Karthik thought that meeting Swati's parents had been a hurdle he had successfully overcome. But little did he know, it was only the beginning of a series of events that would change everything.
A few days after the meeting, Karthik received a call from an unknown number. He answered, expecting it to be a telemarketer or a wrong number. But instead, he heard Swati's father's voice on the other end.
"Karthik, I need to talk to you about something," Mr. Ramalingam said, his voice stern.
Karthik's heart sank. "What is it, sir?"
"I've been doing some digging, and I found out something about your family that I think you should know," Mr. Ramalingam said.
Karthik's mind was racing. What could Mr. Ramalingam have found out? "What is it, sir?" he asked again.
"It seems that your father was involved in some shady business dealings a few years ago," Mr. Ramalingam said. "I don't think it's right for you to be involved with my daughter, given your family's reputation."
Karthik felt like he had been punched in the gut. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "That's not true," he said, trying to defend his family.
But Mr. Ramalingam just laughed. "Don't try to deny it, Karthik. I have proof. And I'm warning you, stay away from my daughter."
Karthik was stunned. He didn't know what to say or do. He just stood there, frozen in shock, as Mr. Ramalingam hung up the phone.
When Karthik finally came to his senses, he felt a wave of anger and betrayal wash over him. He couldn't believe that Swati's father would stoop so low. And he couldn't believe that Swati would keep this from him.
He immediately called Swati, his heart heavy with emotion. "Swati, we need to talk," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"What's wrong?" Swati asked, concern etched in her voice.
Karthik took a deep breath. "I just got a call from your father. He told me some things about my family that I don't think are true."
Swati's voice was hesitant. "What did he say?"
Karthik's anger boiled over. "He said that my father was involved in some shady business dealings. And he told me to stay away from you."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Karthik, I—"
But Karthik didn't let her finish. "You knew about this, didn't you? You knew that your father was investigating my family, and you didn't tell me."
Swati's voice was barely above a whisper. "Karthik, please listen to me—"
But Karthik was beyond reason. He was hurt, angry, and betrayed. "No, Swati. I don't want to hear it. I need some space."
And with that, Karthik hung up the phone, leaving Swati in tears.
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