Devil's Bride

Welcome Back

The sun rose on Maya’s last morning in the village, casting a golden glow over the familiar streets and fields. Her father had already packed her bags the night before and handed her a neatly folded train ticket. “Your train leaves in the evening,” he said, his tone tinged with a mixture of pride and sadness. “Stay safe, and don’t forget to call me as soon as you reach.”

Maya nodded, hiding her disappointment. After weeks of Ayaan's persistent presence, the idea of traveling back to Mumbai alone felt hollow.

But unbeknownst to her father, Ayaan had other plans.

As the day progressed, Maya received a text from Ayaan.

Ayaan: "You’re not taking the train.”
Maya: “What? Why?”
Ayaan: “Because I said so. Be ready by 4 PM. I’ll pick you up.”

Maya’s heart skipped a beat. Ayaan’s insistence both annoyed and thrilled her. She knew arguing was futile, and a small part of her was excited by what he had planned.

When 4 PM came, Maya quietly slipped out of the house under the pretense of meeting a friend. Ayaan was waiting for her at the edge of the village in his sleek black car, leaning casually against it.

“You’re late,” he teased as she approached, her suitcase trailing behind her.

“I wasn’t exactly planning to sneak out,” she retorted, her cheeks flushing.

Ayaan smirked and took her suitcase, placing it in the trunk. “Come on, Maya. We have a flight to catch.”

Maya froze. “A flight?”

“Your first time, right?” Ayaan asked, opening the passenger door for her.

She nodded, her excitement bubbling despite her nerves. “What if I get scared?”

“I’ll be there,” he said simply, his words carrying more reassurance than he realized.

At the airport, Maya’s wide-eyed wonder amused Ayaan. She marveled at the massive structure, the bustling crowd, and the sight of planes taking off in the distance.

“This is so… grand,” she whispered as they walked through the terminal.

“It’s just an airport, Maya,” Ayaan said, chuckling.

“Well, it’s my first time,” she shot back, glaring at him.

When they boarded the private jet, Maya’s amazement only grew. The luxurious interiors, the plush seats, and the attentive staff left her speechless.

“You like it?” Ayaan asked, watching her as she took it all in.

“It’s beautiful,” she admitted, sitting down gingerly.

As the plane took off, Maya gripped the armrest tightly, her knuckles turning white. Ayaan noticed and placed his hand over hers.

“You’re fine,” he said softly. “Look outside.”

She hesitated but turned to the window, gasping at the view of the clouds and the endless sky. “It’s… incredible.”

Ayaan watched her, enchanted by the childlike wonder on her face. He had experienced flights countless times, but seeing it through Maya’s eyes made it feel special again.

As the flight progressed, Maya relaxed, even daring to explore the jet. She peppered Ayaan with questions about everything—from the controls to the food served on board.

“You ask too many questions,” Ayaan teased, leaning back in his seat.

“You’re the one who brought me here,” she shot back. “I have the right to know.”