Devil's Bride

A Leap of Fate

One year had passed, and the small village that once echoed with Maya’s laughter now spoke of her achievements. She had done the impossible—cracked the NEET exam with flying colors. The girl who spent nights under a flickering lamp, pouring over her books, had secured a seat at one of Mumbai’s most prestigious medical colleges.

Maya stood at the threshold of a new chapter in her life, holding an acceptance letter in her hands. The sponsorship from a renowned company had covered her tuition fees and living expenses, a blessing that ensured she could pursue her dreams without burdening her father.

The day Maya left her village was bittersweet. Her father stood by the doorway, pride and sorrow warring in his eyes. “You’ve made me so proud, my dear,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “But remember, this city is vast and unforgiving. Stay true to yourself.”

Maya nodded, hugging him tightly. “I’ll be fine, Father. I promise.”

Her gaze lingered on the house, the fields, the small lanes she had known her entire life. And then, on Ayaan’s grandfather’s house. She had seen little of him in the past year, but his silent encouragement had always been there, a quiet strength she leaned on.

When she went to bid him farewell, the old man handed her a book on medicinal plants. “For your studies,” he said gruffly, though his eyes were soft. “And for your heart—don’t let it lead you astray.”

She knew what he meant but said nothing. She simply bowed her head and left, her heart heavy yet hopeful.

Mumbai was overwhelming. The noise, the towering buildings, the sea of people—it was a world away from the quiet village Maya had called home. She clutched her suitcase tightly as she stepped into her college hostel, her heart beating fast with anticipation and nervousness.

Her room was small but comfortable, and she quickly unpacked her things, placing her books and photographs carefully on the shelves. Among them was a picture of her father and her late mother, their smiles a reminder of why she was here.

But in the quiet moments, another face surfaced in her mind—Ayaan’s.

Maya had told herself this was about her ambition, about becoming a doctor and helping others. And it was. But it was also more than that. Somewhere in this vast city was Ayaan. She didn’t know where, she didn’t know how to find him, but the thought of being in his city brought her closer to him, even if only in her mind.

She walked through the bustling streets, marveling at the life around her. The city he had described felt alive beneath her feet. She imagined him walking these very streets, his commanding presence making heads turn.

Maya’s first day at the medical college was a whirlwind of introductions and lectures. Her professors were intimidating, her classmates a mix of driven and aloof. But Maya held her own, her determination shining through.

During lunch, she sat alone under a tree, flipping through her books. A group of students nearby chatted about Mumbai’s nightlife, and for a brief moment, she wondered what Ayaan’s life here was like.

Was he in a boardroom right now? Or walking the streets? she wondered.

Unbeknownst to her, Ayaan was closer than she thought. His company, the same one that had unknowingly sponsored her education, had ties to the college. He wasn’t involved in the selection process, but his empire’s reach extended far and wide, touching her life in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Ayaan, however, remained oblivious to her presence in the city. His days were consumed by business and his nights by a hollow restlessness. He had buried himself in work, trying to forget her, but her memory lingered, a constant ache in his chest.