Sanjana had fallen asleep early, exhaustion taking over her. Aryan entered her room quietly, his gaze softening as he saw her sleeping soundly. Moving closer, he gently pulled the duvet over her, making sure she was warm. Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead before silently leaving the room.
The next morning, Sanjana woke up feeling slightly refreshed. She stepped into the garden, intending to feed the birds as she usually did. However, she halted in her tracks when she spotted Aryan already there, scattering grains for them.
” What is he up to now? ” she thought with a frown.
“Good morning, darling,” Aryan greeted with a wink.
Ignoring him, she turned around and went inside to get ready for the office. She draped a light pink saree around herself, letting her hair fall freely over her shoulders. As she descended the stairs for breakfast, she felt his gaze on her. It was intense, unwavering. Without acknowledging him, she grabbed her bag and left for work, skipping breakfast entirely.
At the office, she was met by Daniel, who was leaning against her cabin door with a grin.
“Wow, Sanju! You are killing it with your beauty today,” he said dramatically.
“Daniel, call me Sanjana,” she corrected, her patience thinning.
“Alright, alright, Sanjana! What’s the special occasion?” he asked following her but Sanjana said “Nothing,” giving him a curt reply.
“My god! I don’t think I’ll be able to focus on work today.” Daniel look at her dreamily while Sanju rolled her eyes. “Bye, Daniel. I have important work to do.”
” I think he has never seen a woman before. Idiot, ruined my morning mood.” she thought and made her way to room determined to immerse herself in work. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. When she opened the door, a woman stood there with a tray.
“Who are you?” Sanjana asked, puzzled.
“I m the maid and I work in the kitchen here, madam. Sir has ordered me to serve you breakfast.” the woman raising the tray in her hand a little.
Sanjana’s brows knitted together. “Thank you, but I’m not hungry. Please take it back.”
The maid hesitated but eventually left. Not long after, Aryan stormed into her cabin and grabbed her wrist.
“Aryan, leave me!” she protested, trying to free herself.
“Shut up and follow me,” he ordered.
“Are you insane? I said leave me! Why don’t you understand?” Sanju tried to get out of his hold but Aryan glared at her. “If you don’t shut up, I have only one way to silence you.” He dragged her to his private dining space and made her sit.
Placing the plate before her he commanded her ,”Eat,”
“I’m not hungry,” she snapped.
“You’re not leaving until you finish your food.” Aryan stood with his hands folded.
“Aryan, why don’t you leave me in peace?” she asked, frustration evident in her voice.
” Sanjanaa, eat, and you’ll have peace.” Aryan said his voice calm and determined.
Sanjana’s patience was already frayed after dealing with Daniel earlier. Emotions overwhelmed her, and she pushed the plate away, making the cutlery clatter against the table. The maid quickly retreated from the room, sensing the tension.
Aryan’s jaw tightened. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. Her front pressed against his broad chest, and he held her hands behind her back, restricting her movements.
“Don’t test my patience. Sit down and eat,” he warned.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she swallowed her pride and sat down. Aryan took a seat beside her, watching as she reluctantly took a bite.
“Good girl,” he murmured, running his fingers through her hair. “The doctor said you’re too weak. You shouldn’t be skipping meals Sanjana. At least eat for the sake of your health. I don’t want you to be sick, why don’t you understand that ? “
She finished her food quickly. “I’m done. Can I leave now?”
Aryan sighed. “Hmm. You can go. And… I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
He pressed a soft kiss on her hairline before walking away.
Sanjana returned to her cabin but found it hard to focus. A while later, Aryan called her to his office. She entered his room but stood with uttering a word.
“Sanjana,” he called out and Sanja just hummed in response still not looking at him.
” Look at me, sweet heart “, Aryan almost pleaded her and Sanja sighed but said “It’s okay. Just tell me why you called me.” still without looking at him.
” Will you please sit down. ? ” Aryan said still waiting for her to be in a better mood but Sanju was still annoyed from the moment Daniel confronted her.
“Just tell me what work you have. I have other tasks to finish.” she said holding the ipad in her hand.
“I called you for work. Sit.” Aryan spoke and Sighing, she sat opposite him.
“I need some details. Take note of this and ask the concerned departments to submit the reports by afternoon. We have a meeting tomorrow at 11.”
“Marketing – Data analysis on the new product launch. Finance – Budget estimation. HR – Resource requirements and recruitment plans.” Aryan said Sanju asked him , “Okay. Anything else?”
” yes..sorry baby ” Aryan said in a low voice and Sanju made a note of it too and realizing she looked at him with an annoyed expression. “What?” she asked frustration evident in her voice.
“I said, I’m sorry.” Aryan said and She blinked. “Do you even know what ‘sorry’ means?”
Not waiting for his response, she walked out.
” She looks beautiful in that saree… but why is she so upset? ” Aryan thought feeling bad to see her in such a state.
Sanjana decided to call the respective teams to request the reports and first she called up Manasi, “Manasi, I need the budget report for the new product launch.” Sanju said and instantly Manasi said, “I’m working on it. I’ll send it tomorrow.”
“No, I need it before noon today. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow.” Sanju spoke in a strict voice which irked Manasi.
“Why did you schedule the meeting without consulting us?” Manasi almost screamed and Sanju grit her teeth holding back from lashing out on her. She closed her eyes for a fleeting moment and opened again before she spoke. “You can ask that question to Boss tomorrow.”
“Fine. I’ll send it.” Manasi barked before she cut the call.
Sanju then felt irritated to call Daniel but she had to work so called him and he answered her instantly. “Hi, Sanju! What a pleasant surprise. How can I help you, fairy?”
“Daniel, address me properly.” Sanju said in a warning tone and Daniel chuckled, “Oh, sorry. Tell me, Sanjana.”
“I need the market data analysis report before noon. You also have a meeting with Boss at 11 tomorrow.” Sanju and cut the call before he could speak further.
By noon, Pavithra knocked on her door and Sanju opened it for her since Pavithra didn’t have access to the room.
“What’s up, Sanju? Manasi looked like she was about to explode.” Pavithra asked Sanju who sighed. “I just asked for a report. Maybe that’s why.”
“Oh, okay. Join me for lunch?” Pavithra said and Sanju bobed her head in acceptance.
Just then, Daniel knocked her door and Sanju opened it for him with hesitance.
“Are the reports ready?” she asked to wind any conversation with him but Daniel smiled at her instead.
“You look fierce when you’re working, you know? Relax a little, Sanjana.” he said trying to make room for conversation but Sanju made the point direct. “Just give me the reports, Daniel.”
“Here you go. Now come, let’s have lunch.” Daniel called her but she denied politely. “You go ahead. I’ll eat later.”
“Oh, come on. Relax for a bit.” Daniel tried to push her further and before she could respond, Ranjith entered.
“Daniel! Thank god I found you.” he said patting his back.
“What’s up, Ranjith?” Daniel asked puzzled as Ranjith was never a friendly person to him.
“I need someone to go to lunch with me. Come on.” Ranjith said and before Daniel could deny he dragged him out. Sanjana chuckled at his antics. Later, she went to Aryan’s cabin to submit the reports.
“Did you have lunch?” Aryan asked her and she said, “I’m about to.”
“Hmm. Do you want to join me to have lunch ? ” Aryan asked trying his luck though he knew the outcome. and just like he expected she said, ” Not at all.”
She called Pavi and went to the cafeteria to have lunch. That evening, as she was about to leave, Daniel approached her.
“Hey, Sanjana! Are you free? Let’s grab a coffee.” he asked her out but Sanju knowing his advances towards her tried to polite and shook her head. “Sorry, Daniel. I have work.” she said rejecting his offer.
“Just for a little while?” Daniel tried his luck for a second time but Sanju denied him. “I’m getting late. Maybe some other day.” She got into her car and left.
Daniel leaned back against his bike, watching Sanjana’s car leave, a smug grin playing on his lips.
“She’s showing too much attitude,” he muttered. “But soon enough, I’ll have her right where I want her.”
Vinay, who had been standing nearby, let out a sigh. “I don’t think so, Daniel. You better stay away from her. She screams trouble, and trust me, you don’t want to end up regretting this.”
Daniel chuckled, unfazed. “Relax, buddy. She’s new here, probably just not used to being around a man like me. She’ll get comfortable soon enough. And when she does, I’ll make sure she’s well-trained.”
Vinay’s expression darkened. “You never listen, do you? Do whatever you want, but don’t drag me into your mess.”
Daniel’s gaze followed Sanjana as she disappeared into the distance. He let out a low whistle. “Damn, she looks incredible in a saree. I swear, I’ve never seen a girl that beautiful before.”
Vinay rolled his eyes. “Dany, you know I have zero interest in these kinds of talks. So, spare me the nonsense.”
Daniel smirked. “Man, what’s the point of living if you don’t know how to enjoy life?”
Vinay crossed his arms. “And what if she has a brother or a boyfriend who’ll beat you black and blue?”
Daniel scoffed. “That won’t happen. Just wait and watch—I’ll have her riding on my bike one day.”
Vinay shook his head, already knowing there was no point in arguing. He won’t change. It’s better if I just walk away. Without another word, he turned and left, leaving Daniel to his delusions.
2 comments
[…] Chapter 8 […]
[…] Previous Chapter Next Chapter […]