Devil's Bride

Promise under the Stars

Maya sat quietly by the window, staring at the falling dusk. The loss of her father had left a gaping hole in her heart, and no amount of consolation seemed to ease the ache. Her father had been her guide, her anchor, and now, she felt adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Ayaan had been by her side through every ritual, every tearful moment, never letting her feel completely alone. Yet, she could sense his restlessness—his desperation to protect her from the weight of the world.

That evening, Ayaan walked into his grandfather’s study, his jaw set with determination. The older man looked up from his book, his sharp eyes taking in his grandson’s stance.

“Ayaan, sit down,” his grandfather said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

Ayaan shook his head, pacing the room instead. “Dada, I can’t leave her like this. She’s alone now, and it’s killing me to see her like this. I... I want to marry her. I need your blessing.”

The elder man’s expression hardened. “Ayaan, marriage is not just about what you want. It’s about what’s best for Maya. Her life has already faced upheaval. Are you sure this is the right time?”

“It’s the only time,” Ayaan replied, his voice low but firm. “I’ve already made up my mind, Dada. Maya is the only one I’ve ever loved, and I won’t let her face this alone. I will take care of her, protect her, and give her a life she deserves.”

The grandfather sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair. He had always admired Ayaan’s decisiveness, but this was no ordinary matter. “Do you think Maya is ready for this, Ayaan? She’s grieving. You cannot rush her into a decision.”

Ayaan stopped pacing, turning to his grandfather. “I know, and I will wait for her to say yes. But I need you to approve this. She respects you more than anyone else. If you give her your blessing, it will give her the courage to take this step.”

Later that night, Maya found herself sitting with Ayaan’s grandfather. The elder man looked at her with a mix of fondness and concern.

“Maya,” he began gently, “I know you’ve been through a lot, and I don’t want to add to your burdens. But Ayaan came to me today, and he asked for my blessing to marry you.”

Maya’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart raced, torn between the weight of her grief and the flicker of hope that Ayaan’s love brought.

“I... I don’t know if I’m ready,” she admitted, her voice trembling.

Her grandfather placed a reassuring hand on hers. “Child, there’s no rush. But know this—Ayaan loves you deeply. He’s willing to wait for you, fight for you, and build a life with you. If you choose him, I will stand by your side. He’s not perfect, but his love for you is unwavering.”

Tears welled up in Maya’s eyes as she nodded, her heart heavy yet full of a budding certainty.

The following morning, Ayaan found Maya sitting in the garden, a soft breeze playing with her hair. She looked up as he approached, her gaze meeting his.

“Ayaan,” she began, her voice soft but steady. “I’ve thought about what Dada said. I don’t know if I’m ready, but... I don’t want to lose you either.”

Ayaan knelt before her, taking her hands in his. “Maya, I don’t need you to be ready today or tomorrow. I just need to know that you’ll let me stand by your side, no matter what.”

Her lips trembled into a small smile. “Yes, Ayaan. I want you by my side.”

Ayaan’s heart soared. Without another word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he could shield her from all the pain in the world.

Days later, under a canopy of stars, Ayaan and Maya stood together, ready to begin their new chapter.

As Maya looked into Ayaan’s eyes, she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t known in months.

Ayaan slipped the ring onto her finger, sealing their bond, Maya felt the weight of her grief lessen. She wasn’t alone anymore. She had Ayaan.

And as Ayaan kissed her softly, his touch filled with love and promise, Maya knew that this was the beginning of something beautiful. Together, they would face whatever the world threw at them—because they were no longer two, but one.