Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 5 : Moving In with the Betrothed

Suresh and Ilakiya sat nervously in the living room as Mrs. Meera outlined the terms of their living arrangement.

"You must understand that both of you are not yet married," Mrs. Meera began. "While you may be husband and wife in the eyes of the law, your marriage has not been solemnized. I will not allow any inappropriate behavior in my house. Ilakiya, you must abide by my rules and curfews while you are under my roof."

Ilakiya nodded earnestly. "Of course, I understand. I am grateful for the opportunity to stay here and will do my best to respect your rules."

Mrs. Meera looked at her sternly. "I expect nothing less. And Suresh, you must remember that Ilakiya is only a guest in this house. You must treat her with the same respect and consideration as any other guest."

Suresh nodded, feeling guilty for not considering his mother's feelings. The situation Ilakiya was in at the hostel was not less dire. "I'm sorry, Mom. I should have discussed this with you before making any decisions."

Mrs. Meera's expression softened slightly. "I just want what is best for both of you. As long as you both understand and follow my rules, I am willing to allow this arrangement."

Ilakiya smiled gratefully at Mrs. Meera. "Thank you for understanding, aunty. I promise we will be on our best behavior."

Mrs. Meera gave a small smile in return. "I hope so. Now, I will leave you two to unpack and get settled. Remember, my rules are non-negotiable."

As Mrs. Meera left the room, Suresh turned to Ilakiya, relieved. "Thank you for understanding, Ilakiya. I know my mother can be strict, but at least you are in a safer place now."

Ilakiya squeezed Suresh's hand reassuringly. "I am just glad to have a place to stay. Without you, I would have been stranded on the street."

****

Time had indeed passed quickly. A few months had gone by since Ilakiya had moved in with Suresh.

Ilakiya sat at the kitchen table, staring at her phone as she scrolled through her messages. Suresh had been acting strange lately, becoming more controlling and possessive. She tried to brush off the small instances, convincing herself that it was just his way of showing love and concern. But as the weeks went on, the instances became more frequent and severe.

"Hey, who are you texting?" Suresh asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"Just my friend Kamlesh," Ilakiya replied, trying to keep her voice casual.

"Why do you need to text him all the time? Can't you just talk to him in person?" Suresh asked, frowning.

"We live in different countries, Suresh. We can only stay in touch via WhatsApp," Ilakiya explained, trying to stay calm.

"Well, I don't like it. I don't want you talking to other guys," Suresh said, his voice laced with jealousy.

"Suresh, Kamlesh is a girl. And even if she was a guy, it's not fair for you to dictate who I can and can't talk to. I'm my own person and I have the right to communicate with whomever I choose," Ilakiya said, standing up for herself.

"Fine, do whatever you want." Suresh said, storming out of the kitchen.

***

On another instance, Ilakiya stood in front of the mirror, admiring the saree she had just draped around herself. It was a beautiful shade of red, with gold embroidery around the border. She had paired it with a low neck blouse, one of her favorites.

Just as she was about to leave the home, Suresh walked in. His eyes narrowed as he looked her up and down.

"What are you wearing?" he asked, his tone disapproving.

"It's a saree," Ilakiya replied, confused. "I wear them all the time."

"I don't like it. Your blouse is too low and certain parts of your body are showing. It's inappropriate," Suresh said.

"Suresh, it's a traditional Indian garment. And the blouse is not that low, it's just a normal neckline. I'm not doing anything wrong," Ilakiya said, trying to stay calm.

"I don't want other men looking at you like that. You need to start dressing more modestly," Suresh said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm not going to change my clothing choices based on what you think is appropriate. I have the right to dress how I want, as long as it's not inappropriate for the occasion," Ilakiya said, her voice firm.

"Fine, do whatever you want. But don't be surprised if other men start showing interest in you," Suresh said, turning and walking to his room.

Ilakiya was frustrated with Suresh's controlling behavior. She knew she needed to stand up for herself and not let him dictate how she dressed or presented herself.

Ilakiya began to feel suffocated and trapped in the relationship. She was afraid to speak up and tell Suresh how she felt, fearing that it would only make him more angry and controlling. She didn't know what to do, and she began to feel like she was losing herself in the relationship.

Despite the fact that she loved him, she longed for freedom and independence.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 4 : The Tribulations at the Women's Hostel.

Ilakiya had been residing at the women's hostel in Brickfields, KL for a while now and had initially believed it was a secure and pleasant place. However, as time progressed, she began to observe some suspicious activities happening at the hostel.

One day, Ilakiya accidentally heard her room-mate Jeeva, speaking on the phone regarding an illegal or unethical side gig. "I can't believe how simple it is," Ilakiya eavesdropped on Jeeva saying. "I'm earning far more than I had ever thought possible. The best part is, nobody seems to have any issue with it as long as I keep it discreet."

Ilakiya was taken aback by what she had heard, so she decided to pay more attention to Jeeva and other roommates. It did not take her long to discover that many of the girls in the hostel were also involved in similar illegal or unethical activity. Men were consistently visiting the hostel at all hours and Ilakiya couldn't help but wonder about the nature of these visits.

Ilakiya started to connect the dots and realised that some of the hostel girls were working as "sugar babies" or in other such industries in order to pay for their accommodation and tuition fees. Ilakiya was surprised and saddened by this revelation. It was hard for her to accept the fact that the young women were driven to such extremities just to make ends meet in a city like Kuala Lumpur.

At first, Ilakiya tried to brush off what she had seen and heard at the hostel and focus on her studies. However, it was impossible to ignore the constant stream of men and the strange atmosphere that seemed to hang over the hostel.

She started to worry about her own safety and whether she could trust her roommate and the other girls around her.

Ilakiya began to feel isolated and alone in the hostel. She knew she needed to do something to protect herself and find a safer place to live. But with no family or friends nearby, she wasn't sure where to turn.

One night, while Ilakiya was trying to sleep, a man who had been visiting one of the other girls in the hostel made a move on her. Ilakiya was terrified and immediately jumped out of bed, shouting for help.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Ilakiya yelled at the man, trying to push him away.

Her roommate, Jeeva, heard the commotion and rushed into the room to see what was going on. "What's going on here?" Jeeva asked, looking from Ilakiya to the man.

"This creep tried to attack me!" Ilakiya cried, shaking with fear.

Jeeva immediately stepped in and helped Ilakiya get the man out of the room. "You need to leave right now," Jeeva told the man sternly. "And don't you dare come back here again."

After the man had left, Ilakiya collapsed on her bed, still shaking with fear. "I can't stay here anymore," she told Jeeva. "I can't live in a place where I feel unsafe and where I'm constantly surrounded by all of this...this questionable business."

Jeeva felt guilty for not doing more to protect her roommate. She knew that her involvement in the escort business had contributed to the dangerous atmosphere at the hostel and had put Ilakiya at risk.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you," Jeeva said to Ilakiya, tears welling up in her eyes. "I never wanted you to get caught up in all of this mess. It's my fault for getting involved in this business in the first place."

Ilakiya shook her head. "It's not your fault," she said. "You were just trying to make ends meet, same as everyone else. But I can't stay here anymore. I need to find a safer place to live."

Jeeva nodded. "I understand," she said. "And I have an idea. Why don't you move in with your fiancé, Suresh?  Does he have a spare room at his home? I hope he wouldn't mind."

Ilakiya hesitated. "I don't know," she said. "We're only engaged at the moment. What will his mom say? What will my parents say?."

Jeeva waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that," she said. "If what you described about your fiance is true, he wouldn't believe in all those old-fashioned rules. And besides, you need a safe place to stay. Talk to Suresh and see if he's okay with it."

Ilakiya was still unsure, but she knew she didn't have many other options. She was afraid to ask Suresh if he was willing to take her in. Jeeva stepped in and called Suresh. She explained the situation and what just happened to him. After a short conversation, Jeeva turned to Ilakiya with a smile.

"Suresh agreed to take you in," she said. "However, his mother might have some reservations. Don't worry about it. He will handle her."

Ilakiya was relieved and grateful for Suresh's generosity.

"He's coming over in a while. You better get started packing."

As she packed her bags and prepared to leave the hostel, Ilakiya couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She was finally leaving that place and its questionable business behind.

Life of Ilakiya: Chapter 3 : The Engagement

Suresh sat at his desk, staring at his computer screen with a mixture of frustration and determination. As a software developer, he was used to long hours and hard work, but today he was feeling particularly drained.

"Hey Suresh, how's it going?" his colleague asked, peeking his head into the office.

"It's going," Suresh replied, not looking up from his work.

"You look a little stressed. Is everything okay?"

Suresh sighed and leaned back in his chair. "It's my mom. She's been pressuring me to get married before I turn 35."

"Ah, I see. And how are you feeling about that?"

"To be honest, I'm not really interested in marriage. But my mom keeps bringing up all these profiles on Tamil matrimony websites and showing them to me."

"Well, have you seen anyone you like?"

"Not really. I've been rejecting all the matches she's shown me."

"Maybe you just haven't found the right person yet. Have you tried being open to the possibility of finding someone?"

Suresh thought about this for a moment. "I guess I haven't really given it a chance. I've just been rejecting everyone without really considering it."

"Well, maybe it's time to give it a chance. Who knows, you might find someone who is perfect for you."

Suresh nodded, considering his colleague's words. "You know, you might be right. I'll keep an open mind."

The next day, Suresh's mom walked into his bedroom, a determined look on her face. "Suresh, I have the perfect match for you," she said, holding out her phone.

Suresh sighed and sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. "Mom, I appreciate your efforts, but I'm really not interested in marriage right now."

"Just take a look at her profile," his mom insisted, handing him the phone. "Her name is Ilakiya, and she's studying law. Look at her picture, she's so beautiful."

Suresh reluctantly took the phone and looked at the profile. Ilakiya was indeed beautiful, with long dark hair and piercing brown eyes. He was intrigued by her unique heritage - her dad was of Orissan lineage and her mom was a Tamil.

"Okay, I'll message her," Suresh said, trying to placate his mom.

"Great!" his mom exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I just know that you two will hit it off."

Suresh rolled his eyes but couldn't help feeling a little excited. He opened up the messaging app and composed a message to Ilakiya.

"Hi Ilakiya, my name is Suresh and I saw your profile on the matrimony website. I'm a software developer and I'm interested in getting to know you more. Would you like to chat and see where things go?"

He hit send and waited anxiously for a response.

A few days later, his phone dinged with a reply from Ilakiya.

"Hi Suresh, thank you for reaching out," read Ilakiya's reply. "I'm really interested in getting to know you too. How about we talk more about our goals and plans for the future?"

Suresh smiled, feeling a strong connection with Ilakiya already. "That sounds great," he typed. "I'd love to talk about our goals and see where our relationship could go."

As they continued chatting, Suresh couldn't help but feel a strong connection with Ilakiya. They had so much in common and he enjoyed hearing about her passions and aspirations. 

Ilakiya felt the same way. She had never met someone who understood her so well and made her feel so special.

After some time spent getting to know each other, Suresh and Ilakiya decided they were ready to take their relationship to the next level and became engaged. They arranged for a private Indian engagement ceremony to exchange rings in the presence of close family members.

As they gathered in the room, Mr. Gopi, Ilakiya's father, spoke up with a sentiment of joy for the couple. "I'm thrilled for the both of you, but I do not wish to rush into the marriage ceremony. Ilakiya's education is still ongoing and I want her to prioritize her studies."

Mrs. Meera, Suresh's mother, nodded in agreement with Mr. Gopi, yet her facial expression depicted her concerns. She expressed "I concur with you, Mr. Gopi, however, I am worried that delaying the wedding indefinitely may result in Suresh and Ilakiya growing apart and ultimately deciding to end their relationship."

"I don't want that either, Mrs. Meera," Mr. Gopi said. "But I think it's important for Ilakiya to finish her studies first."

"I understand your point, but what if we move forward with the wedding and Ilakiya continues her studies even after marriage?" Mrs. Meera proposed as a solution.

Mr. Gopi refused the idea, he shook his head. "I don't believe that would be a wise decision. Ilakiya has always been committed to her studies, and I do not want her to lose sight of her aspirations. In addition, it is also my responsibility to ensure her graduation."

After a period of discussion, the parties involved were able to reach a mutual understanding. The outcome was that Ilakiya would finish her studies before the wedding, and Suresh and Ilakiya would continue to be each other's support system as they strive towards their aspirations. Despite the initial discrepancy in opinions, they all felt content with the compromise that was reached.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 2 : Meeting the Alliance

Ilakiya sighed as she gazed out the window of the car, lost in thought. She remembered the day that her parents had first introduced her to Suresh, a man they had found for her on a Tamil matrimony website. At the time, she had been hesitant and resistant to the idea of an arranged marriage.

"I don't know, Amma," Ilakiya had said to her mother, shaking her head. "I want to find someone on my own, someone I can choose for myself."

Her mother had placed a comforting hand on Ilakiya's shoulder. "I understand, Ilakiya," she said gently. "But your father and I only want what is best for you. Suresh comes from a good family and he is a successful man. You should at least talk to him and see if there is a connection."

Ilakiya had reluctantly agreed, feeling a sense of duty to her parents. She replied to Suresh's text on her messaging app and, to her surprise, she found herself enjoying the conversations with him. He was kind, intelligent, and supportive, and Ilakiya couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him.

Ilakiya was overjoyed when Suresh proposed to her one evening. The two of them had been together for a while and she never thought the day would come when he would pop the question. But it came so suddenly.

"Ilakiya," he said, looking at her straight in the eyes. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Tears of joy sprang to Ilakiya's eyes as she realized what was happening. She couldn't believe it.

"Yes, Suresh," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, I will marry you."

The two of them hugged and kissed, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Taman Jaya park where Suresh had proposed. It was a moment Ilakiya would never forget.

After they had shared their happy news with their family and friends, Ilakiya and Suresh decided to have a small, intimate engagement ceremony. They invited their closest loved ones to celebrate with them and exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another.

As Ilakiya slipped the ring onto Suresh's finger, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. This was it, the beginning of the rest of their lives together. She looked into Suresh's eyes and saw the same love and joy reflected back at her.

And as they celebrated with their family and friends, she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them as husband and wife. However, Ilakiya knew that they would have to wait a while before they could actually tie the knot.

At the time of the engagement, Ilakiya was still studying for her law degree. Her dad had always placed a strong emphasis on education, and he had made it clear to the people at the ceremony that Ilakiya needed to finish her studies before getting married.

So, despite the excitement of the engagement, Ilakiya and Suresh had to put their wedding plans on hold.

Ilakiya was determined to  achieve her life goals. As such, she had no problem with waiting until she had finished her studies.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 1 : An Urgent Call for Help

    Anbu sat at a small table at the bustling ikan bakar stall in Asia Cafe, his eyes scanning the menu as the aroma of grilled seafood wafted through the air. At 28, he was a successful software developer, but his quick temper sometimes caused problems in his relationships and at work. 

    Sangeetha, his 25-year-old girlfriend, sat across from him, her petite frame perched on the plastic stool. She looked at him with a concerned expression on her face.

    "You really need to work on your patience, Anbu," she said. "Your short temper is causing problems at work."

    Anbu sighed and nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, Sang. I have a hard time controlling my anger, especially when things don't go my way. But I've come far from the person I was before. I'm willing to work on it. Just give me more time."

    Sangeetha reached across the table and squeezed Anbu's hand. "I'm here to support you. Let's start by taking some deep breaths and counting to ten before reacting in situations that might normally make you angry."

    Anbu and Sangeetha's relationship seems to have a deeper level of understanding and trust. They are not just a couple but also partners in each other's personal development.

    Anbu nodded and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Okay, I'll try. It's worth a shot."

    Just as Sangeetha was in the middle of her therapy, Anbu's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and his expression changed to one of concern. Sangeetha noticed the shift in his demeanor and stopped talking.

"I'm sorry, I have to take this call," Anbu said, standing up from the table.

    Sangeetha's expression turned to one of confusion as she watched him leave the table and step outside of the restaurant. She couldn't help but wonder who could be calling Anbu at such a critical moment and what could be so important that he had to leave the table in the middle of their conversation.

    Anbu hesitated before answering the call, not sure if he was ready to confront his past with Ilakiya. His heart began to race as memories of their tumultuous relationship flooded his mind. Ilakiya was his ex-girlfriend with whom he had a bitter fallout. The hurt and betrayal still stung, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to face her again.

But eventually, he mustered up the courage and answered the phone.

    "Hello?" Anbu answered the call and moved a few steps away from the entrance, his voice low and urgent. Sangeetha tried to listen in but the noise from the restaurant made it impossible. She watched as Anbu's expression turned serious and his body language became tense. She could sense that something was not right and her concern for him grew.

    "Anbu, it's Ilakiya," a familiar voice replied from the other end of the line.

    Anbu felt a wave of emotions wash over him as he listened to Ilakiya's words. Part of him wanted to hang up the phone and never speak to her again, but another part of him couldn't ignore the hint of desperation in her voice. He glanced over at Sangeetha, who was watching him with a concerned expression.

    "I'm at a restaurant with my girlfriend right now," Anbu said, trying to buy himself some time to think. "Can it wait until later?"

    "No, it can't," Ilakiya said, her voice urgent. "Please, Anbu. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

    Anbu took a deep breath and glanced back at Sangeetha, who was now standing up from the table and walking towards him, a worried look on her face. He knew he had to make a decision quickly.

    "Fine, I'll meet you," Anbu said, trying to hide the reluctance in his voice. "But this is the last time, Ilakiya. I'm in a good place now and I don't want to go back to our past."

    "Thank you, Anbu," Ilakiya said, relief evident in her voice. "I'll text you the details."

    Anbu hung up the phone and turned to Sangeetha, who was now standing in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest.

    "Who was that?" Sangeetha asked, her voice tight.

    Anbu hesitated, not sure how to explain the situation. "It was Ilakiya, my ex. She's in some kind of trouble and needs my help."

    Sangeetha's expression softened and she reached out to touch his arm. "Anbu, I understand if you need to help her, but don't let her bring you down. Remember, you're working on yourself and your issues."

    Anbu felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was grateful for Sangeetha's understanding and support. "Thank you, Sang," he said, giving her a hug. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

    Anbu quickly paid for the meal and they left the restaurant. As they walked out, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He didn't know what Ilakiya needed his help for, but he knew it would be a difficult meeting.

    As they made their way out of the restaurant, Anbu couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that he may have to confront his past with Ilakiya again. He remembered the pain and betrayal he felt during their final moments together. Sangeetha, noticing his distress, spoke up.

    "Anbu, you've never fully told me what happened between you and Ilakiya," she said. "I know you don't like to talk about it, but I think it's important for me to understand why this phone call is affecting you so much."

    Anbu took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He had avoided this conversation with Sangeetha for a long time, but he knew that she deserved to know the truth.

    "It was 2007 and we met in a mIRC chatroom," Anbu began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "We hit it off right away and started talking every day. Eventually, we decided to meet in person. She was in college and I had just started working at the time and we fell in love quickly."

    As he spoke, memories of his relationship with Ilakiya flooded back to him. He recounted the events that led to the downfall of their relationship, the lies and secrets that had been kept from him.

    "It was a difficult time for me," Anbu said, shaking his head. "I felt hurt and betrayed. I said some things I regret and ended things with Ilakiya."

    Sangeetha listened patiently. She could see the pain and hurt in his eyes as he spoke, and she knew that this was not an easy conversation for him to have.

    "I understand why you would feel that way," Sangeetha said, placing a hand on Anbu's arm. "But you have to remember that everyone makes mistakes and that you can't hold on to that anger and hurt forever. You deserve to be happy and move on from this."

    "Anbu, I understand that it's difficult to revisit the past," Sangeetha said, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "But I'm here for you, every step of the way."

    Anbu looked at her, grateful for her understanding and support. "I know, and I appreciate it," he said. "It's just hard to let go of the pain and hurt from the past."

    Sangeetha nodded in understanding. "I know, but remember that you don't have to face it alone. We'll get through this together," she reassured him. Anbu felt a sense of comfort knowing that he had Sangeetha by his side to support him.

    "Thank you, Sang. I really appreciate it," Anbu said, his voice filled with gratitude. He pulled up in front of Sangeetha's place.

    Sangeetha smiled and replied, "Of course, Anbu. I'm here for you always." She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the forehead before getting out of the car.

    Anbu watched her as she walked towards her apartment before he headed to the TBS bus depot to pick up Ilakiya as per her instructions in the text.

    As Anbu pulled up to the TBS bus depot, he spotted a familiar figure standing nervously, checking her watch. It was Ilakiya. She looked different than he remembered, with her hair styled differently and a maturity in her eyes that wasn't there before.

    Anbu stopped the car in front of her and lowered the window. "Ilakiya, get in," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

    Ilakiya hesitated for a moment before opening the door and sliding into the car. Anbu couldn't help but notice the nervous look on her face and the faint bags under her eyes. He wondered what could have brought her to this point, calling him after all these years. He remained silent as they drove to their destination.

    "What's going on, Ilakiya?" Anbu asked, trying to keep his voice calm. "Why did you call me?"

    Ilakiya took a deep breath and looked at Anbu with tears in her eyes. "I'm in trouble, Anbu," she said. "I really need your help."

    Anbu's eyes widened in concern. "What's going on?" he asked.

    Ilakiya hesitated before answering. "I can't go into the details right now, but let's just say that I'm in a difficult situation and I don't know who else to turn to. I'm sorry to burden you with this, Anbu, but I really need your help."

    Anbu's heart went out to Ilakiya. He knew that he couldn't turn his back on her, not when she was in trouble.

    Anbu's heart sank as he saw the tears in Ilakiya's eyes. He knew that whatever trouble she was in, it must be serious for her to reach out to him after all these years.

    "Ilakiya, I'll do whatever I can to help you," Anbu said, his voice filled with concern. "Just tell me what's going on and how I can help."

    Ilakiya hesitated for a moment before answering. "I can't go into the details right now, Anbu. I just need you to trust me and come with me. I promise I'll explain everything once we're away from here," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

    Anbu nodded and started the car, ready to help Ilakiya in any way he could. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of trouble she was in and how he would be able to help her.

Welcome to the Enchanting World of "Life of Ilakiya"

Dear Readers,

Welcome to a world filled with intrigue, passion, and endless possibilities. I'm thrilled to introduce you to a project that has been close to my heart for a long time – "Life of Ilakiya." This is not just a series or a novel; it's a journey into a universe of captivating stories and unforgettable characters.

As the author of this tale, Sathiya Seelan Ramachandran, I invite you to join me on this exciting adventure. "Life of Ilakiya" is a labor of love, a story that has been meticulously crafted over countless hours. It's a world I've poured my heart and soul into, and I can't wait to share it with all of you.

"Life of Ilakiya" is a narrative that transcends genres, combining elements of romance, mystery, drama, and fantasy. It revolves around the enigmatic Ilakiya, a character whose life is a tapestry woven with secrets, ambitions, and desires. Through her eyes, we explore a universe where love and betrayal walk hand in hand.

But this story is not just about Ilakiya; it's about the human experience, the choices we make, and the consequences that follow. It delves into the depths of the human psyche, and as you read, you'll find yourself questioning your own beliefs, desires, and motivations.

I want "Life of Ilakiya" to be a collaborative experience. Your thoughts, feedback, and comments are invaluable to me. I encourage you to share your insights, theories, and emotions as you embark on this literary journey. Together, we can make this story come alive in ways I could never have imagined.

So, dear readers, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to dive headfirst into the "Life of Ilakiya." I hope you find as much joy in reading it as I did in writing it. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I look forward to hearing from you as we traverse this captivating world together.

With warmest regards,

Sathiya Seelan Ramachandran