Recap: Chandrasekar consults with his lawyer on the partneship papers and Aryan plans to travel UK to meet his client.

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Aryan was getting ready for the office, determined to wrap up his work before his evening flight to the UK. Sanju entered the room with a tray of breakfast and settled on the couch, patting the spot beside her.

"Aryan, have breakfast and then you can run on your wheels," she said with a playful smile.

Obliging, Aryan took the plate and began feeding her first. Sanju blushed and returned the gesture, their quiet meal laced with warmth and affection. After the last bite, Aryan cupped her face and planted a long kiss on her forehead.

"Okay, I'll be back after finishing my schedules. Just help me pack my bag," he said.

"I'll take care of it. Finish your work and come back soon," she replied softly.

They walked downstairs together. Aryan got into the car and rolled down the tinted window briefly, flashing her a wink and blowing her an air kiss with two fingers. Sanju's cheeks turned pink as the window rolled back up and the car pulled away.

At the office, Aryan dived straight into his packed schedule. Ranjith walked into his cabin with a steaming mug of strong coffee.

"Thanks, Ranjith. I needed it," Aryan said, taking a sip.

"Maybe Sanjana was aware. She called me and asked to serve you a strong coffee," Ranjith replied with a knowing smile.

Aryan grinned. "She knows me very well."

Ranjith handed over a file. "Sir, we received a call from Chandrasekar sir's office. They are okay with the papers and want to proceed with the documentation."

"Good. Then inform our lawyer to make the necessary arrangements. Also, tell Chandrasekar the date and invite him and his family for the party. Only business heads from ARC and DC groups will attend," Aryan instructed. "Inform him that we'll sign the deal and address the media after the party."

"Sure, sir. I'll inform accordingly."

"And Ranjith," Aryan added with a firmer tone, "take care of Sanjana until I'm back. Strictly no visitors or calls to her except from Pavithra. Under no circumstances should Chandrasekar speak to Sanju. Also, invite Surendhar and Pradeep for the party."

"Okay, sir. But are you sure you'll return only on the day of the party?"

"Yes. I want you to make special arrangements for that day too."

"Anything you wish, sir. Also, here's the list of employees we can consider switching over for the partnership venture."

"Good," Aryan said, flipping through the list. "Any information from Manasi?"

"No, sir. She's absolutely quiet."

"She'll show up after the partnership is signed—definitely with Maya. So keep tracking."

"Definitely, sir."

"Give Bala instructions to take care of the mansion while you're at the office. Tighten the security. I want 24x7 surveillance."

"I've already instructed the guards, sir. You can travel with peace of mind. I'll take care of Sanju... she's more than a sister to me."

"I know, Ranjith," Aryan said with quiet trust. "You'll take care."

With Ranjith's help, Aryan finished all the tasks lined up for the week. He handed over the crucial responsibilities to Ranjith and left the office by afternoon.

Back home, he found Sanju carefully packing his clothes. He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed the nape of her neck.

"Are you done with the packing?" he murmured.

"Yeah, done. Just check once."

"No need. You'll do it perfectly."

Sanju turned, looping her fingers into his tie and slowly undoing it. She unbuttoned his shirt with gentle care.

"Aryan... can you not come back before Monday?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Sweetheart, I'll try my best. But chances are low. I don't want to promise something and disappoint you. I'll be there for the party."

She pouted in disappointment. Aryan chuckled and kissed her pout, then lightly touched her nose.

"Please don't do this, sweetheart."

"I'm sorry. I understand you need to go. I'll be waiting every second for you."

"Just miss me during those seconds... and when I'm back, show me how much you missed me. I don't mind taking medicines for your bites."

"Then come ready for that," she teased.

"Now..." Aryan said, his eyes gleaming with mischief, "before I leave, shall we have a bath together?"

Before she could respond, he swept her off her feet and carried her on his shoulder into the washroom. Her laughter echoed briefly before being replaced by breathless gasps and murmured moans as their passions rose under the cascading shower.

After a long, heated shower, they returned, both wrapped in towels. Sanju helped him get dressed, gently combing his hair and straightening his shirt, her fingers lingering as if trying to memorize every detail.

Aryan got dressed and turned to face her. His eyes lingered on Sanju with a gentle intensity.

"Sweetheart, stay home until I'm back. Don't attend any calls or visitors except Pavithra," he said firmly.

"Okay, Aryan," she nodded.

Without another word, she pulled him into a kiss—deep and passionate. Their tongues tangled in the fiery moment, and when she finally broke away, she left soft pecks on his cheeks and forehead.

"I'm addicted to you, Sanju baby," he whispered, still breathless from the kiss.

"Take care. Have your food on time," she reminded him, brushing a strand of his hair back.

"You too take care. I'll call you after landing. Until then, have your dinner and sleep."

"Hmmm," she murmured. "Come, let's go down. Ranjith bro will be waiting. It's getting late."

They came downstairs, where Ranjith quickly rushed forward to carry Aryan's luggage. He loaded it into the trunk and opened the car door, then respectfully stepped aside to give the couple a moment.

Aryan caressed Sanju's cheek with his thumb and kissed her forehead tenderly. Then, without another word, he got into the car. The door shut, and the vehicle rolled out of the mansion, heading straight to the airport.

The private jet was already prepared, and without delay, Aryan boarded and took off for the UK.

That night felt unusually long for Sanju. She missed him terribly. Clinging to the emptiness, she slipped into one of his shirts to feel close to him. But it only made the distance worse. After hours of tossing and turning, she finally drifted into sleep at dawn.

At DC Residence:

Chandrasekar and Maya were seated at the breakfast table.

"Aryan is not in the country," Chandrasekar said casually, cutting into his toast.

"Where is he?" Maya asked, curious.

"UK. He's meeting his new client."

"Dad... how about we use his absence to get rid of her?"

Chandrasekar immediately looked up, warning clear in his tone. "No. Don't do anything. It should happen naturally, else Aryan will become ruthless."

His phone buzzed. It was Ranjith. He answered and spoke for a few minutes before ending the call.

"Why did he call?" Maya asked the moment the call ended.

"We're invited to a party at Aryan's mansion on Monday. We'll go officially as partners. Media is also invited."

"But why is the party at the mansion?"

"Not exactly sure. Ranjith said Aryan will return only on Monday and doesn't want to travel further. So the party will be hosted there. Only executives from DC and ARC will attend, apart from media."

"Hmmm. Everything should go according to our plan."

"It will, princess." He looked around. "Where's Naren?"

Chandrasekar signaled the maid, who called Naren to the table. Naren walked in, settling beside his father and sister.

"Naren, I've decided to appoint Maya as CEO," Chandrasekar announced. "Aryan has arranged a party on Monday at his mansion. We'll sign the partnership and announce it officially. I hope you don't have a problem."

"If this is purely for business, I have no issue," Naren said slowly, his tone tight. "But I don't think these moves are for business."

"Naren, I want you to get back to Canada to handle our operations there—after the party."

"Why wait until the party? I can leave right away."

"Bro, why do you always create a problem?" Maya snapped.

"Shut up, Maya," Naren barked. "You don't even have the slightest idea of the damage this plan might cause."

"Nothing will happen if you just keep your mouth shut," Chandrasekar said flatly.

"It's better I leave after the party. I can't support this evil plan, but I also won't betray my friend."

He stood and left, shooting one last glare at Maya.

"I'll go out with my friends. Will be back late," Maya said after a moment.

"Take care," Chandrasekar replied, eyes still lingering on the door through which Naren exited.

Aryan reached his hotel—a sleek business-class suite arranged by Ranjith with tight security in place. As soon as he settled in, he video-called Sanju. She answered on the first ring.

"Sweetheart, you answered in the first ring," he said, a warm smile playing on his lips.

Sanju's face appeared on the screen, her eyes shimmering with affection. "I was waiting for your call, Mr. Aryan," she replied softly.

He studied her expression for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes. "Didn't you sleep?"

"I slept," she murmured, but the tiredness on her face gave her away.

"Don't lie, Sanju." His voice dropped gently. "Sleep well, okay? I don't want to see dark circles under your eyes. I want that glow... always."

"Hmmm... okay," she replied, touched by his concern.

"Seri, I'm really sleepy—jet lag is kicking in hard. Take care of yourself. I'll call you tomorrow before heading to the meeting."

"Hmm... eat and then sleep," she reminded him, her voice soft.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too."

Just as Aryan was about to hang up, he squinted at the screen, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Hey, wait... what is that you're wearing?"

Sanju immediately raised the camera to hide her outfit. "I'm wearing my shirt," she said quickly.

"Don't lie, baby," he said, leaning in with curiosity. "Show me what you're wearing."

A shy blush crept up her cheeks. With a hesitant smile, she slowly lowered the camera to reveal the oversized shirt draped over her, reaching just above her knees.

Aryan's eyes widened. He brought a hand to his mouth, feigning shock. "What have you done, baby?"

"What?" she said, laughing. "It's your shirt. I wore it because I miss you badly."

His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Are you wearing the shirt alone?"

"Yes. Only the shirt."

Aryan exhaled deeply, his eyes darkening with affection and desire. "Remember to wear this when I'm there with you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You look sexy, sweetheart." He winked at her through the screen.

"No, I won't," she replied playfully.

"I know you will," he teased. "It's not even a day, and you're already surprising me. How will I survive the rest of the days?"

"Then you should come soon."

"I will be back," he promised. "Wait for me... and miss me until then."

They exchanged a soft, lingering virtual kiss before ending the call.

Sanju stared at the blank screen for a moment longer. Then, she walked to the mirror, hugging herself as the fabric of his shirt brushed against her skin. It still carried his scent—warm, comforting, and completely his. Closing her eyes, she let herself sink into his memory, wrapped in him... and drifted into sleep, missing him more than words could say.

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