Devil's Bride

The Village Fair

The village was quiet as Ayaan’s sleek black car pulled up outside his grandfather’s home. The air of serenity belied the storm brewing in Ayaan’s heart. He stepped out, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a barely controlled fury.

He entered the house without knocking, his polished shoes echoing on the tiled floor. His grandfather, seated on the verandah, looked up, startled. The old man’s gaze hardened when he saw the intensity in Ayaan’s eyes.

“So, you’re back,” the grandfather said evenly, setting his tea cup aside.

“I had to be,” Ayaan replied, his voice low but dangerous. “You left me no choice.”

The old man met his grandson’s gaze, unflinching. “I know why you’re here, Ayaan. But what you want isn’t possible.”

Ayaan clenched his fists, his voice rising slightly. “Not possible? Since when did my happiness stop mattering to you, Dada? You always said family comes first. Am I not your family?”

The old man sighed, his years of wisdom evident in his weary expression. “You are my family, Ayaan. But Maya…she’s not meant for your world. She’s innocent, untouched by the darkness that surrounds you.”

Ayaan took a step closer, his frustration evident. “You think I don’t know that? You think I haven’t fought with myself every single day since I left her? I tried to stay away, Dada. I really did. But I can’t anymore. She’s my light, my anchor, and I won’t let her go.”

The old man stood, his cane steadying him. “And what about her, Ayaan? What about her peace, her safety? You may love her, but can you promise me that your world won’t destroy her? Can you keep her untouched by the shadows you carry?”

Ayaan’s jaw tightened. “I can’t promise a perfect life. But I can promise she’ll be loved, cherished, and protected. I will give her the world if that’s what she wants.”

“And when your enemies come knocking?” his grandfather challenged.

“They’ll have to go through me first,” Ayaan said, his voice hard as steel. “I’ll destroy anyone who dares harm her.”

The old man shook his head, his expression a mix of sorrow and determination. “You’re asking me to gamble with her future, Ayaan. And I can’t do that. I’ve seen too much, lost too much. Maya deserves a life of simplicity, of joy—things your world cannot offer.”

Ayaan took a deep breath, his anger giving way to raw emotion. “And what about me? Don’t I deserve a chance at happiness? Maya is my happiness, Dada. Without her, nothing else matters—not my empire, not my wealth, not even my life.”

The old man looked at his grandson, seeing the vulnerability beneath the arrogance. For the first time, he saw not the powerful mafia king, but a man deeply in love.

“I want to protect her, Ayaan,” the grandfather said softly. “But I also want you to be happy. I just don’t know if those two things can coexist.”

“They can,” Ayaan said firmly. “I’ll make sure of it. Just…give me a chance, Dada. Don’t push her away from me. Don’t push me away from her.”

The grandfather remained silent, torn between his love for his grandson and his duty to protect Maya.

“Think about it,” Ayaan said, his voice softer now. “But remember this—if you try to separate us, I’ll fight you. I’ll fight the entire world if I have to.”

The morning was quiet in the small village, but the tension in Maya’s house was palpable. Ajay’s family had come to visit the previous evening, and everyone had been optimistic about the match. Maya’s father had even begun discussing wedding arrangements. But today, Ajay’s father had sent a terse message: the proposal was off.