeze. Jay began quietly reciting a few lines under his breath, his voice low and warm, perfectly in tune with the melody.
“You look… new,” Nikitha said, still smiling.

Jay laughed softly, a spark of his old charm returning. “Surprised?”
She shook her head in amused acceptance, though her guard was already up. “There’s a lot more,” he said, stepping closer with the rhythm of the song. He reached for her hand and gently pulled her into a small dance, swaying with the music.

Nikitha was shocked, but a curious smile played on her lips. She tried to maintain a careful distance, keeping her body from pressing too close even as they moved. “Jay, stop. What happened to you?” she asked, half-laughing, half-wary. “You suddenly turned into a loverboy again. Are you trying to charm me like the old days?”

He looked deep into her eyes, still moving slowly to the music, guiding her with gentle but confident steps. “When did we used to do this?”
“When you were in a good mood… you’d pull me in like this,” she replied, her tone turning serious. “But I want to remind you — I’m not yours anymore. After choosing Tharun, I—”

She expected the words to sting him, to wipe the smile from his face. Instead, he pulled her a little closer, his hold steady and sure. His hand around hers carried a depth of intimacy that sent an unwilling shiver down her spine — stronger, far more electric than any thrust she had shared with Tharun the previous night.

“Jay,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, “we are not husband and wife anymore. No matter how much you surprise me with this makeover or this pretend change, I won’t fall for it. You need to move on.”

Jay laughed — a full, genuine, and unexpectedly light sound that filled the room. He kept holding her hand, drawing her even nearer as they continued their slow dance. Nikitha tried to resist the growing proximity, leaning back slightly while their bodies still brushed and crushed together with every sway.


“I know, that's why there's one more surprise,” he said softly, his voice laced with quiet intensity.

As he said it, Jay moved forward smoothly, reaching toward the table behind her. Nikitha’s eyes widened. At that moment, she thought he was leaning in for a hug — or worse, a kiss. Panic and old memories surged through her. She instinctively stepped back to create distance, but the edge of the table caught her sharply behind her back.


Before she could hit it hard, Jay’s arm swiftly wrapped around her waist and pulled her forward, protecting her from the impact. The sudden protective pull brought their bodies crashing together. Her breasts pressed firmly against his chest in an involuntary, tight embrace. She could feel the heat of him, the steady beat of his heart, the strength in his frame.

Her breath came heavier. She shivered, bracing herself, convinced he was about to cross the line — to kiss her, to take her sexually right there. Her mind raced with resistance even as her body reacted to the closeness.


But Jay didn’t push further in any sexual way. His touch remained respectful, almost protective, holding her securely for just a moment longer. While their bodies were still pressed together in that accidental, intimate crush, his other hand reached behind her, smoothly picking up the set of papers from the table.
He slowly loosened his grip, though the echo of their closeness still lingered in the air. Then he raised the document and placed it directly in front of her eyes.


Nikitha stared at it, stunned. Her heart hammered wildly.

“What’s this?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.
“Your surprise gift,” Jay said calmly, still holding her gaze. “The one you kept asking for.”

Nikitha looked down.
It was the document needed for her signature — Mutual Consent Divorce.
For the first time, the reality of it cracked something deep inside her.

All these days, Nikitha had desperately wanted this — for Jay to finally accept reality, to move forward, and to set her free without guilt or drama. She had imagined this moment would bring her relief, even liberation.


But the second the divorce papers landed in her hands, everything shattered.
The crisp document felt heavier than it should have. Her fingers trembled violently as she held it, the reality of the choice she had made crashing over her like a tidal wave. Every bold word on the page — Mutual Consent Divorce — stared back at her, cold and final. This was what she had pushed for. This was what she had chosen.


Yet now, standing there with the paper in her grip, her chest tightened. A sudden, crushing pressure shot through her heart, squeezing the air out of her lungs. The room began to spin. The melodious song from the TV faded into a distant hum. Her vision blurred at the edges.

Before she could even utter a word, her knees buckled. Nikitha fainted right there on the spot, collapsing forward as the papers slipped from her trembling fingers and scattered across the floor.