Chapter 16

Stepping onto the balcony, Aryan dialed Ranjith’s number.

“Ranjith, did you check on Sanju’s uncle and Pradeep? Any activities from them?” he asked, his voice firm.

“Sir, I have already looked into them. They have no involvement in this. Pradeep only wanted Sanju’s father’s property. After you settled him with those properties and the huge amount you gave him, he seemed satisfied. Moreover, Pradeep’s father has warned him to stay away from Sanjana and not to disturb her any further,” Ranjith explained.

Aryan’s brows furrowed. “Did you speak to him after settling with the money?”

“Yes, sir. I spoke to Sanju’s uncle, he seems genuine. We won’t have any trouble from him. As for Pradeep, he appears to be content with the money, and I’ve made it clear to him that if he tries anything, his life is at stake. He’s focused on his business now. Still, I have assigned people to keep an eye on him.”

Aryan nodded in approval. “That’s good, Ranjith. Keep me updated.”

“Yes, sir.”

The next morning, Sanju woke up and found Aryan still asleep on the couch. He lay on his stomach, his vest and tracks slightly disheveled. His face was tense, possibly from the discomfort of the couch, and his normally well-groomed hair was a messy contrast to his usual charm.

After freshening up, Sanju changed and returned to the room, leaning against the headboard, watching him. Just then, Aryan stirred and opened his eyes, squinting against the morning sun.

“How long are you going to keep staring at me?” he teased.

Sanju immediately looked away, embarrassed. She stood up, attempting to leave, but Aryan caught her wrist.

“What? I wasn’t looking at you,” she defended.

He chuckled. “Okay, okay, I believe you.”

She huffed. “If you were awake, why didn’t you get up?”

“I couldn’t,” he admitted, wincing slightly. “My back is killing me.”

Sanju crossed her arms. “Who told you to sleep on the couch in the first place?”

Aryan smirked. “Well, I thought you’d feel bad seeing me here. Now, what should you say?”

Rolling her eyes, she extended her hand, helping him sit up slowly.

“Do you want pain spray?” she asked.

“I’d be happy if you could apply it for me,” he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

She sighed, grabbing the spray. As she turned back, Aryan pulled off his vest, exposing his well-built torso. Sanju’s breath hitched, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Aryan smirked at her reaction. “It’s okay, I can do it myself if you’re uncomfortable.”

Sanju steeled herself. “No, it’s fine. Let me do it.”

She sprayed the medicine over his back and hurriedly stepped away, moving towards the balcony, her cheeks burning.

Feeling better after some rest, Aryan freshened up and found Sanju standing in the balcony, lost in thought.

“Sanju, how do you feel now?” he asked.

She turned to him and nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Good. I have some work at the office. Shall I go? I’ll be back soon.”

“You carry on. I’ll be fine.”

Aryan studied her for a moment. “Make sure you have breakfast, take your medicines, and rest.”

“Hmm.”

He gently patted her head before leaving.

Sanju headed to the dining hall and had her breakfast. But the loneliness was suffocating. Needing a distraction, she wandered into the garden and spotted Bala feeding the birds, talking to them cheerfully. The sight brought a small smile to her face.

“Bala brother…”

Bala turned with a warm smile. “Do you need something, madam?”

She shook her head. “No, I just came for a walk. I’ve been meaning to ask—where do you stay?”

“There’s a staff quarters nearby, just two minutes from here. Sir has provided all the necessary facilities for us. Only Kowsalya aunty and Ranjith stay in the mansion apart from the security.”

“Ranjith stays here? But I’ve never seen him around.”

Bala chuckled. “He stays in the outhouse, but he’s always by sir’s side. We all respect sir a lot. He’s kind-hearted and takes care of everyone.”

Sanju remained silent, absorbing his words. She glanced towards the house, her thoughts clouded with realization.

“He takes care of everyone. He cares for you too. Maybe I misunderstood him from the beginning. I hurt him so much, yet he still cares for me.” she thought in her mind but Shaking off her thoughts, she smiled slightly. “Alright, Bala brother. You carry on.”

“Of course, madam. Call me if you need anything.”

She nodded and walked back to her room, her heart a little lighter than before.

Aryan reached his office and walked into his cabin, Ranjith following closely behind.

“Ranjith, did you get any information from Daniel?” Aryan asked as he settled into his chair.

“Sir, he’s not talking. He keeps repeating the same answer,” Ranjith replied.

Aryan leaned back, his fingers tapping against the desk. “Do you think that cunning bitch had a hand in hurting Sanjana?”

Ranjith hesitated before answering. “So far, there’s no evidence. Daniel insists he acted alone.”

Aryan’s jaw tightened. “I still doubt it. Keep tracking him, and also Manasi.”

“Yes, sir. Manasi is joining back at the office tomorrow,” Ranjith informed him.

Aryan’s eyes darkened. “Then keep her under surveillance. Monitor everyone in her close circle.”

Ranjith nodded. “Why don’t we just fire her, sir?”

Aryan smirked. “It’s better to keep the known culprit close rather than search for a new one. We can watch her better this way. Isn’t that right?”

“Perfectly right, sir. I’ll take care of it.”

“Good. Also, handle Sanjana’s work until she returns. I have a call with the foreign clients, and then I’ll visit Daniel.”

“Understood, sir.” Ranjith left the cabin.

Aryan busied himself with client meetings and signing files. As he glanced toward Sanjana’s empty cabin, he noticed Pavithra standing outside, looking worried. He could see the genuine care she had for Sanjana. With a sigh, he returned to his work, finished his calls, and left the office.

Later, he arrived at the secret underground cell where Daniel was held. The dimly lit space echoed with the sound of chains. Aryan stood outside the cell, staring at the broken man within. Ranjith unlocked the cell door, and Aryan stepped inside.

Daniel cowered as Aryan approached. Without a word, Aryan began beating him mercilessly. Images of Sanjana’s pain flashed in his mind, fueling his rage. Blood trickled from Daniel’s mouth as he begged for mercy.

“Sir, please! Let me go! I swear I’ll never come near you or her again!” Daniel pleaded.

Aryan’s voice was ice-cold. “How dare you touch my girl? Where did you get the drug?”

“I got it from a friend at a pub! I used it on her myself, I swear!” Daniel whimpered.

Aryan’s foot connected with Daniel’s face. “You expect me to believe that?”

“Please, sir! I’m telling the truth!”

Aryan exhaled sharply. “Ranjith, uncuff him and give him dinner tonight. Let’s go.”

Ranjith followed Aryan out, instructing the guards before they returned to the mansion.

Upon arriving home, Aryan checked with Kousalya to ensure Sanjana had eaten before having his own dinner. When he entered their room, she was already asleep. He changed into his tracks and sat in the armchair, letting his mind relax.

As the evening light dimmed, Sanjana stirred, her drowsy eyes meeting Aryan’s steady gaze.

“When did you come back?” she asked, her voice still laced with sleep.

“During lunch,” he replied, studying her. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she murmured, stretching slightly.

“Have you decided when you’ll return to work?”

“Maybe next week.”

“Good,” he said with a small nod. “Get plenty of rest until then. Because once you’re back, I won’t grant you another day off.” His teasing smirk made her frown in mock annoyance.

She scrunched her nose at him, making him chuckle.

“Come,” he said, standing up. “Let’s have coffee in the lawn.”

They settled into the chairs outside, the cool breeze ruffling her hair as they sipped their coffee. The evening was quiet, peaceful.

“Pavithra misses you,” Aryan remarked casually. “I saw her looking into your cabin earlier.”

Sanjana let out a small sigh. “If I call her now, she’ll bombard me with questions. I’ll meet her at the office instead.”

Aryan nodded, setting his cup down. “Do you want something different for dinner?”

Her face lit up. “It’s been a long time since I had pizza.”

“Then pizza it is,” he said with a satisfied nod.

Later that night, as they shared her favorite pizza, the warmth between them grew in the soft glow of the dim lights.

As she climbed in, she looked at him. “Sleep on the bed.”

“Are you sure? I can manage on the couch.”

“If you want to wake up with pain, suit yourself. Otherwise, sleep on the bed.”

“Thanks for sharing,” he smirked, lying down on the other side while she turned toward the wall.

Amused, Aryan thought to himself, She’ll end up cuddling me anyway.

As he was checking his emails, Ranjith called.

“Sir, Daniel escaped from the cell.”

Aryan’s eyes darkened. “Good. Follow him and track every move of that bitch.”

“Yes, sir.”

After finishing his work, Aryan lay back on the bed. Late in the night, he stirred, feeling a ticklish sensation on his neck. Opening his eyes, he found Sanjana snuggled against him, her soft hair brushing his skin. A small smile played on his lips. He kissed her forehead gently, and as if sensing it in her sleep, she smiled too.

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