chapter 13

Author's POV "Excuse me, Miss Anuradha, I assure you that I am not interfering with your work or anyone else's here. I am here to meet ACP Agathiyan regarding a private matter, which I prefer not to disclose to others. Please, could you clarify what part of this was not understood? For your information, intimidation will not work on me, as I am well-versed in the law—my uncle is a renowned lawyer. I am within my rights to file a complaint against you for your disrespectful behaviour at work. Is this how you address individuals who come here seeking help, expecting a resolution to their complaints? Yet, it seems you are intent on having me leave. If your shift has ended and you wish to leave, please do so, I am not holding you back. It's not even 5 PM, and there are two other lady constables present, so your stay is neither forced nor necessary. And as a reminder, a police officer is always on duty."You tested my patience so much that I have to reason out this much....I mentioned my details and I just want to meet him if he is free I am not demanding or forcing anyone here like I want to meet him right away and let me inside the cabin or make any big drama which you started by the way..... then what is your problem exactly... "Thulir asked the lady Inspector Anuradha who is forcing her to leave and if she can't meet Agathiyan she won't allow..."Why don't you understand a simple matter you can't meet Sir here and you can speak your personal stuff somewhere else not here and I don't believe you and your claim that you know him well.....Please leave before I take action "Anuradha urgently told Thulir to leave before Agathiyan returns. Agathiyan, along with his team, had gone to the forensic department to collect the evidence needed to arrest a criminal. He is currently on his way back after incarcerating the criminal at the designated police station.Anuradha harbors feelings for Agathiyan. While he was hospitalized, even in his unconsciousness, she overheard him murmuring a name: "Thulir." This is how she came to know of Thulir, whom she presumes to be Agathiyan's former girlfriend, now returned to reconcile with him—which Anuradha finds displeasing. The thought of Thulir's return, diminishing Anuradha's possibilities with Agathiyan, is something she cannot bear—the potential end of something that has yet to begin.Silly girl...Thulir arrived, determined to apologize to Agathiyan and not wanting to make any mistakes this time. That's why she patiently listened to and answered all of Anuradha's questions, but she had reached her limit and fed up with Anuradha's repeated threads and pressurizing her to leave......Thulir didn't take this decision in hurry or immediately after her last conversation with Thalir......it took her another month to think all the possible ways to stop herself from giving in to her hearts demands and now she is decided what she wants and she is not going to take a step back from it......The information she received upon arrival caused her to lose patience and fueled her desire to see him in person. She needed to ensure he was alright. He had been hospitalized for a month with a severe injury sustained on his last mission saving his pal, which is why he hadn't contacted her. He had kept the news from his family to prevent them from worrying. He had only rejoined the day before, which was the first update she received when she landed and began inquiring about him...When Anuradha about to retort their Quarrel is disturbed "What's happening here...."its him....he was standing behind Thulir so he couldn't see her but Anuradha who is nervous as well as scared....she gulped "Sir that..""That what? Anuradha.....Seems like you are entertaining your counterparts well as you guys don't have any work right? "His voice was strict and stern, causing the constables and sub-inspectors to stand silently with their heads bowed, aware that speaking out could likely result in a scolding from their superior officer. He certainly does not tolerate any disrespect towards the public who come to meet him or file complaints. Anuradha, being their senior, was not stopped by them, but they seemed to forget that this is the ACP's office, where Agathiyan holds the ultimate authority."why everyone become deaf and mute ??"He raised his eyebrows in inquiry. Thulir took a deep breath and turned to face him directly, his expression showed visible shock."Thulir.." he mumbled which was merely a whisper..."Yeah its me......Hope you didn't forget my name just like how you forgot that you have a big family that loves you dearly and didn't cared to let them know that you got injured and fractured your hand 3 months back and still made them believe you are alright till now..."Thulir spoke sarcastically folding her hands raising her eyebrows accusing him .....Agathiyan signed and let out a deep breath....."Thulir let's talk all that in private... now I have some work to finish...wait here till then...I will take you to Quarters after finishing it hmmm "Agathiyan spoke calmly, his words more a request than an order. She sighed, nodded, and took a seat. Casting her one last glance, he headed to his cabin, his teammates in tow, ready to discuss the case.The calmness in his voice and his gentle request to Thulir left everyone, including Anuradha, in shock, it was beyond their imagination. His tender approach made it clear that Thulir held a special place in their ACP's heart. And Anuradha had unwittingly crossed paths with the only person who could intimidate the formidable Police Officer Agathiyan Aadhiran..Thulir took her phone and started checking her WhatsApp messages and replied to them one by one and started reading one article in website...Anuradha approached and stood before her, wanting to apologize but uncertain of how to proceed. Thulir looked up with a frown. Anuradha opened her mouth to speak, yet found herself at a loss for words....Thulir smiled at her .."You can sit beside me..."Anuradha smiled back lightly and sat beside Thulir..."Why you didn't went inside for the discussion???"Thulir asked her..."They are from different case and they were the special team to handle that case so we aren't allowed and I have other responsibilities to take care of... "Anuradha answered her. Thulir nodded her head in understanding...again silence which is broken by Thulir..."Do you have crush on him?"Anuradha's  eyes widened hearing that....Thulir chuckled at her reaction..."I would be surprised if you say no....and I am kind of used to it,.....many of my friends do have crush on him and I get them .....I mean why not....he is handsome and smart....and don't believe how he behaved with me now.....The strict one you all know is real not this......He is always been this strict officer from childhood...its his nature we can't change it "Thulir shrugged her shoulders making Anuradha smile in return...how easily Thulir melted the ice between them....."I ....I actually I am sorry...that.."Anuradha tried to say....but Thulir held her hand and smiled at her..."That's fine....I can understand and sorry from my side to...you are right I should not wait here to have our personal conversation but you know I couldn't stop myself from coming here.....after knowing he was been hospitalized all I wanted was to see him that's why.....Sorry if I offended you its not intentional ....its just that you kept on saying me to leave...I lost my calmness""That's understandable ma'am""No ma'am....you can call me by my name Thulir "Thulir raised her hands Infront for a shake...Anuradha smiled and shook her hands with her..."Anuradha.."After sometimes Anuradha asked...."You were about to lash out on me and why sudden change after his arrival.....""I saw your eyes how much you were scared when he enquired and I felt bad instantly ......it was my mistake partially don't worry he won't scold you regarding this issue I will manage it.."Thulir said assuring her...Anuradha got a call and she immediately  left as she have to hurry regarding some case...After that Thulir  sat there silently looking around and then scrolling her phone she got call from her father in between she spoke with him for sometime followed by his sister and brother duo rambling about their new collegemates.....when she came inside again Agathiyan came out of the cabin his team already left...its almost 10 pm...."Can we leave ??"She nodded at him and followed him...he hopped on the driver seat ...."Agathiyaa...you are injured...I will drive.."Thulir said him ...."I recovered from it Thulir....I am alright now....you get in "He said, Thulir took a deep breath and hopped into the passenger seat.There was complete silence none of them spoke.....Agathiyan stopped in front of a road side stall and got down to buy food for them...he  came back with a parcel and again started the jeep..."We could have ate there itself right....why parcel..." Thulir asked him after long time..."Its their time to close the stall and you eat slowly I don't want them wait for us.....they are already 15 minutes waited for us  "she looked at him with questioning brows..."Its my regular place and the stall akka waited for us may be Arun would have said her  that I am still in station...that's why she waited "Agathiyan explained her unasked question....Thulir nodded her head in understanding.."You know cooking don't you?....then why eating outside?""are you expecting me to cook late night  when I was already warned out..."Agathiyan asked that sealed her lips from asking further.....again silence remained between them....he entered the police quarters compound and stopped Infront of his quarters....he parked the car in Shead she was waiting for him to come and open the main door...He opened the door....she followed him and stepped inside that house which seemed neat than she expected......"You can use that room....fresh up in that room....if you are comfortable you can wear my shirt and shorts which is there....we will have dinner later  " Agathiyan said she nodded and went to the room he pointed...that wasn't his room but guest room....Agathiyan set the dining table and then retired to his room to freshen up.He came back wearing a t shirt and track pants she still didn't came out so he waited for her....after some more time he heard the door opening sound he looked towards her.....she is wearing one of his T-shirt which is over sized for her it reached till her mid thighs and she wore his shorts which ended till her knees...Her hair was wet and she was drying her damp hair using the towel...he rolled his eyes...."I don't know when you will let go of this habit of taking hair bath at night and end up getting cold  the next morning  "She stared at him and shook her head....came and sat Infront of him...they had food in silence....which surely Thulir didn't liked at all.....after washing their plates they settled on the sofa.......He was staring at her waiting for her to speak up....After long pause he understood she won't speak until he initiates...he let out a deep breath...."Why are you here Thulir"Thulir looked up at him finally and gulped the lump formed in her throat......"I.....I am sorry Agathiya...""For what Thulir be specific!!"He asked calmly, which troubled her immensely. Had he raised his voice at her for the pain she caused, she might have found some peace and felt fine."Aa...Agathiyaa.....that..""Okay seems like you forgot...let me remind you Are you apologizing for ignoring me and completely abandoning me for the past five years, or for not answering any of my calls and messages, or for deliberately not coming home when you knew I was there, or  for not responding to my love confession, or for leaving me alone when I lost my brother and needed your presence to console me?...or making me beg you to speak with me or...""Stoppp.....that's enough ....I know its my fault and I am sorry ....truly I am....