Recap: Maya stabilizes with her health and the memory created by Aryan
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It had been a week of patient care, and under Naren and Vivaan's devoted attention, Maya's health improved remarkably. Day by day, she grew stronger with their love and support. Finally, the doctor consented to her discharge, and Naren insisted Vivaan stay with his parents at DC Residence. With joy, Vivaan's parents met Maya and embraced her wholeheartedly. It was a new beginning as Naren, Maya, and Vivaan went home together.
At home, Naren teased, "Maya, once you're fully recovered, we'll host a grand wedding for you both."
Maya smiled up at him. "Okay, bro. Vivaan, are you in?"
"Double okay," Vivaan replied with a smile. Their laughter faded when Pavithra walked through the door. Maya watched, puzzled.
"Who is she?" Maya asked.
Naren hesitated, then said, "She is Pavithra, my..." before trailing off. Maya's eyes widened. "Ohhh—okay. Understood. My sister‑in‑law, right?"
"Yes," Naren confirmed, smiling. "Come, Pavi."
Pavithra settled beside Naren. "How are you, Maya?" she asked warmly."I'm fine, sister‑in‑law," Maya replied politely.
"Just call me Pavi. I'm your age. No formality," Pavithra grinned.
Maya relaxed. "Okay. Where did you guys meet?"
Seeing Naren tense, Pavithra dove in. "Actually, Maya, you seem to have forgot your brother. I work for him, and you were his business partner. We had to close that deal after a loss."
Maya blinked. "Who is my other brother? My goodness, how many do I have to remember?"
Pavithra spoke gently, "He's Aryan. I work in ARC as Finance Team Head."
Maya's eyes brightened. "Oh yes—Vishnu uncle's son, right? How is he?"
Naren shook his head. "He was at the hospital a lot, but his wife is pregnant, so he couldn't stay."
"He said he'll come visit soon—with his wife," added Pavithra.
"So... he's married? Wow. At least I'll witness one of my brothers' weddings!" Maya beamed.
Naren reassured her, "He'll come soon, Maya."
Maya laughed. "So, when are you all planning your weddings?"
Pavithra smiled and said, "First your wedding—and then ours."
Naren laughed. "Yes, Maya. You need to recover first. We'll think of ours later."
Maya nodded. "Okay... as you wish."
Vivaan helped Maya to her room to rest and stayed by her side.
Meanwhile, at the hospital...Aryan's parents gradually regained strength with medicine and physiotherapy. Their speech improved with therapy, and Aryan devoted himself to their care. Sanju missed them desperately, and Aryan supported her as well. Vishnu and Devika encouraged Aryan to stay with Sanju while they recovered. When Aryan had to leave, Ranjith stepped in, caring for them as lovingly as Aryan did.
Night after night, Aryan helped Sanju soak tired muscles in a warm bath and massaged her swollen ankles. Her growing bump was a happy reminder of impending joy.
As the days went by, Aryan's parents regained their ability to speak, and the doctor confirmed they were well enough to go home. Aryan and Ranjith went to the hospital to bring them back. Meanwhile, Sanju and Kowsalya were preparing their room, making sure everything was just right. In the living area, Sanju waited excitedly. When she heard the car horn outside, she grabbed Kowsalya and headed to the porch, holding an aarthi plate.
Devika greeted Kowsalya with warmth as they arrived at the doorstep, "Kowsalya, how are you?"
Kowsalya replied, her voice brimming with emotion, "I'm fine, madam. I'm so happy to see you both."
Aryan stepped forward with a smile. "Mom, she took care of me all these years," he said proudly. "Not just me, she's been there for Sanju too."
Vishnu gave a gentle nod, smiling. "I'm so happy to know that you were taken care of. Thank you, Kowsalya."
Aryan insisted, "No, Dad, don't thank her like that. She's family and I'd be ashamed to hurt her by just thanking her. She's cared for us like a mother."
Vishnu lifted his gaze appreciatively. "You're right, Aryan."
Seeing Sanju standing nearby, Devika held out her hand, "Sanju, come sit next to me."
Sanju moved over and Devika wrapped her in a loving embrace, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
Devika's voice shook with emotion. "We've got everything back in our life. I never thought I would see this day it feels like a dream."
Sanju smiled, her eyes glistening. "Maa, from now on we'll be happy. Everything is solved."
Vishnu watched them closely, his voice gentle and filled with pride. "Sanju, my child, we couldn't be there for your marriage but soon, we'll meet our grandchild. I'm so happy. With this happiness, all the pain fades away."
Devika reached out to Ranjith and called, "Ranjith, come here. You're our son too. You don't have to stand in a corner."
Ranjith hurried forward, his voice thick with gratitude. "Sure — and thank you, madam."
Vishnu looked tenderly at both of his sons-in-law. "Hey, call us Mom and Dad."
At that, Ranjith was overcome and wiped a tear away, looking at the couple and softly replying, "Sure... Mom."
Vishnu stood up and pulled both Aryan and Ranjith into a warm embrace. Devika followed suit, drawing Sanju into the circle. Their arms intertwined in a heartfelt family hug.
Aryan closed his eyes for a moment, sadness and relief mingling within him. He wiped his tears and whispered a quiet prayer of thanks to God, for restoring his family and giving back their joy at last.
Kowsalya prepared a special lunch for the family, and when everyone was seated at the table, Aryan spoke up.
"Appa, I have something important to discuss with you," he began, his voice steady yet earnest.
Vishnu nodded and replied, "Yes, Aryan. Go ahead."
Aryan took a deep breath. "We need to inform the public that you both are safe and very much alive. Actually, I don't want to expose Chandrasekar to the world. I can't bear to see Naren hurt anymore, so shall we just say that you were rescued and saved by some villagers and are now back home safe? Let's not go into the details of how you were saved."
Vishnu leaned back, a relieved smile on his face. "Aryan, I thought the same. What's the point in blaming a man who's dead? Let's do exactly that."
Aryan's eyes lit up with renewed determination. "And Appa, about the business, you should return to the industry and rule it again."
But Vishnu shook his head gently. "No, Aryan. Enough of business. Now I want to be with my family. Soon we'll have the baby here, and I want to spend that time only with you all."
Devika smiled approvingly. "Yes, Aryan. What your dad says is correct."
Aryan nodded and said, "Okay, Ma. I won't push."
After lunch, Devika and Vishnu retired to their room, where they found every arrangement made perfectly by Sanju. They were deeply touched by her care.
Sanju motioned to Aryan. "Go sit with them a while," she said softly, then left the room.
Aryan entered and found his mother reclining against the headboard, and his father seated on the couch. He gently lay his head in his mother's lap, and she began to caress his hair as a single tear escaped his eyes.
After a moment, he paused, stood, and moved to sit beside his father.
"Appa," he began quietly, "can I ask you something?"
Vishnu gestured for him to continue. "Hmm? Go ahead."
"Why did Chandrasekar do all this to you?" Aryan asked, voice trembling.
Vishnu sighed heavily. "We were very good friends, Aryan. I once believed he was happy for my success in business but I was wrong. He wanted my position. He worked behind us to sabotage our business, but failed. I discovered his betrayal, but before confronting him, I had to leave for a major meeting in Switzerland. I'd planned to take your mother, but work got in the way. We finally went together but men abducted us at the airport."
He paused, voice heavy with emotion. "For days we had no idea who was behind it. Then Chandrasekar appeared. He revealed his vindictiveness and announced to the world that we were dead. He tortured us, injecting us to strip our mobility until our bodies gave out."
Aryan embraced his father tightly and wept in silence.
"I didn't even know this," Aryan whispered. "I looked up to him as a mentor. But he mentioned something about a diamond, what's that?"
Vishnu and Devika exchanged uneasy glances.
Vishnu spoke carefully, "Aryan, some things are better left unsaid. It's healthier that way."
Still uneasy, Aryan insisted, "Appa, I don't want any future problems because of it. So please tell me."
Devika touched his hand and said softly, "Aryan, everyone who's discovered the true identity of that diamond has met ruin. It's just an ordinary blue diamond worth millions. Please believe us."
Aryan nodded, acceptance shining through. "Okay, Ma. I won't push."
Vishnu smiled and patted his shoulder. "Now go see Sanju. We'll be just fine. Go take care of her."
Aryan returned their smiles. "Will do, Appa," he replied and walked out of the room.
He found Sanju seated on the couch and joined her. He gently lifted her legs into his lap and began to massage her feet.
Sanju smiled and tugged him closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.
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