Kumkum: Ties of Love and Lies

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A New Mission

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, but Sandhya barely noticed. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at Shravani's diary, its cover worn from years of use. The haunting words from the last few entries echoed in her mind: 

"If something happens to me, it won't be an accident."

Shravani had always been careful about her words, choosing them with precision. If she wrote this, she meant it. Sandhya flipped through the pages again, scanning for clues. One entry stood out. Shravani had written about her job at R-ogya Hospital and how things had been tense ever since a new leadership change.

"Dr. Rajashekar has retired. His son, Pugazh, is the new CEO. Everyone's talking about him, especially the women. But something doesn't feel right. He's... different. Too charming, too perfect. I can't explain it, but I need to be careful around him."

Sandhya paused, her brows furrowing. She had never heard Shravani talk about her workplace like this before. Shravani was a dedicated doctor, deeply respected by her colleagues. What could have made her so uneasy?

Another entry caught her attention.

"I think someone is watching me. Twice this week, I've seen the same black car near the hospital and my apartment. I told myself it's just a coincidence, but... I don't believe in coincidences anymore."

A knot formed in Sandhya's stomach. Shravani had been scared, and Sandhya had no idea. Guilt and anger warred within her. She stood abruptly, her resolve hardening. She couldn't let this go. She had to know what had happened at R-ogya Hospital.

That evening, Sandhya met Gautham at their usual café. He had barely spoken since the night of Shravani's death, his grief wrapped tightly around him like a suffocating cloak. As she sat down, he looked at her, his eyes heavy with sadness.

"You're not eating," he said, gesturing to the untouched plate in front of her.

"I'm not hungry," Sandhya replied, her voice distant.

"What's going on? You've been quiet all day."

Sandhya took a deep breath. 

"I'm leaving my job," she said, her tone steady.

Gautham frowned. 

"What? Why? Sandhya, this isn't the time to make big decisions."

"I've already made up my mind."

"Where will you even go?"

Sandhya met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. 

"I'm joining R-ogya Hospital."

Gautham's face froze in shock. 

"What? Are you serious? Why?"

"I need to know what happened to Shravani, and the answers are there," she said firmly. 

"She was scared of something—or someone—at that hospital. I need to find out what it was."

Gautham shook his head, his frustration evident. 

"You're walking into danger, Sandhya. Don't you see that? If Shravani's death is connected to that hospital, then whoever's responsible could come after you too!"

"I know the risks," Sandhya replied, her voice calm but resolute. 

"But I won't sit back and do nothing. Shravani was my best friend. If I don't fight for her, who will?"

Gautham sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're stubborn, just like her. But this... this is madness."

"Maybe it is," Sandhya admitted. 

"But it's the only way I can live with myself."

Two weeks later, Sandhya stood outside the sleek glass façade of R-ogya Hospital, clutching her bag tightly. Her heart raced as she took in the bustling entrance, where doctors and patients moved with purpose. She had resigned from her old job and applied for a position at the hospital as an assistant to the CEO. To her surprise, she was hired almost immediately.

Pugazh Rajashekar, the new CEO, was renowned for his efficiency—and his charm. Sandhya had done her research. Pugazh was the epitome of perfection. With his medium skin tone, toned six-pack abs, and a face that seemed sculpted by the gods, he was the talk of the city. Women swooned over him, and the media couldn't get enough of his picture-perfect life.

But Sandhya wasn't here to swoon. She was here for answers.

Inside, the hospital was a blend of modern architecture and warmth. The walls were lined with photographs of smiling patients and the hospital's achievements. Sandhya was directed to the CEO's office, where a receptionist greeted her warmly.

"Mr. Rajashekar is expecting you," she said, gesturing to the large mahogany doors.

Taking a deep breath, Sandhya knocked lightly before entering. The room was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. Behind a sleek desk sat Pugazh Rajashekar himself.

He looked up, and for a moment, Sandhya understood why people called him a god among men. His sharp features, deep brown eyes, and perfectly groomed beard were almost intimidating. Yet his expression was friendly, his smile disarming.

"Sandhya, right?" he said, rising to shake her hand. "Welcome to R-ogya Hospital."

"Thank you, sir," Sandhya replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Please, call me Pugazh," he said, gesturing for her to sit. 

"I've reviewed your credentials, and I'm impressed. I think you'll be a valuable addition to our team."

"I'll do my best," Sandhya said, forcing a polite smile.

As Pugazh explained her responsibilities, Sandhya studied him carefully. He was charismatic and confident, but there was an intensity to him, a guardedness beneath the charm. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something.

Over the next few days, Sandhya settled into her new role. She shadowed Pugazh closely, managing his schedules, attending meetings, and interacting with the hospital's staff. Everyone seemed to adore him, but Sandhya kept her distance, watching and listening.

One evening, as she organized files in his office, she saw a few files that may assist her on her quest to finding the truth about Shravani's murder. 

"Late night?" Pugazh's voice startled her.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his jacket slung over his shoulder.

"Just finishing up some filing," Sandhya said quickly, closing the report.

Pugazh walked over, his gaze sharp but unreadable. "You're thorough. I like that."

"Thank you," she replied, her heart pounding.

He lingered for a moment, then smiled. "Don't overwork yourself. Get some rest."

Late that night, she sat in her apartment with Shravani's diary.  One thing was certain: something wasn't right at R-ogya Hospital, and Pugazh Rajashekar could be at the center of it.

Sandhya clenched her fists. She had come this far, and she wasn't backing down now. Whatever secrets this hospital held, she would uncover them—for Shravani.