Recap: Aryan forces Sanjana but regrets  for doing so.

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Sanjana woke up late that morning, her entire body aching. Slowly, she moved out of bed and dragged herself to the washroom. Standing before the mirror, she stared at her reflection, her breath hitching as she saw the marks on her body. Tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks. She swallowed the pain, stepped into the shower, and let the warm water cascade over her, washing away her sorrow.

After dressing up, she turned towards the table to grab some water. A small cover lay there with a folded paper inside. Curious, she picked it up and opened it. Inside, she found a few painkillers and a handwritten note.

"Sorry."

She clenched her jaw, crumpled the paper, and threw it into the trash. Taking the pill with a sip of water, she walked towards the window. Aryan's car had already left. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. Once she was sure he was gone, she descended the stairs towards the dining hall.

Koushalya, the housekeeper, smiled as she saw her. "Sanjana ma, please sit down. I will get you food."

Sanjana nodded slightly. "Hmm."

"I was about to wake you up, but sir stopped me and said to let you sleep as long as you wanted."

Koushalya's eyes drifted over Sanjana's neck and face, her expression turning to one of concern. "What happened, Sanjana? Why do I see so many marks on your neck?"

Sanjana stiffened. "Nothing, maa."

Koushalya hesitated. "Did sir do something to you?"

"Nothing happened like you think. Just get me something to eat. I'm starving."

Koushalya didn't push further. Instead, she reached out and caressed Sanjana's hair gently before serving her food. Sanjana ate in silence, her mind clouded with thoughts.

Meanwhile, at ARC Towers, Aryan stepped into his office with a tensed expression. His personal assistant and bodyguard, Ranjith, followed closely behind. He entered his cabin on the 45th floor, an area restricted to all but a few select individuals.

"Cancel all my meetings today," Aryan ordered. "I want to be alone."

Ranjith gave a brief nod. "Okay, sir."

Stepping out of the cabin, Ranjith resumed his work. A while later, Manasi, the finance head, arrived on the restricted floor. She walked towards Aryan's cabin and was about to knock when Ranjith stopped her.

"Ms. Manasi, sorry, but boss doesn't want to be disturbed. You can speak to him tomorrow."

Manasi crossed her arms. "Mr. Ranjith, I need to discuss a very important financial deal with boss. So please, let me do my work."

"I'm sorry, Manasi, but I can't let you in. It's boss's strict order."

Manasi scowled. "Let me face whatever comes." She knocked on the door, but there was no response. She knocked again.

"Ranjith!" Aryan's irritated voice came from inside.

Ranjith entered the cabin hesitantly, but before he could speak, Manasi slipped in behind him without permission.

Aryan's gaze hardened. "Ranjith, I told you not to disturb me."

"Sir, it's me who knocked," Manasi said.

Aryan sighed. "Whatever it is, we'll discuss it tomorrow. You can leave."

"But sir, this is urgent. We can't hold it till tomorrow."

His irritation spiked. "What is it?"

"Sir, the deal we signed with Mr. Surendar, he's demanding a huge advance to continue."

Aryan's voice was cold. "Cancel the deal and throw him away."

Manasi frowned. "But sir, we're already halfway through the project. If we pull out now, we'll face a huge loss."

Aryan turned to Ranjith. "Make arrangements to hand over the project to the right dealer. We can handle the loss."

Ranjith nodded. "Okay, sir. I will look into it."

"Problem solved. You can leave, Ms. Manasi."

Manasi hesitated, stealing a glance at Aryan. His face looked troubled, distant. But she knew better than to push further. She left the cabin quietly.

Outside, Ranjith observed Aryan's restless demeanor. "Sir, do you want me to do anything to clear your worries?"

Aryan shook his head. "No, Ranjith. No more disturbances."

Understanding, Ranjith stepped outside and stationed himself at his desk.

Manasi, however, wasn't done yet. She walked into the office kitchen and prepared a cup of coffee. Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror on the counter. She smirked.

"I took my time dressing up for him, and he doesn't even spare me a glance," she muttered. "You can't escape me forever, Aryan. Let's see if this coffee softens your mood."

With newfound determination, she grabbed the coffee cup and headed towards Aryan's cabin. But before she could enter, Ranjith blocked her path.

"Ms. Manasi, I'm sorry. You cannot go in."

Manasi's smile faded. "Ranjith, I know he's not feeling well. This isn't about work. I just brought him some coffee."

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you in."

Manasi clenched her fists. "Why do you always poke your nose in my way?"

Ranjith's voice was firm. "I'm just doing my job, following my boss's orders. Please stay away."

Frustrated, Manasi stormed away, muttering under her breath. "He acts like he's the boss. Idiot. And that idiot has a PA just like him."

The entire day, Aryan was lost in thoughts of Sanjana. He hadn't eaten, hadn't even touched water. When night fell, he finally left the office and drove home.

As soon as he entered, Koushalya greeted him. "Sir, shall I get you dinner?"

"I'll refresh and come," he replied absently.

After freshening up, he returned to the dining table, but his eyes searched the room for Sanjana.

"Did Sanjana have dinner?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. She ate and retired to her room."

"Hmm, okay."

He ate his meal in silence, his mind restless. Finishing up, he made his way to the first floor. The lights in Sanjana's room were off. Slowly, he pushed the door open. She lay on the bed, unmoving.

He stepped closer, his gaze falling on the purple marks that marred her skin. His heart clenched with guilt. He had done this. He had hurt her.

Sanjana was awake; she could feel his presence. But she kept her eyes closed, unwilling to face him.

Gently, Aryan reached out, caressed her hair, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His voice was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry."

He pulled the duvet over her and tucked her in. With one last glance at her peaceful, yet pained face, he turned and left, shutting the door softly behind him.

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