Devil's Bride

A New Arrival

The sound of an engine roaring up the dusty road broke the calm of the late morning. Maya paused in her work, looking up from the tulsi plant she was watering outside the outhouse. The sleek black SUV that came to a halt near the main house stood out starkly against the simplicity of the village surroundings.

From the driver’s side, a man stepped out—a tall, broad-shouldered figure with a confident stride and an easy smile. He wore a leather jacket despite the heat, his sunglasses perched stylishly on his nose. Maya tilted her head curiously as she watched him approach the house.

“Who could that be?” she murmured to herself.

Moments later, Ayaan emerged from the house, his expression unreadable but more alert than usual. The two men clasped hands briefly before pulling each other into a half-hug.

“Karan,” Ayaan said, his voice lacking its usual cold edge. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t stay away too long,” Karan replied with a grin. “Uncle sent me. He wanted me to update you about the situation in Mumbai.”

Ayaan’s jaw tightened briefly, but he nodded. “Come inside.”

The two men disappeared into the house, leaving Maya standing by the plants, curiosity buzzing in her mind.

By the time Maya ventured closer, the discussion between Karan, Ayaan, and Ayaan’s grandfather had shifted into lighter territory. Karan’s laughter rang out, warm and full of life, a stark contrast to Ayaan’s usual brooding demeanor.

“I insist, Karan,” the grandfather said, his voice firm yet affectionate. “You’ve come all this way, and it’s not safe to return immediately. Stay here for a few days. It’ll do Ayaan good to have company.”

Karan chuckled, shooting a teasing look at Ayaan. “Looks like I don’t have a choice. I’ll stay.”

Ayaan’s expression was neutral, but his eyes flickered with something Maya couldn’t quite place. He gave a small nod of agreement, though his lips pressed into a thin line.

Later that afternoon, Maya was sweeping the porch when Karan strolled over, his easy demeanor putting her at ease instantly.

“You must be Maya,” he said, flashing her a warm smile. “Ayaan’s grandfather mentioned you.”

Maya straightened, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “That’s me,” she said with a shy smile. “You’re Karan?”

“The one and only,” he replied with a playful wink. “I’ve heard a lot about you. You’ve got quite the reputation in this household.”

Maya blushed, unsure of how to respond. “I hope it’s a good one.”

Karan laughed. “Oh, it is. Grandfather says you’re the sunshine of this place.”

The two of them fell into an easy conversation, with Maya’s natural curiosity leading her to ask Karan all about his life in the city. Unlike Ayaan, Karan was open and animated, describing his adventures and mishaps with humor and vivid detail. Maya listened intently, her laughter ringing out every so often as Karan’s stories grew more and more outrageous.

From a distance, Ayaan watched the scene unfold, his arms crossed over his chest. His jaw clenched as he observed the way Karan’s casual charm seemed to captivate Maya. She was laughing—a sound Ayaan realized he’d come to like—but this time, it wasn’t because of him.

“Shouldn’t you be working or studying?” he muttered under his breath, though no one could hear him.

Later that evening, at dinner, Ayaan’s mood was noticeably colder. He sat silently, his eyes flicking between Karan and Maya, who continued their cheerful banter as though they’d known each other for years.