The devil's Enigmatic bride

(Chapter - 14)

Maya halted at the sound of a voice behind her. She turned, a serene smile gracing her lips, and saw Natasha standing there.

Natasha looked striking in a red, knee-length dress paired with black high heels. Her hair cascaded loosely around her face, and her makeup was minimal yet perfectly applied. Everything about her—her height, her delicate features, her slender figure, and those mesmerizing eyes—was enough to draw the attention of any man.

But beneath Natasha’s innocent face and graceful mannerisms lurked a mind both shrewd and cunning. It was a truth only a few could discern.

As soon as Ayansh caught sight of Natasha, his expression shifted to one of clear displeasure. The boy never hid his disdain for her.

Burying his small face into the curve of Maya’s neck, Ayansh whispered, his voice tinged with petulance,“I don’t like this fake woman, Mommy. Please, make her leave. She’s so annoying and dramatic.”

Maya’s smile deepened at her son’s candid words. Even at three years old, Ayansh was no ordinary child. He had an uncanny ability to read people, and very few could deceive him or earn his affection.

Gently patting his back, Maya whispered,“Alright, darling. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she doesn’t stay long.”

Ayansh tightened his hold on his mother, breathing in the soft, comforting scent of her hair. Whenever Maya was near, he could never bear to be apart from her, always seeking the solace of her lap.

Meanwhile, Natasha’s friendly façade remained intact, though her fists clenched at Maya’s silence.

“Sister Maya!” Natasha whined as she approached, her voice laced with feigned innocence. “I’m getting so jealous of Ayansh. Ever since he came into your life, it feels like I’ve lost my place. You don’t love me like you used to; you’re always with him now.”

Maya’s smile didn’t waver, though she was well aware of Natasha’s duplicity.

But Ayansh wasn’t as tolerant. He lifted his face from Maya’s neck and glared coldly at Natasha. “You’re not a baby,” he shot back with surprising intensity. “Stop acting like one. I’m Mommy’s baby. Should she start carrying you around instead of me?”

Natasha’s eyes flashed with anger at the child’s harsh words. The hatred she harbored was momentarily visible, but she quickly masked it, knowing that retaliating against Ayansh would only lead to further humiliation. The boy had a knack for using his youth as a shield, rendering her powerless.

Maya chuckled softly, lowering her head to conceal her amusement. Outwardly, she chided,“Ayansh, you mustn’t speak to your elders like that.”

But Ayansh, still nestled in his mother’s embrace, muttered defiantly,“Mommy, I know how to talk to elders. But where’s Natasha Aunty an elder? She acts like she was born yesterday, always desperate for your attention.”

Both women heard every word. Natasha burned with fury but forced herself to maintain her composed demeanor. She knew better than to argue with Ayansh.

Turning to Maya, Natasha shifted the conversation, trying to regain control. “Sister Maya, let Ayansh be. He’s just a child. But will you join me at Ankit’s pool party tomorrow?”

Maya smiled sweetly and patted Natasha’s head. “You know I’m not fond of parties, Natasha.”

Natasha pouted, her expression a calculated display of disappointment. “Sister Maya, ever since the talk of choosing a new heir began, people think we’re at odds. But that’s not true. I wanted to show everyone that the bond between the Arya sisters is as strong as ever. But if you don’t want to come, it’s fine. I won’t push you.”

Maya’s smile grew more enigmatic as she studied Natasha’s downcast face. Unmasking the true nature behind Natasha’s innocent appearance was no easy task.

Even so, Maya had a deep understanding of the mother-daughter duo’s schemes. Dealing with Natasha and Zara had been a part of her life since she was ten years old, and she had long since learned to find amusement in their endless plots. By that age, Maya had mastered the art of negotiation, monetary incentive, punishment, and division.

So, with a gentle pat on Natasha’s shoulder, Maya said,“If it means that much to you, I’ll come. Happy now?”

A fleeting, cunning smile crossed Natasha’s face before she quickly replaced it with a more childlike grin. Hugging Maya, she said,“Very happy, Sister Maya! I’m so glad. You go ahead and enjoy horse riding with Ayansh. I’ll pick out our dresses.”

“Alright, you go ahead,” Maya replied with a smile.

After Natasha left, Ayansh began to fidget in Maya’s lap. Maya stroked his back lovingly, asking,“What’s wrong, darling? Are you uncomfortable?”

“She touched me, Mommy!”

Maya sighed, her thoughts drifting momentarily to Vidyut. Ayansh’s reactions in such moments were so much like his father’s.

She helped Ayansh to the ground, watching as he meticulously rubbed the spots on his body where Natasha had touched her during the hug. The look of distaste on his small face was unmistakable.

Maya handed him a water bottle, and Ayansh immediately began to cleanse himself, scrubbing away any trace of Natasha’s presence. Maya assisted him until he was satisfied.

Once he was content, she lifted him back into her arms. A fleeting thought crossed her mind as she noticed the scratch marks on his forehead. If Ayansh remained this way as he grew older, how would he ever marry? Would any woman ever capture his heart?

Maya pushed the thought aside and headed to the horse-riding ground.

Once seated on the horse, she placed Ayansh securely in front of her. As the horse moved, a look of serene joy spread across his small face.

Before they began, Maya asked,“Are you ready, baby?”

Ayansh nodded eagerly. “Yes, Mommy! I’m ready!”

After a few laps around the ground, Maya guided the horse toward the forest. Ayansh’s smile deepened, his excitement mingling with a rare sense of peace.

_______________________________________

Is Natasha really scheming something for the pool party?

Is there a larger conspiracy at play?

Will Maya fall prey to Natasha’s machinations?

To find out…

To be continued…