Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 12 : Good Times

Ilakiya and Anbu finally arrived at Genting Highlands after a short journey. As they reached the summit, they're greeted by the sight of towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels that seem to rise out of the clouds.

The crisp mountain air invigorated the senses and the cool breeze provided a refreshing contrast to the humidity of Kuala Lumpur city.

The resort was alive with activity and excitement, with many attractions and entertainment options. The bright lights and sounds of the casinos and theme parks provided a lively contrast to the peaceful serenity of the surrounding natural beauty.

They were both excited to experience the thrill of the theme parks and the excitement of the casino.

As they walked through the park, Anbu couldn't help but express his excitement to try the rollercoasters, "I can't wait to go on these rollercoasters! They look so exhilarating!"

But Ilakiya was hesitant, "I think I'll just watch you go on the rollercoasters. I prefer something a bit more low-key," she said.

Anbu grinned and nudged Ilakiya playfully, "Come on, Ilakiya, when will you ever get the chance to ride these rollercoasters again? Live a little!"

Ilakiya shook her head, "I appreciate the offer, Anbu, but I think I'll pass. I'm happy just taking in the sights and sounds of the park."

Anbu shrugged and said, "Suit yourself, but you're missing out!"

As they reached a particularly stunning viewpoint, Anbu turned to Ilakiya and said, "Let's take a picture here, it's gorgeous!"

Ilakiya hesitated for a moment before replying, "Anbu, I would rather you didn't take any pictures here. I'm not comfortable with anyone seeing them."

Anbu was taken aback by Ilakiya's response. He looked at her with a questioning expression, "Why not? Are you not having a good time?"

Ilakiya hesitated before replying, "I am having a good time, but I'm afraid that if anyone sees the pictures, it could cause me trouble. I don't want my parents or uncle to know that I'm out with you."

Anbu could sense the discomfort in Ilakiya's voice. 

He took her hand in his, fiddling with the ring on her finger as he spoke. A thought had suddenly snapped in his mind, but he decided to not show it and instead focused on comforting her. 

"Ilakiya, I understand that you're worried about what your parents might think, but we should be able to enjoy our time together without worrying about all that. These pictures are for our memories, and we don't have to show them to anyone if you don't want to. We can keep them between us and no one has to know.

Ilakiya looked at Anbu, and a small smile played on her lips. She realized that he understood her fears and was willing to respect them. "Okay, let's take some pictures," she said.

Anbu smiled, "That sounds like a great idea."

The two of them took some pictures together, capturing the beautiful scenery and their happy memories.

"Alright, how about we hit the casino next? I know you love gambling."

Ilakiya's face lit up with excitement when Anbu suggested they visit the casino. "Yes! Let's go!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Anbu smiled, "Great, I'm glad you're excited. Just remember, there's no pressure to gamble or anything like that. We can just take in the sights and sounds, and enjoy the atmosphere."

Ilakiya nodded, "But I have to admit, my hands are itching to try my luck." She grabbed Anbu's hand and tugged him along excitedly, "Come on. Don't waste time. Let's go!"

As they entered the casino, the bright lights and sounds of the slot machines immediately caught their attention. Ilakiya's eyes were wide with wonder as she looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of the casino. Anbu could see the excitement in her eyes, and he couldn't help but smile.

As the sun began to set, they decided to head back to the hotel room and retire for the night. They both had a great day at the theme park. 

However, Anbu's mind was restless. Something about the ring on Ilakiya's finger was bothering him. He tried to push the thought away, focusing on being present in the moment and enjoying their trip together. But as the day went on, the feeling grew stronger and he couldn't ignore it any longer. He realized that he needed to address it, but he didn't want to ruin the day by bringing it up. He decided to wait until they were back at their hotel before discussing it with Ilakiya.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 11 : Rising Suspicion

Suresh lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, his mind raced with thoughts of Ilakiya. He couldn't shake off the feeling that she was slowly slipping away from him. He had always been a possessive lover, but lately, that possessiveness had grown to an almost unbearable level. He couldn't help but wonder if someone else had entered the picture.

Suresh tried to shake off these thoughts, but they lingered in his mind. He couldn't ignore the way Ilakiya had been acting lately. She had become secretive with her phone messages and call logs, always keeping it close to her, never leaving it out of her sight. And even though she said she was going to bed early, Suresh couldn't shake off the feeling that she was lying to him.

He couldn't understand why she had become so distant. It felt like she wasn't keen on his activities anymore, and she seemed distracted all the time. Suresh felt lost and alone in his own home. He didn't know what to do or how to fix the growing rift between them.

But he couldn't give up on Ilakiya, not yet. He loved her too much. He knew he had to get to the bottom of what was going on, even if it meant risking everything. 

Suresh got out of bed, his heart was heavy with the weight of what he was about to do. But he knew it was the only way to save their relationship. He couldn't let Ilakiya slip away without a fight.

He used the "friends and family" feature he had set up with Digi and tracked her location.

To his shock, the location showed that Ilakiya was at Genting Highlands. She was supposed to be at her friend, Jane's place, Kelana Jaya, working on an assignment together. Suresh couldn't believe it, He felt like he was cheated on. He felt his heart pounding with anger and hurt. But he knew he had to remain calm, if he was going to get to the bottom of what was going on.

He picked up his phone and composed a text message to Ilakiya.

Suresh: "Baby, what's up? How's the discussion going with Jane?"

Ilakiya: "Oh, it's good. We had pizza for dinner and we're having fun discussing our project and gossips too. You know how we are..."

Suresh: "That's great. So, where are you now?"

Ilakiya: "We're at Jane's place, why do you ask?"

Suresh: "Nothing. Don't be out too late. Go get some rest."

Suresh felt anger rising in him, Ilakiya was lying to him. He knew he had to confront her but he controlled his anger and decide to call her instead.

He called her but she didn't answer. 

"I'm with the girls, dear. I'll call you back in the morning. Love you," came a text from Ilakiya.

He felt angered and frustrated, but he remained calm and decided to enquire Jane for confirmation.

Suresh: "Hey Jane, how are you? I haven't been able to get in touch with Ilakiya, her phone seems to be off. Did you guys have dinner together? What are you guys up to?"

Jane replied: "Hey Suresh, I'm great. How are you? Both of us are just lepakking at a cafe near my place, Ilakiya left her phone on charger and forgot it. I'll make sure she calls you before she goes to sleep."

Suresh felt his worst fear is becoming true, Ilakiya is hiding something from him. He knows for certain that none of what Jane replied is truth.

The feeling that she might be keeping something from him gnawed at him and he felt that he had to take action. 

He felt guilty and knew that this behavior was not typical for him, but he wanted to conduct a thorough search of her bedroom while she was away. His relationship was in jeopardy and faith had been shattered. He felt that he had to find out the truth and try to save the relationship.

Treading cautiously, he approached Ilakiya's bedroom, taking pains to move silently as not to alert his sleeping mother. His heart raced as he grasped the doorknob, only to discover that it had been locked. He remembered how his mother had established the rule early on, that doors should never be locked in the house unless someone was occupying the room.

But her recent habit of keeping her bedroom door locked at all time only confirmed that she has something to conceal indeed.

He understood that his actions were inappropriate, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. His mind was preoccupied with the idea of unfaithfulness, and he couldn't find peace until he was certain of the reality.

With a heavy heart, he pushed a card through the crack between the door and the frame and unlocked the door to his fiance's bedroom. He opened it carefully, not wanting to wake his sleeping mother. He turned on the light and began searching around for any evidence.

As he sifted through her wardrobe and explored the space beneath her bed, Suresh couldn't help but feel a heavy sense of guilt.

It was while he was investigating that hidden corner, he found a small box. It was tucked away, he pulled it out and opened it, revealing a letter and a piece of jewelry inside. His heart sank as he read the contents of the letter and the reality of betrayal hit him like a ton of bricks, overwhelmed him with sorrow and disappointment.

Suresh exhaled a sigh, his heart splintering into a million fragments. He couldn't fathom that the person he loved could do this to him. He knew he had to talk to her.

But then he reconsidered, he didn't want to act impulsively and create a bigger problem. He decided it would be best to wait for a calmer moment to address the matter with her, rather than confront her in the heat of the moment. He would wait for her to return home and approach the situation with a clear head and deliberate manner.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 10 : The Great Cover Up

Ilakiya was aware that she had to devise a strategy to account for her absence to Suresh during the weekend. She couldn't vanish without providing him an explanation, especially since they were still living together. But she also couldn't reveal to him the truth about her plans to spend time with Anbu. She knew she had to deceive him, to find a way to conceal her intentions.

She pondered for a moment and a thought came to her. She would tell Suresh that she had an assignment to complete over the weekend and would be staying over at her friend Jane's place. It wasn't a complete lie - she did have an assignment to work on, and Jane was a real person. She just wasn't staying at Jane's place.

Ilakiya knew that Suresh would be reluctant to let her go, especially since they were living together and he was used to her being around all the time. She tried to play it off casually as she packed her bags and announced her plans.

"Suresh, I have an assignment that I need to complete over the weekend," she said, trying to sound as casual as possible. "I'm going to be staying at Jane's place to work on it."

"What kind of assignment is it?" Suresh asked, looking skeptical.

"Remember the mooting assignment I told you about? Presentation date is coming soon. We have to do some case studies and preparations ," Ilakiya replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

"Why do you need to stay over at Jane's place to work on it?" Suresh asked, still not convinced.

"We want to work on it nonstop, so it's easier if we just stay together and work on it," Ilakiya said, trying to sound convincing as the sweat started to bead on her forehead. "It's not really practical to keep cross-referencing over the internet."

"I can drop you off. I know Jane's home. Besides, I'm not busy now," Suresh offered, but Ilakiya knew that would not work.

"Nevermind, It's alright, I'll take the LRT, " Ilakiya declined, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Another friend will also be joining me at the LRT."

"Fine, but why not just ask them to come over here?" Suresh asked, now sounding more suspicious.

"We'll probably stay up all night working on it and your mother won't like the noise during her sleeping time," Ilakiya said, thinking on her feet.

Suresh's demeanor relaxed somewhat, but Ilakiya could still see the disbelief in his eyes. "Alright," he said, his tone conveying that he was not entirely convinced.

Ilakiya felt a wave of relief wash over her. She quickly hugged Suresh and thanked him before leaving the house. But as she walked out the door, Suresh called out to her in a demanding tone, "Just make sure you don't forget to keep in touch with me. Send me message or call every once in a while."

Ilakiya turns around and throws a tantrum, "Why do you always have to be so controlling? I'm a grown woman, I can take care of myself."

Suresh sighs heavily and said, "Fine, do whatever you want. I'm just looking out for you."

Ilakiya left the house, her heart heavy with guilt for lying to Suresh and for making him feel that way. But she knew it was necessary to do so. She couldn't allow Suresh's possessive attitude to limit her actions anymore.

Ilakiya was feeling guilty for misleading him but for now, she choose to put those feelings aside. Her mind was preoccupied with the thoughts of being with Anbu and that's all she can focus on.

***

Ilakiya was riding the LRT to the prearranged meeting point at Bukit Jalil station, where she was supposed to wait for Anbu. Her mind was racing with concern. She had been so preoccupied with her plans to be with Anbu, that she overlooked an important detail. Suresh also knew Jane, and if he were to contact her at any point over the weekend, Ilakiya's deception would be exposed. "Oh no," she thought.

Acting quickly, she picked up her phone and called Jane. At first, the phone rang and rang, but just as Ilakiya was about to hang up, Jane answered.

"Hey Jane, it's Ilakiya," she said, her voice shaking slightly.

"Hey Ilakiya, what's up?" Jane replied.

"I need to ask you a HUGE favor," Ilakiya said, taking a deep breath. "I told Suresh that I'm staying over at your place this weekend to work on that mooting assignment, but in reality, I'm going to be with Anbu. Please don't ask me where and all. The less you know is better. If Suresh calls, can you please cover for me and tell him that I'm there with you?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Woah, Ilakiya, I don't know if I'm comfortable with lying to Suresh like that. This is too risky. You're going to get into trouble.," Jane said.

"I know, I know. It's asking a lot, and I completely understand if you don't want to do it," Ilakiya said, her heart sinking. "But please, Jane. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't vital. You know what I go through every day. For once I want to escape this reality and spend some time with Anbu. Just for a day. Could you do it for your best friend?"

"Ilakiya, this dangerous game that you're playing with Suresh and Anbu is going to backfire on you one day," warned Jane. "You have to decide, Ilakiya. Either you should stay committed to Suresh or break up with him. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire. The responsibility will fall solely on you."

Ilakiya: "Jane, I know you're trying to help, but you don't understand. I care about both Suresh and Anbu. But lately I'm having doubts about my feelings towards Suresh. Perhaps I committed myself too quickly. At the same time, Anbu checks all my boxes. If I had met Anbu before Suresh, I'm sure I would have chosen Anbu over Suresh."

Jane: "Ilakiya, you can't have your cake and eat it too. You're hurting both Suresh and Anbu by leading them on. You need to make a choice."

Ilakiya: "I know it's not fair, but I can't just turn off my feelings for Anbu. I've been unhappy in my relationship with Suresh for a long time and I believe Anbu is the one who can make me truly happy."

Jane: "And what about Suresh's feelings? He's going to be devastated when he finds out. And what happens if Anbu turns out to be the wrong choice?"

Ilakiya: "I know it's not going to be easy, but I can't continue living in a relationship that makes me miserable. I'm willing to take that risk for my own happiness. And I believe that Anbu is the right choice for me."

Jane: "Ilakiya, I just don't want you to get hurt. But if this is truly what you want, I'll support you. But please, be honest with both Suresh and Anbu about your feelings and be prepared for the consequences that may arise from it."

"Thank you, Jane. I appreciate your understanding and support. I'll make sure to handle this as sensitively as possible. Could you do me this one small, no big favor once?... Please," pleaded Ilakiya.

There was another pause, and Ilakiya held her breath. "Okay," Jane said finally. "I'll do it. But only because I care about you and I want you to be happy."

"Thank you so much, Jane," Ilakiya said, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I really appreciate it. Love you."

"Just make sure you resolve this issue at the soonest." Jane replied.

"I will, I promise," Ilakiya said, feeling guilty for deceiving both Suresh and Anbu.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 9 : The Holiday Plan

Anbu was already neck-deep in love with Ilakiya, he couldn't seem to have enough time with her. He was always left wanting more, and he longed to spend more time with her and get to know her better.

So one day, Anbu proposed that they go on a holiday to Genting Highlands and spend the weekend there. It was a romantic and exciting idea, and Anbu was hopeful that Ilakiya would agree.

But to his disappointment, Ilakiya refused. 

Anbu couldn't believe his ears when Ilakiya turned down his proposal to go on a holiday together. He had been dreaming of a weekend away with her, just the two of them, and he was heartbroken that she wasn't interested.

"Why not, Ilakiya?" he asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice. "Don't you want to spend some time together away from all the distractions of everyday life?"

Ilakiya hesitated, fidgeting with her hands. "It's not that I don't want to, Anbu," she said softly. "I just have to check in with my uncle every day. He's very protective, and I'm afraid he'll worry if I'm gone for a whole weekend."

Anbu knew that Ilakiya had been hesitant to go on the holiday with him, and he wanted to find a way to reassure her and show her how much he cared about her. 

So every day, he would send her sweet texts and messages, reminding her of how much he loved her and how much he wanted to spend the weekend with her.

"Ilakiya, I can't stop thinking about you and the holiday we talked about. I know you're hesitant, but I promise you that it will be worth it. I just want to spend more time with you. Please consider coming with me, I'll do everything in my power to make it a trip you'll never forget."

Anbu was hopeful and patient, and he waited for Ilakiya's response. He knew that she had a lot on her mind, and he didn't want to pressure her or make her feel uncomfortable.

After a month of persuasion, Ilakiya finally agreed to go on the holiday with Anbu. Despite her fear and hesitation, she knew that she couldn't resist the chance to be with him and spend more time together. She had grown to love Anbu deeply, and she couldn't wait to spend a whole weekend with him.

Anbu couldn't believe his luck when Ilakiya agreed to go on a holiday with him. He had been hopelessly in love with her for months, and now he finally had the chance to spend an entire weekend with her. He couldn't stop smiling.

"Are you sure you're okay with this, Ilakiya?" he asked, trying to hide his excitement. "We don't have to go if you're not comfortable."

Ilakiya hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "I'm sure," she said softly.

Ilakiya looked up at Anbu, her eyes searching his. She saw the sincerity and love in his gaze, and she knew that she couldn't keep denying her feelings any longer.

"Okay, Anbu," she whispered, a small smile crossing her lips. "I'll go on the holiday with you. I'm ready to take a chance on us."

Anbu's face lit up with joy, and he pulled Ilakiya into a hug. "Thank you, Ilakiya," he said, kissing the top of her head. 

As they pulled away from each other, Ilakiya couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Little did she knew that this weekend trip would be a turning point in their relationship.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 8 : Taking It Up A Notch

One day, as Ilakiya and Anbu82 were conversing on MIRC, she mustered the bravery to inquire about his phone number. It was a bold move, and she wasn't sure how he would react.

Ilakiya86: Hey, can I ask you something?

Anbu82: Sure, what's up?

Ilakiya86: I was wondering if you would be willing to give me your phone number. I feel like we have a really strong connection, and I'd love to be able to talk to you outside of MIRC.

Anbu82: Hm, I'm not sure about that. I like talking to you here, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to take it to the real world.

Ilakiya86: I understand your hesitation, but you're the only one I feel like I can really connect with here. I want to be able to chat with you without other distractions.

Anbu82: I see what you mean. But, what the hell...Here's my number

 Anbu provided his phone number.

Anbu82: I usually don't give out my personal details online. For you, I make an exception.

Ilakiya86: Thank you so much, Anbu. I can't wait to chat with you on the phone.

Anbu82: Just be careful, okay? I don't want you to get into any trouble.

Ilakiya86: I will. Thank you for understanding.

Ilakiya was relieved that Anbu was willing to give her his phone number, and she couldn't wait toconnect with him.

As soon as Ilakiya had Anbu's phone number, she quickly opened up WhatsApp and typed out a greeting, adding a cute emoji at the end.

She hit send and waited anxiously for his response, her stomach fluttering with butterflies.

A few minutes later, she received a notification that Anbu had replied. She opened up the message and saw that he had simply written "Hi."

Ilakiya couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She had been hoping for a more enthusiastic response, but she reminded herself that they were still getting to know each other and that it was still early days.

She sent a quick reply, trying to keep the conversation going.

Ilakiya: Hi! How's your day going so far?

Anbu: It's going alright. How about yours?

Ilakiya: It's been good. Just lying down on the bed waiting to fall asleep. How about you?

Anbu: Nothing.

Ilakiya couldn't help but feel a little disappointed by the stilted conversation over WhatsApp. She had been hoping for something more exciting, and she wasn't sure what was holding Anbu back.

But as she sat there looking at her phone, an inner voice urged her to act. She couldn't quite understand why, but she found herself impulsively dialing Anbu's number.

After a few moments of hesitation, Anbu picked up the phone. Ilakiya could hear the sound of Raja's music playing in the background, and she knew that she had caught him at a good time.

"Hello?" Anbu said, his voice a little uncertain.

"Hi, it's Ilakiya," she whispered, trying to keep her voice down so as not to wake Suresh, who was sleeping in the next room. "I'm sorry for calling suddenly without notice. I just wanted to hear your voice."

"Oh, hey," Anbu said, sounding a little surprised. "It's no problem. I'm happy to hear from you."

"How are you doing?" Ilakiya asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"I'm doing alright," Anbu replied. "Just hanging out at home, listening to music. What about you?"

"I'm doing okay," Ilakiya said, trying to keep the sadness out of her voice. "I'm just trying to get through another day."

"I know what you mean," Anbu said, his voice softening. "It's not easy, but we have to keep going, right?"

"Yeah," Ilakiya said, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her. "We have to keep going."

As they continued to talk, Ilakiya felt a sense of peace and connection that she hadn't felt in a long time. Anbu was easy to talk to, and she found herself sharing things with him that she had never told anyone else.

She told him about the incident at the hostel where she was staying. How her roommate Jeeva was involved in the escort business and how she had to get out of the hostel to a safer environment after a certain incident.

Ilakiya knew that she couldn't tell Anbu the truth about where she was staying or about her relationship with Suresh. So instead, she lied to Anbu and told him that she was staying at her maternal uncle's home.

Anbu listened patiently, offering words of comfort and support. He told her that she was strong and capable, and that she deserved to be happy.

Day after day, Ilakiya's chats with Anbu became more intimate and personal. She found herself sharing her deepest secrets and desires with him, and she knew that he was someone she could trust and confide in.

One day, Ilakiya summoned up the courage to suggest that they meet in person. She had been thinking about it for a long time, and she knew that it was a risky move, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they were meant to be together.

"Anbu," she typed into the chat window. "I know this might be a little forward, but do you want to meet up sometime?"

There was a pause before Anbu's response came through.

"I'd like that," he wrote. "How about we meet up for coffee and then go to a movie?"

Ilakiya hesitated. She knew that she couldn't stay out too late, as she had to be home before night.

"I'd love to, but I can't stay out too late," she replied. "How about a matinee show at the mall near my college? I can skip my class and meet you there."

"Sounds good," Anbu said. "What time should I pick you up?"

"Could you pick me up at my college and drop me off there afterwards?" Ilakiya asked. "I don't want to risk being seen by anyone I know."

"Sure thing," Anbu replied. "I'll see you at the mall at 1pm."

As Ilakiya hung up the phone, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. 

Ilakiya and Anbu met up many times after that first date, and as they spent more time together, Ilakiya found herself falling for him. She loved the way he made her laugh and feel special, and she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to him.

Life of Ilakiya : Chapter 7 : Virtual Fidelity

It was a quiet night, the city was at peace with all sounds hushed, but for one person, the stillness was overwhelming.

Ilakiya lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as she listened to Suresh's snores coming from the next room. She felt suffocated, like she had no way to escape the oppressive atmosphere at home.

She glanced at the clock, seeing that it was only 10pm. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep for hours, not with the way her mind was racing.

She silently slipped out of bed and made her way to her laptop. She opened up the internet and logged onto MIRC, a chat platform where she could talk to strangers from all over the world.

Her favorite channel was #klindians on Dalnet, where she could talk to other people from her city. However, she noticed that there were fewer and fewer people on MIRC these days, and it was getting harder to find someone to chat with. The channel used to be brimming with people in its hey day. She guessed people have moved on to newer instant messaging apps. But MIRC provided the anonymity that no other apps could offer.

At first, Ilakiya was careful not to reveal too much about herself to the strangers she met online. 

And as she chatted with more and more people, she began to feel a sense of freedom and liberation that she had never experienced before.

She was able to be her true self and express her thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or rejection, and it was a feeling that she had been craving for so long.

Unfortunately, many of the men that Ilakiya met online were only interested in one topic: sex. It seemed like no matter what she said or did, they were unable to see her as anything more than a sexual object.

That was, until she met Anbu82.

Unlike the other chatters who flocked to her DM the moment she appeared, Anbu82 was minding his own business, chatting on the main channel. Ilakiya couldn't help but be drawn to his independence and self-assuredness.

She decided to send him a message, unsure of how he would react.

Ilakiya86: Hey, I saw you chatting on the main channel. What are you talking about?

Anbu82: Just talking about music. You into Indian classical?

Ilakiya86: Yeah, I love Indian classical. Who's your favorite composer?

Anbu82: Definitely Ilayaraja. You?

Ilakiya86: I'm more of a Rahman fan.

From there, Ilakiya and Anbu82 struck up a conversation that lasted for hours. They talked about music, movies, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Ilakiya was surprised by how open and genuine Anbu82 was, and she found herself sharing things with him that she had never told anyone before.

As the night went on, Ilakiya couldn't help but feel like she had found a true connection with Anbu82. She knew that it was risky to get close to someone online, but she couldn't.

As she got to know Anbu better, Ilakiya began to see him as a true friend, someone who accepted her for who she was and didn't try to change her. It was a refreshing change from the controlling and possessive behavior she had grown used to with Suresh.

She began chatting with Anbu82 online every day, and she found herself looking forward to their conversations more and more.

Despite the fact that she was still living with Suresh and was technically engaged to him, Ilakiya couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt for Anbu82. She knew that she had to follow her heart, no matter what the consequences may be.

Life of Ilakiya: Chapter 6 : A Dark Secret

    Suresh sat in the waiting room of the urologist's office, his palms slick with sweat as he fidgeted with his engagement ring. 

    He had always been a healthy and active man and had never imagined that he would have any problems in the bedroom.

    But lately, Suresh began to notice that something was off. He found himself struggling to maintain an erection, despite feeling extremely aroused and excited. He tried to ignore it, thinking that it was just nerves, but the problem persisted.

    Suresh was filled with a sense of embarrassment and shame as he struggled to come to terms with the issue of erectile dysfunction. He tried to convince himself that it was just a temporary problem, perhaps caused by stress at his work place, but deep down he knew that it was something more. The thought of disappointing his wife on their wedding night weighed heavily on him. As the days passed, Suresh's problem persisted, and it began to take a toll on his confidence and self-esteem. 

    As Suresh was called into the exam room by the doctor, his heart pounded in his chest. The doctor greeted him with a smile and asked him to take a seat on the examination table.

    "Good afternoon, Suresh. I understand you're here to discuss some concerns you have about erectile dysfunction," the doctor said.

    Suresh nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Yes, that's correct. I've been having trouble getting and maintaining an erection for a few months now," Suresh said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    The doctor nodded understandingly. "I see. Well, let's take a look and see what might be causing the problem. We'll do a physical exam, a digital rectal exam, and some blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions," the doctor said as he began the examination.

    Suresh tried to relax as the doctor examined him, but it was difficult with the weight of his secret pressing down on him. He couldn't help but think about how disappointed Ilakiya would be if she knew the truth.

    After the examination, the doctor got the results of the blood test. "Suresh, your blood test results indicate that you have high blood pressure levels. This means you're suffering from very high levels of stress. Probably, contributed by your lifestyle, work and eating habits. We have to control your blood pressure first and then we can proceed with the treatment for ED."

    Suresh was shocked.

    "Doctor, what are the treatments available for me?" Suresh asked, looking at the doctor anxiously.

    The doctor smiled sympathetically. "There are several treatment options available for erectile dysfunction caused by stress. The first step is to properly manage your stress through therapy, exercise and stress management techniques. Once your stress is under control, we can proceed with other treatment options."

    Suresh nodded, taking in the information. "What are the other treatment options?"

    "We have several options, such as oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), which work by increasing blood flow to the penis. Another option is penile injections, which involve injecting a medication directly into the penis to produce an erection. We also have penile implants, which are devices that are surgically implanted into the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection." The doctor explained.

    Suresh thought for a moment, considering his options. "What do you recommend, doctor?"

    "It depends on your individual situation and preferences. I recommend that you discuss the options with your partner and decide which one is best for you. But before that, let's manage your stress first. Once that is done, we can proceed with the treatment of ED." The doctor replied.

    "I understand this is difficult for you," the doctor said, noticing the distress on Suresh's face. "But you're not alone in this. Erectile dysfunction is a common condition and there are many men who have successfully treated it."

    Suresh thanked the doctor and left the office feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders.    

    He felt a sense of hopelessness wash over him. He had always been confident in his ability to please a woman, but now that confidence was gone. He was filled with self-doubt and fear. He thought about calling off the wedding, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. 

    Suresh's struggles with erectile dysfunction caused him to spiral into a cycle of low self-esteem and possessiveness. He loved Ilakiya deeply and the thought of losing her was unbearable. 

    He became increasingly controlling, constantly worried that she would lose interest in him. He knew that his actions were causing tension in their relationship, but he couldn't help the way he felt. 

    Despite his efforts to hide his insecurities, Ilakiya noticed the changes in him and it began to take a toll on their relationship. He could tell she was losing interest in him. He wanted to fix the problem but didn't know how, the guilt of not being able to provide for his partner was becoming too much for him.

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.