The devil's Enigmatic bride

(Chapter - 1)

Singhania Palace

Nestled in one of India's most exclusive neighborhoods, Singhania Palace is renowned as the most opulent residence in the country. Its foundation was laid centuries ago by Vidyut Singhania's ancestors during their struggle against the British. What once served as a fortress and refuge for freedom fighters has, over time, transformed into a breathtaking palace, blending historical grandeur with modern luxury. Today, there is no other home in India as magnificent as Singhania Palace.

A sleek black Rolls Royce Phantom glided to a stop just short of the palace gates. A young woman, no older than twenty-four, emerged from the car. Clad in a simple black t-shirt and jeans, she exuded an understated charm. From a distance, she might appear ordinary, but upon closer inspection, her elegance, the calm resolve in her light brown eyes, and the serenity of her features marked her as someone truly remarkable. Her composed demeanor and strong aura revealed a woman of quiet strength and determination.

Since stepping out of the car, the young woman had fixed her gaze on Singhania Palace. Moments later, a young man, who had been driving, joined her.

"Madam, are you certain about this? Do you really wish to proceed?" he asked hesitantly.

The woman turned to him with a gentle smile, noticing the concern and apprehension in his eyes. She then shifted her gaze back to the palace and replied softly, "Yes, Sumit, I am sure. Don’t worry about me. I’ll return once everything is settled."

After a brief pause, Sumit asked, "Madam, if your grandfather inquires about you, what should I tell him?"

"Tell Grandfather that I’m on a secret mission," she answered, her smile as serene and composed as a blooming rose.

Sumit took a deep breath, handing her a folder. "Madam, these are the documents you might need at Singhania Palace."

Accepting the documents, she gently patted Sumit's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Sumit. Make sure Grandfather takes his medicine on time, and don't delay his weekly check-ups. His health is of utmost importance."

Sumit, feeling a pang of emotion, asked, "If you care so much, madam, then why are you leaving us all?"

"I’m not leaving forever, Sumit," she replied with a touch of firmness in her voice. "I’m just going away for a while."

Seeing Sumit's continued sadness, she added more resolutely, "You know how important it is for me to be with him. He needs me. So, stop worrying and smile."

Despite his reluctance, Sumit managed a smile, his heart heavy as he watched her walk away. After she left, he whispered a prayer, "Oh God, please restore that devil to health quickly so my madam can return."

Meanwhile, in the luxurious living room of Singhania Palace, Vidyut's grandfather, Angad Singhania, was seated comfortably on a couch, sipping tea while perusing the newspaper. A guard entered and respectfully informed him, "Sir, there’s a young woman outside who insists on meeting you."

Surprised, Mr. Angad looked up. "A young woman? I haven’t summoned anyone."

"We told her the same, sir, but she refuses to leave," the guard responded.

Mr. Angad's aged eyes narrowed in thought. "Did she give a name?"

"Yes, sir. She said her name is Maya, Maya Arya."

"Maya Arya...?" Mr. Angad repeated the name, a look of recognition dawning in his eyes. Folding his newspaper, he instructed the guard, "Bring her in, and treat her with the utmost respect."

"Yes, sir, right away," the guard replied, hurrying out to fetch Maya. When she entered the living room, Mr. Angad studied her closely.

Maya greeted him with a gentle smile, bowing to touch his feet in respect, which took him by surprise. "Maya, what brings you here? Is there something important?"

"Yes," Maya replied with calm assurance, her eyes meeting his with unwavering resolve. "I’m here for something very important."

Her voice carried a quiet strength that caught the attention of everyone in the room, and soon the entire Singhania family had gathered. Maya addressed Mr. Angad, "Mr. Singhania, I’ve come because of Vidyut. I understand he’s in a coma."

"Yes, Vidyut had an accident two days ago. He’s been in a coma since then. But you… what’s your connection to Vidyut?" Mr. Angad asked, his voice trailing off in confusion.

Maya met his gaze with calm confidence. "I wish to take care of him until he recovers. If you permit, I’d like to stay by his side."

Her words sent shockwaves through the room. Vidyut’s mother, Reena Singhania, could not contain her outrage. "Who are you? How dare you come here dressed like that? Get out this instant! How could someone like you even think of taking care of my son?"

Maya, unfazed by the outburst, blinked her beautiful eyes innocently at Mrs. Reena, her expression one of pure serenity.

Sensing the tension, Mr. Angad intervened sharply, "Reena, mind your tongue. Maya is our guest."

Though Reena bristled at his rebuke, she knew better than to challenge him openly. Mr. Angad remained the undisputed patriarch of the family, and his authority was unquestioned.

Despite her simple attire, which led the family to underestimate her, Mr. Angad saw something in Maya that the others did not. Ignoring the hostile glares, he said, "Maya, come with me to the study. We have matters to discuss."

"Certainly," Maya replied with a slight smile. Despite the animosity and suspicion directed at her, she walked with quiet dignity alongside Mr. Angad to the study.

When they emerged from the study, Mr. Angad made an announcement that left the entire Singhania family reeling: "Maya and Vidyut will be married today. Until Vidyut awakens, Maya will stay here as his wife and care for him."

The declaration hit the family like a thunderbolt. Mr. Angad’s decision was nothing short of earth-shattering.

_______________________________________

Who is Maya?

Why is she so determined to care for Vidyut?

What is her true identity?

To find out...

To be continued...