Recap: Aryan and Sanju clear of the misunderstandings

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After a day that shook them both emotionally, Aryan and Sanju finally found solace in each other's arms. The weight of the breakdown lingered, but in its place, something even more profound had taken root, a bond that had only grown stronger through the storm. Wrapped in each other's embrace, they slept like two hearts finally at peace. Aryan, for the first time in a long while, felt like he could face the world with unwavering strength. And Sanju? With Aryan beside her, caring for her like she was his world, she felt a kind of calm and confidence she hadn't known before. She knew now, more than ever, that they were meant for each other.

A soft knock at the door stirred Aryan from his sleep. He blinked awake to find Sanju still nestled peacefully on his chest, her hand clinging tightly to his shirt like it was her anchor. A warm smile crossed his face as he gently leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Carefully, he slipped out of bed, stretched his arms, and walked over to the door.

Kowsalya and Ranjith stood outside.

"Why are you here so early in the morning?" Aryan asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Kowsalya gave him a gentle smile. "Sir, it's already nine. We arrived a while ago and waited, but since you both were asleep, we didn't want to disturb. The nurse just came in to give Sanju her medicines, so we had to knock."

Aryan glanced at his watch, surprised at the time. "Alright. Just wait for a bit, I'll let you in soon."

He closed the door quietly and walked back to Sanju, who was still curled up in bed.

"Sanju..." he called softly.

No response.

He knelt beside her. "Sweetheart... wake up."

She stirred faintly, murmuring, "Hmm... please... just five more minutes..."

Aryan chuckled. "Baby, you need to take your tablets. It's already late. Come on now."

"Please Aryan... five minutes," she mumbled, burying her face deeper into the pillow.

"Darling," he said, his voice teasing, "be a good girl and get up."

"Get lost," she grumbled.

He laughed. "What? Not listening to me? Alright, you asked for it."

In one swift move, he scooped her up in his arms, making her jerk awake in surprise.

"Aryan! What are you doing?" she gasped.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully. "Now go get ready and have breakfast."

"No, I won't," she said, crossing her arms like a stubborn child.

"Don't you want to go home?"

Her eyes lit up. "Yes! Yes, I want to."

"Then be a good girl and listen to me," he grinned. "I'll go meet the doctor. Okay?"

"Hmm... okay," she replied, still half-asleep.

Before putting her down, he kissed her lips gently but firmly.

"Hey!" she yelped. "I haven't even brushed yet!"

"No problem," he smirked. "I'm totally fine with a dirty kiss."

He kissed her again, short but affectionate, and then placed her back on the bed.

"Kowsalya maa is waiting outside. You freshen up and eat. I'll be back after seeing the doctor," he said.

"Wait... aren't you having breakfast?"

"I'll have it in my room. I'll be back before you know it."

"Hmm... okay."

Aryan opened the door and let Kowsalya in.

"Ranjith," he said, "ask the doctor to meet me in my room."

"Yes, sir."

Ranjith noticed the relaxed joy on Aryan's face. It was clear — whatever misunderstandings had once stood between them, they had now faded away.

Inside, Kowsalya waited while Sanju stepped out from the washroom, refreshed.

"Sanju, how are you feeling now?" she asked.

"I'm super fine," Sanju said with a wide smile.

Kowsalya beamed. "Look at my daughter! You're glowing today!"

"Mom, please stop teasing," Sanju laughed, blushing slightly.

"Just stay happy like this always," her mother said, gently cupping her cheek.

Sanju nodded with a soft smile.

"Now come on, have your breakfast," she encouraged.

Sanju ate while the nurse came in and handed her the tablets. Shortly afterward, the doctor arrived to check on her.

"Good morning, Sanjana," he greeted.

"Good morning, doctor," she replied politely.

The doctor examined her and carefully replaced the dressing on her head.

"I'll go speak with Aryan sir now," he said.

"Okay, doctor."

He stepped out and headed to Aryan's room.

"How is Sanjana now, doctor?" Aryan asked the moment he walked in.

"She's recovering well and seems mentally clear too," the doctor replied.

"Then... can I take her home? Will she be okay?"

"Yes, absolutely. Just ensure the dressing is replaced daily and the medication is followed properly."

"Great. I'll take her home then."

The doctor nodded and left, and Aryan immediately called Ranjith.

"Sir?"

"Ranjith, we'll leave in an hour."

"Alright, sir."

Back in Sanju's room, she was flipping through channels on the TV. Aryan entered.

"Did you talk to the doctor?" she asked eagerly. "Can we go home?"

"He wants you to stay back for two more days," Aryan said with a straight face.

Her face fell instantly.

Aryan smirked. "Sweetheart, don't make that face so fast. We're going home."

A wide grin spread across her face. "Super happy!"

"I've informed Ranjith. He'll make the arrangements."

"Hmm okay," she said, clearly excited.

An hour later, Ranjith informed Aryan that the hospital's service lift was ready for their departure.

Holding her hand, Aryan walked with Sanju toward the lift. They got into the car, sitting close to each other in the backseat while Ranjith took the passenger seat. Kowsalya had left earlier to make arrangements at home.

When they arrived at the mansion, Kowsalya welcomed them with aarti, blessing Sanju as she stepped inside. Once they reached their room, Sanju looked around and smiled brightly.

"I need a bath. Let me freshen up," she said.

"Hmm... even I need to," Aryan replied.

Sanju finished first and walked toward the closet to change. Just then, Aryan stepped out of the bathroom — wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. Sanju immediately turned around, covering her eyes.

"Aryan!" she squeaked. "Go get dressed!"

He walked over, a playful grin on his face. "I am wearing a towel, baby."

"You're not wearing anything on your upper body!"

"So?" he asked, teasingly.

"Oh my God... just go wear a shirt!"

He reached out and turned her gently to face him, but she kept her eyes shut.

"Sanju... open your eyes."

"Nope. I won't."

"So it's fine if we stay like this then?" he teased.

Sanju peeked her eyes open and blushed furiously.

Her cheeks were a deep shade of pink. Aryan leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek, his teeth grazing her skin playfully.

"Your blush drives me crazy," he whispered. "Can I hug you?"

She gave him a small nod, and he wrapped his arms around her softly. His bare chest pressed against her front, and the warmth of his skin made her weak in the knees. Her hands instinctively found his back, holding him close.

Her cheek against his chest, her fingers on his skin — it was too much for Aryan to take. He tightened the embrace.

"Darling..."

"Hmm?"

"Do you... feel something different?"

Sanju smiled against his chest. "Hmm... you feel even closer. So warm."

"You're testing all my limits," he whispered, breathlessly.

He gently pulled away and kissed her lips — a soft, lingering touch. But Sanju wasn't ready to let go. Her hands reached up and tugged at his hair, pulling him back in. That bold move sent a thrill through Aryan, and he kissed her deeply, passionately. When they finally broke apart, breathless, he rested his forehead against hers.

"I'll go get dressed," he whispered.

Sanju just smiled, her cheeks still flushed, her heart still racing.

He stepped out of the closet, now dressed, and found Sanju waiting on the couch. She looked up as he approached, a slight seriousness in her eyes.

"Do you want to sleep?" Aryan asked, settling beside her.

"No," she replied softly, "I want to talk to you."

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder gently, he asked, "Tell me, what is it that you want to talk about?"

Sanju hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Don't get mad at me, okay? I want to meet Sunita."

Aryan's expression changed instantly. "What?"

"Please," she said quickly, "don't get angry with me. I just... I want to meet her."

He let out a long breath, clearly trying to stay calm. "Sanju, you're still recovering. Do you really think that's necessary right now?"

"Yes," she replied firmly.

"Can you at least reconsider it?"

"No," she said again, just as firmly.

He turned to her fully, watching her for a second before responding, "Fine. But not now. Maybe next week, once you're fully recovered. Alright?"

Sanju nodded slowly. "Okay. Are you not going to the office today?"

"No, baby," he said, brushing her hair lightly.

"Why not?"

"Even if I go, my heart will still be here with you. There's no point in being there physically when my mind is stuck here. So, I'm staying until you're completely fine."

She tilted her head and smiled. "I'm already fine. Let's go to office together."

"What? No way," Aryan replied, immediately shaking his head. "You're not stepping out. And that's final."

"Pleeease, Aryan," she pouted. "Fine. Let's just take today to rest. But tomorrow, we're going to the office. Okay?"

"We'll see," he said, pretending to dodge.

"Nope. We're going to the office. Full stop."

Aryan chuckled and pulled her closer by wrapping his arm around her neck, planting a kiss on the side of her head. "Alright, stubborn girl. For now, I brought you home because you wanted to be here. So go lie down and take a nap."

Sanju nodded and went back to their room, curling up in the bed. Aryan, meanwhile, walked into his study and pulled out his phone to make a call.

"Ranjith, go and meet Mr. Chandrasekar," he instructed. "Invite him personally for the party."

"Sure sir, I'll meet him today," Ranjith replied. "And sir, Naren is returning to India tonight."

Aryan's face brightened a little. "That's good. Invite him too."

"He's not returning alone, sir. She's also coming with him."

Aryan smirked slightly, already expecting this. "As expected. Don't worry, just make sure he gets the invite."

"Yes, sir. And shall I inform Kowsalya maa to prepare lunch?"

"No. Tell her not to cook today. I'll handle it."

Ranjith chuckled softly, amused and touched. "Will do, sir."

Soon after finishing his work, Aryan made his way into the kitchen. Kowsalya maa, surprised, met him at the entrance.

"Sir, what happened? Shall I help you?"

"No, that's alright," he said warmly. "You go rest. I'll take care of everything."

He got to work preparing Sanju's favorites—creamy pasta, macarons, and a set of nutritious salads and warm, soothing soup.

Once he was done, he called out to Kowsalya maa. "Please get the food to the table."

"Sure, sir."

Aryan then returned to their bedroom and saw Sanju still sleeping soundly. Sitting beside her, he gently moved a strand of hair away from her face and spoke softly, "Sanju, it's already too late for lunch. Get up and refresh, sweetheart."

"I'm hungry, Aryan," she mumbled, half-asleep.

"I know," he said, smiling. "Come on. I have a surprise for you."

At the mention of a surprise, she sat up, eyes still heavy but curious. "What surprise?"

"Come downstairs. I'll wait for you there."

He left the room and waited for her at the table. A few minutes later, she joined him, freshly washed and radiant, and sat beside him.

"So?" she asked with excitement. "What's the surprise?"

Aryan gestured towards the food laid out on the table.

"You mean the food?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," he nodded with a little grin. "But the real surprise is—I made all this. I cooked it for you."

Her jaw dropped slightly in disbelief. "You cooked? You actually made this? Are you serious?"

"Very serious," he said, handing her a plate. "Now taste it and tell me how it is."

She took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma before taking a bite. Her eyes lit up almost immediately as the flavors burst in her mouth.

"Aryan, oh my God! I loved it," she exclaimed. "I never knew you could cook this well. Thank you so much. It tastes divine!"

"Thank you, sweetheart," he said, clearly pleased with her reaction.

They enjoyed lunch together, the warmth between them growing with every bite and every smile exchanged. Once they were done, Sanju couldn't contain her excitement. She side-hugged him tightly, overwhelmed by the affection and care he showered on her.

And in that moment, Aryan knew, no grand gestures could ever compare to the simple joy of seeing her happy in his arms.

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A/N

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