Recap: Maya to meet her friends and befriend her ex lover

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Aryan was deeply immersed in a series of high-stakes meetings with their UK client. The agenda included reviewing marketing strategies and assessing the performance of their executives. But even amidst the corporate grind, his mind often drifted to Sanju. Every chance he got, a short break, a lunch recess, or a pause between discussions he dialed her number.

This physical distance only intensified their emotional connection. They missed each other more than words could say. Every "miss you" and "love you" exchanged over those brief calls made their longing even more unbearable.

For Sanju, those frequent calls were a lifeline, yet they couldn't fill the void left by Aryan's absence. She missed him, everything about him. His care, his warmth, the way he hugged her, kissed her, touched her. She craved his wild love, their whispered dirty talks, the movies they watched curled up together, walks in the garden, morning coffee on the balcony, showers together, and the way she'd sleep lying over him, clutching his shirt, his forehead kisses, each detail haunted her. His overwhelming love had spoiled her, made her lazy, and left her utterly addicted to him.

Every corner of their home echoed their shared memories. She often found herself hallucinating his presence, clutching his shirt and crying into it. Time crawled. Every minute felt like a year.

On a lazy Saturday morning, she was slumped on the couch, TV on, but her mind elsewhere. She hadn't even had breakfast.

Ranjith stepped into the room and paused, his eyes landing on Sanju. She sat on the couch, her gaze fixed somewhere distant, lost in thought.

"Sanju," he called gently.

She didn't look at him, but her voice responded. "Yeah, tell me, brother."

"Why haven't you had breakfast yet?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Sanju..." he sighed, stepping closer. "If you keep starving like this, boss is going to skin me alive for not taking care of you. And don't forget—you're expected to be all active and glowing for Monday's party. If you skip meals, you'll look pale and drained."

She gave a dry chuckle. "Wow, you've started preaching now? Did your sir record a bunch of voice notes and hand them over to you?"

"It's not preaching. It's called caring," he said, dropping into the armchair beside her. "And not because sir told me to—but because I actually care."

She turned to him, a soft smile brushing her lips. "I know, brother. And... thanks. Did you eat?"

He shook his head. "Not yet."

"Then come on. Let's eat together."

They made their way to the dining area and settled down for breakfast.

"So, how are the party arrangements coming along?" she asked, reaching for the serving spoon.

"I'm not going to the office today," he said, pouring himself a glass of juice. "I've called the event manager here. We need to finalize the decorations."

"Do you want me to help with anything?"

"No, Sanju. I've got everything under control. But if you need something, just tell me—I'll take care of it."

She hesitated for a second, then spoke. "Actually, I do need to buy a few things... but Aryan strictly told me not to step outside. So..."

"You want me to play the secret agent," he smirked.

"Exactly," she grinned, handing him a folded note and her card. "But your sir shouldn't know. Promise?"

"Done deal," he said with a mock salute. "Consider it handled."

She watched him with gratitude in her eyes. For the first time that morning, the heaviness in her chest lightened just a little.

Meanwhile, Maya was in a different world. Her friends had called her for a shopping spree followed by a night at the club. She arrived at Lekha's home and the trio headed to the mall.

After hours of aimless shopping, they dined at a five-star restaurant and returned to Lekha's house to relax.

"Are you sure, girls, about going to the club tonight?" Maya asked, stretching out on the couch.

"Yes, of course, Maya!" Lekha grinned. "Tomorrow is Sunday—we can sleep all day."

"So... how's your mission with Aryan going?" Riya asked casually.

"We're soon to be business partners," Maya replied smugly. "That'll give me all the access I need to him."

"But what's stopping him from falling for you?" Riya pressed.

"There's that cheap, low-class idiot. He's obsessed with her."

"Who?" Lekha asked.

"His PA," Maya spat.

"With her always around, how are you going to get time with him?" Riya asked, concerned.

"Dad's already influencing Aryan. After the partnership is sealed, she won't be his PA anymore."

"Then you'll get to be with him anytime, anywhere," Lekha chuckled.

"Exactly. That's all I need to trap him. I'll do whatever it takes."

"Be careful," Riya warned. "Last time you tried drugging him and it went terribly wrong."

"This time, nothing will stop me. Dad promised he'll get Aryan married to me."

"Alright then, let's decide on our outfits for tonight!"

They dressed in short, club-appropriate dresses and headed to the club, where Vivaan was already waiting.

"Hi, girls," Vivaan greeted.

"Hi, Vivaan," they chorused.

After a light dinner, they moved to the bar, drinks in hand, engaging in playful banter. Riya and Lekha were quick to grab partners on the dance floor, leaving Maya to herself.

As Maya danced, she felt someone brushing against her, too deliberate to be accidental. She turned around, but saw no one suspicious. Blaming it on the alcohol, she ignored it. Later, as she headed to the restroom, she was stopped by a group of men.

"Hey, who are you? Leave my way!" she demanded.

"Hi, gorgeous," one of them smirked. "Why don't you join us for tonight?"

"Idiot! Don't mess with me. Do you even know who I am?!"

"We'll find out in the room, hotty," another sneered.

Before she could react, they grabbed her. One yanked her dress, tearing the sleeve. Maya screamed.

Vivaan stormed in, fists flying. Though he took a hit and his nose bled, he managed to chase the attackers away. He turned to Maya, now sobbing on the floor, and gently helped her up.

"Maya, come on. Get up. Let's get out of here."

He removed his leather jacket and draped it over her torn dress.

"Vivaan..." Maya whimpered, her voice trembling.

"Shhh... nothing happened, okay?" he murmured, pulling her close. "Let's get out of here."

Without wasting a second, he called Lekha and Riya. The three of them quickly left the club, shielding Maya as they moved through the crowd.

Back at Lekha's house, Maya curled up on the couch, still shaken. Vivaan sat beside her, offering a glass of water.

"They probably didn't know who you were," he said gently. "Try to relax."

"You're safe now," Lekha added, wrapping an arm around her. "And you're strong, Maya. Don't let this break you."

"She is," Vivaan agreed. "You'll be okay."

Maya looked up at him, her eyes moist. "Thank you, Vivaan."

He shook his head. "You're my friend. No 'thanks' or 'sorries' between us. I'll be happy when you're back to being the bold Maya I know."

She gave a faint smile. "I'm okay now, Vivaan. Really."

"Good." He stood. "I'll leave then. You girls take care."

After he left, the girls changed into their nightwear and settled in.

"Vivaan's really too good, you know," Lekha said, brushing her hair.

"Yeah," Riya agreed. "Thank God he was there tonight."

"I swear, I'll ask Dad to find those bastards," Maya seethed, clenching her fists.

"Are you mad?" Lekha turned to her, alarmed. "You're going to be Aryan's partner on Monday. What if this turns into a scandal?"

"She's right," Riya said cautiously. "Forget it, Maya. Just focus on the big day. You can't afford distractions."

Maya exhaled sharply. "Hmph. Fine. For now."

Later that night...At a dimly lit bar, Vivaan leaned over a drink, speaking quietly to the man beside him.

"Did you pay those guys off?" he asked, eyes still cold.

"Yeah," the man replied. "They won't show their faces again."

"One of them actually landed a hit on me," Vivaan muttered, rubbing his jaw.

"Maybe they were genuinely into Maya. You sure they weren't freelancing?"

"Doesn't matter," Vivaan said, voice low and clipped. "Just make sure they stay the hell away from me—and especially from her."

"Done. So what now?"

"Nothing yet," Vivaan replied, swirling the ice in his glass. "Just waiting for the right time to trap her."

His friend raised an eyebrow. "Careful. No loose ends. No evidence."

Vivaan smirked, eyes gleaming under the bar lights. "I'll handle it."

The next morning, Maya returned home. Her father, Chandrasekar, was reading the business headlines.

"Good morning, Maya. How was your day?" he asked.

"Enjoyed, Dad."

"Got your outfit ready for the party?"

"Yeah, Dad. My designer's taking care of it."

He handed her a jewelry box.

"What's this?" she asked, opening it to reveal a custom-made diamond choker set.

"A small gift from your dad for your big day."

"Dad, this is beautiful!"

"Wear this tomorrow. I want my daughter to shine. I want every eye on you, and every magazine cover to feature you."

"I will. That Sanjana will learn her lesson tomorrow. Thank you so much, Dad."

"You're my princess. Your happiness means the world to me."

"I know, Dad," Maya said with a smile, hugging him.

As she walked away, her thoughts turned darker. "Once I become Aryan's partner, I swear I'll chase you out of his life, Sanjana. Every moment at ARC Towers will bring me closer to him. Soon he'll hate you. Soon, I'll be the queen of his empire and he'll be madly in love with me. Your days are numbered, Sanjana."

Maya spent the rest of the day in her private spa, pampering herself. Her designer worked tirelessly to perfect her party attire.

The countdown had begun.

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A/N:

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