[heygiwriter]

Chapter 15: The Slow Game


Two weeks passed.

The new project team had been officially formed, and the work moved at a brutal, unrelenting pace. Long hours, tight deadlines, daily stand-ups, and endless brainstorming sessions became the new normal. The pressure was immense, but the team was delivering.

Jay watched everything like a hawk.
But nothing happened.

Tharun was the perfect professional. He treated Nikitha with respect — friendly, appreciative, and entirely focused on work. In meetings, he praised her ideas publicly, asked for her input on gameplay systems, and occasionally discussed proposals over group calls. There was no lingering eye contact, no unnecessary touches, no private late-night sessions. Everything looked completely normal and above board.

Jay grew more and more uneasy with each passing day.

He had expected Tharun to make quick, aggressive moves. Instead, the man was playing a patient, calculated, long game. Jay even started wondering if Tharun had changed his mind or if the entire conversation in the cabin had been some kind of twisted test.

Nikitha, too, began to doubt.
One evening while working late at home, she looked at Jay and said half-jokingly, “Are you sure about what Tharun told you? Because from what I’ve seen in the last two weeks, he’s been completely professional.

I’m starting to think you made up that whole conversation just to play with me.”
Jay didn’t laugh. He stayed silent, a deep frown etched on his face.

---

Midway through the third week, Jay couldn’t hold it in anymore.

He waited until the office was almost empty and walked straight into Tharun’s cabin, closing the door firmly behind him.
Tharun looked up from his screen, calm as ever. “Jay. What’s on your mind?”

Jay didn’t sit down. 
He stood straight, arms crossed, voice low but sharp.
“What’s your game, Tharun?” he asked directly. “It’s been two weeks. 
I don’t see any move from you. 
You talked so big that day, but now you’re acting like nothing happened.”

Tharun leaned back in his chair, studying Jay for a moment before a faint, knowing smile appeared on his face.
“You’re impatient,” he said. “That’s why I’m the manager and you’re not. 
Do you know why I got this role so quickly?”
Jay stayed silent.

“Because I do things faster, but I also know when to be patient,” Tharun continued smoothly. “My top priority is works and results. Dont you remember we pick this team, if something goes wrong we have to answer, work comes first. And we started seeing result in the three weeks, now no one will doubt and no one would question, we have lesuire time. 

Regarding Nikitha.
I’m not rushing this. I’m building something natural. Right now, Nikitha is very comfortable around me. She talks freely, shares ideas openly, laughs at my jokes. Last week, I got her personal number to send proposals. Soon this official talks will change to personal... Slowly. Naturally.”

He paused, then added with quiet confidence, “I don’t plan to have quick sex with her. I want her for the long term. With her husband away, I have time. I’ll take all the days I need… just like you did with Anjali. Once I’ve had enough of Nikitha, I’ll move on with my life.”
Jay’s jaw tightened hard.

He suddenly asked, trying to sound casual, “You’re not married, right?”
Tharun shook his head. 
“No. I have a girlfriend. We’re planning to get married next year. Until then… I’ll have Nikitha.”

That evening , Jay left the cabin with a storm raging in his chest.
He felt deeply uneasy. If Tharun had a girlfriend and planned to marry her next year, then Nikitha would never be anything more than a temporary fling for him. She could end up badly hurt. 

He remembered Nikitha casually saying Tharun was unmarried and that she could “try” him.
Now everything felt even more dangerous. He hated sensing, Nikitha will get used, than living a proper life. 

He decided he would warn her as soon as he reached home.

---

But the real shift happened later that night.

Nikitha was in the kitchen, preparing a milk before bed, when her phone buzzed with a new message.
It was from Tharun.

[heygiwriter]

Mirna to Sneha to Nikitha.... awesome.... each one of them

Thanks

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 16: The First Message


Nikitha was in the kitchen, preparing a glass of warm milk before bed, when her phone buzzed.

It was from Tharun.

Jay entered the kitchen a moment later, his mind still replaying the confrontation in Tharun’s cabin.

“Are you not married?” he had asked earlier that day.

Tharun had leaned back with a casual smile and replied, “I have a girlfriend. We’re planning to get married next year.”

The words kept echoing in Jay’s head. He wanted to warn Nikitha immediately — “Tharun has a girlfriend. You might end up as nothing more than a fling.” — but he wasn’t sure how she would take it. Would she think he was being jealous or possessive?

Before he could speak, Nikitha picked up her phone, surprised to see a message from Tharun at 10:00 PM. He had only messaged her before for official reasons, always before 6 PM.

She opened WhatsApp.


Tharun:

Hey Nikitha, sorry for messaging so late. Just wanted to personally thank you. The angel avatar we developed got approved by the client today. It turned out beautifully. Big thanks to you.

---

Nikitha raised an eyebrow, curious. She typed back.

Nikitha:
Thank you, but you should thank the Art team for that. I’m not from Art. I didn’t do anything.

---

Tharun:

[Image sent — A beautiful angelic character in a flowing peach-colored gown with delicate floral border patterns and subtle glittering effects]
Don’t remember?

---

Nikitha stared at the image. The gown’s color, the floral border pattern — it was strikingly similar to the peach saree she had worn a few days ago.

Nikitha:

Wait… I don’t get it what this has to do with me? //she wanted to know it from his mouth

---

Tharun:
[Image sent — A secretly taken photo of Nikitha from a few days ago, wearing the exact peach saree with floral border, captured from a slight side angle while she was presenting in a meeting]

Now tell me.

---

Nikitha’s eyes widened. She let out a soft, amused laugh and typed back playfully.


Nikitha:

Wait a minute… You took a photo of me secretly? A stalker, Tharun sir? ?

---

Tharun:
Haha, no no. I just really liked your dress that day. You looked like an angel. How would I explain the exact shade and pattern to the designers? So I took a quick photo. Next time I’ll ask for permission first.

---

Nikitha smiled, shaking her head as she replied.

Nikitha:
I was just pulling your leg. It’s perfectly fine. I’m glad it had a good purpose behind it. The avatar looks beautiful.

---

Tharun:

Yes. We were breaking our heads on the color palette. That day you wore this saree, you genuinely looked like an angel. So I secretly took a photo and sent it to the designers. Anjali helped refine it.

---

Nikitha:
You are flattering me.

---

Tharun:
You are being humble. That saree looked stunning on you. The character came out exactly how I imagined.

---

Nikitha couldn’t stop smiling as she read the messages. A soft, genuine smile played on her lips while she typed back.


Jay, who had been watching her, finally asked, “What are you smiling at?”
Without hiding anything, Nikitha turned the phone toward him. “Tharun started his game. Look. He’s smart — he knows exactly how to flatter someone in the very first personal conversation.”

Jay read the chat. His jaw tightened. The casual compliment, the photo reference, the way Tharun was already creating a personal connection — it was smooth. Too smooth.

He felt a sharp sting of jealousy.
“Nikitha,” he said seriously, “don’t trust him too much.

She asked why? she noticed his face was serious?!!
What? she asked.. 

He he have a girl friend! He finally revealed.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 17: Jay's Jealousy and playful Sex


“He has a girlfriend,” Jay said. “They’re planning to get married next year.”

Nikitha didn’t react the way he expected. She simply shrugged, as if it didn’t matter.
“So what?” she said casually, sipping her milk.
Jay blinked. “You’re not bothered?”

She set the glass down and looked at him with a teasing smile. “Are you jealous?”
“No way,” Jay replied quickly, a little too defensively.

He stepped closer. “See, I thought you might be interested in marrying him. That’s why I wanted to warn you. If you’re serious about him, you should know he already has someone.”

Nikitha smiled softly and walked toward the bedroom.

Jay continued
“I don’t care whom you hook up with. 
But I don’t want you to get hurt thinking this could turn into a proper relationship or marriage with him.”

Jay followed her into the bedroom, still holding her phone. 
“Why are you ignoring this like it’s nothing?”

Nikitha turned to him, sitting on the edge of the bed. 
“It doesn’t change anything. If he wants to try me, let him try. I’ll keep him distracted. Above all, our truth should not get out.”
She paused, then added playfully, “Besides, if you can openly fuck Anjali, why can’t I enjoy making Tharun lose his mind over me?”

Jay’s face darkened. He looked troubled.
Nikitha noticed and softened her tone. She stood up and hugged him. 
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after my life. I’ll be careful, okay?”

She pulled him onto the bed with her. Sitting on his lap, she pulled her nighty up, revealing her black lace bra and panties. Jay’s hands moved to her waist, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
“I’m not in the mood,” he muttered.

Nikitha tilted her head. “What’s troubling you? I said I’ll take care of my thing.”
Jay looked at her seriously.

“You look like a real husband who is jealous and possessive about his wife who is chatting with her secret lover.”
Nikitha told and laughed lightly. 

She took the phone from him, opened her whatsapp and typed good night..

“Jealous and possessive? me?”
Jay wanted to stop this conversation. His male ego didn’t want to look weak. 

He suddenly plucked the phone from her hand, quickly typed a kiss emoji (?) at the end of her last message, and hit send.

Nikitha was shocked with what he done..
“Shit! What have you done, Jay?!” Nikitha exclaimed, grabbing the phone back.

Before she could react further, a reply came.

Tharun:
Good night, but what’s with this kiss emoji? And why did you take so long to respond?
Nikitha panicked for a second, then typed quickly.

---

Nikitha:
Sorry, I was speaking to my husband. He is out of town. That message was supposed to be for him. I mistakenly sent it to you.

---

Tharun:
Oh, okay. But isn’t he abroad? You said out of town earlier.

---

Nikitha froze for a second, then replied.
Nikitha:
Yeah… abroad. How did you know?

---

Tharun:
Jay mentioned it casually in conversation.

---

Nikitha:
Oh, okay. Sorry about that. Btw if you want to know anything about me, ask me directly, i dont appreciate people speaking about me enquiring about me behind my back.. She typed angrily. 


She was about to put the phone down when Jay suddenly removed his shirt and shorts in one swift motion. Before she could react, he hugged her tightly from behind, his bare chest pressing against her back, and unhooked her bra with practiced fingers.


“Fuck you, Jay…” she muttered, half-annoyed, half-aroused. “You’re putting me in a mess.”

Tharun messaged: Why?

She tried to type a reply, but her fingers fumbled on the screen as Jay’s hot mouth attacked her neck aggressively — kissing, sucking, and biting the sensitive skin. A sharp moan escaped her lips. The phone slipped from her hand and fell onto the bedside table with a soft thud.
Jay didn’t give her any time to recover.

He spun her around and pulled her into a deep, possessive kiss — hungry, almost violent. His tongue invaded her mouth as his hands roamed greedily over her body, squeezing her full breasts, pinching her hardened nipples. The jealousy and frustration from the conversation with Tharun had ignited something primal and dark in him.

He wanted to remind her — and himself — that she was his.

Jay pushed her onto the bed roughly. Nikitha landed on her back, breathing heavily, her bra hanging loosely from one shoulder. He yanked her panties down her legs in one motion and threw them aside. Without any foreplay, he spread her thighs wide and thrust into her in one powerful stroke.

Nikitha gasped sharply, her back arching off the bed as he filled her completely.
“Jay…!” she moaned loudly, her nails digging into his shoulders.

He fucked her hard — deep, relentless strokes that made the bed creak. There was no tenderness tonight. Only raw possession. Every thrust felt like a claim, like he was trying to erase Tharun’s presence from her mind.

Nikitha matched his intensity, wrapping her legs around his waist, her hips rising to meet him aggressively. Her moans grew louder, unrestrained, echoing in the room.

“Harder…” she gasped, her voice breaking. “Fuck me harder, Jay.”

He obliged, pounding into her with furious energy, gripping her thighs so tightly his fingers left marks. He leaned down and bit her neck, sucking hard enough to leave a hickey. Nikitha cried out in pleasure, her pussy clenching around him.

They changed positions twice — first he took her from behind, slamming into her with bruising force while pulling her hair, then she rode him wildly, grinding down on his cock with fierce abandon, her breasts bouncing heavily as she chased her pleasure.
Their sex was angry, messy, and intensely passionate — a storm of lust, jealousy, and unspoken emotions.

When they finally came, it was explosive. Nikitha screamed his name as her orgasm ripped through her, her walls pulsing violently around him. Jay groaned loudly, burying himself as deep as possible and filling her with thick, hot spurts of cum.

They collapsed together, panting, sweaty, and exhausted.
For a few minutes, neither spoke. Only the sound of their heavy breathing filled the room.

---

The next morning, when Nikitha opened her phone, there were two new messages from Tharun.

Tharun:
No reply? Slept already?

Tharun:
Good night, Nikitha :)

[heygiwriter]

Image Tharun took on his mobile and, image he shared for game angel avatar

the first avatar he showed to Nikki last night over phone

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 18: The Angel and the Warning


The morning after, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains of their bedroom. Nikitha lay awake, staring at the ceiling while Jay slept soundly beside her. Her phone rested on the bedside table, the chat with Tharun still open on the screen.

She felt a strange, unsettling mix of emotions swirling inside her.

Jay was jealous. She could see it so clearly now — in the way he had fucked her last night with such raw desperation, in the tension in his jaw when he read the messages, in how he had impulsively sent that kiss emoji out of spite. But why? They were never meant to be together in the first place. He had chosen Anjali to hide their marriage. He had outside affairs because she was never someone he could fully depend on emotionally. So why, now that she hadn’t even started anything with Tharun, was he suddenly so disturbed, jealous, and possessive?

This is not love, she told herself firmly. He’s just confused.

Still, she knew she had to play this game very carefully. One small slip, one inconsistent story, and Tharun could expose their hidden marriage. With him now speaking to both her and Jay, the risk of their versions clashing was dangerously real.

Jay stirred beside her and slowly opened his eyes. He caught her staring at him with a complex, unreadable expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, his voice still husky from sleep. A small, tired smirk appeared on his lips. “You want another round already?”

Nikitha’s expression remained serious. She sat up, pulling the sheet over her chest.

“No,” she said quietly but firmly. “I don’t want you to discuss anything about me with Tharun. Not a single word. I will manage him myself. I don’t want two different versions of my story floating around. We could get caught so easily if he compares notes with you.”

Last night i said my husband was out of town, but you have mentioned that my husband is abroad.. see how many versions.. i will manage him..

Jay frowned, searching her face. “You’re still thinking about that?”

“Yes,” she replied, her tone sharp. “We are deep into this now, Jay. 
I don’t want any mess to happen. 
One mistake and everything we’ve built — the loans, the secrecy, our entire life here — could collapse.”

---

Later that day at the office, the entire team gathered in the main conference room for the first major demo of the new game.

The lights dimmed. The large screen lit up. When the angel avatar appeared, Nikitha froze in her seat.
The character had been completely transformed.

What was once a simple, girlish figure was now strikingly mature, elegant, and sensual — fuller curves, graceful posture, and an undeniable feminine allure. The peach-colored gown with the delicate floral border looked even more refined, almost glowing under the digital lighting.
She felt her cheeks burn.

As the team clapped and discussed the visuals excitedly, Nikitha slowly rose from her chair and walked closer to where Tharun was standing near the screen. She spoke in a low voice so only he could hear.

“Tharun sir… why does she look so matured now? Last night when you sent the image, it was just a girl.”

Tharun turned to her. His calm, intense gaze locked onto hers. The corner of his mouth lifted in a subtle, dangerous smile.
“Last night, after I spoke with you,” he said softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear, “I decided to make some changes. It was missing the charm you had. So…”

Nikitha felt a rush of heat spread through her entire body. It was so bold. So open. She quickly glanced around the room — Jay, Anjali, and the others were focused on the screen, animatedly discussing gameplay mechanics. No one was paying attention to their quiet corner conversation.
She looked back at Tharun. His eyes were locked on hers with unmistakable hunger and confidence.

“I used some AI tools and sent your reference to the design team,” he continued, his voice almost a whisper. 
“Look carefully. Except for the face… everything else is you.”

Nikitha’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at the avatar again. The body shape, the way it moved, the curve of the hips, the graceful sway — it really did match her almost perfectly.

She realized with a jolt just how serious Tharun was about her.


A dangerous thrill ran down her spine.


A part of her — a part she had long kept buried — yearned desperately for this kind of focused, deliberate attention. The kind of attention Jay had never fully given her. Not because he didn’t care, but because their entire relationship had been built on survival, practicality, and necessity. She knew he didn’t owe her romance. After all, she was the one who had dragged him into this messy, forced marriage in the first place. She had ruined his life that day in the temple, and he had simply chosen to survive alongside her.

But Jay’s warning about Tharun’s girlfriend kept echoing loudly in her mind.

She couldn’t enjoy this. Not fully. Knowing Tharun had a girlfriend made her fear emotional investment. Right now, what Tharun was doing — the compliments, the special avatar, the focused attention — felt emotionally intoxicating. It was hitting her in places she hadn’t realized were starved. But what if this was all just for sex? What if she let herself feel special, only to discover she was nothing more than a temporary conquest? She would look like a fool to herself.

She knew his intention was likely just physical. She couldn’t buy into the drama.

If Tharun had simply flirted casually, she might have even appreciated it. She would have thought about sleeping with him — it could just be a fling or sex, maybe a temporary affair for thrill. But this… this felt like emotional attachment in the making. He was using emotional methods to win her body.

And that terrified her.

For a moment, her eyes drifted toward Jay.

He had never done anything fancy. No grand gestures, no poetic words. But with him, she never felt this fear — the fear of being hurt, cheated on, or discarded. He was straight with her. Open. Real. In that second, she didn’t want a fairy-tale marriage. She wanted a soul like Jay’s — someone steady, someone who would stick with her even when things got ugly.

She decided to step back.

Quietly excusing herself from Tharun, she walked slowly toward where Jay was standing. He didn’t notice her approach. He was deeply engaged in conversation with Sharmi about the hero avatar’s gun design. Without him noticing, Nikitha positioned herself right beside him and gently held the tip of his shirt between her fingers — a small, silent anchor for courage.

She looked at the two men standing before her in the room.

One wanted her badly… but she feared he would eventually hurt her.
The other would never hurt her… but she feared she was already hurting him.

Her heart felt painfully heavy.

[heygiwriter]

Nice update.

Thanks

[heygiwriter]

Bro, you are an exceptional writer. Your female characters are always so special. Somehow, we instantly connect with them, even before we fully understand why. There’s so much depth in the way you write them.

When I first started reading, I genuinely couldn’t tell who the main character was. But once the suspense ended, I got it. Now I can clearly see that you’re building a masterpiece.

One thing that surprised me is that, unlike your previous stories where sex/intimacy usually comes much later after a long buildup, it appeared relatively early here. That makes me even more curious about what you have planned? may be saving best for Nikitha and Tharun. Maybe you're saving the best moments for him. Whatever the case, I'm completely hooked.

This is fantastic, brother. Keep rocking!

Thanks a lot :)

Not suspense, but i tried non linear, but fear of reader would get confused so changed it to small suspense.

[heygiwriter]

As usual, this story of yours also seems to have a cuckold theme somewhere beneath the surface—I could sense it early on. But among all the stories I've read with similar elements, you handle it far better than most in your stories. This theme never looked forced in your stories, and the conversations feel incredibly natural and believable.

Take your time with the story. The way you're building the characters and relationships is what makes it work.

I'm already on Nikitha's side. At this point, I just want her to get whatever she needs and deserves for herself. She's an angel. And somehow, I have a feeling that both Jay and Tharun are going to end up serving that angel in their own ways.

Fantastic work so far, brother. Looking forward to every update.

Thanks :) A lot back to back updates :)

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 19: Tharun's smart move and Jay's Rejection


As the demo progressed and the team gathered around the large screen, Nikitha instinctively moved closer to Jay. Without thinking, her fingers lightly caught the tip of his shirt — a small, silent plea for comfort and courage in the middle of the chaos.


Jay noticed immediately.

His hand shot down, firmly pushing hers away. He turned his head slightly and gave her a sharp, scolding look — almost like a warning.
“Behave,” he whispered under his breath, his tone cold and low.

Nikitha froze.

The small rejection hit her harder than she expected. She pulled her hand back as if burned, her chest tightening with hurt. She knew she shouldn’t have done it — someone could have seen. But in that moment, she had been emotionally confused and overwhelmed. She had only needed solace from him… and instead, he had pushed her away.

The rest of the demo passed in a blur for her.

---

After the presentation ended, Tharun stepped to the center of the room. The entire team, along with senior management, quieted down as he began speaking.


“I want to congratulate every single one of you,” Tharun said, his voice confident and warm. “This demo was possible only because of the hard work you all put in. Special thanks to Jay for leading the gameplay systems, Anjali for the stunning visuals, and the entire support team for making this vision come alive.”

He continued praising individuals, giving credit where it was due. The entire company was impressed by how quickly he had united the team and pushed the project forward. Though Jay was the senior executive and official project lead, it was clear to everyone that Tharun’s planning, communication, and leadership had been the real driving force.

Tharun gracefully pulled Jay forward to take credit as the project lead. Jay smiled and thanked the team, but the crowd knew the truth — Tharun had made it possible.

---

Later, during the company-organized lunch, HR and the Managing Director mingled with the team. Tharun accompanied them, personally introducing every key technician.

When they reached Nikitha, Tharun kept it completely professional.

“Nikitha has been doing outstanding work on gameplay mechanics,” he said with a polite smile. “Her insights have been invaluable.”

He didn’t mention the avatar. He didn’t linger. He moved on smoothly.
Nikitha felt a wave of relief.

---

Later, while she was having lunch at a corner table, Tharun approached her quietly.
He stood a respectful distance away and spoke in a low, sincere voice.

“I’m sorry, Nikitha,” he said gently, his deep voice low enough that only she could hear. “I noticed you stepped back after what I said earlier. If you felt uneasy, I apologize. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I wanted to complete what I was saying, but you left before I could finish.”

He pulled out his phone and opened a PDF file, turning the screen toward her. It contained multiple reference images and detailed notes. One page had several photos of her in the peach saree, along with annotations about her posture, the graceful way she moved, and the natural elegance she carried.

On another page were photos of other real people — including an electrician who had come to fix wires at the office a few weeks ago, and a few of Tharun’s friends from outside.

Nikitha scrolled through them silently, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Tharun watched her reaction carefully. This was a calculated move. He had tested her earlier with the avatar comment, wanting to see if she would be tempted or flattered. When she stepped back, he realized she wasn’t easily swayed by direct emotional bait. So he changed tactics — showing transparency to rebuild trust and close the small gap he had created.

“Every character in this game has real-life references,” Tharun explained softly. “Some from our company, some from my personal circle. As the concept head, I feed these inspirations to the design team. I felt the angel needed real graciousness and elegance. You matched it perfectly. That’s why I chose you and changed only the face.”

He paused, then added with genuine-sounding regret, “I don’t know if you misunderstood my words… but it seems I scared you. I’m sorry.

Let me be honest Nikitha, you impressed me with your work, with your sincerity, and with your friendly nature. I truly wanted to become a friend of you here.. I only know less people in bangalore. but looks like scared you and messed up.

Nikitha looked at him, her mind racing. For a brief second, she almost believed the sincerity in his voice. But something in his eyes — that quiet intensity — told her this was still part of a larger plan. He was playing the long game, to get her.. he is carefully adjusting his approach after reading her reaction.

Before she could find the right words to respond, Tharun gave a small, respectful nod.
“I’ll leave you to your lunch,” he said quietly, and walked away.

Nikitha wanted to stop him. She feared what if he truly leaves the idea, which would eventually lead to get herself got exposed of hidden marriage. 

She wanted to say something, to get back herself in his game.. anything — but the words stuck in her throat. She let him go.

That evening, back at home, she kept checking her phone, half-expecting a message from him. But nothing came.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 20: Misunderstood Intentions


That night, the bedroom was quiet except for the faint hum of the ceiling fan. Jay and Nikitha lay in bed, the sheets tangled around them. Jay noticed Nikitha staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, her expression distant.

He turned toward her. “What happened?” he asked softly. “You’ve been quiet since we got home.”
Nikitha hesitated for a moment, then turned to face him.

“Tharun made an avatar based on me,” she said. “The angel character… it’s not just the color. The posture, the grace, the way it moves — it’s all inspired by me. At first, I thought it was emotional manipulation. I wasn’t ready for that. I was okay with light flirting, maybe even a temporary fling for thrill… but knowing he’s going to marry someone else, why would he try to emotionally bind me? That scared me. That’s why I came to you during the demo… but you scolded me and pushed my hand away.”

She paused, her voice softening. “Later he showed me the full file. 
There were references from other people too — an electrician, his friends. 
Did I think too much? Or was I right to be cautious?”

Jay stared at her for a long moment. He remembered how she had stood beside him, her fingers lightly catching his shirt, seeking comfort. But all he had felt in that moment was irritation and fear of being seen.

“Yes,” he said, his tone irritated. “You thought too much. You already decided to try him, right? To distract him and maybe even have sex with him. What is this new emotional thing you’re blabbering about now?”

Nikitha turned away from him, hurt flashing across her face.

“Can’t you understand me?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly. “If Tharun had no girlfriend, the way he used me for that avatar… I would have left you and stayed with him. The focus, the attention, the effort — he gave me something I truly wanted to experience in my life. 

She paused for a moment and said, realising this could be passing as a blame on Jay. She said.. I don’t blame you. I know I was a mess in your life. I didnt expect it from you.. i know we may not have a proper marriage life. 

When Tharun gave those, giving me hope with emotional binding.. and if he got married to someone else.. ufff… I don’t want to be a joke to myself.”

Jay fell silent. For the first time, he truly realized what she was saying. She wasn’t just playing along for strategy. She was genuinely drawn to the kind of attention Tharun was giving her — the kind he himself had never provided. He wasn’t sure if she truly liked him or was simply disappointed that she couldn’t have a real marriage with someone who made her feel special.

He asked do you really thought of marriage with him, i thought you were just playing for distraction?

She said no, honestly, no.. I just want to play with him, but today, what he did was not i was prepared for.. that is when my inner feelings came out, i too expected a life like that. Today i saw Tharun gave a glimpse of it.  

but i feel, i misunderstood him, he didnt not do it to bind me? instead it could be his genuine moment, should i give him better chances and see ..?

Jay was fully confused. 
He asked quietly, “What do you want now?”

Nikitha sighed. “I feel like I misunderstood him. I may need to apologize or sort it out. I’m also worried… what if I can’t distract him properly? If he digs deeper into us, we could get exposed. I need to play along at least for the next six months, right?”

Jay simply nodded. “Then apologize.”

But strangely, a dark part of him enjoyed this. He didn’t want her getting involved with Tharun. The jealousy burned hotter than he expected. Yet he hid it behind a mask of indifference. He acted like he was pushing her toward it. as if it doesnt mean any matter for him. 

He stretched across her, grabbed her phone from the bedside table, and opened the WhatsApp window with Tharun. With a mocking smile, he typed:

Nikitha:
I'm sorry darling ❤️
He held the phone up, showing her the screen. “Should I send it like this?”
Nikitha’s eyes widened in panic. “Jay, no!”
She lunged for the phone. In the chaotic scramble, her finger accidentally hit send.
The message went through.
Blue ticks appeared almost instantly.
Both of them froze, staring at the screen in shock.
A reply came within seconds.
Tharun:
Darling? ? What’s with the sudden sweetness? Everything okay?

[heygiwriter]

Just Beautiful.  

Thanks a lot

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 21: The Accidental Darling


The message had already been sent.
Blue ticks appeared almost instantly.

Both Jay and Nikitha froze, staring at the screen in horror.

Tharun:
Darling? ? What’s with the sudden sweetness? Everything okay?
Nikitha’s heart hammered. She quickly typed a reply, her fingers flying across the screen.
Nikitha:
Sorry! That message was supposed to be for my husband. I mistakenly sent it to you and I was half-asleep.
Tharun replied almost immediately, a laughing emoji following.
Tharun:
Haha, you seem to be confusing me for your husband now. Should I be worried or flattered? ?
Nikitha let out a nervous laugh despite herself. She could feel Jay’s eyes burning into her from the side.
Nikitha:
Definitely a mistake. Sorry for this and also I want to honestly apologise for how I misunderstood you in the morning when you used my avatar. I felt bad when you said you wanted a friendship but I mistook you and it hurt me. I’m truly sorry.
Tharun:
No need to apologise. I understand. But I don’t agree to friendship if you keep calling me “sir”. In the entire building, only you call me that. I feel like I’m 50, not 30 ?
Nikitha couldn’t help but giggle softly at the message. The tension in her chest eased a little.
Nikitha:
Haha, okay… Tharun. Better?
Tharun:
Much better. See? Already feels friendlier. By the way, you have a beautiful smile. I noticed it during the demo today. It lights up the whole room.
Nikitha bit her lip, feeling a flutter in her stomach. She typed back quickly.
Nikitha:
Now you’re flattering me again. Stop it ?. I need to sleep!! I dont want to giggle and have a stomach pain.
Tharun:
Can’t help it. You make it easy. Sorry to disturb your sleep. Good night, Nikitha. Sweet dreams.
Looking forward to working with you more and a lot fun banters.
Nikitha:
Good night, Tharun. Im too looking forward and thanks for understanding. 
Tharun:
put a ? on her last message. 


She smiled and put the phone down, a small, genuine laugh escaping her lips. The screen still glowed faintly with Tharun’s last message, the words lingering like a secret thrill.


Jay, lying beside her in their king-sized bed, noticed the change in her expression immediately. The soft lamplight from the bedside table cast warm shadows across her face, highlighting the flush in her cheeks. His jaw tightened, a familiar knot of irritation twisting in his chest.

“What are you smiling at?” he asked, his voice edged with irritation, low and rough around the edges.

Nikitha turned to him, still amused, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief. She was wearing a thin black nighty that had ridden up her smooth thighs, her long hair tousled from earlier lounging. “Tharun replied. He said he doesn’t want me calling him ‘sir’ anymore because it makes him feel old.” She let out another soft giggle, the sound light and carefree.

She leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin, and playfully bit Jay’s earlobe, tugging gently with her teeth before releasing it. Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper. “See? Even he’s more fun than you right now.”

Jay’s hand instinctively gripped the sheets. “Why do you bite my ear? You are so thrilled for your new lover, suppressing this poor husband.”

She laughed again, the sound brighter this time, almost challenging. “Yeah, I’m going to ditch my husband for my lover. I’m happy, so I bite your ears. So what?” Her fingers traced lazy circles on his chest, but there was a glint of provocation in her gaze.



That was the last straw for Jay’s ego.

With a low growl that rumbled from deep in his throat, he flipped her onto her back in one swift motion, his strong hands pinning her wrists above her head for a brief second before releasing them. Nikitha’s eyes widened in surprise, a sharp inhale escaping her. He lifted her nighty roughly up to her waist, bunching the silky fabric around her hips, exposing her lace panties and the smooth curve of her stomach.

Before she could react or form a protest, he yanked her bra down with impatient fingers, freeing her full breasts. He latched onto one nipple hungrily, biting down just hard enough to make her gasp sharply, her back arching off the bed. He sucked ferociously, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak as he alternated between gentle licks and possessive nips.

“Jay—!” she moaned, half in protest, half in pleasure, her hands flying to his hair, fingers tangling in the strands.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes dark with jealousy and lust. “When you feel good, you bite my ears… so I want to bite your breasts,” he growled, voice thick with need. He didn’t wait for a reply. His mouth moved to her other breast, biting harder this time, sucking deep enough to leave faint marks that would bloom by morning. His free hand slid down her body with purpose, tracing over her ribs, her waist, until it reached between her thighs. He found her already slick and warm, her arousal soaking through the thin fabric of her panties.

He pushed the lace aside and thrust two fingers inside her without warning, curling them roughly against that sensitive spot he knew so well. Nikitha cried out, her hips bucking involuntarily as waves of sharp pleasure mixed with the sting of his bites.
Their sex that night was raw, angry, and fiercely possessive. 

Jay stripped away the rest of her clothing in hurried, almost violent tugs, then shoved his own boxers down. He positioned himself between her legs, his cock hard and throbbing with pent-up frustration. In one powerful thrust, he buried himself deep inside her, groaning at the tight, wet heat that enveloped him.

He fucked her hard—punishingly—his hips slamming against hers with relentless rhythm, as if each stroke could erase Tharun’s name from her mind. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoed in the room, mingling with her loud, unrestrained moans and his heavy, ragged breathing. Nikitha matched his intensity completely, her nails raking down his back, leaving red trails that only spurred him on. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper, her body trembling beneath him.

“Mine,” he grunted in his head... He bit her neck between thrusts, biting down on the soft skin there. 

She didn’t answer with words—only a broken moan as another orgasm ripped through her, her walls clenching tightly around him. Jay followed soon after, burying himself to the hilt with a guttural sound, spilling inside her in hot pulses.

When they finally collapsed, both were exhausted and emotionally torn. Sweat glistened on their skin, their bodies sticky and spent. Jay lay on top of her, still buried deep inside her warmth, his face pressed into the crook of her neck. He held her tightly—almost desperately—his arms locked around her as if afraid she would slip away into someone else’s world the moment he let go.

Nikitha wrapped her arms around him, her fingers stroking soothing patterns along his back, her heartbeat slowly calming against his chest. Neither of them said a word. The silence was heavy, filled with the lingering scent of sex, the faint creak of the bed, and the unspoken tension hanging between them.

But both felt the same quiet fear—that with Tharun now entering their lives, something precious and fragile between them might slowly disappear. They held each other closer that night, silently clinging to what they still had.


Neither realized yet that the jealousy, the passion, the desperate need to claim and be claimed… it was all rooted in love. A deep, complicated love that neither had fully acknowledged.

[heygiwriter]

updated previous chapter please refresh. Missed a version

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 22: Divided Attention & growing closness!


The morning light filtered through the curtains as Jay and Nikitha moved around their bedroom in quiet synchrony. Nikitha stood before the mirror, buttoning her crisp white blouse, while Jay knotted his tie with unusually jerky movements.

Neither spoke much.

Jay kept stealing glances at her, remembering the way she had moaned beneath him last night, the way she had clung to him afterward. A strange ache sat heavy in his chest — not just jealousy, but something deeper, warmer, more terrifying. She’s not supposed to be mine, but Why does it suddenly feel like paining, that i think about losing her? He didn’t have a name for the feeling.  

Nikitha adjusted her saree pallu, her mind replaying Tharun’s messages from the night before. The easy banter, the compliments, the way he made her laugh even when she was half-asleep. A flutter of excitement mixed with guilt twisted inside her. It’s just work, she told herself. And a little harmless flirting, may be a fling / sexual need.. Yet when she looked at Jay’s tense shoulders, something tugged painfully at her heart. She wanted to reach out, to reassure him… but the words wouldn’t come. She also thought why and what should she reassure knowing they were not meant to be together.. 

They left for the office in near silence, both carrying emotions they couldn’t yet name.


At the office, the new Gaming Delivery section had been shifted to the 12th floor to accommodate the additional resources being added for the final push before launch. The floor buzzed with fresh energy — new desks, whiteboards covered in timelines, and the low hum of focused conversations.


Tharun and Jay were already deep in the trenches. A complex new issue had surfaced overnight — a critical integration bug that threatened to derail the entire deployment schedule. By the 10:30 AM break, it was clear they were dangerously behind.

During the quick team huddle, Tharun wiped sweat from his brow and made the call. “We split into two teams. Each takes half the blockers. Faster resolution this way.”
Jay nodded grimly.

Before anyone could suggest pairings, Tharun said firmly, “I want Nikitha on my team. We’ve already built good sync. This could turn into a strong delivery unit. You take Anjali and the others, Jay.”

When Nikitha entered Tharun’s new cabin for the first briefing, he looked up with a half-smile. It was their first private meet, after all the chats..


“Niki, perfect timing,” he said, eyes sparkling with mischief even under pressure. “Before we start — I can speak with you personally at lunch… or we can continue our chat tonight when you’re half-asleep. Maybe I’ll get lucky again and turn into your husband.”
Nikitha burst into laughter, covering her mouth. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

Tharun grinned. “Not a chance.” Then his expression turned serious. “But seriously, Nikki — we’re short on time. I believe we make a natural team. Trust my vision, follow my lead on this, and we’ll crush it. Put friendship aside for now. Let’s work.”
She nodded, the laughter fading into focus. “Let’s do it.”

Tharun handed her a detailed checklist. They dove in. Heads bent over laptops, rapid discussions, quick debugging sessions. By 1 PM, they had cracked a major bug that the other team was still struggling with.
Tharun leaned back, satisfied. “Good. We can’t sit idle. Go help Jay’s team for the next hour. I’ll support the backend group. At 2 PM, we grab a quick lunch and come back.”
Jay’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. The decision was made.

In the cafeteria, Nikitha watched Tharun as he ate quickly but mindfully. She couldn’t hold back her thoughts.


“I’ve seen a lot of managers,” she said softly. “But you’re different. You take every burden on your own shoulders. No wonder everyone respects you so much… and why you got the managerial position so fast. I’m genuinely surprised we finished that bug so quickly.”

Tharun smiled, a rare genuine one that reached his eyes. “I know talent when I see it. That’s why I chose you. We have an understanding — you trust my words even though we’ve only properly talked a few times. That’s rare.”
Their eyes met for a moment longer than necessary.

Then the teasing glint returned. “So… can I be your husband again tonight? Through mistaken messages, of course.”
Nikitha laughed, shaking her head. “Only if I don’t sleep half-awake. Then you won’t have that luck.”

When they returned to the floor, Jay and Anjali had nearly finished their part. By evening, with constant last-minute changes and upgrades, the entire team stayed late. 

It was the beginning of a new routine.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 23: The Launch Sprint - New Normal


The days blurred into a relentless, high-pressure grind as the launch deadline loomed. Nikitha and Tharun’s team consistently finished their tasks ahead of schedule, allowing them to leave the office by 9 or 10 PM most nights. Jay, however, was buried in the more complex backend integrations and critical bug fixes. He often stayed until well past midnight, coordinating with the remaining engineers and overseeing last-minute changes.

By the time Jay reached home each night, exhausted and drained, Nikitha was either already asleep or quietly scrolling on her phone in bed. There was no time for conversation, no energy left for intimacy. Their once-fiery connection had been temporarily replaced by silent exhaustion and fleeting goodnight kisses. What was quietly blooming between Nikitha and Tharun remained hidden in lunches, cabin sessions, and late-night messages — completely unseen by Jay.

Day 1:
Tharun and Nikitha’s team delivered two critical modules well ahead of schedule. Their lunch meeting turned into a productive yet light-hearted strategy session filled with easy banter. Late that night, after Nikitha had already reached home and changed into her nighty, Tharun sent her a good-night message:

“We made a great team today, Niki. Sleep well. Dream of bugs getting fixed… or of me, whichever makes you smile ?”
Nikitha smiled softly in the dim light of her bedroom and replied before drifting off. Jay arrived thirty minutes later, too tired to notice anything as he collapsed beside her.


Day 2:
Deadlines tightened even further. Tharun’s compliments during their working lunches grew bolder, though always wrapped in professional praise. Nikitha found herself looking forward to those thirty-minute breaks more than she wanted to admit.

Jay came home past midnight and fell asleep almost instantly. He didn’t see the notification glowing on her phone.

Day 3:
A major breakthrough happened in the afternoon. Tharun publicly praised Nikitha’s contribution during the team stand-up. Jay, seated across the room and drowning in his own tasks, only registered it faintly.

During lunch, while reviewing code on her screen, Tharun casually brushed a loose strand of hair from Nikitha’s face. The touch lingered for a second longer than necessary. Neither commented on it.

Their night chat became slightly more personal.
Jay came late... arrived with exhausation.

Day 4:
Pressure reached its peak. Tharun and Nikitha stayed back for two extra hours in his cabin. He ordered dinner for both of them. Their rhythm felt effortless, almost intimate, as they worked side by side under the quiet office lights.

Jay came early as his work had finally finished much earlier, as continuous 3 days put him exhausted he immediately slept on bed.

Hours later, Nikitha came to bed. She was just seeing some Instagram reels. thats when a voice not came. 

That night, Tharun sent a voice note — his voice tired but warm: “You were brilliant today, Nikki. Your dedication means a lot. Get some rest.”

Nikitha listened to it twice in bed, earphones in, a soft smile playing on her lips. Jay, who had come home unusually early that night, got wake up to voice note.. Something hit him. he realised for past few days, he was not aware of or didnt gave attention to Tharun or Nikitha... he pretended to be asleep but caught the faint glow and the gentle expression on her face. After she finally fell asleep, a heavy discomfort settled in his chest.
Unable to resist, he quietly reached for her phone, unlocked it with the passcode he knew, and scrolled through the last few days of messages.

He didnt look at recent message, he scrolled exactly 4 days back to see what they have conversed.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 24: Whispers After Midnight


The days at the office had become a whirlwind of deadlines and shared victories, but the real shift was happening in the quiet hours after Nikitha reached home. What started as simple good-night messages slowly transformed into long, addictive conversations that stretched late into the night.

These were the exchanges Jay discovered, when he decided to check her phone.. 

Day 1
Tharun: We made a great team today, Niki. Sleep well. Dream of bugs getting fixed… or of me, whichever makes you smile ?
Nikitha: Haha, I’ll try. Good night, Tharun.
Tharun: That’s the spirit. That integration bug almost killed us this morning, but the way you spotted the mismatch in the API call saved us hours.
Nikitha: Thanks. You were the one who pushed us to test it live. We caught it just in time.
Tharun: Team effort. You stay so calm under pressure — it’s impressive. How are you feeling after that long day?
Nikitha: Tired but satisfied we delivered those two modules ahead of schedule.
Tharun: You should be proud. Your debugging was sharp today. I mean it. We sync well when we work together.
Nikitha: Yeah, it does feel that way. You always seem to know the right direction.
Tharun: I noticed you get this calm, focused look when things get chaotic. Kind of nice to watch.
Nikitha: Stop it, you’re going to make me smile now.
Tharun: Good. That was the goal. I enjoy these chats with you after such crazy days.
Nikitha: I enjoy them too. It helps unwind.
Tharun: Then let’s make this a regular thing. Sweet dreams, Niki. Thank you for trusting my lead today.
Nikitha: Anytime. You’re a good leader.
Tharun: And you make working feel a lot easier, my favorite teammate. Talk tomorrow. Good night.

Day 2
Tharun: You looked beautiful when you solved that edge case today. Don’t overthink. Just keep shining.
Nikitha: ? Thank you. That actually made my day. You’re too kind. Good night!
Tharun: Not kindness. Just honesty. That race condition could have delayed the whole sprint, but your quick fix and the clean code you wrote saved the day again.
Nikitha: You were the one who caught the memory leak early. We make a strong pair on these issues.
Tharun: Exactly. You really do shine when you’re in the zone. I like being the reason for that smile tonight. You laugh at my lame jokes even when tired. That’s dangerous. I might get used to it.
Nikitha: Dangerous for whom?
Tharun: For me, clearly. I’m getting used to your company and your sharp mind.
Nikitha: Flatterer.
Tharun: Honest man. How was your ride back home?
Nikitha: Peaceful. I was thinking about today’s lunch chat and how we handled that blocker.
Tharun: Same here. You make even quick breaks and tough debugging sessions enjoyable.
Nikitha: That’s sweet of you to say.
Tharun: Tell me one thing that always makes you smile?
Nikitha: Good coffee and genuine appreciation when we actually save the day at work.
Tharun: Noted. I’ll remember that. You deserve a little spoiling after today’s effort.
Nikitha: Careful, I might get used to it too.
Tharun: I keep thinking how good we are together at work… and maybe beyond.
Nikitha: you are too playful.. but i respect your effort to try charming me.. Oops but you keep getting failed.
Nikitha: feeling sleep Tharun, good night please.. 
Tharun: Sleep well, beautiful. Can’t wait to team up and crush more issues tomorrow.
Nikitha: Good night, Tharun.

Day 3
Tharun: I like talking to you, Niki. Even after 14 hours of work, you still make me laugh.
Nikitha: Same here. You’re surprisingly easy to talk to. Unlike the managers with stiff behavior..
Tharun: Laughs.... That performance issue in the backend almost ruined the demo today. The whole team was panicking like chickens without heads, but your caching tweak saved our dignity.
Nikitha: ? You were the one who stayed calm and restructured the query with me. We make a good combination — like coffee and panic attacks.
Tharun: Exactly. Darling.... 
Tharun: ooops sorrry... 
Tharun: Never letting go of that accidental “Darling” slip from before, my not-so-accidental favorite colleague. Don’t forget to dream of good things tonight… preferably me fixing bugs in slow motion with heroic background music.
Nikitha: ? Oh god, you’re never going to let that go, are you?
Tharun: Never. I’ve already set it as my phone wallpaper. You have a nice voice when you’re tired, by the way.
Nikitha: Tharun!! Stop it ?
Tharun: Can’t help it. You get cute when flustered. It’s my new favorite evening entertainment.
Nikitha: Now I’m blushing like an idiot in the dark.
Tharun: Mission accomplished! Tell me what you’re thinking right now.
Nikitha: About today’s work… and this chat. That lunch moment felt nice.
Tharun: Same. That hair brush at lunch? Felt natural in the middle of all the pressure. I was this close to pretending there was another strand just to do it again.
Nikitha: ? You’re dangerous.
Tharun: We’re getting a bit closer, aren’t we? Be honest.
Nikitha: Maybe we are. It feels nice working with you like this… but sir, I’m married. 
            Try with other women, they might fall for your charm easier ?
Tharun: Ouch. Why would I want other women when I can get rejected by the best one?
Nikitha: Persistent as always.
Tharun: Guilty. Then I won’t stop being honest. Good night, Niki.
Nikitha: Sweet dreams, Tharun.
Tharun: One more — I genuinely look forward to our talks now. Even if you keep friend-zoning me with “sir, I’m married” every time I flirt.
Nikitha: Same here. Good night… and behave tomorrow ?

Day 4

Tharun: You were brilliant today, Nikki. Your dedication means a lot. Get some rest. [Voice Note – 0:32]
Nikitha: I listened to your voice note twice. Thank you, Tharun. It was sweet. Made me smile.
Tharun: Twice? Careful, Niki. I might start sending one every night. Good night from your favorite teammate… or should I say, good night from your mistaken husband again? ?
Nikitha: ? Stop it! You’re going to get me in trouble one of these days. Good night, Tharun.
Tharun: Trouble is my middle name. Especially when it involves making you laugh before bed. That deployment scare tonight was crazy — server almost had a heart attack, but we handled it perfectly together.
Nikitha: We did. Working so closely in the cabin felt really good even when things were on fire.
Tharun: Same. Having dinner together felt comfortable… almost too comfortable. I noticed you tuck your hair when focused. It’s my new favorite distraction.
Nikitha: You really do pay attention, don’t you?
Tharun: To you? Always. You’re becoming someone I look forward to every single day, darling. Dream of me tonight?
Nikitha: Tharun!! ? what are you even trying , day by day your playfulness is dangerously increasing.. tell me what you are trying with me..? dont you know im married?!! ?
Tharun: Ouch. I know.. my favorite person listens to my voice notes on repeat and has dinner with me? what ever im trying is just this.. trying to fit into like I’m loyal to my mistaken husband role.
Nikitha: You’re impossible and very persistent.
Tharun: Guilty as charged. I look forward to your messages every night now.
Nikitha: Same. It’s becoming my favorite way to wind down.
Tharun: Careful, I might get addicted to this.
Nikitha: Too late? ?
Tharun: Way too late. [Photo: Two coffees] Saving the better one for you tomorrow.
Nikitha: You’re spoiling me… Thank you. Can’t wait. Good night.
Tharun: Good night, Niki. I’m really happy we’re building this connection.
Nikitha: Me too. Sweet dreams.


Looking at messages Jay thought, Niki was slowly moving from him.. 
He consoled himself she is not for him and he has no rights to stop her..

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 25: Peach Saree & Hidden Truths


The morning of the big launch day felt heavier than usual.

Sunlight streamed into their bedroom as Nikitha stood before the mirror, dbanging a beautiful peach saree with delicate floral borders — the exact same shade and pattern that had inspired Tharun’s angel avatar. The fabric clung gracefully to her curves, elegant yet undeniably sensual.
Jay, still buttoning his shirt, paused and stared at her reflection.

“You’re wearing the peach saree today?” he asked, his voice tight. 
“We already closed the project. 
He can’t bring another angel avatar if you wear this again.”

Nikitha adjusted her pallu carefully.
“You always come home late,” she said calmly. 
“Your department is too hectic. 
You never know what’s happening on our side.”

Jay’s jaw clenched. His mind kept replaying the chat history he had secretly read the previous night.

She continued, “Tharun specifically asked me to wear this today. 
He dropped me home last night and mentioned it.”
Jay froze mid-motion.

“He dropped you home?” His voice sharpened. “We have never invited any office staff here, right?”
Nikitha turned to him, sensing the storm brewing.

“I’m sorry… I was just chatting with him and lost track of time. But I was careful. 
I entered through the external staircase after he left. Pretending i live upstairs. 
I didn’t invite him inside the house. I felt awkward about it.”

Jay exhaled slowly, trying to keep his voice steady.
“So… you two have gotten really close now?”

Nikitha gave a small, cute shrug, mimicking a playful gesture with her hand. “Not that close… but yes, we are a bit closer now.” She smiled teasingly.

Jay want to check on her, micheviously to test if she would tell more.. 
He said..
“I miss those nights when I used to playfully drag you two into chats on the phone. 
In a way, I’m trying my best to keep him glued to you so our secret stays safe.”

She turned fully toward him with a naughty smile.
“Take my phone. See for yourself. The last four days. Go on.”

Jay was surprised. He had expected her to hide it. Instead, she was being open.
He took her phone and scrolled through the chats while she finished her makeup.
The messages were filled with playful teasing, compliments, voice notes, and inside jokes.

“Oh, mistaken husband…” Jay muttered under his breath, reading one of Tharun’s lines aloud.
“What exactly are you both trying here?”

Nikitha looked at him through the mirror. “He is trying me. I’m friend-zoning him… mostly.” 
Im making things comfortably settling!

“But the chats looks uncomfortable for me.” Jay blurted..

For a second, their eyes met. Jay’s gaze carried clear hurt. Nikitha’s heart immediately sank into guilt.
She turned to him fully. “What are you thinking? Why is this uncomfortable for you?”

Jay quickly masked his feelings. “You didn’t involve me in this.” He just tried to act cool.
The words slipped out heavier than he intended.

Nikitha laughed lightly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Don’t jump into my personal space like that…”
The word “personal” landed heavily between them. Nikitha immediately regretted it.

“Get ready soon,” she said gently. “We have the launch today. 
I ironed a shirt for you. Wear that golden blazer — you’re the hero today.”

Jay gave a bitter smile. “Hero? I’m just the husband now… while you’re the angel.”
Nikitha laughed softly, but the air between them remained thick.
She doesnt know why it pains.. she wanted to just share about her progres with Tharun like a true friend, but sharing these kind of pain her.. 

---

On the way to the office, Jay was torn. He couldn’t predict her anymore. 
She is so close with him, yet openly inovlving me.?
A part of him felt she was slowly moving away.

As they reached the office, the atmosphere was electric. Dignitaries, clients, and the entire team had gathered. 
The launch was scheduled to begin in twenty minutes.

Tharun and Nikitha shared a quick, knowing glance across the hall. She walked up to him confidently and shook his hand, congratulating him on his first major project success.

Jay watched from a distance. 
Nikitha noticed, for first time in years, he had looked at her.. 
she realised Tharun closness might be disturbing for him? why her heart raced?

she quickly typed and send a message, she signed Jay to look at his phone. 
Suddenly, his phone vibrated. 
A new message from Nikitha.

Nikitha:
[Photo of a beautifully wrapped gift box]
Gift waiting for you at home. Congratulations on the big achievement, even before the launch ? You deserve this, my hero.
Jay stared at the message, a complex mix of warmth and pain hitting him.
He smirked, what farewell gift? for being your husband?

Anjali suddenly appeared and hugged Jay tightly. “This is your big day! I’m so proud of you.”
Jay hugged her back mechanically, but his eyes kept drifting toward Nikitha.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, the host for the launch event stepped onto the stage.
It was none other than Nikitha.
She looked radiant in the peach saree, confident and glowing under the lights. 
The same saree that had started everything.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 26: The Angel on Stage


The launch event was a resounding success.


The grand auditorium on the ground floor of MX Century Gaming Company was packed with dignitaries, clients, investors, and the entire Bangalore team. The lights dimmed, the trailer played on the massive screen, and thunderous applause erupted as the final credits rolled. The game had not only launched smoothly — it had exceeded expectations.

Nikitha shone brightest of all.

As the official host, she commanded the stage with grace and confidence. Dbangd in the radiant peach saree, she moved effortlessly — introducing guests, cracking light-hearted jokes, and keeping the energy high. Her warm voice and natural charm won over the entire audience. Jay watched from the side of the stage, a strange mix of pride and ache in his chest.

When it was Jay’s turn to speak, he stepped up and delivered a clear, technical breakdown of the gameplay systems and backend architecture. His presentation was sharp and professional. The crowd applauded respectfully.

Then Tharun was invited to the stage.

He thanked the entire team, giving special credit to Jay for his leadership on the core systems. Then his tone shifted, becoming more personal.

“You know, in game development, our real
“You know, in game development, our real world often becomes the greatest inspiration,” he said with a smile. “Let me show you something.”


He played a short video montage of various characters. 
The audience reacted with appreciation.

“These characters were secretly inspired by some of our own staff,” Tharun revealed. “First and foremost, let’s bring up the talented designer who worked tirelessly overnight on my crazy requests and turned my vague references into these beautiful avatars — please welcome Mr. Arjun!”

Arjun, the designer, walked up to the stage along with Jay and a few other key team members who stood in the background.

He turned toward the audience.

“Nikitha, can you please come up on stage?”

Nikitha looked surprised but walked up confidently. The crowd clapped.

Tharun continued, “Last few weeks were insane with bugs and last-minute changes. But this woman single-handedly helped four different teams fix critical issues.

Without her sharp debugging and calm support, today’s launch would not have been possible. She is not just a team member — she is our shield.”

He turned to the HR head, who handed him a special award.

“Today, we are giving this additional ‘Coordinator of the Year’ award to someone who went above and beyond. I’m sharing this honor with Nikitha. She is the real reason we succeeded.”

The crowd erupted in applause.
Tharun smiled at her. “When nothing seems possible, which avatar saves the day?”

Some said protector, super hero.. god. then after a pause
Someone from the crowd shouted, “Angel!”

Tharun laughed.

 “Exactly. She is our real-life Angel. Not just that — she was the direct inspiration behind the angel avatar you all loved so much.”

he signaled to show the peach colro dress photo and methods they followed to bring in the character. 
The applause grew louder. Nikitha stood there, visibly moved and slightly overwhelmed, drenched in appreciation.

Photographers rushed forward, clicking rapidly as Tharun and Nikitha stood together.

Photographers rushed forward, clicking rapidly. Tharun and Nikitha stood together at the center. Jay and the others remained a few steps behind on the same stage.

In the excitement, Nikitha turned and walked toward Jay. She gently took his hand and pulled him forward. The photographers assumed she wanted a special photo with just the two of them and started clicking.

Nikitha laughed brightly and waved her hand.

“No, no — not just us!” she said cheerfully. “All of us! Everyone who made this possible, please come to the center.”


She quickly ran to the nearest photographer and whispered, “Don’t delete any photo. He is my friend — I felt awkward taking one alone with him. Please keep the previous ones. I’ll give you money later if needed.” She rushed back to the stage.


She smartly dragged Jay, Arjun the designer, and the other team members into the frame along with Tharun. The group photo was taken with everyone together.

Only Jay understood what she had done.
She had used the moment cleverly to include him publicly without raising any suspicion — a quiet way of acknowledging and thanking him.

But as the flashes went off, Jay’s eyes met Tharun’s.
Smart ass, he cursed inside. You really impressed her a lot, didn’t you?

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 27: Gifts and Interrupted Nights

The post-launch dinner was lively and celebratory. The entire team, along with dignitaries and clients, filled the banquet hall. Everyone was in high spirits, and the praise for Nikitha was relentless.
“You were outstanding on stage!”
“Your hosting was so natural and charming!”
“Tharun has eyes on you, clearly,” one senior joked loudly, making the table laugh.
Nikitha handled it all with grace and a warm smile, deflecting compliments elegantly. Jay sat a few seats away, watching her shine while a quiet storm brewed inside him.
After the event ended, as people were leaving, Tharun approached her with a casual smile.
“Let me drop you home tonight,” he offered.
Nikitha shook her head politely. “Thank you, but Jay is going alone. I already asked him to give me a lift. I’m quite tired.”
Tharun chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Alright. But give me permission to invade your chat tonight as your mistaken husband, okay?”
Nikitha laughed softly and nodded before walking toward Jay’s car.
As Jay drove them home through the quiet Bangalore streets, the car was filled with heavy silence. Nikitha leaned back in her seat, still blushing faintly from the day’s events.

---

Back at their villa, they changed into comfortable clothes and lay on the bed. Nikitha looked at Jay with soft eyes.
“Should I open the gift now?” he asked.
“Yes, open it now,” she replied.
Jay opened the first package. Inside was a heartfelt letter thanking him for everything he had done for them, along with a brand-new mobile phone.
“You never take care of yourself,” she said gently. “You’re always saving money crazily. You need to spend on yourself sometimes.”
She then handed him another envelope. “One more gift.”
Jay opened it. Inside were printed photos of them together on stage, receiving the award.
Nikitha spoke softly, “In all these years, we’ve hardly taken any photos together. People may credit my success to Tharun today… but I know it was you. It has always been you. I will never forget that.”
Their faces were dangerously close. Jay looked into her eyes, searching.
Is this love… or just gratitude? he thought.
He leaned in and kissed her lips. The kiss started tender but quickly turned hungry. Nikitha moaned softly into his mouth as their lips moved together passionately.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the bedside table.
It was a message from Tharun.
Jay pulled her back into another deep kiss, almost possessive. After a moment, Nikitha gently pulled away, breathing heavily.
“Let me text him back,” she whispered.
Jay’s eyes darkened with jealousy. “Why? He was also a reason, right?”
She smiled teasingly. “Let me thank him properly.”
Jay removed his shirt and shorts in one swift motion, his body already aroused. As Nikitha tried to reply to the message, he lifted her nighty, exposing her body. She complained playfully, “Wait… let me finish this first.”
Jay smirked. “You said you missed involving me. Involve me now.”
He teasingly invited her into the moment. She lay on her side while Jay hugged her from behind, completely nude. He playfully unhooked her bra and cupped her full breasts, squeezing them firmly as she tried to type on her phone.
The message window to Tharun was still open.