The Devil's Queen (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter 16 - Gifts and Surprises (EDITING!)

As the days passed, Nikhil knew he had to leave, even though he had grown attached to Naina, Aanya, and Princess Maya. His responsibilities and family were waiting, and he couldn't keep them waiting for too long. It was time to go back to his life as a mafia king, but he knew he couldn't reveal this to Naina.

Nikhil decided to leave a small note to express his gratitude and bid farewell without disclosing his true identity. 

The note read:  "I am glad to have met you, Naina, Aanya, and Queen Maya. I am extremely grateful that you helped me during my tough times when I was on the verge of death. By the time you come searching for me, I will be long gone. I have my friends and family waiting, and I can't keep them hanging for so long. Thank you so much for taking care of me. Love, Sahil."

In the stillness of the night, around 2 AM, Nikhil quietly left Naina's house, making sure not to wake anyone. He called his cousin, who was waiting for him, and together, they set off to his family home. Nikhil had physically left Naina's home, but he couldn't escape the memories and emotions that were etched into his mind. Her voice, her scent, her charm, her intelligence – everything about her was imprinted in his heart. A few days ago, he had loathed her, but now, she had become something else for him, someone he knew he would cherish for life.
She had become HIS QUEEN.... HIS TO CHERISH .. HIS TO LOVE ... HIS TO TOUCH .., HIS TO TALK TO 

~NEXT MORNING~

The next morning, as Naina, Aanya, and little Maya awoke, they greeted the day with cheerful "Good mornings" and exchanged warm smiles, deepening their growing bond. Maya, the inquisitive 4-year-old, quickly started the morning chatter:

"Good morning, Naina!" said Maya.

"Good morning, Maya," Naina responded with affection.

Aanya joined in, exclaiming, "Good morning, sleepyheads!"

Naina reciprocated, saying, "Good morning, Aanya."

Aanya turned her attention to the little princess, asking, "How are you, little princess?"

Maya replied, "I'm good, Aanya. Did Sahil bhaiya wake up?"

Naina suggested, "Let's go check. He's probably still sleeping."

Aanya playfully speculated, "I bet he's dreaming about breakfast."

Maya expressed her craving, "I want pancakes!"

Naina reassured her, saying, "We'll make you some if he's up."

Aanya, however, had her preference, "I want waffles!"

Maya's enthusiasm was contagious as she exclaimed, "We can make everything!"

Naina shared the sentiment, saying, "We sure can."

Aanya had an idea, suggesting, "Let's go see if our sleepy guest is awake."

Maya concurred, saying, "Yeah! I want to wish him good morning."

Naina agreed, "He must be in his room."

Aanya added to the plan, "Shh, let's surprise him!"

Maya called out to him, "Sahil bhaiya!"

Naina joined in, saying, "Sahil, time to wake up!"

Aanya playfully chimed in, "Wakey-wakey, Sahil!"

Naina noticed his absence, saying, "Hmm, that's strange. He's not here."

Aanya speculated, "Maybe he's in the bathroom?"

Maya observed, "I don't see him."

Naina started to piece things together, saying, "Hold on, there's a note on the table."

Aanya urged Naina to read it, asking, "What does it say, Naina?"

Naina proceeded to read the note aloud: "Let me read it to you. It says... 'I am glad to have met you, Naina, Aanya, and Queen Maya," Naina began.
Naina continued to read aloud, "It continues... 'I am extremely grateful that you helped me during my tough times when I was on the verge of death.'"And finally, Naina shared the last part, saying, "The last part says... 'By the time you come searching for me, I will be long gone.' "Naina finished reading and revealed the signature, "It's signed 'Sahil.'"

Naina, Aanya, and Maya sat in silence, processing the note's content and the abrupt departure of the man they had cared for over the past weeks. It was a mixture of surprise, sadness, and gratitude. Maya's innocent eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to understand the situation.