The Coder Girl

15. Clearing the Air

Present Day

Anshuman's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Niya, I need to know. Why did you hire Prisha?"

Niya's expression turned cold, her voice laced with hurt. "You want to know? It's because I had doubts about you, Anshuman. I thought you were having an affair with Rhea, the HR manager."

Anshuman's face went pale. "What? Niya, how could you even think that?"

Niya's laughter was bitter. "Because I saw the way you looked at her, the way you flirted with her. And then, there were the late nights, the secret meetings... I thought I was losing you."

Anshuman took a step forward, his hands raised. "Niya, listen to me. Nothing happened between Rhea and me. She was just helping me with some HR issues."

Niya's eyes flashed. "Save it, Anshuman. I don't want to hear it. You broke my trust, and now I don't know if I can ever trust you again."

The room fell silent, the tension between them palpable. Anshuman knew he had to make things right, but Niya's words cut deep. Had their relationship been so fragile that a simple misunderstanding could shatter it?

Niya's voice trembled as she continued, "I saw you, Anshuman. I saw you go to Rhea's house, late at night. I saw you give her money, hug her... What was that all about?"

Anshuman's face turned red, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. "Niya, please listen... It wasn't what it looked like."

Niya's laughter was harsh. "Save it, Anshuman. I don't want to hear your excuses. You lied to me, and now I don't know what to believe."

Anshuman took a deep breath, trying to calm the situation. "Niya, I swear on our relationship, nothing romantic happened between Rhea and me. She was in financial trouble, and I helped her out. That's all."

Niya's eyes narrowed. "And the hug?"

Anshuman hesitated, realizing his mistake. "It was just a friendly gesture, Niya. I swear."

Niya shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Anshuman. You've broken my heart."

The room fell silent, the only sound was Niya's quiet sobs. Anshuman knew he had to make things right, but the damage was done. He had lost Niya's trust, and he didn't know if he could ever regain it.

Anshuman quickly grabbed his phone and dialed Rhea's number. "Rhea, please come to my office. Niya and I need to talk to you."

Rhea arrived within minutes, looking worried. "What's going on, Anshuman?"

Niya's eyes were cold. "Explain to me what's going on between you and my husband."

Rhea took a deep breath. "Anshuman and I... we're just friends. He's been helping me through a tough time."

Anshuman nodded. "Rhea's husband was in an accident, Niya. I've been helping them with medical expenses and stuff."

Niya's expression softened slightly. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Rhea."

Rhea smiled weakly. "Thanks, Niya. Anshuman's been a lifesaver. He's treated me like a sister, not... not romantically at all."

Anshuman added, "Rhea's husband is like a brother to me. I'd do anything to help them."

Niya looked at Anshuman, then Rhea, and back again. She saw the sincerity in their eyes and realized her mistake.

Niya's expression changed from anger to regret. She saw the genuine concern in Anshuman's eyes and the gratitude in Rhea's. She realized her mistake, her misunderstanding.

She said, "I hired Prisha as a spy, but her job is done now. Despite her efforts to convince me otherwise, I refused to listen when Prisha explained to me that you're innocent. Blinded by my own doubts and fears, I told her to leave. Her job was done here. I met her in a cafe in Sunday and asked her to go back to Eclipse Group."

"Anshuman, I'm so sorry," Niya said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was wrong to doubt you. I was wrong to think..."

Anshuman's face softened, and he opened his arms. "Niya, it's okay. I know you were hurt. But I promise you, my love, I would never betray you."

Niya walked into his arms, tears of relief streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Anshuman. I love you."

Rhea smiled, happy to see the couple reunited. "I'll leave you two alone now."

As Rhea left, Anshuman held Niya close. "We're in this together, always."

Niya nodded, feeling grateful for a second chance. "Always."