Recap: Sanju feels the unconditional love between them.

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Sanju reached home and headed straight to the washroom for a bath. A while later, Aryan walked in, his tie loosened, and sank into the couch. He was checking his emails on his mobile when Sanju stepped out of the washroom in her bathrobe.

Her wet hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the robe that ended just above her knees made Aryan's gaze linger longer than he wanted.

 "God! I don't think she'll let me be the good guy, even if I want to. Control yourself, Aryan. Just don't look at her. Focus on your mobile. " Aryan thought in his mind and tried to distract himself.

Sanju walked past him towards the closet, her strawberry scent wrapping around him, stealing his last ounce of control. Without thinking, Aryan caught her by the wrist, making her stop in her tracks.

"Madam, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice low.

"Of course, to change my dress," she replied casually.

"That's okay, but what if I do something if you keep coming in front of me like this?"

"I thought you'd be late."

"Is that so? But I don't think that's the reason."

"I am not responsible for everything that crosses your mind."

"Fine," he said, stepping closer, his eyes locked with hers. "But why don't you say that while looking at me?"

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "What's bothering you if I say it like this?"

Aryan pulled her gently, making her land on his lap. The water dripping from her hair fell on his cheek, and the sight of her damp neck made his gaze darken.

"A... Ar... Ar..." Sanju stammered.

"Cat caught your tongue, is it?" he teased.

She hummed softly, looking away.

"You look beautiful," Aryan whispered.

She looked down, shy, unable to handle his intense gaze. The closeness sent shivers through both of them. He hugged her, planting a kiss on her wet cheek. Her eyes closed tightly at the tender touch. He traced her lips with his thumb and tilted her face towards him. He pecked the corner of her lips.

"Sanju..." he said softly.

"Hmm?" she replied, her voice barely audible.

"You're making me mad. I'm helpless to keep my thoughts—and body—in control."

He kissed her lips softly, and she responded, their lips dancing in a passionate rhythm. When they finally pulled apart, they stared into each other's eyes. Her face was flushed. He began to kiss her neck, sucking on her skin and leaving love marks. She was lost in him, her fingers tracing his jawline, setting every inch of his skin ablaze with desire. She kissed his eyes, his cheeks, each second pulling them deeper into their shared fire.

He carried her to the bed, got on top of her, and started kissing her with renewed urgency. His lips found her neck and shoulders, leaving love bites. Her fingers tangled in his hair, clutching tightly. He rolled, bringing her on top of him, and she kissed him back with equal passion.

After nearly an hour, Aryan paused, breathing heavily. He kissed her forehead gently.

"I think I should stop now, or else I won't be able to stop at all. I need a cold shower. You get ready," he said, and walked into the washroom, leaving Sanju a blushing mess. She stared at herself in the mirror, her heart still racing. Meanwhile, Aryan stood under the cold water, trying to calm his raging hormones.

Later, Sanju got dressed and went downstairs to wait for Aryan. He joined her, finding her watching TV.

"Sanju, shall we leave for dinner?" he asked.

"Hmm... okay," she replied.

They sat for dinner, eating slowly.

"Kousalya Ma, the dosa and chutney taste so good," Sanju said, relishing the meal.

"Sanju," Aryan said, "there will be a success party for our new cosmetic product."

"When is that?"

"In the next ten days. I've asked Ranjith to take care of the arrangements."

"Okay."

"Important elites will be at the party. I'll introduce you to them."

"Do you think your PA doesn't need an introduction?" she asked playfully.

"Not my PA," he smirked, "but you need it. Am I right?"

"Let's see," she replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Sanju, I've made your favorite gulab jamoon," Kousalya Ma said from the kitchen.

"Wow, thank you, Ma! Please give it to me in a bowl. I'll have it later."

"I'll place it in your room, dear."

"Okay, Ma."

"Sir, do you want some sweet?" she asked Aryan.

"No, please send it to our room," he replied.

Kousalya brought two bowls of gulab jamoon and kept them in their room.

After watching the news, Aryan and Sanju returned to their room and noticed the bowls. Sanju's eyes lit up as she grabbed one and started eating.

"Mmm," she moaned softly, closing her eyes, "it tastes so good!"

Aryan chuckled. "What?"

"It's just... amazing!"

She handed him the other bowl. "Here, have some."

"No, I don't need it. You enjoy them," he said, sitting next to her, watching her eat cutely.

As she took another bite, he suddenly pulled her in and kissed her, sucking her lips before deepening the kiss. His tongue explored every corner of her mouth, tasting the sweetness. When he finally pulled back, he winked at her.

"Wow. Never have I tasted such a tasty jamoon in my life. So sweet."

"Aryan!" she gasped. "You've become a bad boy."

She hit him lightly on the shoulder, but he caught her hands and looked at her intensely.

"Am I a bad boy? I'm sure you've never seen a man as good as me. I've let you be untouched all these months."

Sanju's eyes widened at his words.

"Okay, enough! I agree you're somewhat good. Maybe a little," she muttered.

"Just a little?"

"Fine, you're good. Happy?"

"Since you agree I'm good, why don't you reward me with something?"

"You always do this. What now? I'm tired. Let me sleep."

Without warning, he lifted her and laid her down on the bed, pulling her into his arms.

"Good night, sweetheart. Sleep now."

Sanju smiled at his antics and snuggled closer, falling asleep in his warm embrace.

Late at night, Manasi sat alone in her dimly lit room and picked up her secret mobile phone, the one she used only for a single, mysterious contact. She dialed the number with slightly trembling fingers.

"Hello, madam," she said, her voice low and cautious.

"Tell me. What's the news?" came the cold voice from the other end.

"Sanjana and Aryan... they're together," Manasi replied.

"What do you mean, together?" the voice demanded.

"I saw her today, sitting on Aryan's lap. They were very intimate in the conference room."

There was a loud crash from the other end of the line. The sound of something shattering echoed through the call. Manasi flinched.

"Hello? Madam?" she asked, her voice now edged with fear.

"Never mind," the woman said, recovering her composure. "I will handle her. Keep updating me."

"Okay, madam," Manasi said quickly and ended the call.

A slow, cruel smile spread across her face as she whispered, "Aryan, you will suffer for what you did."

The next morning, Aryan picked Sanju up in his car.

"Where are we going, Aryan? Aren't we heading to the office? What if someone sees us arriving together?" Sanju asked, her tone laced with concern.

"You always ask too many questions," Aryan replied with a smirk. "Just wait. You'll find out soon."

Sanju pursed her lips and sat in silence, annoyed. Aryan glanced at her but she remained quiet, staring out of the window.

Unable to resist any longer, he reached over and gently took her hand, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.

Her eyes widened, flicking toward Ranjith who was in the front passenger seat. Aryan, unfazed, gestured for Ranjith to raise the privacy partition. Within seconds, they were alone in the backseat.

"What are you doing?" she whispered. "What will he think?"

"He knows we need privacy," Aryan replied nonchalantly. "This is nothing new."

"You've become impossible lately," she muttered, crossing her arms.

Smiling, he pulled her onto his lap and gave a playful bite on her cheek.

"Ouch! Why did you bite me?" she exclaimed.

"That's today's gift for you," he said, looking pleased.

"If you left a mark, I swear I'll kill you."

"I already checked. No marks. You're safe," he teased.

The car slowed and came to a stop. Aryan stepped out and helped Sanju down, placing his hand gently around her waist as they walked.

They arrived at a sleek fashion studio—Ramya's Designs.

"Why are we here?" Sanju asked, looking around, confused.

"Come on. I'll show you," Aryan said with a knowing smile.

Inside, they were greeted by a stylish woman.

"Hello, Mr. Aryan," she said warmly. "Nice to see you! You could've just called. I would've come over."

"It's alright, Ramya," Aryan replied. "This is Sanjana. My girl."

Sanju blinked, surprised. It was the first time he'd introduced her that way.

"Oh my god," Ramya smiled brightly. "Congratulations, Sanjana. I'm so happy for you both."

"We haven't announced it officially," Aryan added. "I hope you understand."

"You can trust me," Ramya assured.

"I have a special request," he said.

"Of course. What is it?"

"I want you to design a costume for her. Something unique. A single piece that no one else can ever wear, only Sanjana."

His eyes softened as he looked at Sanju, full of warmth and silent admiration. Sanju felt her cheeks flush.

"With pleasure," Ramya said. "I'll take her measurements and send you sketches. You can finalize from those."

"Thank you," Aryan nodded.

Ramya took Sanju's measurements and showed them imported fabrics. Aryan picked a few he liked and finalized a theme.

"Also, coordinate the jewelry. I want everything to complement the look."

"Absolutely, Mr. Aryan. She'll look stunning. I promise."

"Thank you, Ramya," Sanju said shyly. "See you soon."

As they walked out of the studio, Sanju turned to him.

"Why now? Why do you want a special costume made for me?"

"I want you to stand out from everyone else at the party," he said. "I want you to be the most special person in the room."

"Don't you think people will start whispering?" she asked.

"Let them whisper. I don't care."

He glanced at the time. "It's lunchtime. May I have the honor of treating my girl to lunch?"

"Aryan, you're too sweet sometimes," she said, smiling.

"Every time you say sweet, I think of jamoon. Makes me crave one," he said with a cheeky grin.

"Oh my god. Shut up. We're in public!"

"Fine. How about we have it once we reach home?" he teased.

"You keep talking like this and you'll get nothing," she warned.

"Nothing doing," Aryan replied dramatically. "If you deny me sweets, I'll demand a full-course meal."

"Aryan, my cheeks are hurting. I've been blushing all day."

"You look even more beautiful when you blush," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Come, let's go."

They got back into the car, and Aryan leaned forward to instruct Ranjith.

"Make arrangements for a private lunch," he said.

And with that, the car pulled away, carrying two hearts slowly but surely falling deeper into a love that neither had spoken aloud—but both were living fully.

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A/N:

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