Hero – Tamil
He is the ceo of a large perfume manufacturing company — a handsome, intelligent, and talented young man. Strict when it comes to work, perfection is his habit.
Heroine – Nila
A beautiful, kind-hearted, and intelligent woman from a middle-class family.
Supporting characters – Kavin and Yazhini
From childhood, Tamil, Kavin, and Yazhini have been together — school, college, and every stage of life. Their parents, too, became close friends because of their friendship.
Story begins
"Hey Tamil! Come and eat quickly before you leave without eating again," called his mother.
"I'm coming, Raji," he replied, walking toward her.
As he sat down and began eating, his phone rang — it was Nandhini, an employee at his company.
"Yes, tell me, Nandhini," said Tamil, answering the call.
"Sir, a candidate named Nila has come for the interview," Nandhini said.
"I'll be there in five minutes. Ask her to wait," he replied, putting down his half-eaten plate. Seeing his mother's irritated look, he said apologetically, "Sorry, Raji," and left for the company.
At the office, Tamil asked Nandhini to bring Nila into his cabin.
"I've checked your certificates. You don't have work experience, but you have the qualifications I need. So I'm hiring you. Nandhini will explain your salary and other details. I expect perfection in work. If you have any doubts, ask her," he said before calling Nandhini again.
"Nandhini, introduce her to everyone and explain all the details," he instructed. Then turning to Nila, he said, "Go meet Nandhini. All the best."
Nandhini introduced Nila to everyone and explained about salary, leave, and other policies.
"Do you have any other doubts?" asked Nandhini.
"Ma'am, you explained everything about the job, but could you tell me how the person before me used to work with Tamil sir? It'll help me understand better since this is my first job," Nila said.
"You could've called me Nandhini instead of ma'am," Nandhini smiled. "And just like this is your first job, you're also the first personal assistant here. So far, Tamil sir has managed everything himself. Since the workload increased, he needed a PA. He's strict but fair — if you make a mistake, he'll get angry at first, but he'll also help you fix it. He's a very good man and always supports his team."
Nila gradually learned her work. At first, she struggled a bit, but later became skilled and friendly with everyone in the office. Within a month, everyone liked her. Even Tamil began to appreciate her for correcting her own mistakes and working diligently.
One night at home
Tamil was working on his laptop when his mother sat beside him.
"Tamil, how's Yazhini? Did she call you recently?" Raji asked.
"Why this sudden affection for Yazhini, Raji?" Tamil teased.
"Okay, fine, I'll come to the point," said Raji. "Yazhini's mother and I spoke today about your marriage. We both agree. If both of you are okay with it, we'll fix a date."
"How many times do I have to tell you, Raji? Yazhini and I are just good friends — nothing more," Tamil said angrily.
"Is that the real reason, or are you in love with someone else? Whatever it is, Yazhini will be my daughter-in-law," Raji declared.
Tamil sighed and said, "You're right, Raji. I am in love with someone — that's why I said no to Yazhini. Please don't talk about this again."
"What? Who's that girl? Don't lie to me, I won't believe it! Dear, did you hear what he said?" she asked her husband.
"Yes, I heard. It's his marriage — his choice matters," he replied calmly.
"Look at him! You and your newspaper!" she snapped, turning back to Tamil.
"Fine, bring that girl home on Wednesday. Otherwise, on Thursday, I'll finalize your marriage with Yazhini," she said firmly.
Tamil, confused and restless, went to his room. He couldn't sleep all night, thinking about what to do. Finally, he made a decision.
Next morning
Tamil went to the office early, pretending to be busy with work. He was on a business call when Yazhini tried to reach him. Seeing him busy, she called the company's landline — Nila picked up.
"Hello, is Tamil there? Can you connect me to him?" Yazhini asked.
"May I know who's calling?" Nila asked politely.
"I'm his friend, Yazhini. And you are?"
"I'm his PA, Nila. Please hold on a moment," she said, connecting the call.
"Hi Tamil, how are you? So busy these days! You don't even pick my calls! Ever since you hired that PA, you've become Mr. Busy!" Yazhini teased.
"It's nothing like that. I just needed some help. By the way, Yazhini, my mom and yours spoke about our marriage. If anyone asks, please say you're not interested, okay?"
"Yes, my mom told me. She said a good friend can also be a good husband. I told her I haven't decided yet. But Tamil, I can't believe you said you're in love. Is that true?"
"Yes, Yazhini, it's true," he replied nervously, worried she might guess the truth.
"Then I want to meet her someday! Introduce me to that lucky girl," Yazhini laughed. "By the way, did Kavin call? I couldn't reach him."
"Thanks, Yazhini. You really understand me. You're one of my best friends, and I'll always be there for you. As for Kavin, he's been busy with business — I've only spoken to him twice recently."
"Hmm, yes, he said the same. I'll try calling later. You seem busy now — I'll talk to you later. Bye," Yazhini said and hung up.
"Thank God, that's one problem solved! Now I just have to deal with Raji," Tamil sighed. "I need someone to act as my girlfriend… but who? All my female friends are married — Raji knows that. What do I do?" he muttered, thinking deeply.
Just then, a knock came.
"Sir, may I come in?" Nila asked.
"Yes, come in," Tamil said.
"Sir, I've prepared the file you asked for. Please check and sign," she said.
"Okay, I'll check it," he replied distractedly, lost in thought.
A few minutes later, he called her again.
"Nila, can you come in for a minute?" he said over the intercom.
"Yes, sir," she said, entering.
"I don't know how to say this… I have a small problem. Can you help me?" Tamil asked hesitantly.
"Tell me, sir. If I can, I'll definitely help," said Nila.
"Can you act as my girlfriend in front of my parents for a few days? I'll pay you whatever amount you want," he said in a rush.
Before he could finish, SMACK! — Nila slapped him across the face.
"What, are you trying to show off your money to me? Just because I work for you, do you think you can make me do whatever you want? If you have money, keep it to yourself!"
Tamil could almost see Nila saying those words — his imagination painting the scene so vividly that it felt real. He pictured her eyes blazing with anger, walking away like a storm. The thought alone made him shiver.
"No matter who I ask, this is exactly how it'll go. But I have no other choice — I'll have to ask her," he muttered to himself. "Still, just imagining that slap makes my cheek sting… what a slap that would be!"
Taking a deep breath, he gathered his courage, picked up the phone, and called Nila to come to his cabin.
Would Nila agree this time?
Or would she, just as he feared in his mind, turn into that same fiery storm and actually slap him?
Why did Tamil refuse to marry Yazhini — because he only saw her as a friend, or was there another reason behind it?
To be continued…