Kumkum: Ties of Love and Lies (COMPLETED)

Chapter 14

The days after Sandhya's confession to Pugazh were cold and distant, with an air of finality hanging over their strained relationship. She had finally admitted her feelings, told him she was in love with him, but instead of the warmth she had hoped for, she was met with the sharp sting of rejection.

"I don't want your apology," Pugazh had said, his voice devoid of emotion as he placed the divorce papers on the table before her. "If you truly regret it, sign these and let me go."

Her heart sank, but she stood her ground. "I won't sign them."

Pugazh scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "You will. If I have to make you, I'll find a way."

Before she could respond, he walked away, leaving her alone with the weight of his words and the unbearable silence of their home.

In the following days, Pugazh's cold demeanor only deepened. He barely acknowledged Sandhya's presence, his words clipped and formal when he did speak to her. Every attempt she made to mend the rift between them was met with indifference or sharp retorts.

Yet, even as his words hurt her, Sandhya's love for him only grew. She saw through his mask of anger, recognizing the pain he was hiding. She knew she had hurt him deeply, and while he might not forgive her easily, she was determined to make things right.

One evening, as she stood on the balcony watching the sunset, she whispered to herself, One day, I'll win him back.

A week later, the Rajasekhars hosted a grand charity event at a luxurious hotel. Sandhya, despite the turmoil in her heart, decided to dress for the occasion. She chose a fitted maroon saree with a sleeveless blouse that accentuated her graceful figure. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and the delicate diamond necklace adorning her neck sparkled under the lights.

As she descended the staircase into the ballroom, all eyes turned to her. Heads swiveled, and whispers followed her every step. She ignored them, her gaze seeking one person.

Pugazh was standing near the bar, sipping a glass of whiskey, his sharp black suit making him look devastatingly handsome. When his eyes met hers, he froze.

For a moment, he forgot his anger. She was breathtaking, her beauty stirring something in him he couldn't suppress. But then his face hardened, and he turned away, his jealousy simmering as he noticed other men staring at her.

Sandhya pretended not to notice, though her heart sank.

As the evening wore on, several men approached Sandhya, asking her to dance. She politely declined at first, but their persistence was wearing thin.

"You're too stunning to be standing here alone," one man said with a grin. "Come, dance with me."

"I'm fine, thank you," Sandhya said firmly, stepping back.

Before the man could push further, a shadow loomed over them. Pugazh appeared, his expression dark and his jaw clenched.

"She said no," he said, his voice low but menacing.

The man quickly stepped away, muttering an apology. Pugazh turned to Sandhya, his anger barely contained. "Stop attracting attention if you don't want it," he snapped.

Sandhya frowned, her own frustration bubbling. "Maybe if you stopped ignoring me, I wouldn't be standing alone."

Pugazh didn't respond, instead grabbing another drink. Sandhya sighed, shaking her head.

As the night progressed, Pugazh's jealousy drove him to drink more than usual. When it was time to leave, Sandhya approached him.

"You're drunk," she said, her voice firm. "Give me the keys. I'll drive."

Pugazh blinked at her, his usually sharp gaze clouded by alcohol. "I'm not drunk," he slurred slightly, before handing her the keys.

Sandhya helped him to the car and settled him in the passenger seat before starting the drive home.

"You know," Pugazh began, his words slightly jumbled, "you're beautiful. I hate it... hate that everyone sees it."

Sandhya glanced at him, startled. "What are you talking about?"

"I hate that I love you," he blurted out, his voice heavy with emotion. "Even when I try not to, I still do. So much, it drives me insane."

Her hands tightened on the steering wheel, her heart racing. "Pugazh..."

"You hurt me," he continued, his voice breaking. "But I can't stop loving you. I don't know how to."

Tears stung Sandhya's eyes as his words cut through her defenses. She parked the car outside the estate and turned to face him.

"Pugazh, I—"

Before she could finish, he leaned forward, cupping her face and kissing her. Unlike before, there was no anger or frustration in his touch—only raw emotion and longing.

Sandhya hesitated for a moment, her mind spinning. But then she kissed him back, her hands sliding up to his shoulders as the walls between them crumbled.

He trailed kisses along her jawline, his lips lingering at the corner of her mouth before finding hers again, deeper this time, slower, like he wanted to savor the moment.

For a long while, there were no words, only the soft sounds of their breathing and the quiet promise of love rediscovered.

But then reality struck.

Sandhya pulled away, her breathing ragged. "You're drunk," she whispered, her voice trembling. "This isn't real."

Pugazh stared at her, his expression a mixture of vulnerability and confusion. But before he could say anything, Sandhya helped him out of the car and led him inside, her mind spinning with emotions she couldn't untangle. 

The next morning, Sandhya woke up to find herself alone at the breakfast table. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, and a blush crept across her cheeks as her fingers brushed over faint love marks on her neck. 

Her heart raced as she thought about the kiss. For a brief moment, she had felt like everything could be okay again, that maybe Pugazh still cared for her.

But when she saw him later that morning, her hopes were shattered.