Surprised why there's an update when I already updated today? Ok, here's the thing....

My brother wants my laptop tomorrow. But, I promised you guys that I will update everyday if you gave your love through votes and comments.. So, here I am fulfilling it by giving a double update today.. Happy???

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The next day when Karthik was getting ready and Sindhu was busy packing his lunch, Tulasi switched on TV feeling bored.

When Karthik came to the living to have breakfast, Tulasi was flipping through the channels to find a nice movie.

"Karthik. Do you have laptop?" she asked, after few minutes.

"Yes, why" he replied, washing his hands.

"I want to see some new movies. I have already seen all of them" she said, pointing towards Sindhu's DVD collection.

"Fine" he answered, before hurriedly walking to his room to retrieve his laptop.

Once he gave his laptop bag to Tulasi, he headed to the kitchen to take his lunch.

"Sindhu. I am getting late" he complained, checking his watch.

"One sec" she said quickly putting the boxes in Tupperware lunch bag before giving it to him.

He took his bag and left to the door, wearing his shoes in hurry.

"Ok then bye" he announced to no one in particular when Tulasi interfered "Karthik. What's your password?"

Karthik was about to blurt out when he realized what his password was.

Shit. He forgot to change his password.

Ever since he started spending time with his wife, he stopped sulking in his room with his laptop; it's been a long time since he last used it.

Tulasi was waiting for his answer while Sindhu looked very uncomfortable, trying to avoid his line of vision. He knew he has to say something, but he was clueless. He didn't want Tulasi to think that he is still in love with her and having Sindhu in the same room isn't helping.

To break the awkward silence, Sindhu finally said "Its Tulasi with a capital T"

Karthik gaped at her in shock as she slowly walked away to her room with an impassive face.

How the hell did she know that? Did she use his laptop without him knowing it?

Shit. Why didn't he change the password? It must seem to her that he is still in love with Tulasi when he is not. There is no one is in his mind or heart except Sindhu and he wished he had the guts to confess.

He looked at Tulasi who was gazing at the direction Sindhu left with what looked like sympathy in her eyes. It's his duty to let her know that he forgot her but he didn't have time for explanation; especially when he's already late to his meeting.

He left the house without a second look remembering his meeting and made his way to the parking lot.

Sindhu sat on the bed as tears pooled her eyes. She realized that the moment of decision arrived. She has to leave Karthik now; after all, he is still in love with his ex.

She cried remembering his smiles. If she want him to continue to be happy, she has to leave; though it killed her.

She walked into the shower, dismissing her clothes and sobbed hard. She didn't want to leave him but she had no choice.

She has to either remain with him and see him suffer or leave him to be happy. And she knew, what her decision is going to be.

When she walked back to her room after a refreshing shower, she saw Tulasi waiting for her.

"Hey. Why are you here? Do you want someth--"

"I am so sorry" Tulasi's sad reply made her remember her decision.

"It's not your fault if he still loves you"

Tulasi closed her eyes painfully "He doesn't love me Sindhu. Don't you see the way he looks at you?"

"Yeah, I do. And I see pity" Sindhu replied dejectedly.

"What? No. He loves you. He loves you so much" Tulasi explained.

"Yeah, right" Sindhu retorted with a snort "Like I can't see"

Tulasi groaned making her continue "Look. I know you feel guilty for being the reason but please don't lie to me just to make me feel better" When Tulasi tried to interfere, she raised her hand to stay silent "I know he cares for me. After all, we are married and live in the same house but I can't mistake that for love. He loves you. He's always loved you"

"He only sees me as a friend. Nothing more, nothing less"

"You are wrong" Sindhu croaked. She really wished what Tulasi said was true.

"Give me a chance to prove then. That he doesn't love me" Tulasi said firmly.

"If he does, then will you start a new life with him?" she said dryly, as a tear escaped her eyes. In spite of trying to be very strong, she couldn't hide her true feelings.

"Are you crazy? I am married"

"Yes, you are. And your husband left you on your own. You can have a fresh start with Karthik now. He needs you"

"I love my husband" Tulasi retorted.

"You loved Karthik once. May be you'll learn to love him back. Remember your kid needs a father too and if Karthik really loves you, he won't mind it"

Tulasi groaned internally knowing where this is heading to. She wanted to tell Sindhu that she is nuts and that her husband is hopelessly in love with her but stupid woman is not ready to believe.

"I will prove to you that Karthik doesn't love me" Tulasi said firmly.

"And if he does, you are going to start a new life with him"

"Fine" she snapped. No way it is going to happen since he loves you fool, Tulasi thought angrily.

Tulasi patiently told what she is planning to do and what is expected from Sindhu when Karthik returned from office.

After she left, Sindhu sat on the floor, arching her back to the bed. She didn't know what to do with her life now that she is going to leave everything behind.

Checking the internet, she called Ola cabs number and booked a taxi for the evening. As much as she wanted to believe what Tulasi said, she knew it's hopeless.

"When do you want it?" she heard the cab personnel from the other end.

"May be 4" she replied. Karthik's timings changed ever since Tulasi came. She can't be sure when he'll be back.

"Waiting time will be charged extra mam"

"Fine. Make sure the cab is on time" she said, disconnecting the call.

Sindhu pondered on where to go but nothing crossed her mind. She booked taxi since she didn't want to make a mistake of taking an auto rickshaw like the last time. Not that Karthik will follow her this time because she is sure he will be happy to be with Tulasi but out of guilt conscience, he can try something and she didn't want that.

May be, he will try to find you to ask for divorce.

Sindhu closed her eyes to stop the tears as more unwelcoming thoughts crossed her mind.

She packed a medium sized bag and hid it under the bed; she didn't want Tulasi to know what she is planning.

Soon evening arrived and though Sindhu dreaded the thought of leaving, she wanted to get it over with. She was tired of having one sided feelings for Karthik and may be staying away from him would help her. It was almost half an hour since the cab guy called her to inform that he arrived but he told him to wait. She was biting her nails, waiting eagerly when she heard the doorbell.

When Karthik arrived, he was surprised to see Tulasi looking worried about something.

"What happened to you? Are you OK? Where is Sindhu?" he asked curiously.

"She went to her parents' house. And I am fine"

"Why did she go?" He really wished she didn't go because of what happened in the morning.

"Just like that. She wanted to see them"

He nodded "Oh fine then"

"I wanted to discuss something important" she said, looking at him in worry.

"Yeah, tell me" Is this about the password?

"Let's go inside" she informed, going towards her room making Karthik follow her in puzzlement.

"What is it Tulasi?" he asked her, when he saw her close the door behind them.

"I want to talk about what happened in the morning" she said, coming to the point.

When Sindhu heard their door close, she slowly opened her door and stood in front of Tulasi's room just like she told her to. Tulasi didn't close the door completely, leaving a small gap to make sure Sindhu can hear what's happening inside.

"I really wanted to know something" she heard Tulasi's voice clearly "Do you love me?"

Sindhu's heart tightened knowing what she's about to hear and just like she thought, she heard Karthik "Yes, I do"

Tulasi's gasp was clearly audible to her and she didn't have the strength to hear further but she stood anyway when she heard Tulasi again "Ok tell me this. Why did you marry Sindhu?"

After a long silence, she heard him answer guiltily "Because my mom wanted me to. She threatened to commit suicide if I didn't agree to the marriage"

Sindhu left immediately as tears threatened to fall; she was scared they might hear and didn't stay there in fear of getting caught.

She expected those answers but hearing them from Karthik made it thousand times worse. And she didn't want to stay there for another second.

She pulled out her bag from under the cot and left the house as calmly as possible so as not to alert Tulasi or Karthik.

Back in the room, Tulasi was shocked at his answer "Karthik---"

He sighed heavily "Yes, it's true. She threatened me to agree. I don't know why my mom insisted on marrying Sindhu and not the other potential matches I met, but I am glad she did"

Tulasi's eyes widened hearing his last statement "What did you say?"

He smiled "I am glad I married Sindhu"

Tulasi grinned "Really?"

"Really. I just.. um.. I am so in love with her" he said with a smile, remembering her face and her bright smile.

She sighed but then looked at him with an accusing glare "Why the hell did you say that you love me then?"

He looked puzzled "Because it's true"

"What do you mean by that?" She asked, looking at him incredulously.

"You were close to me at one point in my life and you changed me for the better. I don't know if I was ever in love with you but you'll always remain to be one of those few I'd do anything for. You are like a family member to me and I care for you and love you"

Slumping her shoulders down, she said "You scared me with your answer"

"Is that what you want to talk to me?" he asked seriously.

"Yes. So, what are you going to do about Sindhu then?" she asked, with a mischievous smile. She wanted Sindhu to hear about his feelings from the other end of the room since Karthik would never have the guts to confess personally.

His smile disappeared "I don't know. That's what worrying me since morning. I don't know how to tell my feelings to her"

"Why? Just go and talk to her like you did with me"

"I can't. I hurt her so much in the beginning and even these past few days"

"Do you really love her?" she asked seriously.

"Of course I do. I—I just--- Seeing her smile is enough for me to be up and running even on a shitty day. She changed my life upside down. But, I am just scared of her reaction. I mean will she even believe me after everything I did to her?"

"She will Karthik. Of course she will" Tulasi replied enthusiastically.

"I don't think so" he replied sulkily "What if she doesn't love me back? Or worse hate me for how I behaved?"

She rolled her eyes "You are overthinking things. All you need to do is man up and confess"

"It's not that easy. I just love her so damn much that I am scared of her rejection"

"Then let's make it easy" Tulasi announced, taking his hand and walked towards the door. When she didn't find Sindhu there, she opened the master bedroom door and was surprised to find it empty too.

"What are you doing Tulasi?" Karthik asked, looking completely confused.

"Sindhu is supposed to be here. Where is she?" she said panicked at the situation.

When she saw the main door open, her heart beat quickened.

What the hell did you do Sindhu?

"What do you mean Sindhu is here? You told me she went to her parents' house"

"Do you have her number?" she asked, looking at him in worry.

When he gave her his mobile, she quickly checked his contacts and dialed it.

Tulasi continued to dial the number in spite of getting rejected every time.

"Shit. She is rejecting my calls"

"Will you tell me what's happening?" he snapped at her in frustration, unable to understand why she is so panicked.

"Karthik---" Her attention shifted to the ping of his mobile as she opened it in hurry.

"It's a message from Sindhu" she announced as tears pricked her eyes reading its content.

Dear Tulasi,

I am happy for you. Please do as you promised you would.

Sindhu

"What did you promise her? Where the hell is she?" Karthik asked furiously.

Tulasi took his mobile and dialed her again. This time it was switched off.

"Shit"

"Please tell me what happened" Karthik asked, looking at her in pain.

She sighed "I am so sorry. I shouldn't have tried to take things into my hand. But, I couldn't see both of you like that and--"

"Just tell me what happened" he snapped at her.

"Fine. Today morning after you left--" And she explained how she said sorry and how Sindhu thought he still loved Tulasi and wanted them to be together.

"I tried telling her that you love her and not me but she didn't listen. She was so stubborn. She believed that you will happily take me if she stepped back. I told her that I love my husband but she kept arguing with me and I had to do what I did"

"She is so stupid" he announced as a tear left his eyes.

"Karthik!!!" Tulasi looked at him in pity "I am so sorry for this. I don't even know why she thought the two of us can be together. It's like she already decided what to do"

"May be she didn't want me in her life" he said dejectedly.

She groaned "Please don't be stupid like her. You have to get her back"

He blinked back tears "How? She left me to be with you. What does that mean? She clearly doesn't want me to be---"

"Come to your senses Karthik. Can't you understand why she left? She wants you to be happy and she thought it is possible with me. I saw the pain in her eyes when she told me to start a new life with you. She did that only for you to be happy. Please don't make the same mistake she did"

He looked dejected as he said "You think so?"

"I know so. Now let's get going" she said firmly.

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Thank you for reading..Thank you so much for being patient with me.

The worst is OVER.. I know that a lot of people are thinking why Karthik is not confessing to her.. I hope I answered it in this chap. 

It's never easy to confess friends.. Of all people, I know that. There is this guy I was infatuated with, who was right in front of me for six years. But, I never told him anything. I don't think I was in love with him but there would have been a chance of something if I manned up..

You'll find a lot of reasons to chicken out but not a single reason to stand up for.. Only those who have the guts to fight for love deserves love..

Please Vote, Comment and Share... Your views mean a lot to me.. 

I will be in touch through my mobile..  Have a great day or night (Based on where you live :p :p)... 

I hope you guys understood that there is no update tomm... Meet you the day after.. Love you all..

- JANAKI S