Devil's Bride

Maya's Decision

The sound of weights clinking together echoed from the gym area of Ayaan's apartment. Maya, sitting on the couch in the living room, had just finished reading a medical textbook. She was immersed in the words, trying to focus on her studies when she heard the rhythmic sound of Ayaan’s workout.

She hadn’t expected him to be so dedicated, so intense in his efforts. The thuds of his fists hitting the punching bag, the clanking of dumbbells being lifted, the way his body moved—Maya couldn’t help but steal glances from time to time. She had always admired his strength, but seeing him like this, so focused and raw, made her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

Minutes later, the sound of footsteps approached, and the door to the living room opened. Ayaan stepped into the room, his sculpted body glistening with sweat, his muscles defined and taut. His shirt was discarded, draped casually over one shoulder as he walked in, completely unaware of the effect he had on Maya.

Maya, who had been caught off guard by his appearance, quickly turned her head, feeling her face heat up. She couldn’t stop the blush spreading across her cheeks, her heart racing at the sight of him. He was standing there, looking utterly confident, his strong frame on full display. His abs, defined chest, and broad shoulders were enough to make anyone’s breath catch.

“Uh... Ayaan,” she stammered, her eyes darting to the floor, trying not to stare. “Could you... could you please get dressed? It’s... uh... it’s a little... a lot to take in,” she added, her voice shaking with embarrassment.

Ayaan, noticing her reaction, raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin. “Oh? Am I making you uncomfortable?” he teased, his voice low and playful. He took a step closer to her, his smirk growing. “You know, Maya, if you can’t handle the view, maybe I should put on a shirt just for you.”

Maya's eyes widened as she fumbled for words. “I-I’m not uncomfortable!” she protested, her face now a deep shade of crimson. “I just... wasn’t expecting you to walk in like that. It’s... it’s... distracting.” She quickly looked away, her hands clutching the edges of her book as if it could shield her from the overwhelming temptation to look back at him.

Ayaan chuckled, enjoying the effect he had on her. “Distracting, huh?” he teased further, walking over to her and sitting down beside her on the couch. “I’ll take that as a compliment. You think I look good, don’t you?”

Maya let out a nervous laugh, avoiding his gaze as she turned her head toward the window, trying to compose herself. “I’m just trying to study,” she muttered, but the warmth in her voice betrayed her embarrassment. “It’s just a little... too much for me to focus on right now.”

Ayaan, sensing her discomfort, finally stood up, his grin softening into something more sincere. “Alright, alright,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll put my shirt back on, just for you, Maya. But you should know, it’s not often I get such a reaction from anyone.”

Maya’s cheeks were still flushed as she nodded, relieved that he was finally going to dress. Ayaan grabbed his shirt from where he had dropped it and pulled it over his head, his movements slow and deliberate, as if to tease her just a little longer. Maya quickly buried her face in her book, trying her best to regain some sense of normalcy, even though her heart was still racing.

As he finished getting dressed, Ayaan leaned in slightly, his voice soft and playful. “You can look now,” he said with a grin.

Maya hesitated for a moment before stealing a glance at him, relieved to see that he was indeed fully clothed. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, still a little embarrassed by her own reactions.