Recap: Aryan and Sanju celebrate their wedding day intimately

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Aryan woke up first, the early morning light casting a warm glow through the curtains. Sanju was asleep beside him, her face buried against his bare chest. The comforter had slipped down, revealing her smooth bare back, her soft skin pressed against his. One of her arms rested around his waist, her hair cascading over her face. He gently moved the strands behind her ear and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

As he looked at her peaceful face, memories flooded his mind, memories of the day they got married.

Flashback:

Sanju was still staying at her home with Keerthi. Ever since her father's death, she had shut herself away, withdrawn from everything. The spark in her eyes had long disappeared, replaced by an overwhelming void.

Aryan was in the middle of a meeting when Ranjith, his trusted aide, answered an unexpected call. He turned to Aryan urgently.

"Sir, I think you should take this."

Aryan stepped out of the meeting room and answered.

"Hello, who is this?"

"I'm Surendhar, Sanjana's uncle," came the reply.

"Why did you call me?"

"My son is up to something, but I don't know exactly what. Krishnan spoke to me about you, and I know everything. My son brought me to Sanju's house just now. Could you please come immediately? Please."

"I'll be there right away," Aryan responded firmly.

Just then, Ranjith received another call.

"Sir, the guards just informed—Pradeep has entered Sanju's house with some men."

"Let's go," Aryan said without a moment's delay.

Pradeep had one goal: seize Sanju's properties. His plan was simple, force her into marrying him. With his father and a group of men, he arrived at her house. Keerthi was locked in a room, her phone taken away.

"Pradeep, why are you doing this?" Sanju asked, her voice shaking.

"Simple, Sanjana. Just marry me now, or you'll never see your friend alive again. After all, she cared for you after your father's death. Don't you owe her that much?"

"Uncle, please talk to him," she pleaded.

"Sanju, you'll have to get married someday. Why not now?" Surendhar said calmly.

"Look," Pradeep added, "my father accepts us. What's stopping you now?"

"Uncle, please, stop this. I'm not ready for this."

"Sanjana, I'll give you thirty minutes to get ready. Now go," Pradeep ordered.

Sanju walked to her room in tears, her heart heavy. She felt utterly helpless, but she had to protect Keerthi. She changed into a simple saree and sat crying.

Meanwhile, Surendhar brewed coffee and served it to himself and Pradeep.

"Pradeep, have this coffee and get ready in a traditional outfit. Meanwhile, ask your men to bring a priest."

"We don't need all that, Dad."

"You've decided to get married, so do it the right way."

Pradeep rolled his eyes but complied, sending a man to fetch a priest. As he entered a room to get dressed, he suddenly collapsed on the bed. Surendhar swiftly locked the door from outside.

Moments later, Aryan and Ranjith arrived. Ranjith took down the remaining goons efficiently. Sanju stepped out, confused to see unfamiliar faces.

"Aryan, I called you," Surendhar said. "I've locked my son in the room."

He turned to Sanju, whose eyes were filled with despair.

"Sanju, come here, child. He's Aryan—your father chose him for you. Don't be afraid of Pradeep anymore. Aryan, marry Sanju and take her with you. It's what's best for her."

"Uncle, what are you saying? Who is he? Dad never spoke to me about him," Sanju cried.

"Sanju, please trust me. He visited your father. Fulfill your dad's last wish. Please."

"Mr. Surendhar," Aryan intervened, "she's not stable. We can talk about this later."

"No, please, listen to me. If this doesn't happen now, there'll be bigger problems. I don't know how long I can protect her. She'll be safe once she's your wife."

Ranjith added, "Sir, he's right. She can't be left alone now. Someone has to look after her."

"Uncle, please... don't do this," Sanju pleaded again.

"Would you deny your father's last wish, Sanju?" Surendhar asked gently.

He handed two bags to Aryan and Sanju.

"These were bought by your father—for both of you. Now go and get dressed."

Though hesitant, Sanju took the bag and went to her room, holding onto the belief that it was her father's wish. Aryan, too, moved to another room.

Soon a priest arrived, and Surendhar handed him the nuptial chain Krishnan had prepared for his daughter.

"How did you get all this?" Aryan asked.

"After you met Krishnan, he spoke of you every time we talked. He gave me all this to surprise Sanju on her birthday and reveal your alliance. Today is her birthday."

"Birthday?" Aryan echoed.

"Yes. Don't think too much. Everything will be fine. Sanju will understand. Please go get dressed."

Aryan returned dressed in a white dhoti and shirt. The priest began the rituals. Sanju emerged in a purple silk saree and matching jewelry, her father's gifts. Surendhar held her hand and led her to sit beside Aryan. Neither of them spoke.

The priest handed them flower garlands.

Sanju looked at Aryan, her eyes moist. She slowly placed the garland around his neck.

"I met your father," Aryan said softly. "I'm not a stranger to him. I wanted to talk to you, but thought you needed space after his death. I'm sorry."

He placed the garland over her neck.

With the rituals nearing completion, the priest handed Aryan the nuptial chain.

"Aryan, please don't hesitate," Surendhar encouraged.

Aryan tied the sacred thread around Sanju's neck.

Ranjith and Surendhar stepped forward to bless the newlyweds. 

All the wedding rituals were recorded quietly by Ranjith. As the ceremony concluded, Aryan and Sanju stood to receive blessings from Surendhar.

"Now, you both leave from here," Surendhar said firmly, yet kindly. "I will handle Pradeep once he wakes up."

Aryan nodded. "Ranjith, clear the mess. I'm taking Sanjana with me."

"Yes, boss," Ranjith replied with a smile. "Congrats, sir. Congrats, madam."

Without another word, Aryan gently held Sanju's hand and led her out. She followed him in silence, her eyes lowered, her mind overwhelmed.

They reached Aryan Mansion as dawn painted the sky in soft pastels. Kowsalya was already waiting at the entrance. She took arthi for the newlyweds with a warm smile and guided them inside.

Meanwhile, Ranjith ensured everything was wrapped up. He released Keerthi from the locked room and drove her to safety. She was sent away with her family, and he strictly instructed her not to contact Sanju unless they received a signal.

Back at Sanju's house, Surendhar stared at the closed door of Pradeep's room. Then, he steeled himself, struck his own head forcefully against the wall, and lay on the couch in the hall, blood trickling down his forehead. He unlocked the room just before he lost consciousness.

A while later, Pradeep stirred. He stepped out groggily and gasped at the sight of his father lying injured on the couch.

"Dad! What happened?" he cried, rushing to him.

Surendhar groaned, playing along. "Two men... arrived here. One of them married Sanju... and took her away."

Pradeep's eyes widened. "What are you saying? How did I lose consciousness?"

"They said... they sprayed something inside your room," Surendhar replied, feigning weakness.

"Who are they, Dad?"

"I don't know... I've never seen them before..."

"Whoever it is," Pradeep growled, his voice thick with rage, "I'll find them. I won't spare them."

Flashback ends

Back in the present, Aryan smiled as he looked at Sanju, still asleep on his chest. He bent down and gently kissed her lips, stirring her awake.

She blinked and sat up slowly, clutching the comforter to her chest. Leaning on his shoulder, she looked at him, sleep still lingering in her eyes.

"Good morning, wifey," he murmured with a grin. "You look beautiful, sweetheart. I'd love to see you like this every day. Your face is completely pink."

"Thanks to you," she replied softly, a hint of blush rising on her cheeks.

He brushed his fingers through her hair and captured her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

"I've bought something for you," he said as they parted.

She raised an eyebrow. "You've already bought me so many gifts. What now?"

"This is technically for you... but actually, it's a gift for me."

"I don't get you," she said, narrowing her eyes.

"I mean," he smirked, "I bought you some sexy lingerie sets... all the way from the UK."

Sanju gasped and pushed him playfully. "Oh my God! Get lost, Aryan!"

"What?" he laughed. "Next week we're going on our honeymoon. You'll wear them there."

"Honeymoon? What's left to explore after all this?" she teased.

"We've only just started, Mrs. Aryan," he said, voice lowering. "We need a proper celebration. No disturbances. Just the two of us. Pick anywhere in the world—and we'll go."

She buried her face in the comforter, giggling. "I feel shy. Get out now."

Laughing, she covered herself completely with the duvet and rushed into the washroom. The soft chime of her anklets and the gentle clink of her toe rings echoed as she moved, leaving Aryan grinning like a teenager in love.

After she came out, Aryan stepped in for his bath. But when he returned, he froze in place.

There she stood—draped in a stunning blue saree, her nuptial chain shining proudly against the fabric, layered with the platinum chain he had gifted her. A bright vermillion line adorned her hair parting, completing the picture of his wife—his wife. She walked slowly, her anklets jingling gently with every step.

For a moment, he couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. She was divine.

"Aryan," she called softly, breaking his trance, "shall we go to some temple?"

"We shall go anywhere you say," he replied instantly, voice full of warmth and awe.

"Then get ready," she smiled.

And in that moment, he knew, he could do anything, go anywhere, fight anyone for her. Nothing in the world could stop him.

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A/N:

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