Recap: Aryan and Sanjana at DC Residence. Aryan accepts Chandrasekar's 3 clauses.

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Aryan accepted Chandrasekar's condition that Sanjana would no longer be his PA. Ranjith stood nearby, tension written all over his face.

Meanwhile, Maya returned to the living room with a drink for her father. As Chandrasekar received a call, he excused himself from the gathering and stepped into the garden. Nearing Sanjana and Naren, he wrapped up the conversation and turned to them.

"Naren," he called, "Maya has got a drink. Go join Ranjith and give company to Aryan."

"Sure, Dad," Naren nodded. "Sanjana, come let's go."

"Naren, you go ahead. She'll join shortly," Chandrasekar said, keeping his eyes on Sanjana.

Naren cast a sharp glare at his father before leaving. He walked into the living room and sat beside Aryan, who was silently enduring Maya's constant gestures.

"What happened, Aryan? Aren't you drinking?" Naren asked.

"No, I'm not taking drinks anymore," Aryan replied flatly.

"I see a lot of changes in you. All for good," Naren observed.

Maya chimed in, "Aryan, I think you're losing your self-worth for nothing. Our business society expects at least social drinking."

"I love to change for things that give me happiness. And I don't regret it," Aryan responded calmly. "It's not necessary to be a social drinker."

"I'm really happy you came today," Maya said, smiling. "Won't you invite us for dinner at your place sometime?"

"You've already been there uninvited, Ms. Maya," Aryan said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Still, I take pleasure in inviting you. I'll let you know the date and time soon."

"Oh my god. Thank you so much, Aryan! I'll be waiting for it."

"Sir, we have a meeting scheduled," Ranjith reminded.

"We'll start, Ranjith," Aryan nodded.

Meanwhile, in the garden, Chandrasekar was speaking with Sanjana.

"Ms. Sanjana, I've heard of your solid knowledge in business. Aryan is lucky to have you assist him."

"Thank you, sir. Aryan sir has given me opportunities to learn as well. I must thank him for that," Sanjana said politely.

"Good. I like you," Chandrasekar smiled.

Sanjana gave a polite smile back, slightly unsure of where this was going.

"I've known Aryan for a long time," he continued. "I've always admired him—his capabilities, his drive, the way he runs his business. I wish he could go even further."

"He surely will, sir. He'll achieve much more."

"I have an offer for you," Chandrasekar said. "I need someone brilliant like you to take care of my business in Canada. I'm ready to offer 30% of my profits there if you agree. You'll have a mansion, everything you could need at your service. In short, you can live like a queen."

Sanjana blinked, taken aback. "Sir, I thought your daughter was handling your business there, so..."

"My daughter is my everything," he said with a proud smile. "Now she wants to stay in India to pursue her dreams, and I'm here to support her. I don't mind going to any extent for her happiness—whether I get it genuinely or by hook or crook."

"I'm really happy to hear you love your daughter this much," Sanjana replied sincerely. "But I'm also sorry... I never wished for the life of a queen. I'm happy with who I am now. I hope I didn't disappoint you."

"You don't need to decide now," Chandrasekar said with a knowing smile. "Just think it over. I'm sure you understand my intention."

Sanjana nodded slowly. "Very well, sir. I do understand, but—"

Before she could complete her thought, Aryan's voice cut through the air.

"Sanjana..."

She turned immediately. "Yes, sir?"

Aryan looked at Chandrasekar and gave a polite nod. "Sir, sorry to interrupt. I think it's time for us to leave. We have meetings lined up for today."

Chandrasekar stood, adjusting his coat. "Fine, gentleman. Thank you for making it today. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

"Definitely," Aryan replied with composure. "I'll have my lawyer coordinate with your PA for the next steps."

"Sure."

"Sanjana, let's go."

With that, Aryan turned, and Sanjana followed silently behind, Ranjith joining them as they exited the DC residence.

Once they got into the car, Aryan said, "Ranjith, drive home."

"Sure, sir," Ranjith replied, starting the engine.

Meanwhile, back inside the lavish halls of DC residence, Chandrasekar and Maya sat in the quiet of their private living room. The warmth of the evening had settled, but Maya's mind was racing.

"Dad, what have you planned?" she asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Chandrasekar smiled calmly. "We'll begin by becoming business partners, Maya."

She frowned. "But how will that get me closer to Aryan if you're just a partner?"

He looked at her fondly. "Princess, you'll be working with him directly. As his partner, you'll share space, responsibilities, and time. More than enough time to be around him."

A bright smile spread across Maya's face. "Thank you so much, Dad! But what about Sanjana?"

Chandrasekar's expression turned colder. "I've already offered her a way out—managing my business in Canada. I don't expect her to accept it easily, but I've also set a condition: Sanjana will no longer be Aryan's PA. Once you're in his office, she won't be anywhere near you."

Maya leaned against the armrest, eyes gleaming. "I love you, Dad."

He gave a nod, but his eyes turned thoughtful. "Let's wait and watch, Princess. Aryan is sharp—too sharp. He might try to outsmart us. We'll know once he goes through the legal documents whether he plans to make a move."

"I'm sure he won't get any lead to escape from this," she said confidently.

"I hope so," Chandrasekar murmured. "Until everything is finalized, don't try to play any of your cards."

"I won't, Dad. Promise."

Aryan and Sanjana returned home after a deadly silent drive from Chandrasekar's residence. The atmosphere in the car had been thick with unspoken tension, and it lingered even as they stepped inside.

Aryan turned to Ranjith. "Ranjith, stay in the study. I'll be back."

"Ok, sir," Ranjith nodded and headed toward the study.

Aryan and Sanjana walked quietly to their room. As soon as they entered, Sanjana sank onto the couch, her expression unreadable. The silence in the room hung heavy, until Aryan finally spoke.

"Sanju... Are you okay?"

She gave a soft nod, not meeting his eyes. "Hmm... I'm fine. What conditions did he tell you?"

Aryan took a moment before answering. "Both of us will work in the same office. And there will be equal representation from both sides."

"And...?" she pressed.

"And... you will not be my PA."

"What?" Sanjana sat up straighter, eyes wide. "And what did you say?"

"I accepted all his conditions."

Her voice dropped, almost hurt. "So you mean... I will not be your PA anymore?"

Aryan walked to her, pulled her into a hug, and gently removed the brooch from her hair. His fingers trailed through her strands lovingly.

"Sweetheart, aren't you already more than a PA to me? What does that job title even mean now?"

Sanjana rested her head against his chest. "Aryan... I'm used to being with you all the time. If I'm not your PA, then I'll miss being around you at the office."

Aryan chuckled softly. "So what? I'll move my office to home."

"No... don't do that," she said quickly.

"Let's not talk about this now. We have a lot of time to figure it out. I've got some work to take care of—I'll be back in a while."

He slipped the brooch into his pocket without her noticing and left the room.

Down in the study, Aryan handed the brooch to Ranjith.

"Remove the microchip recorder from this."

Ranjith smirked. "It was the best idea that we did this."

"I know Sanju wouldn't tell me whatever Chandrasekar sir said to her," Aryan said grimly.

Ranjith carefully retrieved the recordings from the chip and played them. Aryan listened intently—and as the truth unraveled in the recordings, his eyes narrowed and jaw clenched in fury.

"Sir, cool down," Ranjith urged.

Aryan's voice was cold. "He's planning everything perfectly. As per his plan, Maya will be the business partner and she'll work at ARC Towers. If I remove Sanju from her position, Maya will have all the time she needs to seduce me and execute their scheme."

"He's planning every angle to corner you with Maya," Ranjith added.

Aryan nodded slowly. "After all, he's been in business for years—no surprise there."

"What's our next plan, sir?"

"We'll go with his plan... do everything by the book. But the endgame—" he paused, a sharp glint in his eye, "—the endgame will be a shocker for him."

Just then, Ranjith's phone rang. He answered and turned to Aryan. "Sir, the lawyer has arrived. I'll get him inside."

Aryan gave a curt nod. "Hmm."

A few minutes later, Ranjith entered the study again, this time with the lawyer.

"Hello, sir. Good evening," the lawyer greeted.

"Good evening. I hope Ranjith has already briefed you," Aryan said.

"Yes, sir."

"I want you to prepare the documents, including all the clauses mentioned by Mr. Chandrasekar. There should be no names in the agreement—just mention 'CEO' for both ends. Also, prepare a separate agreement that states Sanjana will no longer be an employee at ARC starting tomorrow. Ranjith will assist you with the remaining paperwork. Get it all ready tonight."

Ranjith nodded firmly. "Sure, sir. I'll take care of it."

Aryan left them to their work and returned to his room. He sat down at his desk and began reviewing office emails, his mind still calculating every move.

A while later, Sanjana came in, holding a tray with two cups of coffee.

"Aryan, have some coffee and continue your work."

He looked up and asked, "Did the staff serve coffee to the lawyer and Ranjith?"

"Yes. Coffee and snacks have been served. I've also informed Kowsalya maa to prepare dinner."

He smiled faintly. "Hmm. You did good, sweetheart."

She sat on the bed, looking curious. "What is the urgent work the lawyer is doing here at our home?"

Aryan answered without hesitation. "It has to be confidential, so I let him work from here. These are partnership agreements—we need to be careful."

Almost an hour passed when a knock sounded at the door. Sanjana opened it to find Ranjith holding a folder.

"Sanju, hand over this document to sir."

"Seri, bro," she said and took it.

She handed the file to Aryan, who looked at her seriously.

"Sanju, you believe me, right?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Why do you even ask that question? I believe you more than I believe myself."

"Then... sign these papers."

Sanjana took the papers without hesitation and signed them.

Aryan watched her. "Won't you ask me what these papers are about?"

She handed them back with a soft smile. "If you want to tell me, you can. I signed them because I believe you. Whatever it contains, I don't care."

Aryan's eyes softened. "These papers are the agreement that you will no longer be an employee at ARC."

"Oh... it's okay," she said with a shrug.

"Sweetheart, come here."

She moved closer and sat beside him. Aryan gently pulled her onto his lap, caressing her neck before placing a soft kiss there.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bring our dinner here."

Later, they sat together on the bed, feeding each other peacefully and enjoying their meal in the comfort of each other's presence.

After dinner, Aryan said, "Go to sleep. I'll check on the work progress with the lawyer."

"Okay," she murmured, curling up under the blanket.

Aryan returned to the study where Ranjith and the lawyer were still deep in discussion.

"Did you guys have your dinner?" Aryan asked.

"Yes, sir," Ranjith replied.

"How far is the work?"

"Almost done, sir."

Aryan handed the signed agreement to the lawyer. "Here's the paper. Sanjana has signed it. You can process it."

"Sure, sir," the lawyer nodded.

He handed Aryan the partnership documents in return. By the time they finished finalizing all the paperwork, it was well past midnight.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to do this," Aryan said sincerely.

"It's my duty, sir. You can call me anytime," the lawyer replied.

Aryan turned to Ranjith. "Send a copy of this to Chandrasekar sir tomorrow. If he wants any changes, let me know before doing corrections."

"I hope he won't need any changes in this," Ranjith said with a faint smile.

"I hope so too," Aryan replied, his tone calm but watchful.

As Ranjith and the lawyer left the study, Aryan returned to the bedroom. Sanjana was already fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady.

With a contented smile, he lay beside her, pulling her into his arms and holding her close.

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A/N:

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