Naren was pacing nervously in the lobby outside Maya’s hospital room. His face was clouded with tension. Just then, Aryan and Ranjith arrived, and Naren’s eyes widened in surprise on seeing them.
“Why are you guys here at this early time?” Naren asked.
Aryan stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he scanned Naren’s expression. “First tell me, why are you tensed?”
“I’m just worrying about getting Maya operated within this week,” Naren replied, running a hand through his hair.
“Don’t worry,” Aryan said reassuringly. “The doctor who will be operating is an expert from the UK and has succeeded in all his cases. You can be rest assured that she will be fine.”
“I believe you,” Naren nodded, “but you haven’t answered my question.”
Aryan took a breath. “Your father called me yesterday.”
“For what?” Naren asked, his brows drawing together.
Aryan told him everything—every word of the conversation and the manipulative demands his father had made. As he listened, Naren’s blood boiled. He felt disgusted that his father could stoop so low.
“Sorry, man. You don’t have to do anything. Let me handle him,” Naren said, his voice firm.
“Illa da,” Aryan shook his head. “I don’t want to risk Sanju’s life, so let it be. I’ll give him what he wants.”
“He should be coming now,” Naren said, glancing at his watch. “Let’s wait.”
“Yes,” Aryan agreed. “He told me to come at this time, so obviously he should be on his way.”
Suddenly, Naren’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen—an unknown number.
“Hello, who is this?” he asked.
“Are you Mr. Naren?” came the voice from the other end. “I’m the Inspector calling from the local police station.”
“What is this about?” Naren asked, a knot forming in his stomach.
“Sir, I’m sorry to say your father’s car met with an accident.”
“What? How is he?” Naren asked, panic rising in his voice.
“It was massive, and the car burnt into flames. Can you please come to City Hospital immediately? I’ll be there too. My team is already present.”
The call ended, and Naren turned to Aryan and Ranjith, panic written all over his face.
“What happened? Is everything okay?” Aryan asked.
“Dad met with an accident. Inspector spoke to me,” Naren replied breathlessly.
“Which hospital have they taken him to?” Aryan asked urgently.
“City Hospital.”
“Come, let’s go,” Aryan said without hesitation.
The three of them rushed out, and Ranjith drove the car. Aryan offered comforting words to Naren throughout the journey, trying to calm his storming mind. After about thirty minutes, they reached the hospital, only to find the entire premises in chaos. Media vans surrounded the building, and reporters swarmed around. Ranjith maneuvered the car inside and parked it.
They met the Inspector near the entrance.
“Inspector, how is Mr. Chandrasekar?” Aryan asked.
“I’m sorry, sir,” the Inspector said solemnly.
“What do you mean by sorry?” Naren asked, stepping forward. “Where is he?”
“Please console yourself,” the Inspector replied. “The car burnt immediately upon the collision. There were two persons inside, and they both burnt with the car. Their bodies were completely charred and they died on the spot.”
Naren broke down on hearing the news. Aryan stepped in and held him by the shoulders.
“Is the formalities over?” Ranjith asked quietly.
“Yes,” the Inspector said. “Since the bodies are overburnt, you cannot take them home. You’ll need to perform the last rites immediately.”
“Okay, we’ll take care of the rest,” Ranjith nodded.
“Please wear masks before you go to look at the body,” the Inspector instructed.
Aryan, Naren, and Ranjith entered the mortuary wearing masks. The sight inside made their stomachs churn—two charred, unrecognizable bodies lay still. They couldn’t bear to look for long and came out quickly.
Aryan kept his arm around Naren as Ranjith went to handle the paperwork. A few minutes later, Ranjith returned, holding some documents.
“Naren, here are the death certificates. Rajesh was the other person,” he informed.
“Get a press release ready to announce it to the public,” Aryan said.
“I’ll do it, sir,” Ranjith responded.
Aryan then turned to the Inspector, who gave him a small nod and a faint smile before walking away.
Later that day, they finished the final rites. Aryan didn’t want Naren to be alone, so he brought him to his mansion.
“Ranjith, take Naren to the guest room and let him get a bath and some rest,” Aryan instructed.
Ranjith did as told. Aryan too returned to his room to freshen up. After changing, he took his phone and called the doctor taking care of his parents.
“Hello, doctor. How are my parents?” Aryan asked.
“Sir, I have arranged some drugs that can act and reverse the effects of the drug from their body. Even the antidrug is banned across the world, so we can only get it illegally. I’ve arranged it, and maybe we’ll receive it in another three days. Hopefully, they should recover once we administer the antidrug.”
“Any way to get it earlier?” Aryan asked.
“No sir, but don’t worry. I will take care of them and they’ll be perfectly alright. I assure you.”
“Thank you so much. I believe a lot in you,” Aryan said sincerely.
“Thank you, sir.”
Aryan ended the call and came downstairs, where he saw Ranjith and Naren sitting in the living room. He called Kousalya and asked her to arrange food for them. They managed to convince Naren to eat a little. Later, the three settled again in the living room.
Aryan gave a subtle signal to Ranjith. Understanding it immediately, Ranjith nodded and walked out. After some time, he returned silently.
Ranjith entered the living room with urgency in his steps. Aryan looked up, sensing something important.
“Sir, we got to know the place where Sanjana is,” Ranjith announced.
Aryan stood up instantly. “Is it? Where?”
“She is held hostage in Bangalore.”
Naren immediately turned to Aryan, his voice full of urgency. “Aryan, start immediately and rescue Sanju. Anyhow there is no one to give orders to those hooligans now, so there should be no problem. Leave immediately.”
“Fine,” Aryan nodded. “You have some rest, and I’ll be back soon with Sanju.”
“Sir, shall I come with you?” Ranjith asked.
“No. Stay with Naren. I’ll take guards with me,” Aryan said firmly.
Without wasting another second, Aryan walked out and got into the car. One of the guards took the driver’s seat as they sped toward the airport.
In Aryan’s mind, thoughts swirled, guilt heavy in his chest.
I’m sorry, Naren. It hurts me that I’m hiding many things from you, but I don’t have any other options left. Please, I’m sorry, man.
He soon reached the airport where his private jet was ready. Meanwhile, in a quiet village home, Sanju sat in the living room with Banu. She was leaning on Banu’s shoulder, eyes distant with longing.
Suddenly, the sound of a car stopping echoed from the entrance. Both women turned their heads. Sanju’s eyes widened, and then she squealed.
“Aryan!” she cried out, running toward the door.
“Be careful, don’t run,” Aryan warned gently as she rushed into his arms.
He held her tightly before they walked inside together.
“How are you, wifey?” he asked with a smile.
“Am I dreaming, Aryan?” Sanju whispered, eyes still wide in disbelief.
“No, sweetheart. I’m here for you.”
“Hello Aryan,” Banu greeted.
“Hi Banu, how do you do? Where is Deepa aunty?”
“I’m doing good,” Banu replied.
“I’m here, sir,” Deepa called out from another room, stepping forward with a knowing smile. “Sanju, didn’t I say? Look, sir has come for you.”
Sanju moved toward Deepa and hugged her tightly, burying her face in the older woman’s shoulder.
“Okay,” Aryan said, glancing at Sanju. “Shall we go home?”
“Really?” she asked, eyes lighting up.
“Yes. Banu, Deepa aunty, get ready. We will leave now.”
“Why me, sir?” Deepa laughed softly. “I will come for Sanju’s delivery. Now you all should leave. I’m used to this village life.”
“But be sure you visit us,” Aryan smiled. “I’ll inform Bala.”
Deepa hummed in response while Banu went to her room to get ready. Aryan and Sanju walked to her room, and as soon as they entered, she threw her arms around him, kissing his face all over.
He chuckled. “Stop,” he said, cupping her face before pressing his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss. He didn’t let go until she panted for air.
“Let’s go now and rest at our home,” Aryan whispered.
He packed her things while she changed into fresh clothes. When they stepped out, Banu was already waiting for them. Sanju hugged Deepa one last time.
“Deepa ma, thank you so much. You have taken care of Sanju like your daughter,” Aryan said sincerely.
“She is my daughter,” Deepa replied. “So I will not have any problem taking care of her.”
“Deepa mom,” Sanju said emotionally, “please, you should visit our mansion.”
“You need not invite me, Sanju. I will visit for sure.”
“Love you, Deepa ma.”
“I love you too, dear.”
“Shall we leave now?” Aryan asked gently.
Banu thanked Deepa for all the love and care. The three women shared a warm group hug before Aryan sat in the front passenger seat and Banu and Sanju settled in the back. They waved goodbye to Deepa and drove off.
Soon they reached the airport and boarded Aryan’s private jet. As they settled into the flight, Aryan turned to Sanju.
“Sanju, actually I’ve rescued you from the kidnappers in Bangalore. You should say the same to everyone.”
“Sure, Aryan,” she nodded.
“Naren is staying at our mansion,” he added.
“Ohh… How is he? And how is Maya now?” she asked with concern.
“Chandrasekar is dead in an accident today,” Aryan said quietly.
“What? Are you serious?” Sanju gasped.
“Hmm, yes,” Aryan confirmed. “Naren was feeling down, so I forced him to stay with us. There’s an operation planned for Maya this week, and she will be fine soon.”
“Poor Naren bro. He had to face all the struggles and pain at the same time,” Sanju said sadly. “How do we handle Maya after the operation?”
“There won’t be any problem,” Aryan assured.
“Did you find the man behind her pregnancy?”
“Hmm, yes. Her ex-lover from college. He still loves her.”
“Ohh… Maya should accept him,” Sanju whispered, a soft hope in her voice.
“Don’t worry, everything will be alright,” Aryan said. Then he turned to Banu. “Banu, I don’t have words to thank you. You left all your work and came to help me. Thank you so much.”
“Aryan, please stop thanking me,” Banu replied with a small smile. “I’m happy that I was able to help you in your worst time.”
“Thank you so much, Banu,” Sanju added warmly.
Soon they landed in Chennai. Sanju hugged Banu tightly before they bid her goodbye. Aryan had already arranged a car to drop Banu safely. He and Sanju got into their car and headed toward home.
Sanju leaned on Aryan’s shoulder, her fingers intertwining with his.
She had returned to where her heart belonged—her home, her Aryan. A peaceful calm washed over her.
Aryan wrapped his arm around her and kissed her hairline gently, holding her close as if afraid to let go of his world again.
