Devil's Bride

Maya back to her Village

Maya sat in the living room of Ayaan's appartment, she reached early with his favourite breakfast, and waited for him, scrolling through her phone when an incoming call from her father flashed on the screen. Her heart fluttered—she hadn’t spoken to her parents in a while, and the longing to return home to the simplicity of her village was slowly building up. It had been a hectic few months in Mumbai, filled with new experiences, school, and the complicated emotions with Ayaan.

She quickly swiped to answer. “Hello, Papa?” she said, her voice filled with warmth.

“Beta, how are you?” her father's voice came through, thick with affection. “We’ve been missing you here. It’s been too long since we’ve had you with us. How about you come home for a few days? It’ll be good for you to take a break. We’ve been hearing so much about the city, but nothing beats the peace of home.”

Maya smiled, her heart aching with the thought of her family. "I’ve been busy with my studies, Papa. But I think it’s a good idea. I do need a break."

“Come home, dear. It’s been a while, and we’ve got some things to talk about. Your mother misses you too.”

Maya felt the warmth of their love and knew this was the right time. She hadn’t been home in months, and as much as she loved her life in Mumbai, a small part of her yearned for the familiarity of her village, her father’s comforting presence, and the quiet that could soothe her restless mind.

“I’ll pack my things and head out soon,” Maya said, her voice soft. “I’ll be there in a few days.”

“Good. We’ll be waiting for you,” her father replied, before the call ended.

Maya set the phone down, a mix of emotions swirling in her chest. She was excited to go home, but there was also a small part of her that dreaded telling Ayaan. She had grown so accustomed to being near him, and the thought of being away, even for a few days, felt like a gap in her life.

Ayaan walked into the room, his expression immediately shifting when he saw the faint smile on Maya's face. “What’s going on?” he asked, his tone a little suspicious. “Who was that?”

Maya looked up at him, her smile fading slightly. “It was my father. He wants me to come home for a few days. To visit. It’s been a while since I’ve been there.”

Ayaan’s expression tightened, his gaze darkening with a touch of possessiveness. “Home?” he repeated, a hint of displeasure in his voice. “You’re leaving?”

Maya hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I’ve been away too long, Ayaan. It’s just for a short while. My parents miss me.”

Ayaan took a step forward, his voice softening, though there was an edge to it. “I know, but it’s not easy. I’ve gotten used to you being here. I don’t want you to leave, even if it’s just for a few days.”

Maya’s heart fluttered at his words, but she knew she needed to go. “I understand, Ayaan, but it’s important to me. I need to see my family, to be with them for a while.”

Ayaan reached out, taking her hand in his, his grip firm. “I get it, Maya. But please—come back soon. I don’t like the idea of you being away from me.”

Maya felt a little tug in her chest, torn between her love for him and the need to reconnect with her roots. “I’ll be back soon, Ayaan. I promise. Just a few days.”

He gave a reluctant nod, though his expression remained conflicted. “You better. I don’t like the thought of you being away, even for that long.”

Maya smiled, trying to ease his concern. “I’ll miss you too, but I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll call you when I get there.”

Ayaan’s eyes softened, though the underlying tension still lingered. “I’ll hold you to that. I’ll be waiting.”

As Maya packed her bags later that evening, she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. She was excited to return to her family, but the idea of leaving Ayaan behind, even if only for a short time, was hard to shake off. She glanced over at him, his usual composed demeanor now betraying a hint of worry.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Ayaan,” she murmured to herself, knowing that he would always be there in her heart, even if they were miles apart.

Maya arrived in her village, feeling the peace and warmth she hadn’t realized she missed so much. The journey had been long, but stepping back onto the familiar soil of her childhood brought a sense of calm to her heart. The village was a place untouched by the rush of city life, and for Maya, it felt like a retreat, a chance to reconnect with the simplicity of her roots.

Maya's father, with his ever-present love and care, greeted her at the doorstep of the small house they were renting from Ayaan's grandfather. The house, though humble, always felt like home. Her father had been the one constant in her life, always providing for her, and always ensuring she had a peaceful life, despite the struggles they faced.

“I missed you so much, Papa,” Maya said, wrapping her arms around her father. His strong arms held her tight, as if to never let go.

“I missed you too, Maya,” he replied, his voice tinged with both pride and longing. “It’s good to have you back. How’s everything in the city?”

Maya smiled softly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes completely. "It's all good, Papa. But I needed to come back. This place... it helps me think."

After catching up, Maya decided to visit Ayaan’s grandfather. She had always felt close to him, almost like a second grandfather. The old man was kind, wise, and had always treated her like family. As a tenant living in his house, Maya felt an odd connection, a responsibility to honor him and the space he offered them.

She walked down the familiar path leading to his house. It was a small cottage, tucked away from the bustling part of the village, surrounded by greenery. As she arrived, she saw him sitting on the porch, reading the newspaper. His sharp eyes lifted when he saw her, and a small smile crept onto his face.

“Maya, my dear! It’s good to see you again. How have you been?” His voice was filled with warmth, but his gaze was calculating, as though he could already tell something was different about her.

“I’m good, Dadaji,” she replied, sitting beside him. "I’ve missed you."

He studied her quietly for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he noticed the subtle changes in her. Maya tried her best to act normal, but the weight of the secrets she was keeping, especially about Ayaan, made her uneasy.

“You’re different, Maya,” he said softly, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re not the same girl who left this village.”

Maya froze. She had expected this, but hearing him say it out loud made her feel exposed, as though her inner turmoil was visible to everyone. She quickly masked her emotions with a smile.

“I’m just tired from the trip,” she said, trying to brush off the question. “I guess it’s just the city life. It can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.”

Ayaan's grandfather didn't buy it. He leaned forward, his eyes filled with concern. “I’ve seen many young people come and go, Maya. And I’ve seen how the world can change them. But you’ve always been so innocent, so pure in your heart. I fear for you. There’s a darkness in the world that isn’t meant for someone like you.”

Maya swallowed hard. She knew he wasn’t just referring to the world at large;