Sanju expected to see the beach, but instead, a large iron gate loomed in front of their car. The gate slid open as Ranjith placed his thumb on the fingerprint sensor, revealing a breathtaking villa beyond. A lush garden stretched out in front of the house, filled with vibrant flowers and a fountain at its center. The moment the car came to a halt, Sanju leaped out, drawn to the colorful blooms.
She ran towards the garden, her eyes sparkling with joy as she moved from one plant to another, admiring the flowers. When she stepped closer to the fountain, the water sprayed onto her face, making her giggle. In that moment, she forgot about the beach entirely, lost in the beauty of the place.
Aryan leaned against the car, watching her. It wasn’t the flowers that held his attention, it was her happiness. A soft smile played on his lips as he thought, I could do anything to bring happiness to you, Sanju. I know we will face tough times, but I will stand by you, protect you, and never leave you.
Sanju, after taking in all the beauty around her, walked back to Aryan, who was still lost in her.
“Aryan, what is this place? Why are we here?” she asked, curiosity brimming in her voice.
“I bought this villa long ago,” Aryan replied. “A place to escape when life feels exhausting.”
Sanju turned in a slow circle, admiring the surroundings once more. “I love this place! The flowers are so beautiful.”
“Not more than you, sweetheart,” Aryan murmured to himself.
“This place gives me such peace,” she sighed happily.
Aryan smirked. “So… don’t you want to go to the beach anymore?”
Sanju blinked. “Beach? But how?”
Ranjith stepped forward. “Sir, you carry on. I’ll take my leave and return by evening.”
“Good, Ranjith. No calls today,” Aryan instructed.
“Okay, sir. Bye, Sanjana. Have a nice day.”
“Bye, Anna!” she waved at him.
As Ranjith left, Aryan turned to her. “Shall we go?”
Sanju nodded eagerly, and Aryan grasped her wrist, leading her toward the backyard. As they walked, the distant sound of waves grew louder. When they reached the back gate, the security personnel unlocked it, revealing a private path to the beach.
Sanju’s eyes widened as she saw the ocean stretching endlessly before her. The waves crashed onto the shore, leaving behind foamy trails. Excited, she removed her footwear and stepped onto the sand, feeling it sink beneath her feet with every step. A wide smile spread across her face.
“Aryan…” she whispered in awe.
“This is a private beach,” Aryan said, watching her reaction. “No one else can come here. You can take all the time you want.”
“That’s amazing! Come, let’s go!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward.
Aryan followed, glancing down at their intertwined hands, his heart stirring.
“Aryan, come fast!” Sanju called out.
“Yeah, coming, baby.”
When they reached the shore, she took a deep breath and spread her arms wide, embracing the salty breeze. The wind played with her hair, and the sheer bliss on her face made Aryan’s heart clench. She knelt on the wet sand, letting the waves kiss her feet before she rushed into the water, letting it reach her hips as she played joyfully. Later, she returned to the shore and began building a sandcastle, her face glowing with childlike pride when she finished.
She turned to Aryan, who was still standing in the dry sand, watching her. “Aryan, don’t you like getting into the water?”
“No, darling. You play, I’ll wait here.”
Sanju frowned. “What is with you? How can someone come to a beach and not play in the water?”
Aryan chuckled at her words.
She sighed dramatically. “I feel lonely here now. I wish someone would play with me. Maybe we should have brought Kowsalya Maa or at least Pavi.”
Aryan smirked inwardly. I should have joined her when she called me the first time.
Sanju turned to him again, eyes pleading. “Aryan, I want to go a little deeper. Please come with me.”
Finally giving in, Aryan removed his shoes and stepped into the water, reaching for her hand.
Sanju let out an excited scream as they waded deeper. The waves crashed into her, making her lose balance, but Aryan was always there to steady her. She was so immersed in the moment that she didn’t notice a powerful wave approaching. It struck her hard, making her stumble, but before she could fall, Aryan scooped her into his arms.
Sanju gasped, her arms automatically wrapping around his neck. She looked up into his dark brown eyes, which were already locked onto hers. The sound of the waves, the cool embrace of the ocean, the warmth of his touch, all of it faded as they got lost in each other.
For a moment, nothing else existed.
Aryan snapped out of his trance, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he looked at Sanju, who was still gazing at him with curiosity.
“Sanju…” he murmured.
“Hmm?” she responded absentmindedly.
“I’m sorry.”
Her brows furrowed slightly. “For what?”
His smirk deepened. “For this.”
Without warning, he dropped her into the water and sprinted away, laughing. She splashed around, trying to get up, then glared at him.
“Aryan! I’m not going to spare you for this! Don’t you dare run!”
“Try to catch me if you can,” he teased, dodging her reach.
She huffed, stopping in her tracks as another wave knocked her down. Seeing her struggle, Aryan chuckled and walked back to help her up. Just as he extended his hand, she grabbed it and pulled him down into the water with her.
“Got you!” she declared triumphantly.
Aryan laughed, shaking his wet hair, and they continued playing in the waves, holding onto each other every time the tide pushed them.
“I’m hungry now,” she whined after a while.
“Shall we leave then?”
She nodded, and they started walking back toward the villa. Sanju’s movements slowed, her soaked clothes weighing her down.
“What happened?” Aryan asked, noticing her sluggish steps.
“I can’t walk properly,” she admitted.
Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms in a bridal carry and strode toward the villa. She blinked up at him, taking in the way his damp hair fell over his forehead, making him look even more handsome. She reached up and brushed the strands away, and he winked at her, making her blush.
“Charming prince,” she mumbled under her breath.
They reached the villa, and Aryan carried her straight into the living room, still holding her close. Her face was mere inches from his, and the warmth of her skin against him stirred something deep within. The soft press of her curves against his chest sent an unfamiliar heat coursing through him. He couldn’t resist anymore. Slowly, he leaned in and pressed a light kiss on her cheek. Sanju closed her eyes, her breath hitching.
He trailed kisses to her eyelids, then her nose, before pausing near her lips. She could feel his warm breath fanning over her mouth.
“Sanju…” he whispered.
“Hmm?”
“Open your eyes.”
She did, staring into his gaze, which held an unspoken question. Without a word, she nodded in acceptance.
Gently, Aryan captured her lips in his. Their first kiss was slow and unhurried, filled with raw emotion. Sanju melted into it, responding just as fervently. When they finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, pressing a lingering kiss on it, silently promising to always protect her.
“Go freshen up. Your clothes are already in the closet,” he murmured.
She simply nodded, too dazed to speak. As soon as she was in her room, she locked the door and ran to the mirror. Her face was flushed, her lips slightly swollen. The thought of their kiss sent a fresh wave of warmth through her, and she blushed furiously.
Sanju’s mind voice: What just happened? How am I supposed to face him now?
She hurried to take a bath, while in the living room, Aryan leaned back on the couch, a wide grin on his face.
Aryan’s mind voice: What if she brings up what happened? What should I say? God, help me! But damn… it felt amazing. I don’t know if it will happen again, but at this rate, I don’t think I’ll be able to control myself.
After freshening up, he waited for her nervously. When she finally emerged, he instantly noticed her hesitation. She exhaled deeply before walking toward him and sat down across from him.
Gathering her courage, she spoke. “Aryan… I’m hungry.”
Aryan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Hmm. Are you okay?”
She nodded.
“Oh? So you’re okay?” he teased, smirking.
Sanju blushed and averted her gaze. Her reaction gave him the confidence he needed to relax.
“Come, let’s eat.”
He led her outside to the lawn, where a beautifully set dining table awaited them. The maids were arranging the food, but the sight of them made Sanju freeze in place. Aryan immediately sensed her unease.
“Don’t worry. We were the only ones inside the villa. The maids left before we came in.”
“Oh… I was scared for a second.”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t let our privacy be disturbed that easily.”
Holding out his hand, he silently asked her to take it. She looked into his eyes before placing her hand in his, allowing him to guide her to the table.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw all her favorite dishes laid out before her—mushroom biryani, blueberry pie, macarons.
“Happy?” Aryan asked, watching her reaction.
“So happy!” she beamed.
They ate together, savoring both the meal and each other’s company. Afterward, Aryan took her on a tour of the villa. Eventually, they reached the terrace, where they stood side by side, looking at the beach below.
Aryan reached for her hand, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and freedom, but all they could feel was the warmth of each other.
Their souls had already intertwined, even if they hadn’t realized it yet.
1 comment
[…] Previous Chapter Next Chapter […]