Devil's Bride

Unspoken Desires

The morning after the storm was calm, the air fresh with the scent of wet earth. Maya woke to find herself still wrapped in the blanket by the fireplace. The room was empty, but the faint aroma of coffee lingered in the air. She sat up, brushing her hair out of her face, and looked around.

Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the events of the night before—Ayaan bringing her to the main house, the warmth of the fire, the quiet moments they had shared. She touched her cheek, which burned at the memory of his protective presence. What is he doing to me? she thought.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Ayaan appeared in the doorway, freshly showered and dressed in his usual sharp attire. He carried two mugs of coffee and raised an eyebrow at her. “You’re awake.”

Maya nodded, suddenly self-conscious. “I—thank you. For last night.”

He handed her a mug, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to keep thanking me.”

“But I want to,” she said softly, holding the warm mug in her hands. She glanced up at him, her eyes searching his face. “You were kind to me. I’ll never forget it.”

Ayaan smirked, though there was a hint of something softer in his eyes. “Don’t make a habit of it. I’m not known for my kindness.”

Maya smiled, her confidence growing. “Maybe not to everyone. But you’re different with me.”

The words hung in the air, and Ayaan’s smirk faded. He held her gaze, his usual defenses wavering. “Maya,” he began, his voice low, but he stopped himself, as if unsure of what to say next.

The day unfolded quietly, but the tension between them was palpable. Maya helped Ayaan’s grandfather in the garden while Ayaan stayed indoors, attempting to distract himself with work. But no matter how hard he tried, his mind kept wandering to the girl who had invaded his life—and his thoughts.

From the window of his study, he watched as Maya laughed with his grandfather, her long hair catching the sunlight. She looked radiant, her innocence and warmth drawing everyone around her. Ayaan frowned, frustrated with himself. Why can’t I stop thinking about her?

Later, when Maya brought lunch to the main house, their paths crossed again. She placed the tray on the dining table and hesitated, glancing at Ayaan. He was sitting with his laptop, his brows furrowed in concentration, but he seemed aware of her presence.

“Are you busy?” she asked hesitantly.

He looked up, his expression softening ever so slightly. “Not anymore.”

Maya smiled, her heart lifting. “I just... wanted to thank you again. For everything. I don’t know how I would’ve managed last night without you.”

Ayaan leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You’re stronger than you think, Maya. You didn’t need me. But I couldn’t leave you there alone.”

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she looked down at her hands. “Still... I’m glad you came.”

Ayaan’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke again. “Maya, what is it about you?”

She looked up, startled. “What do you mean?”

He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”

But Maya couldn’t forget. His words stayed with her, sparking a warmth in her chest that refused to fade.

That evening, as the village prepared for a small festival, Maya found herself excited yet nervous. She had planned to attend with her friends, but the thought of Ayaan being there made her heart race.