After a sleepless night, Maya sat curled up on the couch in her bedroom, staring blankly at the photo shared by the private investigator. In it, Aryan was carrying Sanju in a bridal style, his face soft with affection.
After returning from Surendhar’s home the previous evening, Maya had locked herself inside her room and refused to come out. She hadn’t touched food or water, and by morning, the dark circles under her eyes stood out sharply against her pale skin.
That night, Naren and her father were away, unaware of the situation at home. When Chandrasekar returned in the morning, the maids quickly informed him that Maya had not stepped out of her room. Furious, Chandrasekar lashed out at the maids for not informing him sooner, then rushed upstairs.
He banged on Maya’s door, his knocks growing more desperate with each passing second. After several pleas, the door finally opened, revealing Maya’s broken figure. Without a word, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Maya, what are you doing?” Chandrasekar asked, holding her tight. “I told you I’d take care of everything. Why are you hurting yourself?”
“Dad,” Maya cried, her voice trembling, “I don’t want to live.”
“Shut up, Maya! Don’t ever repeat that again,” he scolded firmly. “Don’t you believe in your dad?”
Tears streaked down her face as she held up the photo. “Look at these photos, Dad. Aryan is behaving like a love-sick puppy around her. He’s hurting me badly, Dad.”
Chandrasekar took the photo from her hand, his face grave. “Maya, listen to me. I received these photos from my men earlier. Aryan is very serious about his relationship with her.”
“Did you speak to Aryan at the party, Dad?” she asked hopefully.
“I tried,” Chandrasekar admitted. “I intended to take the conversation toward our relationship, but he’s smart. He sensed my intentions and cleverly proposed a business partnership instead, cutting me off before I could say more. We have to move slowly, princess.”
Maya wiped her tears, her voice turning hard. “He won’t agree to anything as long as she’s around. We need to clear her from his life, Dad.”
Chandrasekar gently cupped her face. “Maya, leave it to me. Don’t take any steps on your own, okay?”
“Okay, Dad,” she whispered.
“Good,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Now, my princess, freshen up, eat, and get some sleep. I don’t ever want to see you like this again.”
“Sorry, Dad. I won’t repeat it,” Maya promised weakly.
“Good. Take care. I have some work waiting for me,” he said before leaving, though his heart remained heavy with worry.
As he walked back to his study, Chandrasekar’s mind wrestled with guilt.
I’m sorry, Aryan, he thought. After knowing about you and Sanjana, I wanted to convince Maya to move on. But each time I see her losing herself over you, I just can’t. I’m a father first. Maya is my world. Forgive me, Aryan, I have no other choice.
Meanwhile, miles away, Sanju stirred awake first. She smiled tenderly at the sight of Aryan, sleeping with his head buried against her chest, holding her as if afraid she might vanish. Running her fingers through his messy hair, she pressed a kiss to his forehead.
Feeling her soft kiss, Aryan lazily rubbed his beard against her chest, making her squirm and giggle at the ticklish sensation.
“Aryan, what are you doing?” she laughed, trying to wiggle free.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he mumbled, still half-asleep.
“Good morning,” she replied, pushing him lightly. “Now leave me. Let me get ready.”
“Hmm, okay. Let’s go home. I’ll drop you,” Aryan said, finally loosening his hold.
“Are you going to the office today?” she asked, reaching for her clothes.
“Yes,” Aryan sighed. “Work has been piling up. I’ll go today. You can join me from tomorrow.”
“Hmm, okay,” Sanju agreed softly before disappearing into the washroom.
While she got ready, Aryan’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID — it was Chandrasekar. Immediately, he answered.
“Sir, good morning. How are you?” Aryan greeted politely.
“Good morning, Aryan,” Chandrasekar replied.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t stay back at the party to give you a proper send-off,” Aryan said.
“I understand, young man.”
“Nice of you, sir,” Aryan smiled.
“I called to check if you’re still okay with the business partnership we discussed,” Chandrasekar said.
“I wouldn’t mind, sir. Could you let me know which business you’re considering?” Aryan asked.
“Yes. How about a partnership in cosmetics?” Chandrasekar proposed.
Aryan frowned, rubbing his forehead. “Fine, sir. I hope you don’t mind if I take a week to prepare the paperwork?”
“Of course not. But I have two official clauses to be included… and one personal condition,” Chandrasekar added.
“And may I know what those are?” Aryan asked cautiously.
“I’ll meet you to discuss them,” Chandrasekar said cryptically.
“Sure. Let me know the date and venue,” Aryan replied.
“Tomorrow, 1 p.m., lunch at my home,” Chandrasekar instructed.
“I will be there, sir,” Aryan confirmed.
“With your PA, Aryan,” Chandrasekar added firmly.
“Sir…” Aryan hesitated.
“I’ll see you, Aryan. Have a nice day,” Chandrasekar said before hanging up, leaving Aryan staring at his phone.
Meanwhile, Maya, who had been listening in, rushed to Chandrasekar excitedly.
“Dad, did Aryan agree to visit our home for lunch?” she asked eagerly.
“Yes, Maya,” Chandrasekar confirmed.
“But Dad, why did you invite her too?” Maya asked, confused.
“Maya, listen carefully,” Chandrasekar said seriously. “I’m repeating — act wise and do exactly as I say. Aryan isn’t easy to control. He respects me, yes, but he’s more ruthless than his father ever was when it comes to protecting his loved ones. I can’t force him directly. I need to play the game carefully.”
“I understand, Dad. Thank you so much,” Maya said, her eyes gleaming with hope.
“Anything for my princess,” Chandrasekar said, patting her head.
Aryan sat with his head bowed, tension gripping him. Sanju stepped out of the washroom and noticed his unease. She walked up to him and cupped his face gently.
“Aryan, what’s wrong?” she asked softly.
“Nothing, love,” he said, forcing a smile.
“Aryan,” she urged, “why don’t you share it with me?”
He let out a long sigh. “Chandrasekar sir called me.”
“What did he say?” Sanju asked, alarmed.
“He proposed a partnership in cosmetics,” Aryan said.
“And you agreed?” she asked.
“I accepted,” Aryan nodded.
“What else did he say?” she pressed.
“He said he has three conditions for the partnership,” Aryan explained.
“What conditions?”
“He wants to discuss them at his home tomorrow over lunch,” Aryan said, his brows furrowing.
“Don’t worry,” Sanju said, trying to calm him. “Meet him, listen carefully, and then we’ll discuss everything together.”
“There’s more,” Aryan added quietly. “He asked me to bring you with me.”
“What?” Sanju gasped.
“I think he knows about us,” Aryan said grimly.
“What next then?” she asked, her heart pounding.
“Let’s see,” Aryan replied, pulling her into a tight hug.
“Everything will be fine,” she whispered. “Don’t worry.”
“I love you, sweetheart. I love you, my love,” Aryan murmured into her hair.
“I love you too,” Sanju said, smiling through her fear. “Now, get ready. Let’s go home.”
He kissed her forehead lovingly before they both got dressed.
By the time they were ready, Ranjith arrived, and together they drove back to Aryan Mansion.
Once home, Aryan turned to Sanju. “Sanju, I’m not going to the office. I’ll be in the study for some important work.”
“Okay,” she nodded and went upstairs while Aryan headed into the study with Ranjith.
Inside, they spoke in hushed, urgent tones.
“Maya tried her best to get information from Surendhar and Pradeep,” Ranjith reported. “But they stayed firm and sent her back.”
“What about her PI?” Aryan asked.
“He’s in our cell, sir,” Ranjith said.
Aryan leaned back in his chair. “I guess Chandrasekar has dug out all the details. He’s called me and Sanju to his home for lunch.”
“Can’t we leave Sanju behind?” Ranjith suggested.
“No,” Aryan said firmly. “This meeting isn’t about the business. It’s his plan to meet Sanju and indirectly threaten her.”
“What if she’s harmed?” Ranjith asked, his voice tense.
“He won’t do that — at least not yet,” Aryan said. “There’s a long way before it gets to that point. We need to find a solution before things escalate.”
“Should we keep Sanju at home for a while?”
“Chandrasekar will have checks everywhere. It’s nearly impossible,” Aryan said, shaking his head. “Did you find his secret cell?”
“No, sir. Still trying, but no hints so far,” Ranjith said grimly.
Aryan sighed. “I’ve been close to him for years, and even I couldn’t figure it out. He’s still the same mastermind — in business and in revenge.”
“Can we take Naren’s help?” Ranjith suggested.
“Even he doesn’t know,” Aryan replied. “Keep trying. We must find it.”
“I’ll keep at it, sir,” Ranjith promised.
“Good. Also, call our lawyer tomorrow evening. We’ll discuss our next steps after meeting Chandrasekar.”
“Sure, sir.”
“And the civil work?” Aryan asked.
“We’ll start tomorrow, sir,” Ranjith confirmed.
“Good. Make sure you check every detail I mentioned,” Aryan said firmly.
“Okay, sir,” Ranjith nodded.
When Sanju returned to their room, she immediately picked up her phone and called Pavi.
“Hello madam,” Pavi answered playfully. “Do you have any plans on visiting the office anytime soon?”
Sanju chuckled. “Pavi, just held up with some work, but I’ll be back in a day or two.”
“So what’s the matter?” Pavi asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
“We proposed, Pavi,” Sanju said softly, a shy smile on her face.
There was a gasp on the other end. “Oh my god, oh my god! Sanju, I’m so happy for you! Tell me—who did it first?”
“Your sir did first,” Sanju admitted with a laugh. “And then I followed him.”
“Finally it happened!” Pavi squealed. “So now what?”
“Nothing else,” Sanju replied.
“I can’t believe your words,” Pavi said suspiciously. “Are you sure nothing happened?”
“Sure, nothing happened,” Sanju confirmed, laughing.
“If that’s the case, why are you both not at the office by now?” Pavi teased.
Sanju sighed. “Maya’s issue is the problem. Her father has got a partnership proposal, so he’s invited us for lunch to his home tomorrow. Not sure what he has planned.”
“Don’t worry,” Pavi reassured her. “Aryan sir will handle everything.”
“I know,” Sanju said with a soft smile. “I just wanted to tell you, so you won’t keep worrying.”
“Why would I worry?” Pavi chuckled. “In fact, I knew you guys would end up together after seeing Aryan sir’s PDA. He loves you so much, Sanju.”
“I know,” Sanju said, her heart full.
Pavi giggled. “Now you say this, but what did you do that day? You made a fuss out of nothing!”
“Fine, I was out of my mind that day,” Sanju admitted sheepishly.
“Anyway, all the best! I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” Sanju said warmly. “Seri, I’ll see you in the office.”
“Okay, bye!” Pavi ended the call cheerfully.
Sanju placed her phone aside and walked back into the room, her gaze falling on Aryan sitting on the couch, lost deep in thought. She moved towards him, sat on his lap, and kissed his forehead gently.
“Are you scared of losing me?” she whispered.
Aryan shook his head. “No.”
“Then what are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking of a way to get out of this without hurting anybody,” he replied, running a tired hand through his hair.
Sanju cupped his face tenderly. “Aryan, promise me you won’t take any stupid decision just for the sake of my life. Remember, I won’t accept it or forgive you if you do anything.”
“I promise,” Aryan said firmly. “You too promise me the same. Whatever happens, we are not going to give up on us. You will follow all my words.”
“Yes boss, it’s a promise,” she smiled, placing her hand over his heart.
Without waiting, Aryan hugged her tightly and kissed her hungrily. Sanju tried to pull away, but he deepened the kiss, groaning against her mouth. When they finally broke apart, both panting for air, Sanju hit him lightly on the chest.
“Idiot! Why don’t you give a break between the kiss? You’re taking away my breath!” she scolded him breathlessly.
“I couldn’t stop,” Aryan said, grinning. “What do I do? You tempt me so much.”
Sanju stood up, trying to calm her racing heart. “I’ll go to the garden. I need to look after the birds; Bala bro isn’t here too.”
“Don’t worry. Our birds are happy and taken care of,” Aryan said.
“I know, just wanted to have a look at them,” she said, already walking away.
“Fine, go ahead,” Aryan called after her.
Sanju made her way to the garden where she found Kowsalya attending to the birds.
“Come, dear,” Kowsalya greeted warmly.
“When would Bala bro return?” Sanju asked, picking up a handful of grains.
“Ranjith said he would be back in a week,” Kowsalya replied.
“Oh, okay. But why did he leave all of a sudden?”
“He has left to meet his mother, Sanju.”
“Okay maa, you carry on. I will take care of feeding the birds,” Sanju said, taking over the task happily.
While Sanju spent her time cheerfully with the birds, Aryan remained in the study, his mind working tirelessly to plan his next move to face Chandrasekar without letting harm come to Sanju or anyone else.
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