[heygiwriter]

Chapter 66: The Breaking Point

---

The evening drive back home was quiet, the kind of silence that felt heavier than words. Nikitha gripped the steering wheel, her mind racing. She wanted to ask Jay directly — Did you say something about our marriage secret to Sharmi? Earlier, he had gotten close to women to protect their secret. Now, did he allow a woman near and let the same secret slip? Her mind could not believe it. She still trusted that Jay was not someone who would easily reveal it. So she wanted to warn Jay. 

But as the car moved through the traffic, she also felt it didn’t matter anymore. If she was almost at the point of leaving him, protecting the lie through interactions was no longer necessary. She thought, Let it be. Let everything fall apart. Also what if Jay said this to herself?  the thought of Jay gave some special attention to Sharmi, Nikki could not digest it. She also consoled herself, you are ready to leave him, then why do you worry about Sharmi or the lie.. let it be.. If Sharmi is going to fill my place, if she gonna take care of Jay.. Then let it.. let it be natural selection that pave way for smooth split between us. 


On the other side, Jay wanted to apologize. He knew it was late, but he wanted to at least say it. So his burden would reduce a little. He opened his mouth several times but closed it again, the words stuck in his throat.


Nikitha, meanwhile, was thinking about how to complete the loan. She know if she is going to move on from him, she has to close it proper, she needs to transfer property to his name. they need to settle out loans. She has to be there at his family functions or at least before her father to prove his challange and show him success... all these were decisions they took long back. she still wanted to honor it.  She browsed the internet on her phone at red lights and logged into their joint bank account. She realized they were just four months of EMI away. It needed only a few lakhs more. She thought, Just for loans, dragging this won’t suit. Sometimes decisions have to be taken before they eat us alive.

She had a few jewels and some cash in her personal account. She quickly sent a message to Tharun:
Nikitha: I need an advance. Urgent. Can you help?
Tharun replied almost immediately.
Tharun: Sure. Tell me how much. I’ll arrange it.


Her mind had been calculating about closing the account once and for all. Since both had taken the loan together, and her mobile had been linked for transactions, she decided to take half a day leave the next day and go to the bank to pledge her jewels and pay the remaining cash to close the loan completely.

Unaware of her mind calculations, Jay finally opened his mouth.
“I’m sorry, Nikitha.”

Nikitha’s ears heard the message. She asked flatly, “For what?”

Jay said, “Recently I saw a version of myself I have not seen in years. You had been visibly shaken sometimes because of my ferociousness. It was Sharmi who opened my eyes.  I have not said sorry for my rough behavior. I also didn’t communicate with you properly. At sometimes i didnt explain, i just leave you without word thinking you would understand me, now i realize its a blunder.. its too late right” Jay said looking at her. 

Nikitha’s eyes met his for a second. She could not read him fully. Her mind was filled with settling the loan. She simply said, “Mmm,” and left it there.

The word Sharmi, gave her a different meaning, so you might have said our secret to her just like that? is she that important to you? do i even need to warn you or need to enquire you about secret? She assumed stupidly. Jay on other hand made a half bake satetement again, not know the recent interaction between Sharmi and Nikitha. 


The night was silent as always. Unlike the previous days, she was more determined to leave him. She had seen Tharun hurt right before her. She didn’t want Jay to go through the same. The morning when she woke, she knew she was inside his arms again. She blamed herself for wanting it. She detached herself from his hold, went for a hot shower, and cried as much as she could. She cursed Jay for not loving her properly, not even knowing her preferences, and messing up everything. The cry was huge, but the shower protected her tears.

When Jay got ready for office, he saw Nikitha was dressed but carrying some papers and jewels. He enquired, “Where are you going with all this?”

She said, “I’m going to keep it in the locker and will come back to office by myself.”

He asked, “Why are you acting different these days?”

Nikitha looked at him for a moment, her voice steady but cold. “I’m myself all these days and time. It’s just you could not see me. If you had loved me truly as you claim, you would know the answers. You would know me better. But that chapter had ended long back.”

She forcibly said it and left when her cab arrived.
Both their hearts were torn.

---

Back at the office, the staff had stuck a new notice on the board. It read that tomorrow there would be a full-day refreshment program with games, interactions, and sessions after the back-to-back successful launches. At the bottom, the organizer’s name was displayed clearly:
Organizer: Sharmila T.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 67: The Gap & The Lift

---

The morning  HR meeting was brief but impactful.

HR officials and senior management had gathered the core team in the main conference room. 
Tharun attended, but Nikitha was absent — she had taken half a day off for personal work.

The HR Head stood at the front with a rare smile.

“Tomorrow we have a full-day refreshment program. It’s not just about work anymore. After our back-to-back successful launches, we realized we don’t really know our people. Thats the reason the company went into some issues internally.  Some recent happenings opened our eyes. We realised that you guys need a relief time as well. You guys need a break. Also the top tier people also need to bond well with all staffs, and getting to know each other will increase efficiency we now believe. So the purpose of this program is to let you chill, refresh, and connect as humans — not just colleagues. We will make this a regular event every two months.”

He nodded toward Sharmi.

“Thanks to Sharmila’s excellent ideas, we have appointed her as the organizer. Tomorrow, be yourself. Indulge in the programs. Every game has winners. One of you could win a trip to the UK or USA — your choice. Others may get shields, vouchers, or special recognition. The details about the games will not be revealed now and it will be done only after the event starts, as We want you to participate with an open mind.”

The room buzzed with excitement.

In the noon break, Jay found Sharmi near the pantry and asked with a small smile, “What did you trick the HR into giving you the organizer position?”

Sharmi smiled brightly. “Last time when they called us for the refreshment discussion, I had a lot of ideas. Yesterday I went there and spoke with them directly. They were impressed and called HR. That’s how I got the organizer title.”

He congratulated with a smile. He reached his hand to give a handshake and she indeed happy to hold it. 

---

Meanwhile, in Tharun’s cabin, the HR Head was impressed with how Tharun was leading the business front. He handed over a few client contacts based in Mumbai.

“We want you to pitch both existing and new clients. Specially a client whom we were trying for years.  His name is Dhruv , brother of Aditya, a big industrialist one who is pioneer in bringing new findings through his group of companies. . He is big business man, he do invest a lot and he had many partners. Take your own team. I want to hear only one thing Dhruv had accepted our profile.”

Tharun nodded confidently. “I may need Jay. His gaming knowledge on the technical front will be crucial to convince them how we can pull it off. Actually, the top four people we worked with — me, Jay, Nikitha, and earlier Anjali — we all can go. Now with Anjali suspended, I guess the three of us can handle it.”

“Perfect. Go for it,” the HR said. “Next week — Monday or Tuesday — Dhruv will be in Mumbai. You guys can leave on Sunday night. Just three more days. You can stay there for a week. First get introduced, then ask for their time. Stay there and get things done. I want you to come back with a new game proposal. Got it?”

Tharun said yes.


The HR smiled. “Just leave all this. Tomorrow is a refreshment day. Enjoy yourself. You and Nikki can join Jay’s team for celebration. Get your brain refreshed. Sharmi insisted the business team should participate too. Get yourself free. By Thursday I’ll book cinema coupons for prize holders. If you guys want a different movie, use the coupons. Friday let’s discuss the Mumbai plan. I will have a conversation with Jay and Nikki myself. And on Sunday, get ready to go. I’ll ask the accountant to book tickets on Friday. Once you reach there, you can get cars. If you three want different cars, I can arrange that too — so you all can travel separately if you need privacy.”

Tharun thanked him for the thoughtful gesture.

---

Meanwhile, Nikitha had settled all the loan amounts at the bank. With the recent interest rate drop, she even paid a little less than expected. The bank said the NOC would come only after 20 days, and they had to cancel the mortgage only after that. Nikitha thanked them and reached home.
Back home, she was just thinking of how the house had become an integral part of her life. S

he recalled all the good moments with Jay — the quiet nights, the shared struggles, the small comforts  but today it felt different. The night felt routine. She didn’t even speak with Jay properly. They had a quiet dinner. He wanted to ask how her day went, but he kept silent.


The morning, both woke up at the same time. Their eyes met, and she realized she was in his arms again. 
They stayed like that for a few seconds before pretending to avoid it.

On the way to office in car, Jay asked softly, “Is there no way we could…?”

Nikitha looked straight ahead. She doesnt want to play hide and seek and hurt Jay. She know Jay cannot prove his love, and  She know she had to leave him for everyones good. 

She kept her cold tone and said....  “I once wished that's why I once warned. But there is no way I feel. After all these years, I still feel if you even know me properly. I may sound repetitive, but it was just how it was. It keeps ringing in my ears. I didn’t see love. You are a good man, I know, but for me… just a good man is not enough and i want one who love me too the deep and a lot which i expect. And you didn’t know what I really wanted. That’s where everything collapsed.”

The gap between them grew even wider. 

After parking the car.. They walked weakly toward the lift. When they entered, the door closed.

Seconds later.  Once again, the lift opened to a sudden press from outside.

It was Sharmi again, stepping in to fill the gap between them. Nikki felt the Dejavu...

As expected Sharmi stood between them, she smiled again. 

Nikitha could not contain her anger, why do you smile again she asked. 
Are you ready for the game? The real test! Sharmi asked. Pinpointing they are stepping into office for Refreshment day . 

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 68: The Refreshment Program

---

Sharmi stood in the lift between Nikki and Jay, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips as she recalled how she had won over the HR team just a few days ago.

It had started as a simple internal discussion. When the company announced a routine “refreshment program,” Sharmi saw an opportunity. 
One evening she went directly to organizing team and raised a concern, the organizing team head was actually on call with HR when she came there. 

Sharmi said, sir our refresh programs looks outdated, its just waste of time, it doesn't address real concern and solve purpose of why we have refreshment program. I do have an alternate idea, i want to discuss with you, if you feel fine them let you take this to HR Sir. She said.. 

The HR who was on call on other end, said don't cut the call, just ask her why she feels outdated and it doesn't address real concern. 

The ogranizing team head asked, what do you feel as real concern and why our methods wont work? . 

Sharmi, who was a sharp thinker already had a convincing answer,  The real concern is Lack of trust. 

the team head asked can you elaborate? 

“Employees lack real trust. Teams feel inefficient not because they lack talent, but because they don’t feel like a team. When I heard about the usual refreshment program—greetings, a motivational speech from the top bosses, followed by lunch—I knew it would be the same old story. People would sit in the hall, half-listening, some dozing off, then shuffle out for lunch and disappear midway. Another twelve hours wasted in the name of ‘team bonding.’”

The purpose of refreshment programs is not just giving employees a break, its actually a way to refresh the bond, know each other more deeper for employees as wells as top tier people. I mean the heads. 

The team head said Go on .



She paused, letting her words sink in.

“I have alternate ideas. Ideas that will give the leadership a clearer vision of their people and help employees truly connect with their coworkers. The This time, they’ll leave feeling like they belong to something bigger than their individual roles.”

HR on phone asked team head to ask, if she see other issues? 

The team head asked the same.. 

Sharmi leaned forward, her excitement genuine. “The core issue in our company is dependency. Thanks to a few key players, projects somehow get delivered. But recently, when Jay took three days of medical leave, his entire team froze. They didn’t know how to move forward. Jay knows his subordinates well, but they barely know each other. There’s a gap. They see themselves as responsible only to the top level, not to one another. They don’t take ownership. They don’t function as a real team.”

HR on call said, just ask her to wait now, im coming on Video call, lets have a conference call. .

The team head said, HR was listening to what you said, he is coming on call now, just tell him directly your plans. 

The video call came.. 

HR: Hello, i feel like i have met someone who can analysze a lot, sorry may know your name please
Sharmi, My name is Sharmila.. 

HR: Sharmila, what you said make sense, do you have any plans to how to address all these?

Yes sir, 

The HR Head had listened carefully.
Sharmi continued, “This time, we should introduce games. We’ll organize games that force people to work across departments It should be held like Coders Team vs Arts Team vs Business Team. Which will push entire people in a team to work together and win against the opposite team. As the Business team has only two people — Tharun and Nikitha — let them join the Coders team. They are originally from codes. So it’s natural.”

The HR Head was visibly impressed. “It’s impressive. I like the idea of how the entire department works together without a hierarchy and provides a result, irrespective of win or lose. The team learns to communicate and work together.”

“Exactly, sir,” Sharmi replied.

HR asked, “If you have this much idea, why not tell me the games which you can use as an example?”

chuckled. “If you have this much thought put into it, why don’t you share some specific games? Give us examples.”

“Sure, sir.” Sharmi’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve planned five different games. One is ‘Blind Trust’—where one person is blindfolded and has to rely completely on their teammate’s instructions to complete a task. Another is ‘Time-Out Escape Puzzle,’ which tests how well they listen, respond under pressure, and work together. I have a full list ready. I’ll send the detailed document shortly.”
When the detailed plan reached HR later that day, Mr. Rao was visibly impressed. What he didn’t know was that Sharmi had carefully designed several games to subtly draw out the quiet, unspoken connection between Nikki and Jay. She wanted them to see each other differently—without forcing any open declaration. A gentle push toward understanding and love, hidden behind the innocent veil of team-building.

---

The sharp ting of the elevator brought Sharmi back to the present.
Today was the day.

She stepped out onto the floor with Nikki on one side and Jay on the other. The entire office buzzed with anticipation. Whispers rippled across the open workspace as people noticed them. Heads turned. A few employees stood up from their desks, curious.

The entire floor had gathered near the central area, waiting for the announcement. HR was already there, standing on the small makeshift stage with a microphone in hand and a rare smile on his face.

Sharmi’s heart beat a little faster. She glanced sideways at Nikki and Jay. Both looked slightly nervous, yet there was something softer in the way their eyes occasionally met.

This was it—the beginning of something new for all of them.
HR raised his hand for silence. The chatter died down.

“Dear Friends,” he began, his voice carrying across the floor, “today we’re doing something different…”

---

Sharmi took a deep breath, feeling the quiet thrill of possibility. The games she had designed weren’t just for fun. They were bridges—between people, between departments, and perhaps, between two hearts that had been circling each other for far too long.

The real story was about to begin.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 70: The Refreshment Program

---

Sharmi stood on the small makeshift stage with a bright, confident smile, the entire second floor gathered around her in excited anticipation. The HR team and senior officials watched from the side, nodding approvingly.

“I’m glad we’re all set here,” she began, her voice carrying clearly through the microphone. “The refreshment program today is going to be fun. The HR and organizing team have already worked on the general rules and game list. All you have to do is participate wholeheartedly and work as a team to make your team win.”

She gestured toward the large screen behind her.
“We have split the entire company into four sections:

1. Coders Team
   
2. Visualizers Team
   
3. Networking Team
   
4. Marketing Team
   

As our Business team had only four people and operations people are just Nikitha and Tharun, HR has pushed the two into the Coders team. They are basically from there. Each team will have around 20 people. Coders have 22.”

The floor buzzed with murmurs and excitement.
Sharmi continued, “Twenty people from each team will assemble here. Team A — Coders, Team B — Visualizers, Team C — Networking, Team D — Marketing.

Rules:

1. Only one team will be announced as winners at the end.
   
2. First round is elimination — 10 least scored members will be removed from each team.
   
3. The one with the highest individual score within a team in the first round becomes the leader of that team.
   
4. The second runner from the first round will easily become a companion for the leader in consecutive games in that each team.
   
5. That roles won’t change until the last game, even if other members score ahead.
   
6. Like this, every team will have a leader and a companion who will work as a team.
   
7. After each game finishes, we will convey why this game was involved and how it helps our organization.
   
8. Individual highest scorer and runner will get a trip to USA/UK.
   
9. Highest score team will get a one-month bonus plus individual awards.
   
10. The initial 20 members per team are decided by authority.
    
11. Lesser scored team will be eliminated on the 3rd round.
    
12. Another lesser scored team will be eliminated on the 4th round.
    
13. The last two teams left will compete and win the title.”
    

The entire floor erupted in cheers and applause.

Sharmi smiled, her eyes subtly scanning the crowd — landing for a brief second on both Jay and Nikitha.

“Now, the first game for each team will be held on different floors. That first round is internal — the team competes within one. Once that is done, we will move to the second round where the top two scorers will compete, and the next two scorers will compete separately.”

She clapped her hands. “First game starts now! Every team, go to your assigned floor.”

---

Coders Team Floor

The first game was Memory Relay.

Twenty people observed a large board full of symbols for one minute. After it was covered, each member contributed one remembered detail. The team had to reconstruct the board as accurately as possible.

Simple rule for this game is who tells the first word of an item gets a point, the member who tell same item receive negative points and if both tells same word like a chorus, both will get a point. who say first matters. 

Sharmi had carefully placed items that could be easily identified by Jay and Nikitha — things that were common between them. The board had around 50 items: a peach saree, Jay’s branded watch, a small leader statue from the corner of their house, Jay’s phone model, a particular pizza from their favorite café, and many more personal touches only they would recognize.

When the one-minute observation ended, the game began.

Many stated shouting some common observations like Iron Box, Bike.. but as sharmi intervened and announced negative points for few, many got calm and wait for their turn, after each say.. 

Nikitha mentioned Jay’s branded watch and phone model. Jay immediately said the purse brand name she uses. Then both Jay and Tharun chorusly said “peach saree” — her favorite one. Almost the entire board filled with each contribution from Jay and Nikitha. Sharmi noted every word carefully.

At the end of the first game, the Coders team had the highest number of correct items, largely thanks to Jay and Nikitha. Jay became the leader, and Nikitha became the companion.

By now, Coders team leads the first round, and Visualizing team comes second. 

Sharmi announced importance of this round.. 

She said this round is about attention and team work. 

The one who were attentive could at least tell at least one item before others. So  i noticed 5 of them didnt even utter a word, they are out of the team eliminated. 

The others who said same words second time are eliminated with negative points, they give a impression like pretending after someone works to tell first. 

There is one thing the HR Expected .. that is a Rapport, 20 members are here, you could have splitted each row items to one and each one could have said, but you all acted individually and lost the team spirit making us to choose 10. But Jay and Nikita looked like a team though they stand at different places, like they calmly messaged words to each other and noted it already and silently shared it to themself. She made it like a joke and not serious. They told each different words. Like i was surprised the watch brand was Jay's but he didn't mention see Nikita noted and said. Likewise, the purse brand was one Nikitha genrally use, but Jay said it.. what a coincindence, the board had many object used by the coders team individually. This remark was direct yet indirectly let the both know how they share and noted detail, each one had said things others usually use in their daily life. 

Nikitha and Jay looked at each other from distant, their heart knows what had happened. 

When Sharmi announced the results on stage, she asked both to come forward. She declared the top scorer and runner, and asked them to handshake and discuss plans for the next game — giving them a public opportunity to mingle like a real pair.

Sharmi started with a great note. Still, 4 more games were ready to give them a glimpse of how great the pair could be.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 71: Know Your Team ..

---

The next game began almost immediately after the first round results.

Sharmi stood on the small stage with a bright, confident smile, the entire floor buzzing with energy. “The next game is internal for each team again. This one is called Know Your Team.”

She explained the rules clearly.

“Each department has 10 selected members. Every participant receives two sheets.

• Sheet A: Choose truthful answers about yourself.
  
• Sheet B: Select what you think each of your nine teammates would answer. Most of it is multiple choice.”
  

She paused, letting the rules sink in.

“Each correct answer earns 1 point. If someone correctly answers all 10 questions about one teammate, they earn a Perfect Match Bonus of 100 points instead of just 10. No negative points for wrong answers.”

Sharmi had intentionally added the bonus. She knew only one pair was likely to achieve it.

The 10 questions were carefully chosen:

1. What is your favorite beverage?
   
2. What time are you most productive?
   
3. If you could eat only one cuisine for a month, what would you choose?
   
4. What is one thing that instantly puts you in a good mood? (Rain, Music, Ice Cream, Silence, Long Drive, A cup of tea)
   
5. Which habit of yours do people complain about the most? (Being late, Overthinking, Forgetting things, Sleeping too much, Working too much)
   
6. If you get one unexpected holiday, what will you most likely do? (Sleep, Travel, Watch movies, Visit family, Read books)
   
7. Which phone app do you use the most?
   
8. What is your biggest work strength?
   
9. What is your biggest fear? (Failure, Losing loved ones, Public speaking, Heights, Being alone)
   
10. What is one small thing that always makes you smile? (Someone remembering my favorite snack, Rain smell, Jasmine flowers, Old songs, Tea after work, Sunset)
    

When the game started, everyone focused. But Jay and Nikitha filled their sheets almost casually, without much thought. They knew each other too well.

After the game ended, the scores were announced.
Networking team: 50 points
Marketing team: 70 points
Visualizers team: 120 points

Everyone expected the Coders team to come around 140 or 150. But Sharmi smiled brightly.

“Coders team got 300 points… and two of them scored a perfect 100 each.”
The entire floor erupted in surprise and applause.

Jay and Nikitha looked at each other for a brief second. They knew. They had predicted each other perfectly.

Sharmi then announced by showing her hands toward them, Jay and Nikitha perfect 100. They scored a 100 for finding right about each other. Oh my god, you guys cant be strangers, you two would have deeply attached to each other in previous birth, she joked again.. but making them realize indirectly. 

Tharun was surprised. He had scored decently, but not perfectly. He who loved her could not score a perfect 100, but Jay did — and she did it for Jay. Maybe a fluke? But the thought stung. He felt a sharp pain, anger, and confusion. How could I not know her better?

Sharmi announced with a bright smile, “We are moving to the third round. It’s between two teams now — no more internal. 

The Second round game brings out how well you know your teammates. We expect at least one to know about the other fully. The preference for better rapport. Glad, unlike the last round, we have clear people here.”

She congratulated Jay and Nikitha publicly. “Leader and companion — please come on stage.”

The cupid had scored a straight six for the second time.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 72: Find Your Team Member - Tharun's first score

---

The energy in the hall was electric as Sharmi stepped back onto the small stage, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Next game — Find Your Team Member,” she announced. “This one might feel a little illogical or purely based on luck… but we have a point to prove. Sometimes, the simplest things reveal the strongest bonds.”

She explained the rules clearly.

“Everyone will be blindfolded. You must find your teammates by handshake only. No watches, no rings, no accessories — remove everything that could give away patterns. The only way to identify someone is through familiarity — how their hand feels, the strength of their grip, the way they shake. Points are only awarded for mutual pairs. If you find someone and they also correctly identify you, that pair earns a point. Opposite team will shout random names to confuse you.”

Sharmi made a joke, don't think awkward, its just to show how many times you handshake for respect ..

The hall filled with excited murmurs and nervous laughter.

Sharmi added, “Highest number of correct mutual pairs wins additional team points.”

The Visualizers team was chosen to confuse the Coders first.
One by one, the Coders were blindfolded.

When it was Jay’s turn, the world went dark. Sharmi gently led him into the center. Hands reached out from all directions. Random shouts filled the air — “Ramesh!”, “Priya!”, “Sharmi!” — trying to throw him off.

But Jay moved with quiet confidence. One hand felt familiar — soft yet firm, with a slight hesitation he knew too well. He squeezed gently. The hand squeezed back. He had found another person too. But he knows it was a fluke as the guys hand was so small, a pattern that helped. 

Nikitha.

He spoke her name clearly. Nikitha had a smile, this was first time she felt really happy. 

A few moments later, when Nikitha was blindfolded, she moved through the crowd with surprising ease. One handshake felt like home — steady, protective, slightly calloused from years of typing. She didn’t hesitate. 

“Jay,” she said softly.

She went on to find other hands too Tharun his hold was strong, she know it number of times offlate, the hands had holded hers, in rush to pull her into kiss, she smiled inside her and said Tharun. 

Tharun felt a relief. 

Tharun, when his turn came, searched carefully. He found one hand that felt warm and familiar — the same hand he had held on the beach. He smiled under the blindfold.

“Nikitha.”

The results were announced.

Coders team: 5 mutual pairs (including Jay-Nikitha and Tharun-Nikitha).
Additional point for highest individual finds.

Visualizers team: Only 1 pair.

Sharmi smiled on stage, but there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. Tharun scoring with Nikitha diluted the perfect pairing she had hoped to force between Jay and Nikitha. Still, the game had done its job — public closeness between the three of them was now undeniable.
Tharun, standing near the stage, felt a quiet satisfaction. He had finally won something with her. The way Nikitha remembered his touch made his chest warm. But Jay’s continuous success stung. How does he keep doing this?

Nikitha stood a little apart, her heart beating faster than she wanted to admit. The game had been fun on the surface, but every correct guess with Jay felt like a quiet accusation — a reminder of how deeply they still knew each other, even when she was trying so hard to move forward.
Sharmi announced cheerfully, “Moving on to the next round!”

But inside, the cupid was recalibrating.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 73: Jay and Nikitha the best Pair.

The hall was alive with laughter and nervous energy as Sharmi stepped forward once more.

“Next game — Blind Trust,” she announced, her voice carrying a playful challenge. “This one is simple on the surface… but it reveals who truly knows their teammate.”

She explained the rules.

One partner is blindfolded. The other must guide them through a small obstacle course using only their voice. Chairs, cones, ropes, and soft cushions were arranged in a winding path. The twist? Everyone else from the opposing team would shout, laugh, and give fake directions to confuse the blindfolded person. Only the real partner’s voice should be trusted.

Sharmi bends a new rule to avoid Tharun. She said Leader and Companion will be default pair, other 4 Pairs has to be decided within your self. She made this deliberate to avoid Tharun. 


Blind Trust


The noise was deafening.
“Left! No, right!”
“Straight ahead!”
“Watch out, there’s a wall!”

Sharmi watched closely as pairs took their turns. Most struggled. Voices blended into a messy roar. Trust broke easily.

Then came Nikki and Jay’s turn.

Jay was blindfolded. Nikki stood a few feet away, her voice steady despite the chaos. “Jay, two steps forward… now stop. Slight left… yes, like that.”

Dozens of voices tried to mimic her — girls from other teams deliberately copying her tone, pitch, and even her way of speaking. “Jay, forward!” “No, left, Jay!”

But Jay didn’t waver.

He moved with calm certainty, head tilted slightly as if filtering every sound until only hers remained. Step after step, he followed her guidance perfectly, navigating the entire course without a single mistake.

Nikki’s heart pounded as she watched him. How does he still know my voice so clearly? Even in all this noise…

When they finished, the timer stopped. Only Nikki and Jay had completed the course successfully. Every other pair had failed — some dramatically, crashing into obstacles amid laughter and groans.

Sharmi didn’t waste the momentum. She stepped forward with a bright smile. “Coders Team wins this round! All other teams are eliminated. However… we need one more team for the finals. The second-highest scoring team — Visual team — gets another chance. Their leader and companion will represent them.”

The crowd cheered. The energy was electric.


The Fifth and Final Game: Build the Tallest Tower

Each team received newspapers, tape, plastic cups, and wooden sticks. Ten minutes to build the tallest freestanding tower.
Other pairs argued immediately.
“Use more tape here!”
“No, that’s unstable!”
“Why aren’t you listening?”
But Nikki and Jay?
They fell into their old rhythm as naturally as breathing.
“Holding this,” Nikki said softly, passing him a rolled newspaper.
Jay took it without needing further explanation. He already knew what she wanted. She planned the base structure while he reinforced it, their hands moving in quiet synchronization. No raised voices. No debate. Just effortless understanding.
People began to notice.
One of the Arts team members wiped sweat from his forehead and laughed. “You guys have done this before, right? Some secret engineering project?”
Another colleague smirked. “No… they’ve just been married for years, look at them!”
A few knowing chuckles spread. Nikki’s cheeks flushed. Jay kept his expression neutral, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
The tower they built stood tallest — elegant, stable, and significantly higher than the rest. When the timer rang, the result was undeniable.
Sharmi felt a quiet joy bloom in her chest. This is working. They don’t need to declare anything. Their hearts already know.

At the final announcement, Jay and Nikki stood together on the small stage.

This was the first speech of them at public, the first proper communication together.. 




Jay spoke first, his tone warm but careful. He lied to protect their secrets. .. “We don’t share… anything beyond a great professional bond. We worked together as coders for a long time. That partnership simply clicked here today.”
Nikki nodded, smiling politely at the crowd. “Exactly. Teamwork at its best.”

They shook hands for the audience — firm, professional. But their fingers lingered a second longer than necessary, a private moment hidden in plain sight. The Coders Team was declared the overall winner. Jay and Nikitha had the highest individual scores. Prizes would be distributed the next day.

As evening descended, the company arranged a team dinner. Laughter, clinking plates, and stories filled the banquet hall. The games had done their magic — people from different departments mingled freely.

When it was time to leave, Jay walked toward the parking lot. A strange movement caught his eye — a figure in a mask slipping across the dimly lit corridor. Jay paused, staring. The person vanished behind a pillar. He shook his head. Probably just someone fooling around after the games.

He waited near the car. Tharun and Nikitha approached together, talking in low voices. Their conversation felt… intimate. Tharun said something that made Nikki laugh softly. He gave her a playful wink as she got into the car.

Jay watched silently, then offered a small, knowing smile. No words.

The drive home was quiet. Unlike the heavy, painful silence of their last journey together, this one carried a different weight — raw, undeniable awareness. They both knew the truth now. They still loved each other deeply. But fear held their tongues.

Jay thought, I shouldn’t push. If she feels it, she’ll come to me. Love has to happen naturally.

Nikitha stared out the window, her mind in turmoil. Did I overthink everything? Am I missing him more than I realized? Just yesterday she had decided to move on quickly. Today, she was back at the same crossroads.

The night was heavy, yet strangely calm. Exhaustion pulled them into sleep faster than expected.

---

Morning light filtered through the curtains.

Nikitha woke first, realizing she was tucked inside Jay’s arm, his warmth surrounding her.
She didn’t move. Jay stirred moments later. Their eyes met. Neither pulled away.

Should I leave? she wondered. Did I make the wrong choice?

Jay looked at her, the same question in his gaze. Maybe I should just act… without overthinking.
They both opened their mouths to speak—
Ping.

A message notification chimed on both their phones at the same time.
HR Department
Urgent Enquiry – 9:30 AM

Mandatory meeting regarding behavior cross-check of Tharun and Nikitha. Immediate attendance required.

They stared at the screen, shock replacing the fragile intimacy of the moment.
Whatever peace they had found was about to be tested once again.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 75: The Letter That Broke Everything

---

The HR message still burned on their phone screens as Jay and Nikitha got into the car. Neither spoke at first. The engine hummed to life, and Jay gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, Jay finally broke the silence, his voice low and strained.
“How did they mention a behavior enquiry for you and Tharun?”

Nikitha stared straight ahead, her throat tight. She knew. Deep down, she knew Jay was the only person who could have seen her kissing Tharun in the cabin. The open door. The footsteps. The timing. It all pointed to him. But she also knew Jay — he was many things, but he wouldn’t deliberately try to destroy her reputation like this.

She answered carefully, “Maybe… someone saw me and Tharun kissing in his cabin.”
The car swerved slightly. Jay’s hands shook on the wheel. He slammed his palm against the horn in a sharp, angry blast that echoed through the morning traffic. The sound cut through Nikitha like a knife.

She turned to him, shocked. “Jay—”
He didn’t look at her. His jaw was clenched so tight she could see the muscle jumping. His eyes were filled with raw rage, pain, and something deeper — betrayal.

Nikitha’s mind raced. If he already knew, why is he reacting like this? Was it not him?
They reached the office in tense silence. Both of them rushed toward the HR department. Tharun was already standing outside the room, alone, his face tight with anger.

The moment Jay and Nikitha approached, Tharun stepped forward and grabbed Jay’s shirt collar.
“How dare you, you backstabber!” Tharun growled. “You saw us kissing and placed a letter at HR’s table last night?”
Jay’s eyes flashed. He caught Tharun’s shirt in return, their faces inches apart.

“You don’t know anything. Stop trying to be a hero. I didn’t see you kissing her.”
Tharun’s grip tightened. “I know it was you.”
Nikitha pushed between them, her voice breaking. “Stop! Both of you — please!”

She was caught in the middle, hands on both their chests, heart hammering. She didn’t know who to console first. The man she had shared years of life with, or the man who had made her feel desired again.
The commotion drew HR out of the room. The senior officer looked at the scene with visible disappointment.

“Stop this at once!” he barked. “Tharun, Jay — I never thought my top technicians would fight like street boys. I don’t want to lose talent, which is why I’m handling this internally. But Nikitha… you seem to be married. Why are you involved in an affair with an unmarried man?”
Jay and Tharun both spoke at the same time, voices overlapping in angry defense:
“She is not what you think—”

HR raised a hand, amused and irritated. “Wait… Tharun, you said Jay complained about you two. But now he’s defending you? What kind of drama is this?”
He looked at all three of them, then sighed.
“Fine. I planned to enquire with the entire Coders team anyway. Let’s start with Jay.”

Jay looked at Nikitha and Tharun for a long second, then walked into the room without another word.
Nikitha caught his sleeve desperately. “Jay… what happened?”
He paused at the door, not turning around fully.

“This bastard acted like a friend… and then wrote a letter saying we are adulterers. HR wanted to transfer me and approach your husband. I took the blame. I said I forced you. I’m ready to prove it anywhere — even if it means separating to save your name, Nikki. I’ll do it.”
Nikitha’s world tilted. She looked at Tharun, stunned by the selfless weight of his words. It felt like the kind of love she had been craving — protection, sacrifice, clarity.

But something inside her screamed that it wasn’t Jay. He wouldn’t do this.
She turned back to the closed door, whispering, “Jay… just tell me honestly. It’s not your handwriting, right? I know you wouldn’t harm me or my reputation…”

Minutes later, the door opened.

Jay stepped out, followed by HR. He looked exhausted, defeated.
HR addressed them all, voice firm but tired.

“I know you three are brilliant. But jealousy over others’ growth sometimes buries our own image and talent. I’m sorry, Tharun — Jay admitted he sent the letter. He was furious that Nikitha took the Business Expertise role. He acted out of impulse. But I’m glad he cleared it.”

Im not punishing anyone, i will let it pass. but you all three need to figure out to sort differences. Dont do another mistake Jay. 

Nikitha confused asked how you are sure that he was the one done it, may be he is trying to save me by taking blame, exactly like how Tharun did?

HR said even i thought like you, but i got some strong evidence. 


He then said come in i will show you something, Nikitha and Tharun walked in, after them. 

HR placed the letter and a sample of Jay’s known handwriting on the table in front of them. The room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.

Nikitha’s eyes locked onto the paper. The handwriting was unmistakable — the slight slant of the letters, the way the ‘J’ curved just so, the pressure of the pen that she had seen a thousand times on notes, grocery lists, and late-night work scribbles. Her stomach dropped like a stone.
No… please, not this.

She begged herself silently, desperately, not to believe what her eyes were showing her. It can’t be him. Jay wouldn’t do this. He knows what this could destroy.

Her voice came out shaky, almost pleading.

“Jay… just tell me honestly. It’s not your handwriting, right? I know you. You wouldn’t do anything to harm me or my reputation. Please… say it’s not yours.”

Jay stood still for a long moment, staring at the floor. When he finally lifted his eyes to meet hers, the pain in them was raw and unbearable.
“It’s mine,” he said quietly, his voice hoarse but steady. “I asked him to expel me. He didn’t. he gave me another chance.. This is all you need to know.”

The words landed like a physical blow.

Nikitha felt the world tilt beneath her feet. Her knees buckled. She dropped heavily into the chair behind her, one hand gripping the edge of the table as if it was the only thing keeping her from falling apart completely.

Why?


Her mind screamed the question, but no sound came out. Tears welled up in her eyes, hot and stinging, as the reality crashed over her. The man who had once risked everything for her — who had stood beside her when the world tried to tear them apart — had done this. Not out of anger in the heat of the moment, but deliberately. He had written the letter. He had placed it. He had chosen to expose them.

Tharun stood frozen beside her, his fists clenched at his sides. He looked from Nikitha to Jay, disbelief and fury mixing on his face.
Jay didn’t wait for more questions. He gave Nikitha one last, long, painful look — a look that carried years of love, regret, exhaustion, and something that felt dangerously close to goodbye.

Then he turned and walked out of the room without another word.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Nikitha remained seated, staring at the empty space where he had stood. Her hands trembled in her lap. The letter and handwriting sample still lay on the table like evidence in a trial she never wanted to face.

She couldn’t come to terms with it.

How could you do this, Jay? After everything… how could you?

A single tear slipped down her cheek and fell onto her saree, leaving a small, dark stain. She didn’t wipe it away. She simply sat there, stunned, broken, and utterly lost — caught between the man she had once called home and the man who had made her feel alive again.

The silence in the room was deafening.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 76: The Business Trip & New Beginnings

---

The evening sun had begun to set when HR called for an urgent general meeting on the second floor.

The entire team gathered in the open workspace, whispers already spreading like wildfire. HR stood at the front, his face serious and disappointed.
“I will keep this short,” he began. “Recent events have shown a clear lack of professional conduct from some individuals. Personal matters should never interfere with work or the company’s reputation. Jay — your behavior today was unacceptable. A formal warning has been issued to you. Let this be a lesson to everyone: we will not tolerate jealousy, personal vendettas, or actions that harm team harmony.”

He scanned the crowd, eyes lingering for a moment on Tharun, Nikitha, and Jay.

“Consider this your final warning. Focus on work. That is all.”

The meeting dispersed quickly. People moved away in hushed conversations, stealing glances toward the three of them.
As soon as HR returned to his room, he called Tharun in privately.
Tharun entered and closed the door behind him.

HR sighed, rubbing his temples. “I’m sorry for how things turned out today. The mood between you, Jay, and Nikitha… it’s clearly strained. Should we postpone the business trip to top financier? I don’t think it’s wise to send you three together right now. It may take time to rebuild the natural bond you once had.”

Tharun looked at him for a brief, thoughtful moment. Then he spoke with calm confidence.

“I can take care of Nikitha. She is my best friend. As for Jay… you should speak with him. He is one of our best coders, but I understand the awkwardness if he joins. Still, I will remain professional in the meetings. I don’t care if it’s Jay or anyone else — business comes first.”

HR nodded slowly, then suggested, “Why don’t you take one more person from the Coders team? Preferably a woman. I’ve had enough scandals affecting the company’s image. Even if I have to stop Jay from coming, I cannot let you and Nikitha travel alone for weeks.

After a pause, HR Asked.  How about Sharmi? The one who organized the refreshment program.”

Tharun remembered how close Sharmi and Nikitha always seemed. He also recalled seeing her share lunch with Jay. It could ease communication.
Tharun got a ray of hope. 

He nodded. “She is a good choice. I’m comfortable with her. Book tickets for all four of us. I’ll talk with Sharmi, Jay, and Nikitha. Let’s not step back. Let’s finish the deal.”

HR patted his shoulder approvingly. “This is the spirit I like. You don’t carry baggage. I appreciate you taking responsibility to fix this.”
Tharun smiled and left the room.




At Coders Floor

Sharmi was still at her desk, staring blankly at her screen, when reality hit her. Why did Jay have to spoil everything? Her carefully crafted plan — the games designed to bring Nikki and Jay closer — lay in ruins. She had seen the spark between them during the tower-building game. Now, because of whatever selfish outburst Jay had shown, a formal complaint had been filed against Nikki? It didn’t make sense. Her entire vision for them had crumbled in a single evening.



Before she could process her frustration, Tharun appeared at her desk.
“Sharmi, Jay — please come to my cabin.”
His tone left no room for questions. Sharmi exchanged a startled glance with Jay, who had just stepped out of his workstation. Together, they walked silently to Tharun’s cabin.
Nikitha was already there, sitting stiffly, her face pale with shock. She didn’t speak. Jay’s eyes flicked toward her for a brief moment before he looked away, out the window.
Tharun closed the door and stood before them, calm and composed.
“I know this is awkward,” he began. “But management trusted us with something big long before today’s events. We have a real chance to pitch to one of India’s top financiers — someone who funds major gaming projects. None of our previous teams have been able to crack him. This is our opportunity.”

He looked at each of them in turn.
“I carry no personal feelings into this. It’s only business. I expect the same spirit from each of you. Set aside your ego, your hurt, your history — whatever it is. If we work together using our individual strengths, we can pull this off. I believe in what each of you brings to the table.”
The room was thick with tension. Nikki’s fingers twisted in her lap. Jay remained silent, staring outside. Sharmi’s mind raced — This trip could either destroy everything or… maybe fix it?

Tharun continued, his voice steady like a true leader.

“Take your time. By morning, let me know your decision. No matter who comes or doesn’t — I’m going. But this isn’t just about me. I want all of you in. Prove yourselves. Change the narrative we earned today. Let’s end this chapter and begin a new one — for our own good.”

People will celebrate one with success they don't care about personal, when you hit that success button. This is a blessing in disguise opportunity, I'm willing to use this clear the dirt painted on me. It should be same for everyone of us. Sharmi sorry to include you. But i believe you are the common friend. You can help them.

He gave them a small nod.

“You’re free to go. Think it over tonight.”

With that, Tharun dispersed the informal meeting, leaving the three of them standing in the heavy silence of unresolved emotions.
Sharmi lingered for a moment, watching Nikki and Jay carefully. The air between them crackled with everything unsaid. She wondered if they can unite again? Or whether it would break them completely.

but she saw a potential.. can this trip bring out their true love? she believed she can come up with a new cupid game. But will this work second time?

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 77: Night of Doubts & Morning of Decisions

---

The night felt heavier than any they had shared before.

Nikitha lay awake in the darkness, staring at the ceiling. Jay’s steady breathing beside her should have been comforting, but tonight it only amplified her inner storm. The image of the letter, the matching handwriting, the way Jay had looked at her before walking away — it all replayed endlessly in her mind.

She turned toward him, her voice barely a whisper.

“Jay… why did you lie? I know it wasn’t you. The world can lie… but I know it wasn’t you.”
Jay stirred, eyes opening slowly. For a moment, he looked at her with deep exhaustion.

“It was me,” he said quietly. “Don’t you see me? I’m a cruel head… but it was me.”

Nikitha’s eyes filled with tears. She sat up suddenly and began slapping his chest — not hard, but repeatedly, as if trying to shake the truth out of him.

“I don’t believe you!” she whispered fiercely, tears streaming down her face. “I know you, Jay. You wouldn’t do this to me.”
She kept slapping him, her hands growing tired, her voice breaking. “Tell me the truth… please…”

Suddenly, the world jerked.

Nikitha woke up with a gasp, heart pounding. It had been a dream. She was still lying beside Jay, who was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the storm inside her.

She stared at him in the dim moonlight. The dream had felt so real — the pain, the denial, the desperate need to believe in him.
Her mind wandered back through the day. Tharun’s sacrifice. His willingness to take the blame to protect her name. His steady support even when everything was falling apart. Meanwhile, Jay… had apparently chosen to hurt her.

Why?

She wanted answers. She wanted to understand what had driven him to this. But deep down, she feared the answer. She was yet to tell him about the loan closure. She had planned to do it after the business trip. Now she wasn’t sure if she even wanted to.

Moving away might be best… instead of staying and hurting him more. 
She doesn't have a heart to see him turn complete villain and destroy himself. 

She picked up her phone and texted Tharun.

Nikitha: I will join the business meeting.
Tharun replied almost immediately.
Tharun: Sure, darling. But why are you texting at 1 AM?
Nikitha: Couldn’t sleep. Will you marry me if I ever love you?
Tharun sent a laughing emoji.
Nikitha: We need to speak with Mithra. Speak with her soon.
Tharun: Sure.

She kept the phone aside, her heart heavy. The night passed in restless thoughts.

---

Morning – The HR Meeting

The next morning, HR had called all four of them — Jay, Nikitha, Tharun, and Sharmi — into the conference room.
He explained the importance of the upcoming trip.

“This is a big opportunity. We need your best. I want to know your consent before finalizing everything.”
Nikitha surprised everyone by speaking first.

“It’s a big opportunity. We will prove ourselves if all of us join. But if I have to speak for myself… I’m in.”
Tharun followed immediately. “I’m in.”

Sharmi nodded. “We are in. Me and Jay.”
Jay looked stunned that Sharmi had spoken for him.
Sharmi gave him a subtle eye signal — say yes.

Jay hesitated, then spoke.
“No, sir. I don’t feel like it.”
Sharmi immediately interrupted. “Excuse me, sir. I’ll have a word with Jay.”
HR, Tharun, and Nikitha looked surprised as Sharmi dragged Jay outside the room.

---

Outside the Room

Jay got irritated the moment they were alone.
“What are you doing, Sharmi? You are going overboard. Do you think you are something to me that you can speak for me?”
Sharmi folded her hands and looked at him seriously.

“No… but why are you withdrawing yourself from such an opportunity?”
Jay’s voice was low and pained. “Don’t you know I committed a mistake?”
Sharmi looked straight into his eyes.

“You didn’t. And I know the real person”
Jay was stunned. “What? How do you know? Who was behind it?”


His ferocious nature surfaced again. Sharmi took a small step back but held her ground.
“I know it wasn’t you.

No wise man would use his own hand writing to get caught. 
The real person is someone who wanted to destory three of you!

Handwriting in yours, information about Tharun and Nikitha. 

I have nt see the real persons face.. But im damn sure that i could prove it… but only if you agree to join us.”

Jay was shocked. He wanted to know the truth desperately.
Do you think you can crack this and find real person. 

Sharmi softened her tone. “Trust me. We will find it together.”
Jay looked into her eyes for a long moment. Something in her sincerity reached him.

A few minutes later, he exhaled deeply.
“I’m in. Let me prove my skills…

He was followed by bright Sharmi.


Who announced all set sir, book us premium cabin for four of us she joked.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 78: The Night She Left

---

The evening felt heavier than usual when they reached the villa.

Nikitha walked straight into the bedroom without a word. Jay followed slowly, still drained from the day’s events. He watched as she pulled out a suitcase from under the bed and began packing some of her clothes — sarees, salwar suits, a few personal items. Her movements were mechanical, but her hands trembled slightly.

Jay’s voice was quiet, almost disbelieving.
“What are you doing?”

Nikitha didn’t look at him. She continued folding a lavender saree — the one she had worn the day Tharun first noticed her.
“I’m moving to Tharun’s place.”

The words landed like a slap.
Jay stood frozen for a second, then stepped closer, his voice rising with pain and disbelief.

“Why? Just because of that complaint?”
Nikitha finally turned to face him. Her eyes were red, filled with exhaustion, hurt, and a quiet resolve.

“I don’t want to see you turn into a wild man, Jay. The day you told me you were behind this… I cannot take it anymore. If you think I chose Tharun — yes, I chose him. Look at him. He protected me. He selflessly sacrificed for me. But you? You sold me for your revenge. How do you expect me to see this as love?”

Her voice cracked, but she kept going.
“Love is not something that should destroy one. It should protect one. That’s love. After our trip, let’s figure out the rest. For now… I cannot stay with you. I’m leaving.”

She zipped the suitcase with finality. Jay stood there, speechless, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He wanted to stop her. He wanted to shout, to explain, to beg. But the words died in his throat.

Nikitha booked a cab on her phone. Within minutes, it arrived. She picked up the suitcase and walked toward the door without looking back. 

After a 30 mins travel. 
The car stopped near a quiet Women’s Hostel kilometers away. She had lied to Jay.
She wasn’t moving to Tharun’s place. She needed space — from both of them — to figure out her heart.

She checked into a simple room, closed the door, and stood in front of the small mirror in the attached washroom. Her reflection stared back — tired eyes, messy hair, a face that looked older than her years.

She blamed herself.

He himself said he was the reason behind it. Why can’t you see it? Why are you still denying it?

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She wiped them angrily, but more came. The weight of her choices, her anger, her confusion — everything crashed down on her in that small, unfamiliar room.

She had left the man who had once saved her… because she feared he was becoming someone who could destroy not just her but in process he could destroy himself.

Yet deep down, a small voice whispered: If he really did it… why my heart is denying to believe it?
How i will handle this, will my separation from him turn him into worse? 
Let him think i'm moved, he will have his anger for week, im sure he will move on one day without me. 

She sat on the edge of the bed, hugging her knees, lost in the silence of her own heart.

While Nikitha had separated from Jay temporarily, she took a full day to figure out things. She didn’t text Tharun or anyone. She spent the entire day alone, losing herself in the quiet corners of the city — wandering through small local eateries, ordering simple home-style meals she hadn’t tasted in years. The solitude felt necessary. Painful, but necessary. She needed to breathe without the weight of both men’s expectations pressing on her chest.

On Sunday morning, the email from HR arrived, confirming the flight details.
The day of the journey came.
Nikitha arrived at the airport with a small suitcase, dressed in a simple yet elegant cream salwar suit. Tharun was already waiting near the entrance, looking sharp in a formal shirt. He smiled when he saw her, but there was concern in his eyes.
“Why didn’t you pick my calls?” he asked gently as they walked toward check-in.
Nikitha gave a small, tired smile. “I put the mobile on silent. Needed some time alone.”
Tharun nodded understandingly and didn’t press further. He stayed close, respectful of the space she clearly needed.

On the other side of the terminal, she saw Sharmi and Jay walking in together — almost like a team. Jay looked composed but weary, still recovering from his recent fever. Nikitha avoided looking at him for as long as she could. But while boarding the flight, she couldn’t help it. Her eyes instinctively searched for him.

Sharmi and Nikitha ended up seated together. Tharun and Jay took seats on the opposite side of the aisle.

The journey had begun.

The flight continued into the night, carrying four people bound by secrets, love, jealousy, and unfinished stories — heading toward a city where everything might finally come to a head.

Willl Nikitha finally see the love she always wanted? or will it get complicated further, Will Sharmi's cupid trick works here? or She came here to do a detective job to figure the secret behind the letter. 

For one thing the Journey may open many unexpected episodes in life of the Four. 

[heygiwriter]

Awesome
Being joint ownership how come jai did not get any information about loan closure or payment made either through email or SMS

For convenience he gave only Her mobile number for notifications.

[heygiwriter]

next update bro...




tharun and nikita romance

nice but you are not sharing the link for image generation website like this.. so that i can deliver same kind of image

[heygiwriter]

The story is wonderful but the pictures posted looks disgusting in this well crafted story. Author should not encourage this

im just trying to get my version of images. :) Theirs alwas looks random

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 79: Flight of Unspoken Storms

---

From the moment Nikitha settled into her seat on the flight, she couldn’t stop stealing glances across the aisle.

Jay sat there with an almost unnerving calm — a “no-nonsense” look that masked whatever storm was brewing inside him. He hadn’t tried to call her after she left. He hadn’t stopped her. He hadn’t even shown any visible reaction when she announced she was moving to Tharun’s place. It left her with a million unanswered questions.

Why is he acting like none of this affects him?

The past week had been an emotional rollercoaster. The games, the forced closeness, the way they instinctively knew each other — it had all stood as silent testimony to how deeply they still loved one another. For a brief moment, it had almost made her believe they were meant to be. She had been ready to put Jay ahead of everything.

But then came the letter incident.
It wrecked everything.

Even now, Nikitha could not fully believe Jay had done it. His silence hurt her the most. He hadn’t denied it. He had simply owned it. That quiet acceptance felt like a final nail in the coffin of whatever they once shared.

She had left him not just out of rage or disappointment — but to gain clarity. To choose her life properly. To stop turning Jay into a villain who might destroy himself… and to let him know she had truly moved on by stressing she was living with Tharun. She wanted him to move on too.
Yet here he was — unbothered, sitting beside Tharun. 

Her attention then turned to Sharmi, her friend. The way Sharmi and Jay had arrived together at the airport, the easy conversation between them, and how Jay had suddenly agreed to the trip after refusing in front of HR… it all made her stomach twist with irritation and jealousy.

Are they becoming a team now? Like more than he was with Anjali?
The thought just burden her, but she was starting to accept it. 

Sharmi turned to her with a playful smile.
Hello Nikitha, first time to business meet!

Nikitha hides her irritation and said, yea. 
Unkown to Nikitha, Sharmi had arrvied to airport alone, but when she landed there, she conincidentally met Jay and they came together to the place. 

However the image was deep registered in Nikitha mind. 

Nikitha now assumed that Jay and Sharmi are in process of becoming a couple..  She remember how Sharmi asking her if she would mind if he try her hand on Jay. With all recent happenings, she almost believed, Sharmi and Jay are becoming a couple.. Nikitha started assuming that reason for Jay silence and not trying to reach her during her absence could be directly attached to Sharmi!

Jay cannot stay silence, he never had left her, if he had done it, then Sharmi could be only reason? If he can move on why not i? why should i suffer alone. I would be more happy if he could move on in life and live his life to full. 

If they are together why cant they openly admit it and instead why are they trying to just show off, a sting of irritation and Jealous hits her.. she asked herself.. 

Nikitha who now wants only clarity, decided to speak and ask directly instead of assumption game. She felt little awkward yet she decided to ask.

After a pause Nikita opened her mouth. She didnt know where to start, so she decided to ask from their previous conversation..  Did you got him.. i mean you said you are going to approach Jay..? 

Sharmi forced a small smile. She is unaware of Nikitha's mindset, she took her question in wrong tune.. 
oh no Nikitha i can sense your jelosuly? wait let me play with you.. she decided to play with her

“Indeed. Did you see how he plays to my tune? He’s coming on this business trip just because of me.”

Sharmi’s intention was different. She wanted to push Nikitha into jealousy — to awaken the possessiveness she believed was still buried under layers of anger. She wanted her to fight for Jay. But she didn’t realize Nikitha was in a completely different storm now.

Sharmi continued lightly, “It’s boring, isn’t it? The men are sitting together and we’re like this. I would be glad if Jay holds my hand here and we romance a little… likewise you and Tharun.”

The seatbelt sign came on as the flight prepared for takeoff.
Nikitha unbuckled her belt suddenly.

Sharmi didnt expect this.. 
“Yeah, you should sit with him,” she said, standing up. “Let me help you.”

She moved across the aisle. “Jay, can you sit with Sharmi? 
I want to sit with Tharun. You and Sharmi already know about my relationship with him. Let’s not pretend.”

Tharun looked surprised. He immediately said, “Niki, don’t make him uncomfortable. Let him be here... Sharmi, come here. I’ll move.”
But Sharmi was stunned. She had only wanted to spark a little jealousy — not this. Nikitha had done something unimaginable.

But she was helpless, she didnt want to lose the game early and get caught, the play has to continue. 

The seating was rearranged.

Now Nikitha sat beside Tharun. Sharmi sat beside Jay.
For the next two hours of the flight, Nikitha and Tharun spent time in mild laughter and light conversation. Tharun was attentive, respectful, and warm — exactly what she had been craving.

Across the aisle, Jay remained mostly quiet, lost in his own thoughts. Maybe he was still figuring out who could have sent the letter. Or maybe he was simply trying to survive the flight without showing how much this hurt.

Sharmi occasionally glanced at Nikitha, a small, knowing smile on her face.
She had no idea how deep the storm truly was.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 80: The Hidden Truth & Silent Investigation

---

Unlike what Nikitha, Sharmi, or Tharun thought… Jay was not silent because he had accepted defeat.

His mind was a storm.

As the flight cruised through the night sky, Jay sat still, eyes half-closed, pretending to rest. But inside, memories from the HR room kept replaying like a broken reel.

---

Flashback – HR Room, The Previous Day

HR had gone through Nikitha’s file with a deep frown.

“Nothing concrete here. No proper documents. No resume. She was hired through the reference program… and the one who referred her was you, Jay.”

HR leaned forward, eyes sharp.

“What is really happening between Tharun and Nikitha? Tharun claims you complained about them with this letter. But I could not believe its you, for years i know you. If you had indeed done this.. you would not have acted in front of them like you were worried about Nikitha’s honor. Tell me the truth. Why does nothing tally here? I just want the truth. Tell me your version. How did the letter looks like your handwriting? if this is fake we can dig deeper and investigate”

If not for cctv cameras moving to new building, we would have captured the culpirts.

Then

HR placed the letter on the table along with another paper that had Jay’s known handwriting and asked him if this was real. 

Jay’s heart sank. He understood instantly — the person who placed the letter hadn’t just wanted to harm Tharun and Nikitha. They had deliberately tried to make him look like the villain.

Who would benefit from this?

HR continued, voice heavy with disappointment.

“Tharun offered to step down and save Nikitha. He said he forced her into the kiss. I don’t buy it. He’s either acting… or covering for her. I’ve known you much longer than Tharun. He may be higher in rank now, but you are someone I trust. What really went wrong? I want three things from you:

1. The truth.
   
2. Proper documents of Nikitha.
   
3. Inform Nikitha’s husband about what happened here.”
   

Jay’s mind raced. He could not let HR dig deeper. If the truth came out — their secret marriage, the fake identities, the years of hiding — everything they had built would burn.

He made a split-second decision.

“I did it,” Jay said, voice steady but heavy. “I carelessly let another piece of paper get mixed in. I was the one who wrote the letter.”
HR looked stunned. “Are you telling me this for real?”

Jay nodded. “Yes. I made her join here. But she gets higher pay and a better rank than me. I did it out of rage. I don’t ask for forgiveness. Punish me the way you want. I’ll apologize to them and leave the place. Just… stop calling her husband. Don’t let her family suffer because of my actions. Her husband is my good friend, i dont want him to get ridiculed because of my jelousy.”

He put on an act — a desperate attempt to temporarily stop HR from digging into Nikitha’s background.

HR looked disappointed but eventually accepted the confession for now. The CCTV from that day had already been moved to the new building, making it harder to verify.

But Jay remembered the masked figure he had briefly seen that night. 
No one can easily enter this places, with multiple security checks in. and still if Someone had deliberately placed the letter. It was an insider job.
he is determined to find the truth. 

---

The same evening, When Nikitha pack things and left the place, He could not accept it, especially when she left telling she is moving into Tharuns place.  

He had followed her that night when she left the house. he wants to stop her and take her back. he raised the accelerator in an attempt to overtake cab and stop it. But When her cab turned left instead of right —opposite to the direction toward Tharun’s apartment — he slowed the car, he knows Nikitha is not going to Tharun place.  he had followed at a distance. He saw her enter the Women’s Hostel. He realized Nikitha had been just making him regret for what she believed of him doing. 

He didn’t confront her. He knew any explanation from him wouldn’t change her mind right now.
Only truth will. 

He also felt, Nikitha staying away in hostel will stop some random guesses from external people, especially if management decides to enquire about them, this could stop them doubting more. 

He who works there at company for a long time know how the HR and upper team works. They would dig deeper behind the scene. 

Next day, he didn't want to disturb her, as he was filled with thoughts of finding the real culprit and truth, he had spent the entire Saturday at the office, pretending to work while secretly investigating. He went through security logs, spoke with the team, and checked every person who had access to the floor that day. The person who placed the letter knew the blind spots perfectly.

It was an insider.

The only clue he had was a lean figure had been captured with mask, and four entries from arts team getting into top floor post evening. It also include one of the people who had received an award during the launch event. Jay was still trying to connect the dots when Sharmi shook him gently.

“The flight has landed,” she whispered.

Jay blinked, pulling himself back to the present. The seatbelt sign was off. People were standing up.
He looked across the aisle again. Nikitha was already gathering her things, avoiding his eyes.

The journey had only just begun.

[heygiwriter]

Chapter 81: Mumbai Entanglements


The moment their flight landed in Mumbai, the chaos of the city greeted them with humid air and bustling energy. HR had arranged for two company representatives to receive the team at the airport. After a smooth one-hour drive, they arrived at a luxurious seaside hotel, its grand lobby gleaming with marble and soft lighting.

The HR representative handed over four car keys with a professional smile. “As advised, each of you gets access to a car. Feel free to explore the city whenever you want.”

HR informed us that business tycoon, Dhruv had already reached the previous night. “He’s scheduled a meeting at 10 AM,” the representative informed them. 

“Rest now — it’s only 5:50 AM. After today’s meeting, you’ll need to plan the rest of the schedule based on the outcome. Feel free to call us, if you need any guide. Here are some route maps for nearby attractions.” He then gestured toward the elevators. “We’ve booked two spacious bedrooms. Men and women can share separately, or we can arrange individual rooms if preferred.”

Tharun said thanks, we will let you know if anything neeed, 
The representatives bid good bye and assured they will be back here at 9 to pick them up. 

A room boy helped with their luggage as they headed upstairs.

As they walked down the elegant corridor, Sharmi felt a mischievous spark. She wanted to test the waters again — one more push to stir jealousy. She thought Nikki will succumb to this play, she cant act anymore with what she gonna do.  With a playful tone and a shy giggle, she announced loud enough for everyone to hear:

“Hey Nikki, just like we joked in the flight… it would be great if we could stay in our partners’ rooms instead of the girls together.”

Nikitha turned, her expression unreadable for a moment. She glanced at Jay, then at Tharun, and said calmly, “Thank you. I would prefer that.” Me and Tharun will take that room at the end.

Without waiting for a reaction, she walked alongside Tharun toward the last room at the end of the corridor. The door clicked shut behind them with a loud, final creek. With her suitcase left out in hallway. 

Jay stood frozen in the hallway, stunned.

Sharmi was equally stunned, but she started realising, Nikitha was not some one who could be just okay with the jealosy games, something seemed to shift.. she is yet to figure it out.. But she solidly believes Nikitha had still has love on Jay.  She turned to Jay with a confused smile, she realised Jay was furious,  Jay’s face darkened with frustration and suspicion.

“What are you doing, Sharmi?” he asked, voice low but intense. “What the hell are you really doing?”

He stepped closer, eyes searching hers. “She’s just jealous. She’s pretending to prove she chose him — can’t you see it? 

Jay was alarmed, Wait… what do you know about us, Sharmi? Why are you claiming she is just pretending? From the very first day, your behavior has been suspicious. Tell me — what exactly are you trying to do? Who the hell are you?”

His voice rose with every word, anger and confusion mixing dangerously.

Sharmi’s eyes widened. Before he could say anything more, she quickly placed her hand over his mouth to silence him and pushed him backward into their assigned room. The door shut behind them with a soft click.

At that exact moment few seconds before, Nikitha — who had stepped out of her room to grab her suitcase in the hallway — witnessed everything.

She saw Sharmi’s hand covering Jay’s mouth.
She saw Sharmi pushing him inside the room.
She saw the door close.

A heavy, stabbing pain exploded in her chest. For a few seconds, she stood paralyzed, breath caught in her throat. The image burned into her mind. Without a word, she turned around, stepped back into Tharun’s room, and locked the door with trembling fingers.

Inside, Tharun noticed her sudden pallor. “Nikki? What happened?”

She didn’t answer. She simply walked to the bed and sat down, her mind reeling.
The women have to share the bed with other men… for their own games.

Meanwhile, inside the other room, Jay pulled Sharmi’s hand away from his mouth, breathing heavily.
“Sharmi…” he warned, voice dangerously low.

The tension in Mumbai had only just begun.

[heygiwriter]

Hi yaar,

I have all the adjectives and adverbs to describe you, but your biggest flaw is your pacing. I could skip ten or fifteen chapters, come back, and feel like I hadn't missed anything. 

The words change, but the story barely moves. There's no real sense of progression, growth, or transformation—just different versions of the same chapter. Consistency is your strength, but without momentum, it starts to feel like stagnation. 

A great story makes every chapter feel indispensable. Yours often makes them feel interchangeable.

And I started to think, how this is anywhere near to eroticism? Where is adultery? (Adultery is my favourite theme)

Simple dont read it, ignore this story and move on.

[heygiwriter]

Lol dude let them fuck man, you do not need this much cushion for Nikita to sleep with Tharun, these games from Sharmi are unreal, no one will poke this much into others life, at this point I just want to go into the story and kill the bitch. Or would want Jay to give a tight slap to the bitch.

~ RCF

I have to make that cushion else it wont be little unbelievable when two had so strongly attached to each other..

[heygiwriter]

I get it man but Sharmi is annoying as hell...she better be the one to bring them together.

She is the typical cupid character, her first attempt was successful, she is believing trying her magic again, we should only wait and watch , will her magic gets repeated like the refreshment program day or gets misfired in different way.