"A Journey of Healing, Hidden Truths, and Unspoken Desires"

In the days that followed, Saithanya underwent intensive treatment. He was determined to walk again.

Every morning, Anvitha would wake up and be by his side. She stayed with him through every treatment, a constant pillar of support in his healing journey. Since the new woman, Anandi, was there to take care of the child Athvaith, Anvitha had no worries about him.

With the elder also going to the hospital most of the time, Anvitha spent nearly all her day with Saithanya. She got to understand him deeply. His health showed quick improvement.

As his condition improved, he gradually got involved in hospital administration again. Whenever he heard of any malpractice, he would summon the concerned staff home and give them a proper dressing down. Though witnessing this made Anvitha a bit nervous, she managed to handle it. Saithanya, for his part, never let her out of his sight. He insisted that Anvitha be the one to take care of all his needs.

Anvitha too enjoyed doing things for him. She looked after him with genuine affection.

When Saithanya fell into a deep sleep, Anvitha would make a brief visit to the hospital. Then she'd spend some time in the garden before returning. Lalitha and Vijayan would often call to check on her. Meanwhile, Athvaith had started going to playschool.

Days flew by. Vikraman had now started to stand up slowly. At first, he held onto two chairs to walk, then began using the wall for support, and sometimes even leaned on Anvitha's shoulder as he walked.

Seeing this filled the elder's heart with joy. He genuinely wished for Saithanya's full recovery.

Little Athvaith, seeing his father walk, would call out, "Papa! Look at me! I'm here! Now I'm over there!"—his playful antics a delightful sight.

Just like a child learning to walk, Saithanya slowly began to take steady steps. A few months later, he was standing firm and walking confidently.

After nearly eight months of treatment, Saithanya dressed handsomely and walked into the hospital with Anvitha. Doctors and nurses were moved to tears seeing their boss return to his old self after so many years. Their happiness was overwhelming.

The elder rewarded the entire hospital staff with double pay, filling everyone with joy. They all wished their boss a long and prosperous life. Anvitha too was overjoyed to see Saithanya walking again with pride.

One day, Saithanya had a full body check-up. After receiving the medical report, he showed it to Anvitha and asked her to read it too. Realizing he was now fully healed brought great joy to them both.

In her happiness, Anvitha ran into Saithanya's arms. Holding her tightly, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Shall we start our life together now? Don't you think Athvaith deserves a sibling?" He kissed her firmly on the cheek.

Blushing deeply, Anvitha stepped away from him, realizing they were in his office. Saithanya, undeterred by her shyness, smiled and said, "From today, let's begin our life together. Okay? Be ready tonight." With that, he left the room in his usual commanding stride.

Anvitha, watching him leave, made a decision—she had to tell the truth. She had to reveal to him that she was not Aadhira, but Anvitha. Determined, she went to meet the elder in his room.

He was reading a patient's report when she entered. Seeing her, he exclaimed, "Come, come, Anvitha! Did you see Saithanya? He walks again like his old majestic self! You don't know how happy I am. I prayed at Kasi, Rameswaram, and so many temples for his recovery. I'm going to visit all those temples again in the next ten days."

Anvitha replied, "That's great, Grandpa. But now, shouldn't I tell him the truth—that I'm Anvitha?"

The elder looked at her keenly. "No, Anvitha. Think carefully. I honestly feel it's best not to tell him right now."

She was shocked. "Grandpa? You're the one who insisted I tell him once he got better. You even said I can't live as Aadhira forever! Every time he calls me Aadhira, my heart sinks with guilt. I feel like I'm dying inside."

"Don't say things like that, dear. Let's do one thing—I'll visit all the temples, and after a month, we'll tell him the truth. I'll be the one to tell him."

She looked at him thoughtfully.

"It's just one month, dear. Please be patient," he said.

Without a word, she nodded and walked out quietly.

She went to Saithanya's room and sat silently on the chair, lost in thought.

The elder would be gone for about a month and a half. Until then, she had to handle Saithanya carefully. There was no way she could continue living as Aadhira with him. It would be a lie—an unforgivable deception. Not just that, being a doctor himself, he would eventually figure out the truth.

Her grandfather often forgot that Saithanya was also a doctor. Though Aadhira and she might look alike, there was one significant physical difference between a woman who had borne a child and a virgin. Surely, Saithanya would notice that.

She was still lost in thought when the nearby phone rang.

It was Saithanya's phone—he had left it behind before going into surgery. As she reached for it, she saw the name "Paari" on the screen. She hesitated, wondering if she should answer.

Just then, the door opened, and Saithanya walked in. Her hand froze mid-air.

Hearing the ringtone, Saithanya removed his gloves and said, "Answer it. Put it on speaker, Aadhira."

He hadn't noticed it was "Paari" calling. Thinking this was the right moment, she picked up the call and put it on speaker.

"Hey, dude!" came a cheerful voice, startling him. He looked at the phone, then glared at Anvitha.

Unable to bear his stare, she lowered her head.

"Hey man! Still mad at me? Grandpa just called and said you're walking again. Both of us really want to see you. Shall we come? Geetha is nearby—want to talk to her? It's been so long. You never take my calls. How long has it been since we talked? Say something, man," the voice pleaded emotionally.

Before Saithanya could react, Geetha took the phone and said, "Anna, you just married Aadhira, didn't you? Then why are you still mad at us? We only did what we thought was best for you. Please forgive us. It's been years since we heard your voice. We visited when you were in a coma, but after you regained consciousness, you wouldn't let us near you. Please, talk to us, Anna. Do you know how much we've suffered not hearing from you?"

Without a word, Saithanya picked up the phone and cut the call.

Then, turning to Anvitha, he snapped, "Why didn't you tell me the phone was ringing? Didn't you see who it was? It said 'Paari'! Why didn't you say anything?"

Softly, she lied, "I didn't notice the name."

"Liar! You looked right at it. Don't you know I hate being lied to? Haven't you understood me at all these years? You saw the name and picked up the call anyway. Don't think I didn't notice. Never lie to me again. I hate it," he growled.

Shaken by his tone, she tried to leave the room.

But he grabbed her wrist tightly and pulled her into his chest.

"Where do you think you're going? Without my permission, you're not leaving me," he said in a harsh voice. Then, gently running his fingers along her lips and cheeks, he softened.

His touch made Anvitha tremble. "Please… someone might come. Let go," she whispered so softly, even she could barely hear it.

Smiling, he leaned in and captured her lips with his.

His hands slid down her waist, making her shudder. As he caressed her body, she struggled with her feelings. He teased, "Why are you squirming? Stay still," then placed a kiss on her neck.