After finishing her food, Sanju returned to the room feeling drowsy. She laid her head on Aryan’s lap, and he gently caressed her hair, lulling her to sleep. Hours passed in silence. When she finally stirred awake, she found Aryan still leaning back against the headboard, his hand resting on her shoulder just as it had been before she fell asleep.
Startled, Sanju quickly sat up. “Aryan, why did you stay in the same position? You should have made me sleep on the bed.”
He rubbed his eyes and looked at her sleepily. “What happened now?”
“Aren’t your legs aching?” she asked, concern filling her voice.
“No baby, I’m all fine.”
“Don’t lie, Aryan,” she frowned. “You sat there without moving for three hours. How could you not feel pain?”
“Sanju, I’m perfectly fine,” he said softly. “Even if you had slept longer, I wouldn’t feel any pain.”
“Shut up, Aryan.” She pouted and bent down to press his legs, trying to ease any discomfort he might be hiding.
“Sanju, why are you doing this now?” he asked, pulling her into his arms. “Come here.”
He wrapped his arms around her, resting her on his chest. Moments passed in silence before he asked, “Shall we go swimming?”
“I don’t want to swim,” she murmured. “But I’ll watch you swim.”
“Fine. Let’s go,” he said with a grin.
Aryan changed into his swim shorts while Sanju slipped into a pair of shorts and a sleeveless crop top. Hand in hand, they walked to the private pool adjacent to their bedroom.
Sanju sat by the edge, dipping her legs in the cool water. Aryan dove into the pool and swam gracefully across. She watched him, mesmerized by the way his muscles moved, the ripple of the water following his strokes. Her eyes remained locked on him, drinking in the sight of her husband.
Noticing her gaze, Aryan swam up to her and placed his hands on either side of her.
“Sweetheart, are you staring at me?” he teased.
“What if I say yes?” she replied with a playful smirk.
“Hmm, bold enough.”
“I’m looking at my husband. Is there a problem in that? “
“Wow,” he chuckled. “I didn’t know my wife would be so bold now.”
“I can speak a lot more,” she said mischievously.
“Is it?” he smirked. “I think that little mouth of yours deserves a reward then.”
“No, don’t. Go and continue swimming,” she laughed, trying to push him away.
“Come join me. Please, baby,” he coaxed.
“No, Aryan.”
“You never listen to me anyway.”
Before she could react, he pulled her into the water. She held onto his neck, rubbing her face against his shoulder to wipe the water away.
“Why did you pull me?” she shivered. “The water is so cold!”
“Let’s warm it then,” he whispered, sliding his hand behind her neck and pulling her in for a soft kiss. He nibbled her lower lip, and she surrendered, kissing him back deeply. Their lips moved in perfect sync until their lungs begged for air, and they slowly broke apart, holding each other close.
Her wet crop top clung to her body, outlining every curve. Aryan lifted her out of the water in a bridal carry, his eyes roaming over her form.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that,” she blushed.
“It’s been so many months, yet here you are… still blushing.”
“What should I do? It’s happening,” she muttered, looking away.
“But I love this.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“How long are we going to stay here? It’s very cold.”
“Let’s go.”
He carried her out of the pool and gently placed her on the sun lounger. “Wait here. I’ll be back.”
A few minutes later, he returned after filling the bathtub with warm water. Without a word, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. She pushed away the wet strands of hair from his forehead.
“Let’s have a warm bath,” he said with a grin.
“You made plans already?”
“Don’t you want this?”
“I never denied it.”
He smiled and set her down. She removed her wet clothes and stepped into the tub. Aryan followed her, settling in with her seated against his front. He kissed her nape, nibbled on her cheek, and let his hands explore her, massaging her gently under the warm water.
Their moments of intimacy continued under the shower. He poured gel into his hands and rubbed it over her skin with care, cleansing her body with affection. Afterward, he wrapped a towel around her and another around himself before carrying her back to the room.
“I want to sleep,” she murmured, clearly exhausted.
“Dinner must be ready. Let’s eat and then sleep.”
“No, I just want to sleep.”
“If you’re not going to eat, then I won’t touch you. Your well-being is more important. Eat to stay healthy.”
“Aryan, I’ll eat! Please stop your advice.”
“Good girl. Come.”
“What?” she teased. “Carry me.”
He smiled, hoisting her up in his arms as they headed to dinner.
The next day, they visited the Blue Bowls surfing point. Sanju sat on the shore, watching Aryan expertly glide over the waves.
Is there anything he doesn’t know? she thought, awe-struck. He does everything.
She took the evil eyes off him, gently praying for his safety.
The day was filled with laughter, beach walks, and light shopping. Their honeymoon days came to a dreamy end that night, and by the next morning, they were ready to fly back home—hearts full, spirits high, and memories etched forever.
The morning sun rose softly over Bali as Sanju woke up and began packing their luggage. Aryan soon joined her, and after getting ready, they both stepped out of the resort, boarding a car that would take them to the airport.
Meanwhile, the couple who had taken Aryan and Sanju’s place at the resort walked out casually, dressed in everyday clothes and without any disguises. Maya’s men, stationed outside, kept their eyes on the resort gates but didn’t pay much attention to the unfamiliar pair leaving. Satisfied, they assumed Aryan and Sanju were still inside.
The decoy couple got into a cab and reached the airport unnoticed, soon boarding a commercial flight back.
But Aryan and Sanju had reached the private hangar in Bali and boarded Aryan’s private jet. Hours later, they landed at Chennai airport. Ranjith stood waiting for them.
As soon as Aryan stepped out of the jet, he walked over to Ranjith and said, “Give me my phone.”
Ranjith handed it over, and Aryan powered it on.
At that moment, Maya’s men detected Aryan’s phone signal in Chennai.
“Madam,” one of them immediately called Maya, “Aryan’s phone is showing up at Chennai airport.”
Maya’s eyes narrowed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, ma’am. He’s back.”
Without wasting time, Maya called Rajesh. “Check if Aryan is at ARC.”
Back in Chennai, Aryan and Sanju got into the car and reached home. Meanwhile, Nanda had also contacted Rajesh for updates.
Rajesh called Ranjith and asked casually, “Ranjith, there are just two days left for our team to join ARC. Are the workspaces ready?”
“Yes, Rajesh. Everything’s ready,” Ranjith replied calmly.
“That’s great. Aryan sir is still on vacation, right? When is he returning?”
Ranjith smiled. “Sir is back, Rajesh. He’ll be in office tomorrow.”
Rajesh’s eyes widened. “Oh… okay, Ranjith. Thank you.”
As he ended the call, his thoughts raced.
“So you thought you could play games with us? Ranjith thought in his mind.
Rajesh immediately called Maya.
“Madam,” Rajesh said. “Aryan is already home. He’s back and will be at office tomorrow.”
“What!?” Maya yelled. “I’ve been sitting here locked up like a prisoner in this resort, waiting for updates. And you’re saying he’s already home?”
“Yes, madam. I confirmed with Ranjith. He’s definitely back.”
“Arrange for my return. Now. Immediately.”
“Yes, madam.”
By early morning, Maya was back at her home. Sleep eluded her. Instead, she got ready to go straight to ARC.
As she walked down to the dining area, she found her father seated at the table, waiting.
“Maya,” Chandrasekar called. “What is going on?”
“Nothing, Dad,” she said curtly.
“Maya, will you just listen to me? Don’t you realize you’re playing a foolish game against Aryan?”
“Dad, it’s better if you stay quiet for now.”
Chandrasekar’s voice softened. “I did everything for you, Maya. I sent Naren away just to make things easier for you. Why won’t you understand?”
“I’m going to ARC,” she said coldly, walking away.
“Why now? Your business doesn’t even start until day after tomorrow!”
“I know. I’m going to meet Aryan.”
He raised a brow. “Do you think he’ll even meet you?”
“I will meet him today,” she replied, slamming the door as she left.
At ARC, Aryan and Sanju were already in the office, dressed sharply. Aryan immersed himself in a pile of pending work. On the 42nd floor, Sanju and Pradeep were overseeing the IT setup.
Back at the reception, Maya arrived and marched to the front desk.
“Hello, Madam,” the receptionist greeted politely.
“I need to meet Aryan,” Maya said directly.
“Sorry, Madam. You’ll need an appointment through Ranjith sir to meet our boss.”
Maya’s jaw clenched. She pulled out her phone and called Ranjith, who was in Aryan’s cabin.
“Sir,” Ranjith said, seeing the caller ID, “Maya is on call.”
“Put her on speaker,” Aryan instructed.
“Hello, Ms. Maya,” Ranjith said calmly.
“Ranjith, I’m at your reception. I want to meet Aryan.”
“Sorry, Ms. Maya. May I know the purpose of your visit?”
“That’s none of your business. I need to meet him, and I’m not leaving until I do.”
“Please wait, Maya. Let me inform sir.”
“I said I’m not going back without meeting him.”
Ranjith muted the call and looked at Aryan. “Sir, she’s here to create a scene.”
Aryan leaned back. “Bring her. And where is Sanjana?”
“She’s on the 42nd floor with Pradeep, but she’ll be back soon.”
“Call her. I don’t want to meet Maya without Sanju present.”
Ranjith nodded, dialed Sanju, and informed her to come to Aryan’s cabin immediately. Then, he called Maya back.
“Maya, wait at the reception. I’ll come to bring you in.”
She crossed her arms and stood firm.
A few minutes later, Ranjith arrived at the reception and gestured for her to follow. Maya straightened her outfit, lifted her chin, and walked beside him toward Aryan’s floor.
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