chapter 57

Author's POV Agathiyan whispered in Thulir's ear, "She looks younger?"Thulir narrowed her eyes at him, her brow furrowing. He raised his hand in surrender, offering an apologetic smile. Shaking her head in disbelief, she replied, "For your information, she is two years older than you."Agathiyan nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. His gaze drifted back to the woman on stage, trying to place the nagging familiarity. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen her somewhere before, but the memory eluded him.As the play concluded, Thulir grasped Agathiyan's arm and led him backstage to meet Mozhi. The staff welcomed them, asking them to wait while they were served cool drinks. Agathiyan finally voiced his confusion, "Why do I feel like I have seen her?"Thulir's smile was knowing, "Of course you do.""Huh?""Remember eleven years ago when you got posted in Chennai? The first case filed against you was by her and the NGO.""What the...""Yes, the very same complaint of negligence," came a voice from behind them. Mozhi stood there, her presence commanding yet gentle. She smiled warmly and moved forward to sit opposite the duo."I hope you guys are comfortable here," Mozhi asked. Both nodded, though Agathiyan's discomfort was palpable. The memories of that case flooded back, bringing with them a sense of frustration and helplessness. The accused in that case was from a powerful political family, and the SI had closed the case citing a lack of evidence, framing it as politically motivated. This crucial information had never reached Agathiyan, who was dealing with more pressing cases. The SI had feared that involving Agathiyan would exacerbate the situation. Unfortunately, a social activist filed a complaint against Agathiyan since the case fell under his jurisdiction, forcing him to write a written apology to the victim and reopen the investigation.Later, Agathiyan dealt with the SI and the politician separately, but that was another story. This incident remained the only significant setback in his professional life. He knew there was fault on his side, but taking the entire blame and having to apologize was something he couldn't forget. Regardless of the justification, his ego had been deeply wounded, and even after eleven years, he couldn't let it go.He had only seen the activist's photo once and hadn't paid much attention to it, never meeting her in person. Now, realizing it was Mozhi, his discomfort grew. Thulir was largely unaware of the details, as Agathiyan had never discussed the matter with her. During that time, he had avoided speaking with Thulir entirely. She had just returned after completing her PhD and was applying and preparing for interviews to join the university as an assistant professor. They were also maintaining the secrecy of their relationship, so Thulir let it go, and Agathiyan kept her away from his turmoil, not wanting to burden her with his troubles....So Thulir didn't know about much about the impact that case had on him....Mozhi smirked, reading Agathiyan's distress, and leaned forward to speak."So, how is life treating you, Thulir?""What do you think, Ma'am?" Thulir replied, her voice laced with curiosity. Mozhi chuckled, a sound that seemed to carry years of untold stories."It seems like you're living happily after snatching my opportunity to become Mrs. Mozhi Agathiyan,"Mozhi said, her tone light but the words pierced deep. Agathiyan's temper sparked like a live wire."Yeah, but even if you had the chance to become my wife, I don't think you would receive any love from me as a husband. My heart belongs solely to Thulir," he declared, his voice tight with emotion."Why is that, officer? Is your heart so small that it has room and love for only one person?" Mozhi's retort was sharp, her raised eyebrows challenging him. Agathiyan gritted his teeth, a wave of anger crashing over him, but before he could speak, Thulir gently held his hand. He turned to his wife, calming himself for her sake. Thulir met Mozhi's gaze, ready to respond, but Mozhi continued."Please, don't get angry. I was just voicing my doubts, nothing more. And Thulir... In the institution of marriage, women are often considered replaceable. When one woman knows her worth and refuses to conform to societal norms, choosing instead to leave the relationship, society won't mourn her loss. They'll simply label her as tough and unapologetic and move on to find another woman willing to bend to those norms. That's how society manipulates women. I'm glad you're happy in your married life and aware of your worth, but trust me, that's a rarity."Mozhi turned her attention to Agathiyan, "And Agathiyan, I have no interest in seeking a place in your heart. My life and mindset are much broader. Please, don't hold a grudge against me. It won't affect me and it won't help you."Mozhi then faced Thulir, "You don't have to feel guilty for making me expect something and not fulfilling it. By staying alive, you saved both Agathiyan and me from living a tragic life."Thulir frowned, her mind reeling from Mozhi's words, but Agathiyan understood. He sighed deeply, feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia. Mozhi chuckled at his reaction and continued, her voice softening."let me explain......"Just then, someone arrived with Mozhi's coffee. She flashed a grateful smile, accepted the cup, and took a leisurely sip. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee seemed to intensify the anticipation in the air."Okay... So I kind of hate and feel bad for policemen. Even when they know what they are doing is wrong, they have to do it to follow the rules. They constantly battle with their own ideologies, beliefs, and responsibilities versus what their profession demands from them. Most of the time, they keep their heart and soul detached from their work. Now, think about Agathiyan, who has such a profession, having to deal with a social activist wife who constantly clashes with him professionally. Keeping professional and personal life separate and not letting them collide isn't an easy task, especially when their basic ideologies are in contrast. The repulsion is inevitable and it affects both of them, creating a horror story, I must say... So you truly saved us from that tragedy" Mozhi explained Thulir blinked, trying to process Mozhi's words. she glanced at Agathiyan, seeking some reassurance. He looked just as bewildered, caught off guard by Mozhi's candid remarks.Just then, someone called Mozhi. She rolled her  eyes, setting down her coffee cup with a flourish."I think I have to go... And thanks for coming to my show. Oh, I just got an idea, Thulir—why don't you write this as your next story?"Thulir's eyes widened in shock, and she turned to Agathiyan, who looked equally stunned. The idea of Thulir writing a story was news to him. Mozhi noticed their reactions and quickly caught on."Oops... Sorry for letting that slip, Thulir. I thought he knew," she said, her voice tinged with amusement."How do you know, Ma'am?" Thulir asked, her voice still tinged with disbelief. Mozhi chuckled, enjoying the moment."Your first story's lead character was based on me. Did you think I wouldn't recognize myself? And it's from Thulir Publications. I didn't even have to play detective to know it."At that moment, they heard a voice call out, "Ammmaaaa!" The sound of children's voices.They turned to see three girls standing nearby, their faces beaming with excitement. Mozhi took her leave from the couple and went towards her daughters, giving them a warm hug before they moved inside the theater. Thulir looked at Agathiyan, who was staring back at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity."CARE TO EXPLAIN Mrs. THULIR AGATHIYAN" he asked, raising an eyebrow.....