Love wasn’t always loud. It didn’t always need declarations or grand gestures. Sometimes, it lived in the silences between heartbeats, in the warmth of a shared look, in the way two souls breathed together, entwined for lifetimes, even beyond reason. Aryan and Sanju, in their own imperfectly perfect way, embodied a love that couldn’t be confined to words or definitions. It was fierce, quiet, consuming, and above all, unconditional.
They were perhaps the human equivalents of Baya weaver birds, creatures who built, fought, stayed, and loved without the need for a rulebook. Their love didn’t need an audience or applause. It was theirs alone, raw and real.
As dawn peeked through the curtains, the shrill tone of Aryan’s alarm pierced the quiet of their shared cocoon. His eyes fluttered open, and instinctively, he reached for his phone to silence it. Turning to his side, he smiled softly, Sanju lay there, her face nestled against his chest, fingers clutching his shirt as though in sleep, she still sought his comfort.
He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before carefully easing out of her grip, laying her onto the pillow with utmost care. She stirred slightly, frowning as if missing the warmth she’d held onto all night.
By the time Aryan emerged from the washroom, dressed in a fresh shirt, toweling his damp hair, he found Sanju awake, sitting upright against the headboard, stretching lazily.
He walked over and, without warning, shook his hair playfully, spraying droplets of water onto her face.
“Ugh! Aryan!” she laughed, covering her face with her hands.
“You’re welcome,” he smirked, leaning closer.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he said softly, brushing her cheek.
Sanju smiled warmly. “Good morning to you too, Mr. Mischievous.”
“Get ready soon. We have office to conquer.”
“Yeah yeah, boss,” she said, throwing a pillow at him as he chuckled and walked away.
Downstairs, the doctor was already waiting when they reached the living room.
Sanju blinked in surprise. “Doctor? You’re here early!”
The man turned to her and smiled. “Mr. Aryan asked me to drop by.”
Aryan offered a courteous nod. “Good morning, Doctor. Could you check her casting and confirm if she’s fit for office work?”
“Of course,” the doctor said, kneeling down as Sanju sat on the couch. With gentle hands, he examined her injury and changed the dressing.
“She’s doing excellent,” he said. “The wound has almost healed. We can remove the casting in two days.”
Aryan looked visibly relieved. “That’s great news. Thank you, doctor.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
Sanju too thanked him before they sat down for breakfast together.
As they ate, Aryan glanced at her, his tone turning serious. “Sanju, just a couple of rules.”
Sanju paused, spoon in midair. “Rules? Now what?”
He looked directly at her. “One—you stay strictly on our office floor. Two—don’t go anywhere without my consent. And for the next few days, guards will travel with you.”
She frowned. “And after a few days?”
“We’ll revisit the rules then.”
Sanju sighed but nodded. “Alright. I’ll inform Pavi. She might be upset though. We usually have lunch together.”
“I’m sure she’ll understand. Your safety comes first, sweetheart.”
“I know,” she said softly.
Aryan left for office in his car, while Sanju followed later in her car with the guards. Once settled at her desk, she called Pavi.
“Hey Pavi,” Sanju greeted cheerfully.
“Sanju! I was planning to visit you today. How about evening?” Pavi’s voice chirped through the phone.
“Actually, I’m already back at work.”
“What? So soon? Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I was feeling a little off being at home. Thought coming back would help.”
“Alright then. Let’s meet for lunch?”
Sanju hesitated. “I’m sorry, Pavi. Aryan’s orders—I’m to stay on the floor for now. Something about security.”
“Oh right! If your man has declared it, I’m sure there’s no breaking that command,” Pavi teased. “You take care. I’ll come to your cabin instead.”
“Perfect,” Sanju grinned.
Later, after joining Aryan for lunch in his cabin, Sanju leaned into the couch, relaxing with him. He handed her her tablets, which she took quietly. Then, she rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a soft sigh.
“You want to nap for a bit?” Aryan asked, gently running his fingers through her hair.
“I’m alright. Just… can I ask you something?”
“Always,” he replied.
“Where’s Daniel?”
Aryan’s jaw tensed slightly. “He got away that night. We don’t know where he is yet.”
Sanju’s voice held a trace of anger. “How is he still breathing in peace? Shouldn’t he be behind bars?”
Aryan placed a comforting hand over hers. “I’ve filed a case for software privacy breach. Sooner or later, he’ll face the consequences.”
“I hope he suffers every second,” she muttered.
“Don’t let him take up space in your mind, love,” he murmured.
There was a brief pause, and then Aryan added, “Ramya sent the designs. I’ve selected one for you.”
Her eyes lit up. “You picked it? That makes me happier than the design itself.”
“I hope it’s something you’ll like.”
“Anything chosen by you, I’ll love.”
Within minutes, she fell asleep on the couch. Aryan carefully carried her into the relaxation room and tucked her in before he returned to his work.
Few minutes later Pavi arrived at the floor to meet Sanju and saw she wasn’t in her room. At the same Aryan who walked out of his room saw her looking for Sanju.
“Pavithra,” he called out.
She turned. “Sir.”
“She’s asleep. Had her meds. I’ll ask her to call you when she wakes up.”
“Thank you, sir.”
As she began to walk away, Aryan called again.
“Pavithra.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Thank you… for being a good friend to Sanju. She’s truly happy with your company.”
Pavi smiled. “She’s like a younger sister to me, sir. I care for her. You don’t need to thank me for that.”
Aryan nodded. “I’m glad she has someone like you.”
Later, Sanju woke up and rubbed her eyes. She stepped out of the room and walked to Aryan, wrapping her arms around his neck and settling on his lap.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” she mumbled, still sleepy.
“You looked peaceful,” he said, stroking her hair. “Want a drink? Hot chocolate? Coffee?”
“I want… Aryan,” she whispered, nuzzling his neck.
He chuckled, placing a kiss on her lips. “Go call Pavi. She’s been waiting. I’ve got a call coming in. We’ll leave after that.”
“Okay, ma,” she smiled, planting a kiss on his cheek.
After freshening up, she called Pavi to her cabin. When Pavi walked in, she teased, “Look at you, Madam! Peaceful sleep, huh?”
Sanju laughed. “Who told you?”
” Who else ? Aryan sir told me “
“I had tablets and crashed out.” Sanju said leaning towards her table.
A knock interrupted them. The maid stepped in with a tray.
“Madam, sir sent hot chocolate for you.”
“Thanks. Can you bring coffee for my friend too?”
“Of course.”
As they sipped their drinks, Pavi grinned. “Sanju, you’re one lucky girl. The man adores you.”
Sanju looked thoughtful. “He does everything, Pavi. Takes care of me like I’m his world. But you know what?”
“What?”
“He hasn’t proposed to me yet.”
Pavi blinked. “Wait, what? He hasn’t?”
“Nope. Not even once. He’s such an old soul,” Sanju giggled.
“Well, why don’t you propose to him then?”
“Why should I? Let him do the honours.”
“Oh, come on! One of you has to do it. Just say it!”
“I’ll give him a few more days. If he still doesn’t, I’ll take the plunge.”
“Good. Don’t wait forever.”
Sanju nodded. “Let’s see.”
“I’ll get going. Catch you later.”
“Bye, Pavi.”
As Pavi left, Sanju smiled to herself. Maybe love didn’t need a grand proposal… but still, a little magic moment wouldn’t hurt. And if Aryan didn’t take the hint soon, well—this time, she’d be the one writing the next chapter in their story.
Ranjith arrived at the prestigious DC Residence and was escorted to the grand living room where he waited patiently. The space exuded opulence, and the quiet air held the dignity of the man who resided there. After a brief moment, Mr. Chandrasekar entered, composed and elegant as always.
“Ranjith!” Chandrasekar called warmly, “How are you, man? And how is Aryan doing?”
Ranjith stood and greeted him with a respectful nod, “Sir, boss is doing well, and I’m fine too. Thank you for asking.”
Chandrasekar gestured for him to sit. “Good, good. Then what brings you here this early?”
“I’ve come with a personal invite, sir,” Ranjith replied, handing over an envelope. “Boss wanted you to join the success party for the recently launched cosmetic line and the government construction project he completed. It’s a celebration of all the hard work finally paying off.”
Chandrasekar smiled with genuine pride. “He’s always been brilliant at reaching his goals. I’m truly happy for him. Tell him I’ll be there for sure.”
Ranjith gave a small bow. “Thank you, sir. Also, I have an invite for Naren. May I meet him as well?”
“Of course,” Chandrasekar said, standing up. “Wait here. I’ll have him called.”
A maid was instructed to summon Naren, and in a few moments, the cheerful, ever-energetic Naren descended the stairs.
“Ranjith!” he grinned. “What a surprise, man. How have you been?”
“I’m good, sir. And Aryan is doing great too.”
“Nice to hear that. So, what’s the occasion?”
“There’s a success party next week, sir,” Ranjith said, handing him another envelope. “Aryan asked me to personally invite you.”
“Absolutely, I wouldn’t miss it,” Naren said, taking the card with a smile.
Just then, a confident voice echoed from the first floor, breaking the men’s conversation.
“Won’t your sir invite me, Ranjith?”
All heads turned to see Darshika descending the stairs, draped in elegance and attitude. Her tone carried the perfect blend of pride and challenge, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Ranjith straightened slightly, caught off guard. “Madam, of course, you can definitely join us.”
Darshika smirked as if it were a given. “I don’t think I need an invite to Aryan’s party, do I?”
Naren gave Ranjith a pat on the back. “Alright, take your leave now. And let Aryan know I’ll be meeting him for lunch tomorrow. 12:30 sharp. Make the arrangements accordingly.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll inform him and ensure everything’s in place.”
Ranjith bowed once more before heading out. As he exited and got into his car, Aryan’s voice buzzed through his connected AirPods.
“Ranjith,” Aryan said immediately.
“Yes, sir.”
“Keep a close eye on her. Follow her every move.”
“Understood, sir.”
“And make the arrangements for lunch tomorrow.”
“One thing, sir…” Ranjith paused. “What if she comes along with Mr. Naren?”
Aryan’s voice was calm but certain. “She will come. Let her. I’ll handle it.”
“Alright, sir.”
Back inside, after Ranjith’s departure, Naren turned to his sister.
“Darsha,” he said firmly, “I’m requesting you—please, stay away from Aryan.”
Darshika didn’t respond. She just cast him a sharp look and walked away, her silence speaking louder than words.
In their room, Aryan and Sanju were tucked into bed, snuggled under the warm covers, her head resting on his chest as his fingers lazily traced circles on her back.
“Sanju…” he murmured.
She hummed sleepily, “Hmm?”
“Tomorrow, we’re going out for lunch. I’m meeting an old friend.”
She raised her head slightly, curious. “Who is it?”
“You’ll meet them tomorrow,” he said softly. “Just remember something I’ve always told you… whatever happens, don’t let anyone’s words affect you. Believe in us—only in us.”
Sanju frowned gently. “I don’t know why you keep saying that often… but alright. Let this be the last time you remind me like that.” Then she added, “So… are we going from the office?”
“No,” he replied, brushing her hair back. “No office tomorrow. Just lunch. Then back home.”
“Fine,” she said, snuggling closer. “What should I wear?”
Aryan chuckled, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You look gorgeous in anything… or…”
Sanju looked up suspiciously. “Or?”
He grinned, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “Even without it.”
She gasped and lightly hit his chest. “Aryan!”
He raised an eyebrow. “What? You asked!”
Her voice lowered. “How do you know?”
“You forgot?” he asked gently. “I changed your clothes twice, remember? You were unconscious… I didn’t feel anything that time because you were vulnerable. But if I think about it now…”
She quickly covered his mouth with her hand. “Don’t! Dirty fellow!”
He laughed through her fingers. “Dirty? Me?”
“Yes! Very very dirty—with very dirty thoughts!”
He held her tighter. “And what about you, madam?”
She pouted. “I’m an innocent soul. A naive girl.”
Aryan gave her a knowing look. “Innocent? You? I know what this innocent soul is capable of… the force you hold me tells me about this naïve girl “
She blushed and clamped her hand over his mouth again. “Shameless fellow! Who says all these things?”
He pulled her hand away gently. “Why would I feel shame when it’s you? I don’t need filters with you. I can say anything.”
She huffed and turned her face. “I’m going to sleep. Good night!”
Aryan smiled and kissed her forehead softly, his arms still around her. “Fine, fine. I’m done talking. Happy?”
“Hmm. Good boy,” she whispered, her lips curving into a sleepy smile.
“Sleep well,” he murmured, placing a quick peck on her lips before they both slowly drifted into a peaceful slumber, wrapped in love and the warmth of trust.
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