Kumkum: Ties of Love and Lies

Chapter 5

The day had been surprisingly quiet at R-ogya Hospital. Sandhya was filing reports in her office when her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Pugazh.

"Can you come to my office? Need to discuss something important."

Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at the message. What could he want now? she wondered. Over the past few weeks, Pugazh had grown increasingly attentive, and though she tried to keep her guard up, there was something about him that made it difficult to resist his warmth.

Gathering her thoughts, Sandhya made her way to his office. Pugazh stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the golden light of the setting sun. He turned as she entered, his expression unusually serious.

"Sandhya," he began, gesturing for her to sit. "I've been meaning to introduce you to someone."

"Who?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"My father," Pugazh said simply. "Dr. Rajashekar."

Sandhya blinked in surprise. She had heard plenty about Rajashekar, the retired founder of R-ogya Hospital. He was a revered figure in the medical community, known for his wisdom and compassion. Meeting him seemed like an honor—so why did it make her uneasy?

"Why?" she asked cautiously.

Pugazh smiled faintly. "Because I talk about you often, and he's curious to meet the person who's impressed me so much."

Sandhya's stomach twisted. The sincerity in his voice unsettled her. Why would he talk about me to his father?

Still, she nodded. "Alright. When do you want me to meet him?"

"Tonight," Pugazh said, his eyes holding hers. "If you're free."

Later that evening, Sandhya found herself in the grand living room of the Rajashekar estate. The house was as imposing as its owners—lavish yet tasteful, with walls adorned with paintings and shelves lined with medical journals.

Dr. Rajashekar greeted her warmly, his presence commanding yet kind. He was tall and well-built for his age, his sharp eyes a reflection of his son's.

"So, you're the famous Sandhya," he said, shaking her hand firmly. "Pugazh talks about you quite a bit."

Sandhya offered a polite smile. "It's an honor to meet you, sir. I've heard so much about you."

Over dinner, the conversation flowed easily. Dr. Rajashekar asked Sandhya about her background, her work at the hospital, and her goals for the future. Pugazh chimed in occasionally, his comments laced with pride as if he were presenting her as someone special.

But Sandhya couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why was Pugazh so eager for her to meet his father? Was it just admiration—or something more calculated?

As the evening wore on, Dr. Rajashekar excused himself, leaving Sandhya and Pugazh alone in the living room.

"You didn't tell me this was going to be such a formal meeting," Sandhya said, her tone light but probing.

Pugazh chuckled, leaning back on the couch. "I thought it'd be nice for you to meet him. He likes you, by the way."

"Why does his opinion matter?" she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Pugazh tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because it matters to me."

Sandhya stiffened as he leaned forward, his expression growing serious.

"Sandhya," he said softly, "I've wanted to say this for a while now."

Her heart began to race.

"I know it's sudden, and maybe unexpected, but I've grown to care about you deeply. You're intelligent, hardworking, and kind. I've never met anyone like you before." He paused, taking a deep breath. "I want to marry you, Sandhya."

The words hung in the air, heavy and shocking. Sandhya stared at him, her mind reeling.

"Pugazh..." she began, her voice faltering. "This is... a lot to take in."

"I know," he said, his tone steady but earnest. "And I don't expect an answer right away. But I needed you to know how I feel."

Sandhya's throat tightened. She hadn't seen this coming. And yet, as she looked at Pugazh, she couldn't deny the sincerity in his eyes.

But her thoughts quickly turned to Shravani. Her purpose here was to uncover the truth about her best friend's death, not to get entangled in a romantic relationship—especially with someone she still wasn't sure she could trust.

"I can't," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pugazh's face fell, but he nodded, his expression calm. "I understand. Take your time."

That night, Sandhya sat alone in her apartment, the proposal replaying in her mind. Her emotions were a whirlwind—part of her was flattered, even touched, by Pugazh's confession. But another part of her couldn't help but question his motives.

Why now? Why so suddenly?

Then another thought crept in, one that made her stomach churn: What if this is an opportunity?

If she accepted his proposal, she would be brought into his home, his life. She would have access to his world in a way she never could as his assistant. If there were any secrets tied to Shravani's death, living in the Rajashekar estate might bring her closer to uncovering them.

But was she willing to go that far? To sacrifice her own emotions, to play along in a relationship she wasn't ready for—all in the name of her mission?

Sandhya ran her fingers through her hair, frustration bubbling inside her. She thought of Shravani's laughter, her bright smile, and the fear she had confided in her diary.

I owe her the truth, Sandhya thought.

But the truth came at a price—and she wasn't sure if she was ready to pay it.

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Hey y'all,

So I basically finished writing the whole story and that's why I'm posting each chapter as soon as I edit it. It's gonna be around 25 chapters in total. I hope y'all are enjoying the chapters. If there is anything left out or that needs to be cleared, lmk so that I could add it and enhance the story.  Like and comment and show your support. Nandrii 🫶🏽