Devil's Bride

Long Lost Dream

When Ayaansh turned three, Maya decided to resume her medical studies in Chennai. It was a decision that she had put off for years, first for her father, then for Ayaan, and later for their little son. But now, with Ayaan’s unwavering support and Ayaansh growing more independent, Maya felt it was time to pursue her dreams again.

She initially hesitated, worried about balancing her role as a mother and student. Ayaan, however, was adamant. “You’ve put your life on hold for everyone else. Now it’s your turn. I’ll take care of everything,” he assured her.

As Maya stepped into the sprawling campus of the medical college, she felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The white coats, the bustling lecture halls, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee at the canteen were all so familiar. Yet, something was different. The excitement she had once felt for exploring the world now seemed subdued.

It wasn’t the city she had once longed to experience that held her heart—it was Ayaan.

In the beginning, she hadn’t realized how much of her fascination with Mumbai was tied to him. The vibrant nightlife, the grand malls, the towering skyline—all of it had seemed magical because Ayaan had been her anchor in that vast sea of new experiences. Now, sitting in her Chennai classroom, surrounded by peers discussing academics and aspirations, she found herself glancing at her phone every now and then, hoping for a message from him.

Ayaan, as usual, didn’t disappoint. He had made it a habit to check on her throughout the day. A simple “Have you eaten?” or a teasing “Are you dreaming about me instead of studying?” always brought a smile to her face.

On weekends, Ayaan would make sure they spent time together as a family. “Ayaansh and I can’t survive without you for long,” he would joke, taking them out for lunches or to the park. Watching Ayaan play with their son reminded Maya of why she had fallen for him in the first place—his devotion to his family was unmatched.

As days turned into months, Maya found a balance between her studies and her family life. But she never forgot the realization that had dawned upon her: it wasn’t the city or the glamour that had captivated her once. It was Ayaan—his love, his presence, and the way he made every place feel like home.

Maya had worked tirelessly to complete her MBBS, and the day she graduated with flying colors was one of the proudest moments for both her and Ayaan. The man who once controlled empires now stood as her biggest cheerleader, clapping the loudest during her convocation ceremony. Ayaansh, now an energetic and curious eight-year-old, proudly declared to everyone who would listen, "My mom's a doctor now!"

Life seemed to flow seamlessly as Maya settled into her role as a practicing doctor, but within a year, the family received news that brought immeasurable joy—Maya was pregnant again.

This time, Ayaan was more prepared. Gone were the days of his initial nervousness and inexperience. Now, he took it upon himself to pamper Maya like never before. From ensuring she had her favorite snacks to arranging for her to rest whenever she needed, he left no stone unturned. He even went as far as learning prenatal yoga techniques to help her relax, though his execution of the poses often ended in laughter.

Eight-year-old Ayaansh was equally devoted to his mother. "Mom, you need to eat this," he would say, handing her fruit. "The baby needs vitamins!" He’d hover around her like a little guardian, asking questions about the baby and enthusiastically brainstorming names.

Maya found herself overwhelmed by the love and care she received from her boys. Despite her occasional mood swings and fatigue, she couldn’t help but feel grateful. Ayaan, in particular, was a constant source of strength. He’d often kneel by her side and kiss her growing belly, whispering to their unborn child, “You’re already so lucky to have a mother like her.”

During one particularly sweet evening, Maya was lying on the couch, propped up by pillows, while Ayaan and Ayaansh were in the kitchen, attempting to make dinner for her. The sight of the two most important people in her life, fumbling with ingredients and joking with each other, brought tears to her eyes. When Ayaan noticed, he immediately dropped everything and rushed to her.

“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Maya shook her head, smiling through her tears. “Nothing. I just... I’m so happy. You two make me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.”

Ayaan wiped her tears and kissed her forehead. “That’s because you are, Dr. Maya Rathore,” he teased, making her chuckle.

As the pregnancy progressed, Ayaan grew even more protective. He limited his work trips, ensuring he was by her side for every doctor’s appointment. Ayaansh, meanwhile, took his self-appointed role of "big brother in charge" very seriously, often bossing around the house staff to make sure his mother was comfortable.

The love and care enveloping Maya during this time made her feel cherished beyond measure. She knew that no matter what challenges life threw at them, with Ayaan and Ayaansh by her side, she could face anything.