Chapter 23

Aryan and Ranjith sprinted across the pavement, panic etched deep into their faces. The world around them blurred, the only thing in focus, Sanju. She lay motionless on the ground, her head bleeding, her skin pale. Aryan’s heart clenched at the sight, and without wasting a second, he bent down and scooped her into his arms.

“Sanju… no, no, no… baby, look at me,” Aryan whispered, his voice trembling as he cradled her. “Open your eyes, damn it! Please… Sanju, just look at me once. Please… don’t do this to me.”

Ranjith, who had already dashed ahead, threw the car door open. “Sir! Quick, get in!”

Aryan climbed into the back seat with Sanju in his lap, holding her close as if he could protect her by sheer will. His blazer was already soaked with her blood, but he didn’t care. All that mattered was her.

“Ranjith! Drive faster!” he shouted, tears escaping his eyes.

“I’m going as fast as I can, sir! We’ll be there in a few minutes. Please, stay strong,” Ranjith said, glancing at the rearview mirror with moist eyes. He had never seen Aryan like this—so fragile, so shattered.

Within minutes, they reached the nearest multispecialty hospital. Nurses rushed with a stretcher, and Sanju was immediately wheeled into the ICU. Aryan tried to follow, but the doctors stopped him at the door.

“Ranjith,” Aryan said, his voice hoarse, “call the doctors from our hospital. I want them here. Now.”

“I’ve already informed them, sir,” Ranjith replied quickly. “Our guards are escorting them here. They’ll be here any minute.”

Aryan ran a hand through his hair in sheer frustration. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, were now red and glassy. His powerful presence now reduced to a man completely broken by fear.

He looked down at his blazer. Her blood. It was all over him. His fingers trembled as he clenched the fabric.

“Every time… every single time I try to protect you, I fail. What if something had happened to you today, Sanjana? What would I do? How would I live? I won’t. I’ll die with you. That’s the truth. I can’t even breathe properly without you near me.”

Soon, Aryan’s doctors arrived, and Ranjith led them into the ICU. Given Aryan’s reputation and influence, the hospital dean made no objection.

Ranjith, though maintaining his composure, was devastated too. He had always seen Aryan as the strongest man, unyielding, invincible. But now… now he stood helpless outside the ICU, drowning in emotions.

“Sir,” Ranjith said softly, placing a hand on Aryan’s shoulder, “please… try to calm down. Sanjana ma’am will be okay. She’ll come back to you. She’s strong, sir. Just like you.”

Aryan didn’t respond, just gave a small nod, eyes locked on the ICU doors. Time felt like a cruel enemy, dragging every second.

Then, the doors opened.

The head doctor stepped out, removing his gloves. “Sir… you can breathe now. There’s no need to worry.”

Aryan stepped forward quickly, voice urgent. “Her head was bleeding. Are you sure you checked properly?”

“We did a thorough scan. There’s no major trauma,” the doctor reassured. “It’s a superficial injury, minor, and already treated. She’ll be fine. But…” he paused and looked at Aryan, “I had already advised you to ensure she’s not under too much stress. What happened today was due to chronic stress and emotional fatigue. She fainted. She needs rest. The cast on her head can be removed within a week.”

Aryan let out a long breath, a mix of relief and lingering guilt. “Can we shift her to our hospital?”

“Yes, sir. We can arrange an ambulance. Since she’s unconscious, we’ll monitor her during the transfer.”

“Do it immediately. And Ranjith,” Aryan turned sharply, “clear all records from here. No one should know she was admitted here. No evidence. Nothing.”

“Already on it, sir,” Ranjith nodded.

Within minutes, the ambulance arrived. Aryan sat beside Sanju, holding her hand tightly, never once letting go. His gaze never left her face.

At the hospital, she was moved to the VIP wing using the doctor’s lift. Once she was settled, the medical team quietly left. Aryan sat beside her, gently running his thumb over her knuckles.

“Thank god…” he whispered, leaning closer. “You scared me like hell, Sanju. You took my life away in those few minutes. Why would you do this? Don’t you trust me enough to talk to me? You’re my life…”

He kissed her fingers gently, watching her pale, silent form and the bandage on her forehead. Tears silently streamed down his cheeks.

Ranjith soon returned with a fresh shirt. “Sir, please change. You shouldn’t be in these clothes when she wakes up.”

Aryan nodded and changed without a word. The night passed slowly, painfully.

In the morning, a soft rustle broke the silence. Aryan’s eyes snapped open as he saw Sanju stirring. Her lashes fluttered, and slowly, she opened her eyes.

“Sanju…” Aryan rushed to her side, eyes lighting up. “Baby, how are you feeling? I was going mad out there. Do you feel any pain? Tell me where it hurts.”

Sanju looked at him. But before she could speak, a flash of memory returned—the image of Sunitha hugging Aryan. Her eyes welled up instantly.

“Sanju?” Aryan cupped her cheek. “Why are you crying, baby? Is it the pain? Tell me…”

She looked away. Her voice cracked as she said, “Mr. Chaitanya… I want to be alone.”

Aryan froze.

His name—his full name—on her lips felt like a dagger. She had never called him that recently. Not like that. His chest tightened, the ache in his heart unbearable. But he didn’t want to stress her more. He wiped his face quickly, hiding his tears.

“Okay…” he whispered, forcing a nod. “I’ll leave. I’m right outside if you need anything.”

He stepped out of the room, eyes downcast. Ranjith was waiting outside.

“Ranjith,” Aryan said, swallowing his pain, “call Kousalya maa. Ask her to stay with Sanju. Take care of everything here. If anything happens, anything call me immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

Without another word, Aryan walked away, his shoulders heavy, his heart in pieces. Ranjith turned toward the ward, eyes filled with concern. He entered, determined to stand by Sanju, even if Aryan couldn’t.

Ranjith stepped softly into the room, the quiet hum of machines filling the space. Sanju stirred slightly on the bed, her eyelids fluttering open. Noticing her movement, Ranjith walked to her bedside, his voice soft and caring.

“Sanju… how do you feel now?” he asked gently, concern clear in his eyes.

Sanju blinked slowly, adjusting to the morning light streaming through the blinds. “Hmm… yeah. I feel better,” she said with a faint nod, her voice hoarse.

“That’s good to hear,” Ranjith smiled lightly. “Kousalya maa will be here in a while to stay with you. Just rest for now.”

As they spoke, the doctor entered the ward with a nurse behind him, clipboard in hand.

“Good morning, Sanju,” he greeted with a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing to worry about. It’s a minor head injury, and you’re recovering well.”

Sanju nodded, offering a small, tired smile. “Okay, doctor.”

“I’ve advised complete rest,” he continued. “The nurse will give you an injection after breakfast. Try not to stress your mind, alright? Relax, and let your body heal.”

“Hmmm…” she murmured softly in response.

The doctor gave final instructions to Ranjith and left. Soon after, the door opened and Kousalya maa walked in hurriedly, her eyes already brimming with worry.

“Sanju!” she exclaimed, rushing to her side. “What happened, dear? I was so scared when I heard. You should have been more careful.”

Sanju tried to ease her concern with a smile. “There’s nothing to worry, maa. I’m really fine now. It’s just a small injury. The doctor said I’ll be alright soon.”

Kousalya cupped her cheek affectionately. “Still, you gave everyone a big scare. Anyway, I brought you breakfast. You need to eat and regain your strength.”

Ranjith quietly stepped out of the room, letting the two women have their time. Kousalya helped Sanju freshen up, gently combing her hair and feeding her with care, like a mother would her own daughter. Just as she finished, the nurse came in and administered the injection. Sanju winced slightly but stayed silent.

Within moments, the sedative began to take effect. Her breathing slowed, and her eyes fluttered closed. Kousalya tucked the blanket around her, brushing her hair from her forehead.

Ranjith peeked in to see her sleeping peacefully. He pulled out his phone and called Aryan.

“Sir,” he said when Aryan answered.

“Ranjith… how is she?” Aryan asked immediately, his voice husky and low.

“She just had her breakfast and the nurse gave her an injection. She’s sleeping now. Doctor came in the morning, everything is fine. He said she just needs rest.”

There was a brief pause.

“Okay…” Aryan said softly.

Kousalya, overhearing the call, turned to Ranjith once he ended it. “Ranjith… where is Sir?”

Ranjith hesitated. He looked at Sanju’s sleeping form before turning to Kousalya.

“I’ve never seen sir like that before, maa,” he said with a sigh. “He cried. Like… broke down. I don’t know what Sanju ma’am told him… but after she woke up and spoke to him, he left quietly. He asked us to take care of her.”

Kousalya’s expression fell. Her heart ached for both of them. “Poor man. Just yesterday, they were laughing and glowing in each other’s presence. I don’t know who cast their evil eyes on their happiness.”

Ranjith nodded solemnly. “Everything will be fine, maa.”

“I hope so, Ranjith. I truly do.”

“I’ll be outside if you need anything,” Ranjith said, stepping out silently.

At Aryan Mansion:

Aryan drove like a man possessed. The roads blurred past him, but his mind remained stuck on Sanju’s eyes… and her words.

“Mr. Chaitanya… I want to be alone.”

Those words haunted him.

He reached home and headed straight to their room. The scent of her lingered. Her dupatta was still on the couch, her anklets on the dresser. His hands trembled as he entered the bathroom and turned on the shower. The cold water ran over his body, but it couldn’t wash away the heat of his tears.

He stood there, still, the water cascading down, until the weight of everything crushed him to his knees. He clutched his hair, broken sobs escaping his throat. His chest heaved with the pain that had no outlet.

After a long time, he stepped out, changed into fresh clothes, and sat on the couch. His eyes drifted toward her shawl. He reached for it, held it close, and kissed it like it was her.

“Why didn’t you believe me, Sanju?” he whispered into the silence. “Didn’t you say you’ll stand by me always? I can’t stay without seeing you… but if it hurts you to be near me, I’ll disappear. Just be okay. Just smile again.”

He stared blankly at the wall before picking up his phone. He opened the gallery. Every moment he had captured of her voice, her laughter, her songs, her silly expressions, played one after the other.

A weak smile formed on his lips as her voice played in a video:
“Aryan! Stop recording me! I’ll throw your phone away!”
He chuckled softly through his tears.

“I never imagined, Sanju… that someone would mean this much to me,” he murmured. “You’re not just a part of my life anymore… you are my life.”

His exhaustion eventually took over. The pain, the crying, the sleepless night—all of it caught up with him, and he dozed off on the couch, still holding her shawl.

The food on the table remained untouched. His hunger, too, had disappeared with her absence. Even in sleep, she came to him, her face, her voice, her touch.

He jolted awake, breath heavy, as if he had just seen her vanish in front of his eyes. He quickly checked the time, it had been over three hours. Panic gripped him again, and he called Ranjith.

“Sir,” Ranjith picked up on the first ring.

“Ranjith… how is Sanju?” Aryan asked urgently.

“She just woke up, sir. She still looks tired though.”

“Did you tell the doctors to monitor her constantly?”

“Yes, sir. The doctor was here about an hour ago. He said she’s fine and needs more rest.”

“Okay… take care of everything and—”

“Sir…” Ranjith hesitated.

Aryan’s voice softened. “Ranjith… did she… ask about me?”

Ranjith couldn’t lie. He paused, then whispered, “No sir… she didn’t.”

Aryan’s heart sank. “Okay. Just… be with her. Call me if anything changes.”

“I will, sir.”

As the call ended, Sanju, still lying on the bed, glanced at Ranjith. She had caught a glimpse of his face during the call, his expression was heavy.

She said nothing. But the silence between them was loud.

Kousalya watched from across the room. She didn’t ask anything, but her eyes met Ranjith’s. She knew. The bond between Aryan and Sanju had cracked. And unless something changed… it might break.

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