Pradeep stood from his seat, walked over to Maya, and bent slightly to meet her gaze, his expression unreadable.
“What?” Maya asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Can I have you?” he asked, his tone low and provocative.
“Idiot. Mind your words,” Maya snapped, stepping back in irritation.
“Cool, Maya. Let me complete,” Pradeep said calmly. “Can I have your 40% share transferred to my name?”
“Deal,” she replied without hesitation.
“I’ll only pass on the information you need,” he said. “But the execution, you’ll have to handle it yourself.”
“Accepted.”
“So, when will I get the papers?” Pradeep asked.
“After you give me the first piece of information that’s actually worth something.”
“Fine. Here it is, Aryan and Sanju are going on their honeymoon.”
Maya’s eyes narrowed. “When and where?”
“Just one piece of information already given,” Pradeep said with a smirk. “Next one comes after I get the papers.”
“You’ll get it delivered in the next two hours. Now answer me.”
“In two days. To Bali,” he said. “Their stay details are kept secret. Only Ranjith knows the specifics.”
“Good. Thanks,” Maya said shortly and turned on her heel, leaving the room without another word.
After Maya Left, Pradeep pulled out his phone and called Aryan.
“Aryan, you heard?”
“Yes. Perfect,” Aryan replied on the other end. “Just continue the same way.”
“Okay. I’ll give the papers to Ranjith tomorrow.”
“Hmm. Alright. Keep me updated if anything else comes up.”
“Okay, Aryan,” Pradeep said, ending the call.
Later That Day – At Maya’s Home, Maya stormed into her father’s study.
“Dad, get arrangements for me to fly to Bali tomorrow.”
“Why?” Chandrasekar asked, confused.
“Aryan and Sanju are going on their honeymoon. I need to be there before them.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Arrange someone and make sure he keeps updating me on their whereabouts.”
“Hmm, okay… But why did you transfer your shares to Pradeep?”
“That was his payment for working for me,” Maya said nonchalantly.
“You should have asked me before doing it, Maya. We could’ve found someone else to do that work instead of Pradeep.”
“I want someone who can stay close to Aryan and Sanjana. Pradeep fits the bill.”
“Maya… think before you act.”
“Bye, Dad,” she said and walked out, ending the conversation. Later at night, Maya’s phone rang. It was Pradeep.
“Maya, thanks. I got the papers.” Pradeep said.
“Good. Any other information?”
“Not as of now. What are you planning to do?”
“How does that matter to you?”
“Maya, you’re really dumb sometimes,” he said bluntly. “How will I know what to inform you unless I know your plan? I might skip something important thinking it’s irrelevant. So it’s better if you keep me updated.”
“Okay. I’m leaving for Bali tomorrow. I’ll get there before Aryan and Sanjana. I’ve arranged some men to track their movements.”
“Hmm. Good night. I’ll call you if I get any more info. Take care. Keep me updated on your stay in Bali.”
“Hmm,” she replied, cutting the call.
The next day Maya landed in Bali and checked into a luxury resort. As instructed, her father had arranged local men to track Aryan’s movements and keep her updated.
Meanwhile Aryan was in his office, closing out the final set of files before the trip when Pradeep called.
“Aryan, Maya has reached Bali. She’s got men on the ground tracking you.”
“Let her do what she wants, Pradeep,” Aryan said calmly. “We’ll go ahead with our plan.”
“Alright. You and Sanju won’t be carrying your mobiles, right?”
“No. Drop me messages, or I’ll call you through the internet when I can.”
“Fine, “Why don’t we just face her, Aryan? What could she even do?”
“It’s not about facing her or fighting her,” Aryan replied with a sigh. “I just don’t want Sanjana to deal with any of Maya’s dirty drama. Confronting Maya would only escalate things, and I won’t let Sanju suffer because of it.”
“Hmm… you’re right. Anyway, happy holidays. Don’t worry about Maya—Ranjith and I will take care of her.” Pradeep assured Aryan with his words.
“I know you both will do that better than anyone.” Aryan replied.
Aryan returned home after finishing work. After dinner, they entered their room. Sanju had just zipped up her suitcase.
“Wifey,” Aryan said with a smile, walking in. “So… finished packing?”
“Hmm, yeah,” she replied, smiling back.
“We’ll leave after breakfast,” he said softly.
Aryan walked to her, wrapping his arms around her and planting a warm kiss on her cheek.
Aryan smiled, brushing his fingers against Sanju’s cheek as they lay on the bed.
“Can’t wait for tomorrow,” he said softly.
Sanju chuckled and stretched her arms. “Me too. Now let’s go to sleep.”
“Yes, sleep well. I won’t disturb you tonight. Everything’s reserved for tomorrow,” he said with a teasing wink.
The next morning, Aryan and Sanju stepped out of their room dressed in matching blue jeans and black tees. Bala was already waiting, having brought their luggage down to the car. After a warm breakfast with Kowsalya and Bala, they bid their goodbyes and left for the airport with Ranjith seated in the front.
Upon reaching the airport, Aryan and Sanju turned to Ranjith.
“Have a happy holiday, both of you,” Ranjith said with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Ranjith,” Aryan replied.
“Thanks, bro,” Sanju added.
“Sir, be assured—I will handle everything here. Have a nice time,” Ranjith assured them before stepping back.
As their private jet took off, Ranjith quietly walked away.
Inside the aircraft, Aryan and Sanju settled into their seats. Aryan glanced at her.
“So how do you feel?”
Sanju gave a small smile. “Flying for the first time… a little nervous.”
He reached for her hand and kissed it gently. “I’m here, Sanju. We’re safe. Relax.”
After an 8-hour flight, the jet landed.
“Have we reached Maldives?” Sanju asked, looking outside.
“No baby, we’re in Bali now,” Aryan replied with a small grin.
“Aren’t we leaving for Maldives?”
“We are. For security reasons, we’re taking a different route to get there.”
Almost immediately after disembarking, they boarded another private jet already waiting on the runway. At the same time in Bali, a man and woman—matching Aryan and Sanju’s height and build—walked out of the airport wearing masks and got into the car that was originally meant to pick up Aryan and Sanju. Unaware, a few men began following the decoy couple.
The car reached a luxurious resort, and the disguised duo entered it. The men trailing them called Maya and reported the name and location of the resort.
Meanwhile, Aryan and Sanju completed their second leg of the journey. After another six hours, they landed in the Maldives. A trusted contact arranged by Ranjith was waiting and drove them to a secluded, private luxury resort far away from the public eye.
The resort was breathtaking—royal in design with three bedrooms, a private kitchen, a sprawling garden, and their own beach. One of the bedrooms even had a private pool.
After a quick tour and a light dinner, both Aryan and Sanju collapsed into bed, exhausted from the long journey.
Back in Bali, Maya had been gathering details about the supposed resort Aryan and Sanju had checked into. But upon deeper inquiry, she learned the entire place was heavily secured. Suspicion began to grow.
The next morning, Aryan stirred awake to the golden rays of the sun touching his face. He turned to see Sanju, her eyes scrunched slightly from the sunlight.
Smiling, he quietly got up and pulled the curtains to block the light, letting her sleep longer. After a shower, he stepped out to find her sitting up against the headboard.
“Good morning,” he said. “I thought you’d sleep more.”
“I woke up when you got up,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “I don’t get sleep without your warmth.”
He smiled, stepping closer. “Then don’t worry. You’ll get all the sleep you want hereafter.”
“Hmm… good boy,” she teased.
He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Get ready. Let’s plan our day.”
Soon, Sanju stepped out in a floral skirt and crop top, while Aryan opted for a comfy tee and shorts. After breakfast, they headed out to the Male Atoll—one of the earliest developed tourist hubs in the Maldives. The place was known for its rich underwater beauty and vibrant marine life, from reef fish to sharks and manta rays.
“Now let’s dive,” Aryan said with excitement.
Sanju’s eyes widened. “What? No! Definitely not!”
“We’re going. Come on, get changed now.”
“Aryan, I’m scared. We’re not going. Let’s return to the resort.”
He gently took her hands. “Sanju, do you believe me?”
“Believe only you.”
“Then trust me. You’ll enjoy it. Get changed. I’ll take you.”
Still hesitant, she got into her diving gear. Holding tightly to Aryan’s hand, she trembled with nervousness. Aryan stayed close, assuring her.
As they dove, Sanju felt her heart leap to her throat. But slowly, awe began to replace fear.
Beneath the surface, vibrant coral reefs stretched endlessly, teeming with dazzling fish and graceful sea creatures. The plankton waved gently with the current, adding a magical touch to the scene. Her eyes widened in wonder.
Aryan kept a close eye on her, relieved to see her mesmerized by the beauty.
They eventually resurfaced and returned to the yacht, where they changed into dry clothes.
“Did you enjoy?” Aryan asked.
Sanju flung her arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek.
“Aryan, I loved it! I was scared to death at first, but that view… it was heavenly. Thank you so much.”
He hugged her tightly, brushing her forehead with a kiss. “I knew you’d love it.”
They returned to the resort by evening, had a quick refresh, and settled down for a late lunch.
“So, what do you want to do next?” Aryan asked.
“Enough for today,” she said, giggling. “Let’s plan tomorrow.”
“Let’s go for a walk, then return for dinner.”
Dressed casually in shorts and tees, they stepped onto the beach. Aryan wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked together. The sun began its descent, painting the sky with strokes of orange, pink, and gold.
They sat on the shore, Sanju leaning back against Aryan’s chest while he hugged her from behind.
“It’s very pleasant and calm to be here with you,” she whispered. “I love this.”
He took her hand and began kissing her fingers gently.
“Sunset looks so beautiful,” she said softly.
“Not more than you, sweetheart.”
“Cheesy,” she murmured, but her smile betrayed how much she liked it.
“I mean it. Now tell me… will you wear what I got for you from the UK?”
“Aryan, I didn’t pack it.”
“I put it in the luggage,” he said, brushing his lips against her ear.
“I feel so shy…” she whispered.
“It’s me, baby. Won’t you wear it for me?” His voice had dropped into a gentle baritone.
“Are you sure… you want me to wear it?”
“No. Not if you’re uncomfortable.”
“Are you upset?”
“No,” he replied. “I’ll never force you to do anything.”
Sanju rested her head on his shoulder, and Aryan wrapped his arms around her tighter, both lost in the rhythm of waves and the growing intimacy of the moment.
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