Aryan was reading the newspaper in the lawn when Sanju came over and sat next to him, holding two cups of coffee. She noticed the seriousness on his face, it wasn’t his usual calm self.
“Aryan…” she called gently.
“Yeah, tell me sweetheart,” he replied, glancing at her.
“What happened? You’re not normal. What’s bothering you?”
He folded the newspaper and placed it aside before looking at her.
“Nothing, sweetheart. Just something related to business.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Now let that go. Have you decided your costume for today?”
“Not yet, darling. Not clear on which one to select.”
“Shall I help you?”
“With pleasure.”
“I got you an outfit. It’s in your wardrobe. Wear it,” Aryan said with a soft smile.
“Wow! When did you buy it?” she asked, surprised.
He smiled more warmly.
“I didn’t let you know because I wanted it to be a surprise for you. But I got it long back.”
“Oh okay… now tell me about your friend?”
“Actually, he’s my best friend. He always wished for my success and wanted me to have the best in life. He doesn’t even hesitate to go against anyone to support me. For a long time, he supported me in life, personally.”
“Ohhh. So definitely an important person.”
“Hmm, yes. Indeed, he is very important in my life.”
At DC Residence, Naren and Darshika were having breakfast, sitting opposite to each other in silence. He hadn’t initiated a conversation for a long time, but Darshika couldn’t stay patient anymore.
“Brother,” she finally said.
“Tell me, Darshi,” he responded.
“Where are you going today?”
“Nowhere, just an outing, that’s it.”
“Okay, I’ll join you. It’s been a long time. I haven’t gone around the city for the past three years.”
“No, Darsha. I’ll take you some other day.”
“Bro, did you forget that I was with you when you told Ranjith to arrange for a lunch meet with Aryan?”
Naren mentally cursed himself.
“Darshi, please try to understand.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“Darshi, listen. I’m going to meet him after a long time. We need space. So it would be better if you stay back.”
“Don’t be harsh. I know, and you too know, the reason you’re avoiding me. But I swear, this time, you’re not going to stop me. That should be fine with our relationship. Hope you won’t disappoint me. I’m coming over with you, and that’s final.”
“Darshi, why don’t you be practical and move on with your life?”
“That won’t happen in this life. I haven’t met Aryan in the same period as you, so I want to meet him. Believe me, things won’t be the same this time.”
“I know him very well. If he decides once, then he will never change back from it.”
“Then you should also know about me. I’m even more stubborn and determined than him.”
“I always wish for a better life for you. Why don’t you take my advice?”
“If you really wished for it, then speak to Aryan. That will sound better.”
Naren sighed, feeling defeated—as always—whenever the topic was Aryan. Literally fed up, he stood up and left the dining.
“I know the time. Will get ready and wait for you,” Darsha called out as he walked away.
“Hmmm, okay then. I will not be responsible for any consequences that you may have to face.”
“Won’t you stand for your sister at least once?”
“I definitely would… if it was mutual.”
He left, and Darsha’s face lit up with excitement—after all, she was going to meet Aryan after three long years.
She moved to her closet and began selecting her dress. Two hours passed and a mountain of outfits piled up on her bed as she kept trying them one after another. Finally, she settled on a golden sleeveless gown with a knee-high slit. She chose a diamond necklace and matching danglers. Her hair was parted sideways and straightened—one section fell over her shoulder while the rest flowed behind her. Golden stilettos added to her height, and the dress perfectly complemented her curves. The makeup enhanced her features, and her lips were painted a deep red.
“Aryan, waiting to see you, baby. Missed you a lot,” her mind whispered to itself.
She reached the living room and waited for Naren. A while later, he came down dressed in casuals, only to see his sister already prepared and ready.
“Shall we leave?” she asked.
“As if you’ll listen if I deny you,” he said with a helpless smile.
“You know me well. Come, let’s go.”
They both left the house in the same car, heading toward ARC Hotels to meet Aryan.
At Aryan Mansion, Aryan wore a soft black shirt, the fabric smooth and embroidered with the same color, sleeves folded neatly. He paired it with mild mauve trousers, giving him a calm yet powerful presence. Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his hair and beard with careful precision.
Sanju was inside the closet, changing her costume.
“Sanju, I’ll wait downstairs,” Aryan called out.
“Ok, ok,” she responded from inside.
He walked to the living room and waited.
Sanju stepped out in a mauve-colored, knee-length gown with embroidery up to her waist. Her hair was styled in loose curls, makeup kept minimal with a light strawberry pink gloss. She twirled before the mirror, admiring herself.
“Wow… I love this outfit, Aryan. It’s beautiful, and I hope you’ll like it,” she whispered to herself and giggled before heading downstairs.
Aryan was engrossed in his tab, checking office updates. Sanju walked down the stairs and saw him seated on the couch.
“Aryan,” she called.
He looked up—and didn’t blink. She was breathtaking. His lips parted slightly, stuck in awe, until Sanju playfully pushed his chin up.
“Why do you look at me like that?” she asked with a smile.
“What would I do if you stand before me dressed so gorgeously?” he replied.
“Oh, thank you. Shall we leave now?”
“Now I really don’t want to leave. How about I cancel the plan, sweetheart?”
“And what do you want to do after canceling your plan?”
“We’ll stay back home. You’re killing me, and I can’t resist you now.”
“Shut up and let’s leave now,” she said, chuckling.
He pulled her by the waist, pecked her lips unexpectedly, and started walking, leaving her in shock.
They both got into the car with Ranjith and headed toward ARC Hotels.
Meanwhile, during the car ride, Darshika’s phone buzzed. Seeing Manasi’s name on the screen, she answered with a composed tone.
“Hello, madam,” Manasi greeted from the other end.
“Yeah, tell me,” Darsha responded casually, her eyes still fixed on the passing scenery.
“Madam, Aryan sir hasn’t come to the office today.”
Darsha smirked slightly. “I know. I’m on my way to meet him.”
There was a brief pause before Manasi hesitantly added, “And… Sanjana hasn’t come either.”
Darsha’s brows lifted. “Oh? Any particular reason?”
“I’m not sure,” Manasi replied carefully. “But… whenever Aryan sir takes leave, Sanjana usually doesn’t come in either.”
Darsha’s smile faded as her expression turned thoughtful. “Hmm. Alright. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay, madam,” Manasi said before ending the call.
Darsha leaned back in her seat, her mind already beginning to churn with thoughts.
Aryan and Sanju arrived early and settled into the VIP cabin while Ranjith waited to receive Naren. As expected, Naren arrived—with Darsha.
“Welcome, Naren. Welcome, Darsha,” Ranjith greeted.
Darsha ignored him and turned away, while Naren greeted back with a polite smile.
“Is Aryan here already?” Naren asked.
“Yes, and he’s waiting for you,” Ranjith replied.
“Let’s go.”
Ranjith led them to the VIP cabin.
“Dude!” Naren squealed with excitement.
Aryan stood up and pulled him into a tight hug, his face beaming with joy. Sanju watched the reunion silently, her heart swelling with happiness at seeing Aryan so cheerful with someone other than her. It was rare.
“How are you, Aryan?”
“I’m fine. And you?”
“I’m fine too. I heard you’ve reached heights. I’m so happy for you—congrats!”
“Thank you, man.”
Darsha, standing aside, felt her irritation rise. Aryan hadn’t even acknowledged her presence. And what grated her nerves more was Sanju—smiling at Aryan and Naren, basking in their joy.
Unable to bear it, she cleared her throat loudly.
Aryan’s expression changed instantly the moment he saw her. Sanju noticed the shift and sensed the tension, worried that something might go wrong.
“Hi Aryan…” Darsha stepped forward with a warm smile, trying to pull him into a side hug.
Aryan instinctively took a step back, his expression unreadable. He simply nodded in acknowledgment.
“You’re looking hot and dashing,” she added, trying to keep her tone light.
“Thanks for the compliment,” Aryan responded flatly.
Darsha tilted her head. “Won’t you comment on my looks? After all, I took so much effort to get ready to meet you.”
Aryan met her eyes, his voice cool. “If you’re satisfied with your looks, then you should be fine with that. My comments don’t make any difference.”
Her smile faltered slightly. “I thought there would be some change in you after all these years.”
“My character and attitude don’t change,” he replied evenly. “They remain constant with all people.”
“Well, I haven’t changed either, Aryan.”
“I would’ve been happy if you had,” he shot back without hesitation.
Just then, sensing the tension thickening around them, Naren stepped in with a lighthearted tone, trying to defuse the situation.
“Aryan, I’m starving,” he said with a grin.
Aryan let out a small chuckle. “We shall start. But first, meet Sanjana—my…”
“Your PA, right?” Darsha interjected before he could finish.
“Yes. PA,” Sanju replied calmly, her tone unshaken.
“Hi, Sanjana,” Naren greeted warmly.
“Hi, brother,” Sanju replied with a gentle smile.
Naren turned to Aryan, raising a brow playfully. “Is she my sister, Aryan?”
Aryan nodded with a soft smile that didn’t go unnoticed. “Yes, she is your sister.”
Naren immediately understood the emotion behind his friend’s expression. The unspoken bond between Aryan and Sanju was clear as day.
“Oh my God! How are you, my little sister?” he asked with genuine excitement.
“Fine, bro. How are you?”
“Super. Stay happy forever.”
“Thank you, bro,” she replied, her heart warming at his sincerity.
Meanwhile, Darsha sat fuming, watching the bond between the trio unfold. Sanju’s calm demeanor, her place beside Aryan, and her new identity as Naren’s ‘sister’ made Darsha’s blood boil.
“Now let’s get seated,” Aryan said, glancing at Naren.
“Come, let’s get seated together,” Naren added cheerfully.
Aryan and Naren walked over to the table and sat down. Sanju stepped aside to let Darsha pass. Just as Sanju was about to take her seat, Darsha turned to her sharply.
“Hello! You’re just a PA, right?” she said, her voice tinged with venom. “This is a personal meet, so you can stay out and have lunch with Ranjith. Go find him and stay with him until our personal time is over.”
The words hit Sanju like a slap. Her expression didn’t waver, but her heart sank. Without saying a word or meeting anyone’s eyes, she quietly turned and walked away, her back straight, her silence louder than any protest.
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