Who was Maya? This question lingered in the minds of everyone in the Singhania household. No one knew where she had come from, yet her sudden arrival had stirred the waters of this powerful and prestigious family. One thing was certain, however—Grandpa's unusual kindness and affection towards Maya had not gone unnoticed, and it was a source of deep discomfort for the rest of the family.
Grandpa, known for his stern and distant demeanor, was never one to show warmth, not even towards his own grandchildren. Yet with Maya, his gestures were soft and caring, which was like a thorn in everyone’s side.
The Singhania family, an epitome of power and respect in the country, bore the legacy of kings and emperors. Their royal status still commanded awe, and it was said that a mere sneeze from the Singhanias could disrupt the nation’s economy. Rumors abounded that they secretly controlled the entire country—a claim that only the Singhania family and a few high-ranking officials could confirm.
Wealth, status, and pride were ingrained in the Singhania bloodline. Most of the family members, save for a few exceptions, were steeped in arrogance, viewing the less fortunate as mere insects. Among them, Viraj Singhania, Vidyut’s father, and Vinod Singhania, his uncle, were particularly displeased with Vidyut's marriage to Maya.
They had questioned their father about Maya’s origins multiple times, but each time, Grandpa had dismissed them curtly, leaving them with more questions than answers.
One day, as Maya entered the living room, a sharp voice called out, “Hey, you sly girl! Come here!”
Maya paused, recognizing the voice—it was Vidyut’s mother, Reena. Turning back with a sweet smile, she faced Reena and asked, “Yes, ma’am! Is there something you need?”
Reena sneered, her eyes cold. “I haven’t fallen so low that I need anything from you,” she retorted, her disdain evident.
Then, with a smug smile, Reena gestured to the young woman beside her. “Meet her, you cunning girl! This is Ishita Agarwal. She just returned from the United States after completing her studies. Once Vidyut recovers, I’ll arrange his marriage with Ishita. Look at my future daughter-in-law—her family, her grace. This is what real class and status look like, something worthy of the Singhania name.”
Maya, unfazed, continued to smile politely. She glanced at Ishita, who indeed looked every bit the elegant princess of the Agarwal family, one of the top twenty families in the country.
Ishita Agarwal, Maya thought to herself, a woman who wears a mask of sophistication, hiding her true nature.
With a composed demeanor, Maya responded to Reena, “You have excellent taste, ma’am. Your choice truly reflects your refined perspective.”
A subtle smirk played on Ishita’s lips, pleased with Maya’s words. Reena, though momentarily satisfied, found herself increasingly irritated by Maya’s unwavering smile.
“What is it with this girl and her constant smiling?” Reena muttered under her breath, her irritation growing.
Later, as Maya prepared to leave for the office, she received a silent signal—a nod of approval from Grandpa. Since joining the Singhania Group six months ago, Maya had kept herself busy, finding solace in her work. With Grandpa’s encouragement, she had taken on a role within the company.
As Maya left, Siya rushed in, breathless, to report to her mother, Reena, and aunt Anupama. Ishita was present as well. Siya spilled everything she had learned about Varun and Maya, her words leaving Reena and Anupama shocked.
“**This girl has crossed the line,**” Anupama seethed. “She’s seducing my son now. This has gone too far. We must deal with her.”
Reena’s eyes narrowed as she agreed, “You’re right, Anupama. We need to put an end to this cunning girl’s antics. Just wait until she returns from the office. I’ll handle her.”
Ishita, ever the picture of sweetness, chimed in with a smile, “Auntie, I should be going now. My father will be expecting me.”
Reena’s demeanor softened instantly as she affectionately replied, “Of course, dear! Please do invite your father to join us for dinner.”
“Certainly, Auntie,” Ishita responded, her voice dripping with honey.
But as soon as Ishita left the Singhania palace, her tone changed sharply. Making a call, she ordered, “Whatever amount you need, I’ll provide it. But I want that girl to be so ruined that no man would even look at her, let alone keep her.”
“Don’t worry, madam,” a lazy voice responded on the other end. “Consider it done.”
Ishita ended the call, muttering to herself with venom, “Mr. Vidyut’s wife? Wife, my foot!”
Meanwhile, a sleek Land Rover SUV pulled up in front of the Singhania Group’s towering office building. Maya stepped out, raising her head to take in the massive structure that symbolized the Singhania family’s might and prestige. The name “Singhania Group of Industries” gleamed atop the central building, reflecting the sunlight in a display of power.
As Maya gazed at the building, her eyes flickered with a complex emotion. Taking a deep breath, she walked confidently into the middle building, blending in as just another employee.
In the office, no one knew about her connection to Vidyut. To them, Maya was simply another dedicated worker. As she entered her department, her boss, Radha, approached her.
“Oh, Maya! Is the presentation for the windmill project ready? Any issues?” Radha asked.
“No, ma’am. The presentation is ready. Trust me, this project will greatly benefit our company,” Maya replied confidently.
Radha, a kind-hearted woman, smiled warmly. “I trust you completely, Maya. Now, hurry to the meeting room. You’ll be presenting this.”
“Me?” Maya asked, surprised.
“Yes, Maya, you. Now, go on,” Radha insisted.
Nodding, Maya followed Radha to the meeting room. As the lights dimmed, Maya began her presentation, her calm smile never wavering.
Throughout the presentation, Varun, seated in the room, couldn’t take his eyes off her. Maya was perfect. Where others her age might falter under pressure, she remained composed, explaining everything with the ease of a seasoned teacher.
When she finished, the room erupted in applause—a rare occurrence in the Singhania Group. Radha’s eyes shone with pride as she looked at Maya, satisfied with her decision.
After the meeting, Varun approached Maya. “Congratulations, Maya! The high executives of the Singhania Group were impressed today. That’s a significant achievement.”
“Sir, you should congratulate department head Radha instead of me. She entrusted me with this project and believed in me,” Maya said humbly.
Varun’s eyes softened with affection as he listened to her words. After congratulating Radha, he returned to his cabin, his thoughts increasingly consumed by Maya.
Back in the department, Radha looked at Maya and asked, “Why are you so good, Maya?”
Maya’s smile froze for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her eyes. Then, she smiled again and replied, “You’re mistaken, ma’am. I’m not good. In fact, I’m a very bad person.”
Radha laughed lightly. “You always say that, Maya, but the truth is, you’re a wonderful person.”
Maya merely smiled in response, her thoughts hidden behind her usual calm facade.
As the day ended and Maya stepped out of the office, a van suddenly screeched to a halt in front of her. Before she could react, several men grabbed her and dragged her into the van. Her handbag fell to the ground as the van sped away, taking her far from the safety of the Singhania Group.
___________________________
Who has kidnapped Maya?
Will she be able to escape?
To find out…
To be continued…
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The devil's Enigmatic bride
Mystery / ThrillerVidyut Singhania is a name that strikes fear across the globe. Known as a ruthless devil, his mere presence sends shivers down spines, including those of his own family. But after a catastrophic car accident leaves him in a coma, everything changes...
