Kumkum: Ties of Love and Lies (COMPLETED)

Chapter 17

The early morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the bed. Sandhya stirred, her cheeks warming as her gaze fell on Pugazh, who was lying next to her, his arm draped casually over her waist. His eyes fluttered open, a slow smile spreading across his face as he caught her watching him.

"Good morning," he said, his voice low and husky.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice shy as she averted her gaze.

Pugazh chuckled softly, leaning closer. "Why so shy?"

"I'm not," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing.

"Oh, really?" he teased, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Then look at me."

She hesitated before meeting his gaze, only to find herself trapped by the intensity of his eyes.

"You're adorable when you blush," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Pugazh," she whispered, her heart racing as he trailed kisses along her cheek and down to her neck.

"Shower with me," he said suddenly, his voice playful yet serious.

"What?!" she exclaimed, pulling back in surprise.

"Why not?" he asked with a grin. "It'll save time."

Sandhya pushed him away, her face burning. "You're impossible!"

"And you're irresistible," he countered, capturing her lips in a kiss before she could protest.

The morning passed in a haze of tender moments and playful teasing, with Pugazh's affection making Sandhya feel both flustered and cherished.

Later that day at the hospital, Sandhya decided it was time to address the lingering questions about Shravani's death. Her mind had been heavy with doubts ever since her conversation with Pugazh began to shift her perspective. She waited until they were in his office, away from prying eyes.

"Pugazh," she began, her tone serious, "I need to ask you something."

He looked up from his desk, sensing the change in her demeanor. "What is it?"

"It's about Shravani's murder," she said, watching his reaction carefully.

Pugazh's face hardened, his brows furrowing. "What about it?"

"What do you know about it?" she asked directly.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Not much. Only what the police told us—that it was an accident at first, then later ruled as foul play. But no real leads ever came up."

Sandhya studied him, her instincts telling her he wasn't being entirely forthcoming. "Are you sure? Is there anything—anything at all—you haven't told me?"

He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't know anything more than that, Sandhya."

But her gut told her otherwise. "Then what about this?" she asked, pulling out the evidence Gautham had shown her.

Pugazh's expression darkened as he took the documents from her. He flipped through them, his jaw tightening. "Where did you get this?"

"Gautham showed them to me," Sandhya said. "He said they were proof that you were involved in Shravani's death."

Pugazh slammed the papers on the desk, his eyes blazing. "That's ridiculous!"

"Then explain it to me," she said firmly.

He took a deep breath, reigning in his anger. "These documents have nothing to do with Shravani. They're related to a situation with my brother, Ezhil. He made some questionable deals a while ago, and I had to step in to clean up the mess. But it had nothing to do with Shravani."

Sandhya frowned, her mind racing. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

"Because it wasn't relevant to you," Pugazh said, his voice softening. "I was trying to protect my family's reputation, Sandhya. But I swear on everything I hold dear, this has nothing to do with Shravani's death."

His words rang with sincerity, and for the first time, Sandhya felt certain that Pugazh was telling the truth.

Later that evening, Sandhya confronted Gautham with what she had learned.

"Where did you get those documents?" she demanded.

Gautham faltered, his confident facade cracking. "What does it matter?"

"It matters because they don't prove anything," Sandhya said sharply. "Pugazh explained everything to me, and I believe him. Now tell me the truth, Gautham."

He hesitated, avoiding her gaze. "I... I found them among Shravani's things," he lied.

Sandhya narrowed her eyes. "You're lying. Shravani would have told me if she had evidence like that. Why are you trying so hard to make me hate Pugazh?"

Gautham clenched his fists, but he said nothing. Sandhya walked away, her mind swirling with frustration.

As she sat alone in her room that night, her thoughts shifted to Ezhil. If Pugazh's explanation was true, then Ezhil might hold the answers she was looking for.

But how would she confront him? He was guarded, calculating, and had a way of deflecting suspicion. Sandhya knew she needed to tread carefully.

This isn't over, she thought, her resolve hardening. Ezhil, you're my next target.