Devil's Bride

The curious Maya

The evening sky was painted in hues of orange and purple as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a serene glow over the village. Maya stood in the kitchen, her thoughts heavy as she worked. The arrival of Ayaan had unsettled her more than she cared to admit. She’d never encountered someone so closed off, so indifferent.

The cool breeze drifted in through the open windows as she stirred the pot of sambar on the stove. Her mind wandered back to the brief encounter earlier that day. His words were like ice, his gaze even colder. But what really stung was how he’d completely dismissed her, as though she were invisible.

She wasn’t used to being ignored, especially by someone who seemed so different from the people she knew.

Later that evening, after dinner was served, Maya found herself wandering outside, a plate of warm food in hand. Ayaan was sitting on the verandah, still distant, his gaze focused on the night sky. She hesitated for a moment, the plate clutched tightly in her hands.

What would be the harm? she thought. Maybe if I try again, he’ll open up just a little.

Maya walked toward him slowly, setting the plate down on the small table beside him. “I thought you might be hungry,” she said gently, her voice soft yet firm. “I made some fresh food. The maid’s cooking might not be to your liking.”

Ayaan glanced at the plate, his expression unreadable, then back at the sky. “I’m not hungry,” he replied coldly, his tone dismissive as always. “I’m fine.”

Maya bit her lip, determined not to let his coldness get to her. “I heard Mumbai is amazing,” she continued, hoping to spark some conversation. “I’ve always wanted to visit the city, but... well, it’s so far away. What's it like? The city life, I mean. What do you do there?”

Ayaan didn’t respond immediately, his eyes still locked on the dark horizon. She could feel the silence stretching between them like a chasm, but she wasn’t going to back down. She wanted to know about him, about the life he led, even if he seemed intent on keeping it all locked away.

After what felt like an eternity, Ayaan finally spoke, his voice distant, almost detached. “Busy. Loud. Full of people who don’t matter.” He paused, his gaze flickering to her, a flicker of something darker in his eyes. “It’s not a place for people like you.”

Maya’s heart skipped a beat at his harsh words, but she refused to let it show. People like me? she thought, her brow furrowing. She quickly pushed the thought away.

“I think I’d like it,” she said lightly, hoping to change the subject. “There’s so much to learn, so many things to see.”

Ayaan snorted lightly, the corner of his mouth curling in what could’ve been a derisive smile. “It’s not all glamour and lights, Maya. You don’t understand it.”

His words stung, but she held her ground. “Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean I can’t try.”

The silence between them stretched for a moment longer, the tension palpable. Maya took a deep breath before picking up the plate she had brought for him. “It’s just that... you seemed upset about the food. I wanted to make something myself. It’s the least I could do.”

She pushed the plate gently toward him, her voice soft but persistent. “I promise, it’s different.”

Ayaan finally looked down at the plate, his expression unmoving. He hesitated before picking up his fork, taking a bite of the dish. Maya held her breath, watching closely.