Devil's Bride

Ayaan Furious

Maya had never felt the weight of her safety more than in the past few days. The campus of Mumbai’s prestigious medical college was a safe haven for most, but something had changed. It wasn’t just the growing tension in the air, the subtle whispers among the students, or the occasional unease Maya had noticed from the security staff. It was a creeping sense of fear, something that didn’t belong in the bustling, vibrant city, yet felt all too real.

It all started one evening when Keerthi had rushed into their shared room with a look of genuine concern on her face. “Maya, something’s off.”

Maya, who had been flipping through her medical textbooks, looked up, brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Keerthi paced around the room, clearly agitated. “I overheard some girls talking about a security breach. Someone got into the girls’ dorms last night. He wasn’t supposed to be there. No one is sure how he got past the security cameras.”

Maya’s stomach dropped. “What? How is that even possible?”

Keerthi shrugged, her face pale. “I don’t know, but it’s not just that. I’ve been hearing more and more rumors about the hostel not being safe. They’re saying there’s been a rise in break-ins and weird activity.”

Maya swallowed hard. She had always felt safe in the hostel, surrounded by students, her friends, and the ever-present campus security. But now, she couldn’t ignore the unease creeping up her spine.

“I think we need to talk to someone,” Keerthi said, voice trembling slightly. “This isn’t just about the noise. We could be in danger.”

Maya nodded, her mind racing. But just as she opened her mouth to agree, the door creaked, and there was a soft knock.

“Maya? Keerthi?”

It was the hostel warden, Mrs. Desai, a kind woman who had always looked out for the students. She entered without waiting for an invitation, her face serious.

“There’s been an incident tonight,” Mrs. Desai said, her voice low. “A girl from another block was attacked. She’s safe now, but we’re tightening security. The management has already requested the authorities to handle it.”

Maya’s breath caught in her throat. “Attacked? Is she okay?”

“She’s shaken up but fine physically. We’re keeping it under wraps for now. But please, stay alert. Don’t go out alone after dark, and always lock your doors.”

Keerthi looked at Maya, eyes wide with concern. “Maya, this is serious.”

Maya’s heart hammered in her chest. The hostel, the place that had always felt like a second home, now felt suffocating. She looked at Keerthi, who was biting her lip, her gaze flickering with worry.

“We need to get out of here,” Keerthi said quietly, but with firm resolve. “Maybe find somewhere else to stay for a while. This place isn’t safe for us.”

Maya’s mind was racing. She thought of Ayaan, his protective words echoing in her thoughts. Could he help? But would he even care about something as trivial as the safety of a medical student at an overcrowded hostel?

No. She couldn’t drag him into this, not after everything he had done for her already.

“I’ll talk to the warden tomorrow,” Maya said, trying to stay calm. “Maybe there’s a way to transfer to a different block, or even find an off-campus accommodation.”

Keerthi nodded, though her eyes still held that spark of fear. “I think we need to do something sooner rather than later. I don’t feel safe here anymore, Maya.”