Recap: Aryan takes Sanjana to Anusha's Fashion house 

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Aryan and Sanju had just gotten into the car, heading out for lunch. Aryan turned to Ranjith, who was sitting in the front seat, and instructed him, "Ranjith, please make arrangements for a private lunch for us. We need some peace and quiet today."

As they reached the ARC Hotels, the staff was ready and waiting, eager to greet their president, who hadn't visited in a long time. Aryan, always used to this grand reception, gave a nod of acknowledgment as they walked through the grand entrance.

They took the private lift up to his exclusive dining room.

Once inside, Aryan turned to Sanju and asked with a smile, "How is our hotel?"

Sanju looked around in awe, her eyes shining as she responded, "Luxurious. Very nice."

Aryan nodded, clearly pleased by her response. "Good. I'm glad you liked it."

He stepped forward, pulling out a chair for her to sit in before taking his own seat next to her. Aryan smiled at her, a playful glint in his eyes as he said, "Now, shall I take the pleasure of deciding the menu for us?"

Sanju raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sure. I'd like to see your choice."

A confident smile tugged at Aryan's lips. "Mine will always be the best," he said, his tone oozing with self-assurance.

Sanju chuckled softly. "Let's see if you can pick my favorite."

Aryan grinned as he quickly messaged the hotel manager to confirm the meal arrangements. As they waited for the food to be served, they enjoyed their welcome drinks in comfortable silence.

After a while, Sanju broke the silence. "Aryan, shall I ask you something?" she asked, her voice soft yet curious.

Aryan gave her a knowing look. "Why do you need permission to ask me?" he teased.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I haven't really known much about your parents."

The mention of his parents made Aryan's expression falter. His smile dimmed, and a shadow passed over his face. He looked down at his drink, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"I'm the only son," he began, his voice quieter now. "My parents... they died in an accident when I was still in the early stages of expanding my business. So, it's just me. And since my parents married against their families' wishes, I don't even know my relatives. So, I guess, in a way, I'm... single."

Sanju's face softened with sympathy. "I'm sorry, Aryan. But you're not really alone. You've got me."

Without thinking, she cupped his face in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. It was the first time she kissed him like that, and Aryan felt an unexpected warmth spread through him.

"Thank you," Aryan said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sanju blinked in confusion. "Why?"

"For being with me," he said with sincerity. "And for this... the first kiss from you. It's a day I'll always remember."

Sanju smiled and leaned into his shoulder, holding his arm gently as they continued to sit in the comfort of each other's presence.

Soon enough, her favorite pasta and crème brûlée were served, and Sanju's face lit up with excitement as she saw the food.

"Aryan," she said between bites, "How do you know about my favorites?"

Aryan leaned back in his chair, his smile deepening. "Do you really want to know for sure?"

She leaned in, intrigued. "Hmm, yes."

"I'll tell you soon," Aryan replied, his smile lingering with a sense of mystery.

Sanju groaned softly, frustrated. "You say that every time I ask you something! When will you actually tell me?"

"Very soon, sweetheart," he assured her, the glint in his eyes making it clear that he was enjoying teasing her.

They continued their lunch, savoring the delicious food. The manager then entered, asking politely, "Sir, shall I serve the sweets?"

Aryan didn't hesitate. "Get some jamoons, and ice cream—blackcurrant and butterscotch."

Sanju's eyes widened as she turned to Aryan. "What are you doing?"

Aryan smiled, his tone playful. "What am I doing? I'm just ordering sweets for you. Don't you want to have ice cream?"

Sanju rolled her eyes but smiled. "Hmm, yeah, I do want them."

The manager left to get the sweets and ice cream, and soon returned with the dessert. Aryan picked up the jamoon and fed it to Sanju, who fed him back. They continued to enjoy the sweets while Sanju dug into her blackcurrant ice cream and Aryan savored his butterscotch.

Then, Aryan's eyes caught something, there was a bit of ice cream on Sanju's nose and lips. It was like a switch flipped in him, and he couldn't resist the playful urge bubbling inside.

"Sanju..." he said in a low, teasing voice.

Sanju, who was blissfully unaware, turned to him. The moment her gaze met his, she noticed the intensity in his eyes. Immediately, she looked down, avoiding the heat in his stare.

He gently took her chin and turned her face back to him. Slowly, he leaned in, brushing his lips against the ice cream on her nose and lips, tasting it as he went. "Blackcurrant tastes good too," he murmured with a satisfied smile, before picking up his ice cream and continuing to eat.

Sanju, slightly stunned, grinned at him. "But I need butterscotch too."

Aryan's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could say anything, Sanju grabbed him by the collar, pulling him in for a deep, passionate kiss. Their lips met urgently, and the kiss deepened before they finally parted for air, both smiling with flushed cheeks.

"So, did you like butterscotch?" Aryan asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Hmmm, double okay," Sanju replied with a playful smile.

"Alright then, let's go to my suite," Aryan said, standing up and offering her his hand.

Sanju took it eagerly as they walked to his luxurious suite at the ARC Hotels. Sanju's eyes lit up as she took in the grandeur of the room. The queen-sized bed, the soft, ambient lighting, the sophisticated Natuzzi Italy couch, it was all a display of wealth and luxury.

Aryan sat down on the couch, and Sanju immediately leaned into his chest, resting her head there. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close as they both relaxed in the peace of the suite.

Sanju broke the silence after a while. "Aryan, are we not going to the office today?"

He chuckled softly. "No one's going to question us. It's just us here."

Sanju frowned slightly. "Hmm."

Just then, Sanju's phone rang. It was Pavi. She looked at Aryan and asked, "Should I answer it?"

"Tell her we're in a client meeting out of office," Aryan replied casually.

Sanju nodded and moved a little farther away to answer the call.

"Sanju, where are you? Aren't you coming for lunch?" Pavi asked, her voice lighthearted.

"I'm out of the office in a client meeting with Aryan, sir," Sanju replied, trying to keep her tone professional.

"Ohhh, okay! Enjoy yourselves!" Pavi said, clearly excited.

Before hanging up, Pavi added, "By the way, don't forget to highlight tomorrow what's happening between you two."

Sanju blushed, her face turning crimson. "I'll see you tomorrow at the office," she said, quickly ending the call.

When she returned, Aryan was waiting for her with an amused look on his face. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as he teased, "What did she say that made madam blush?"

Sanju looked at him with a playful glare. "She wants to know what's going on between us."

"How did she know?" Aryan asked, genuinely curious.

Sanju shrugged. "Who knows? She's got this sixth sense about us."

"Hmmm, I'll tell her soon," Aryan said, still enjoying the mystery.

Sanju raised an eyebrow. "Let's see. Now, shall we leave?"

Aryan looked thoughtful. "Just a little while longer. I need to meet the staff before we leave. I haven't been here in a while, so it's good to check in."

Sanju frowned. "Do I have to stay here all alone?"

Aryan gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. This is my suite. No one will enter."

She reluctantly agreed. "Okay, but come back soon."

Aryan leaned down and kissed her forehead before standing up and leaving to meet with the staff.

He returned after about thirty minutes, having spoken to the manager about the arrangements for an upcoming success party at the hotel. As he entered the room, he noticed Sanju had fallen asleep on the couch. He didn't want to wake her, so he gently lifted her and carried her to the bed, laying her down softly before returning to his work, answering emails and attending to his business.

By the time evening came, Sanju woke up and found herself alone in the bed. Confused, she glanced around and noticed Aryan's phone and some papers on the nearby tea table. Curious, she got up and walked to the closet, where she heard the sound of running water.

She returned to the balcony, settling into the swing and gazing out at the sunset, lost in thought.

Moments later, Aryan appeared, walking out onto the balcony. He smiled when he saw her and sat beside her.

"Did you have a good sleep?" he asked, his voice soft.

Sanju gave him a sheepish look. "Hmm, sorry, I didn't realize when I dozed off."

Aryan chuckled lightly. "What's the problem with that? It's good you got some rest. That way, we can have a late night talking."

Sanju shot him a playful glare.

"Why are you glaring at me? I just meant we could talk," Aryan said, a grin playing on his lips. "You always have these double thoughts and blame me for everything."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't act like you're a saint."

"Alright, alright," Aryan said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Go freshen up, and we'll have some coffee."

Sanju nodded, standing up and heading to refresh herself.

While she was gone, hot coffee was served in the suite, and soon they were sitting together, sipping their coffee and exchanging smiles.

"You look fresh," Aryan said, his eyes admiring her.

Sanju smiled back, her eyes lighting up. "Shall we leave now? It's already evening. We've been here for a long time."

Aryan nodded. "Hmm, okay. Do you want to go somewhere else?"

"No, not today. Let's go home," she said, content with the quiet moment they were sharing.

Aryan stood and kissed her forehead gently. "Alright, then. Let's go."

Sanju followed him as he moved toward the room to gather his things. As she walked in, she asked, "Where is Ranjith?"

"I sent him for an important job," Aryan replied casually. "He should be waiting for us."

"Ah, okay," Sanju said, looking around the room as she adjusted her dress. "Have you planned for the party to take place here?"

Aryan turned to her, his expression softening. "Yes. We've got a large party hall. We usually host official parties here."

"What about a personal party?" she asked, a little curious.

Aryan stepped closer and pulled her toward him by the waist. He traced her face gently with his fingers, his eyes focused on her. "So far, I haven't organized any personal parties," he said quietly.

Sanju leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his chest. He kissed her hairline tenderly as they stood there, enjoying the intimacy of the moment.

"Sanju..." Aryan whispered, his voice soft.

"Hmm?" Sanju responded, her voice barely audible as she closed her eyes, enjoying the calm.

He hesitated before replying, "Hmm... never mind. It's nothing."

Sanju looked up at him, a small frown creasing her forehead. "What did you want to say?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Aryan smiled, his eyes glinting with mystery. "I'll tell you soon. Just not today."

Sanju chuckled, shaking her head in mock frustration. "You give me the same answer for everything."

He laughed softly, then kissed her cheek, his lips lingering for a moment. "You'll find out soon enough."

The two of them stood there, in the warmth of each other's presence, enjoying the silence before they had to leave. Aryan's gaze softened as he took her hand, leading her out of the suite.

As they reached the lobby, they were greeted by the manager. Aryan, not missing a beat, asked, "Where is Ranjith?"

The manager replied, "Sir, he is waiting outside."

"Okay," Aryan responded casually, his eyes scanning the lobby as they made their way toward the exit.

As they stepped outside, Aryan noticed Ranjith, who was on a call, standing at a distance. They walked toward the car but suddenly  out of nowhere, a girl rushed toward Aryan and threw herself around his neck, hugging him tightly.

Sanju froze in place, shocked at the unexpected scene. The girl clung to Aryan, her arms wrapped tightly around him.

"Aryan, I'm so sorry! I'm sorry," the girl cried, her voice frantic. "I love you! I missed you so much! I should have accepted when you proposed to me long ago. It's all my fault, Aryan. Please forgive me. Please! I love you so much. I really do."

Sanju's heart shattered in an instant, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. The sight before her felt like a cruel blow, a wound that tore through her chest. Her mind was spinning, her thoughts clouded with confusion and hurt.

She stood frozen, unable to speak, her eyes fixed on Aryan and the girl in his arms. Aryan, too, seemed taken aback. He looked at Sanju, his eyes filled with concern as he saw the tears glistening on her face. He knew she was hurt, but before he could react, Sunita's hold on him remained strong, her grip refusing to loosen.

Sanju couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't stand to watch this moment unfold. Her breath hitched as she turned and ran, desperate to escape the pain that was consuming her. She couldn't bear to witness it any longer.

"Sanju, wait!" Aryan called out, his voice tinged with frustration and fear. He tried to break free from Sunita's hold but couldn't. "Sanju, please stop! Let me explain!"

But it was too late. Sanju was already running, tears streaming down her face. Aryan watched helplessly, his heart pounding as he turned to Sunita and pushed her away forcefully, slapping her across the face in a moment of sheer frustration.

"You will pay for what you did," he growled, his voice laced with anger.

He shot a look at the guards, who immediately understood and rushed forward, dragging Sunita away from him. Aryan, his chest tight with emotion, ran after Sanju, calling her name.

"Sanju, stop! Please!" he shouted, his voice breaking. "Don't do this, let's talk!"

Ranjith, who had been on the phone, was startled by Aryan's loud calls. He quickly turned to see Sanju running, tears streaming down her face. Without wasting another second, he sprinted toward her, trying to reach her before she ran too far.

But then, as if time itself slowed down, a car came speeding down the road, heading straight toward Sanju. Aryan saw the car and screamed, "Sanju, stop!" His voice was a desperate plea, but the sound of the car's engine drowned out his words.

Sanju, caught in the haze of her emotions, didn't hear him. She kept running, oblivious to the danger. Before either Aryan or Ranjith could reach her, the car collided with her with a sickening thud.

"No!" Aryan screamed, his heart racing as he sprinted toward her.

Ranjith was right behind him, both of them rushing to Sanju's side. Aryan reached her first, his breath ragged as he knelt beside her. His hands trembled as he gently turned her over, his mind racing with fear.

Sanju lay unconscious, her head bleeding, the blood staining the pavement beneath her. Aryan's heart felt like it had stopped beating. He reached out, his hand shaking as he cupped her face, desperately searching for any sign of life.

Tears blurred Aryan's vision as he held her in his arms, praying that she would open her eyes. The world seemed to collapse around him, and for a moment, nothing else mattered but the girl lying in his arms.

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A/N:

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