Hearing Ayansh’s words and seeing his innocent face, Maya’s heart tightened with emotion.
She knelt down, cupping his small face tenderly in her hands. Her voice soft but resolute, she said, “Baby, I’m sorry. Mama doesn’t have much time. I have to do something now… something that will show them all their true place. I need to become even worse, baby.”
Ayansh blinked, his wide eyes filled with curiosity. He didn’t fully understand what his mother was saying, but he waited, listening intently.
Maya leaned in, resting her forehead against his, and whispered, “Baby…”
“Hmmm?”
His sweet, innocent voice tugged at her heart, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into his bright blue ones. Ayansh gazed back into her deep brown eyes with trust and love.
Hardening her heart, Maya finally spoke. “Baby, Mama has to go away for a few days. Just a few. But after that, I’ll never leave you again. I promise.”
Ayansh’s expression darkened instantly. He had already endured six long months without her, and now the thought of losing her again, even for a short while, was unbearable. He clutched her shirt tightly, his small hands trembling as he pressed his face against her chest.
“Mama, I’m sorry, but I can’t take it anymore. You’ve been gone for so long… I can’t be without you again. I want to stay with you. Please don’t leave me. Take me with you if you must, but don’t go without me.”
His voice trembled with fear and pain, and Maya struggled to maintain control over her own emotions.
Before she could respond, the door to the study opened, and Grandpa stepped out. His stern gaze fell upon Maya and Ayansh, holding each other close.
Grandpa’s patience had worn thin. Maya had defied the family by spending a night with the grandson of their greatest enemy, and now, she sought to act freely once again. His pride had been wounded, and this time, he wouldn’t bend.
Maya stood, her emotions now masked beneath a cold, emotionless expression. She placed a gentle kiss on Ayansh’s forehead, then turned to face her grandfather.
Her voice was like ice. “You’ve made a grave mistake using Ayansh against me, Grandpa. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
Grandpa’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, refusing to be provoked.
Maya turned to leave, but Ayansh wasn’t ready to let go. His tiny fingers clung desperately to hers, his voice barely a whisper. “Mama… please don’t leave me.”
Maya’s heart clenched painfully. She knew if she turned back now, her resolve would crumble. Without looking at him, she pulled her finger from his grasp and walked away.
Ayansh watched his empty hand, tears brimming in his beautiful blue eyes. But he didn’t cry. Instead, he clenched his fists in frustration, his small face twisted in anger.
“I hate you, Mama!” His voice was sharp, filled with a bitterness no child should know. “You’re selfish. I hate you!”
Maya froze, stunned by his words. Even Grandpa stood in disbelief.
Turning slowly, Maya stared at her son. Ayansh refused to meet her gaze, staring instead at the floor with cold detachment. Without another word, he turned and stormed off to his room.
Maya stood rooted in place, his words—“I hate you”—echoing in her ears like a cruel chant. They cut deeper than any weapon ever could.
When the sound of Ayansh’s door slamming reached her, Maya snapped back to reality. She felt suffocated, the weight of her decisions pressing down on her chest.
Grandpa, seeing her distress, softened. Despite their differences, she was still his granddaughter. He wanted to comfort her, but before he could, Maya silenced him with a glance. Her red-rimmed eyes held a fury that left him speechless.
Without another word, she strode out of the mansion.
Half an hour later, a sleek Bugatti Veyron pulled up outside an opulent villa.
Maya stepped out, her face a mask of indifference. She tossed the keys to the butler and made her way inside.
She paused briefly at the nameplate by the door: Pratham & Maya.
A wave of memories washed over her.
“Pratham! You’re crazy! Take your hands off my eyes—I can’t see anything!”
“Maya, darling, just two minutes. I promise you, you’ll love the surprise.”
“All right, fine. But just two minutes.”
“Okay, you can open your eyes now. Look! What do you think?”
“This… this villa! Why does it say Pratham & Maya? Is it ours?”
“Of course, it’s ours, sweetheart! I bought it just for you. If the Arya family ever kicks you out because of me, you’ll always have a home with me here.”
“How did you afford this?”
“Don’t worry about that. Just tell me—do you like it?”
The butler’s voice jolted her back to the present. “Madam, are you going inside?”
Maya blinked, pushing the memories away. She entered the villa without a word.
In the garden, she sat down on a bench, staring blankly at the orange leaves of a maple tree. A young man joined her, his presence familiar, comforting.
She didn’t acknowledge him.
After a long silence, her voice broke the stillness, thick with unshed tears. “Why did you leave me, Pratham? You knew how much Ayansh and I needed you… but you still left.”
Pratham smiled softly at her question.
_______________________________________
What happens next?
To know…
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...
