Kumkum: Ties of Love and Lies

Chapter 9

The days after meeting Pugazh's family felt like a whirlwind for Sandhya. Between wedding planning, work, and her own private investigation, she barely had time to breathe. Yet, one thing remained constant: Pugazh.

He was everywhere—sending her messages during work, stealing moments to talk when no one was looking, and finding every excuse to be close to her. His presence was intoxicating, and no matter how hard she tried to keep her guard up, Sandhya found herself drawn to him.

One evening, after a long day at the hospital, Pugazh insisted on walking her to her car. The sun was dipping below the horizon, the air warm and quiet.

"You've been avoiding me all day," he said, his voice teasing yet serious.

"I've been busy," Sandhya replied, keeping her tone light.

"You're always busy," he said, stepping closer, his eyes fixed on hers. "But I'm starting to think it's just an excuse."

Sandhya felt her breath hitch as he closed the distance between them, his warmth radiating against her skin. "You're imagining things," she said, trying to sound unaffected.

Pugazh smirked, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Am I?"

His touch was gentle, yet it sent a shiver down her spine. Sandhya took a step back, her resolve wavering.

"Pugazh, I..." she began, but her words faltered as his gaze held hers.

"You don't have to push me away," he said softly, his voice filled with a tenderness that melted her defenses. "I'm not going anywhere, Sandhya."

Before she could protest, he cupped her face in his hands, his thumb grazing her cheek. His lips met hers in a kiss that was both firm and gentle, filled with a longing he could no longer hold back.

For a moment, Sandhya froze, her mind screaming at her to pull away. But her heart betrayed her. She kissed him back, her fingers clutching his shirt as if anchoring herself to him.

The world around them faded, and all she could feel was him—his warmth, his strength, his undeniable presence.

When they finally broke apart, she stared at him, her cheeks flushed, her chest heaving.

"I can't do this," she whispered, stepping back.

"Why not?" he asked, his voice low and filled with longing.

"Because..." Sandhya trailed off, struggling to find the words. She couldn't tell him the truth—that she was still searching for answers about Shravani, that she didn't fully trust him or his family.

"Because you're scared," Pugazh said, his tone gentle yet firm. "But you don't have to be. I'll take care of you, Sandhya. I promise."

His words broke something inside her, and she looked away, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She wanted to believe him, but the weight of her mission kept her from surrendering completely.

"Just give me time," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pugazh nodded, his expression softening. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

The following week, the preparations for their engagement began in full swing. Pugazh left no stone unturned, ensuring everything was perfect. He took every opportunity to make Sandhya feel special, whether it was surprising her with gifts or stealing her away for quiet moments together.

"You're spoiling me," Sandhya said one afternoon as he handed her a bouquet of her favorite flowers.

"Get used to it," he said with a grin. "I plan to do this for the rest of my life."

Despite herself, Sandhya couldn't help but smile. His affection was overwhelming, and though she tried to resist, she found herself falling for him more with each passing day.

Meanwhile, Gautham watched from the sidelines, his frustration growing. He hadn't been able to stop the engagement, and now Sandhya seemed completely swept up in Pugazh's world.

One evening, he called her and asked to meet.

"I just want to talk," he said. "Please."

Sandhya hesitated but agreed. They met at a quiet café, where Gautham looked more subdued than usual.

"I'm sorry for how I acted," he began, his tone sincere. "I let my emotions get the better of me, and I wasn't fair to you."

"It's okay, Gautham," Sandhya said gently.

"I just... I care about you," he said, his voice faltering. "And I'm worried. But I realized that I need to support you, no matter what you decide."

Sandhya smiled faintly, touched by his words. "Thank you, Gautham. That means a lot."

"I'll always be here for you," he added, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "No matter what."

She nodded, grateful for his support, even as a part of her wondered if he was truly ready to let go.

The night before the engagement, Sandhya sat in her room, her thoughts a jumble of emotions. Pugazh's love for her was undeniable, and she couldn't deny her growing feelings for him. But the questions surrounding Shravani's death loomed large, casting a shadow over her happiness.

Can I really let myself fall for him? she wondered. Or am I walking into something I don't fully understand?

As she looked at the engagement dress hanging in her closet, Sandhya made a silent promise to herself: she would find the truth, no matter the cost.

For now, she would let herself be swept up in Pugazh's love, even if her heart remained divided.