CHAPTER 2 : MAYA

Author's Note:

Your well-being matters. This story explores dark and intense themes, including self-harm and ritualistic violence. If you find any content distressing or triggering, please take care of yourself and don't hesitate to pause or reach out for support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. Thank you for reading and prioritizing your mental health.

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Dhruv had barely driven a short distance when the rain grew even heavier. The world outside his windshield blurred into a shifting curtain of water, the wipers struggling to keep up. The rhythmic thud of raindrops on the roof was deafening, and the headlights could barely pierce the darkness.

His hands, still trembling from the encounter on the deserted road, gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white.

His breath came in short, shaky bursts. Each inhale was laced with the metallic tang of fear. The memory of the mysterious girl's voice echoed in his mind, sending another shiver down his spine.

Unable to go on, Dhruv pulled his car over to the side of the road. The engine idled softly, the only warmth in the cold, damp silence that filled the car.

He let his head fall back against the seat, closing his eyes for a moment. His heart pounded in his chest. As he tried to calm himself, his gaze fell to his hand resting on the steering wheel.

There, glinting faintly in the dim light, was the ring-a black diamond set in silver. The sight of it brought a rush of memories, sharp and bittersweet.

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Flashback

Dhruv's bedroom was a sanctuary of comfort and luxury. The grand bed was covered in crisp white sheets, the soft glow of bedside lamps casting golden pools of light across the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the city skyline, blurred by the gentle drizzle outside. The air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine from the vase on his nightstand.

Maya lay in Dhruv's arms, her body warm and soft against his. Her hair fanned out across his bare chest, and her breath was slow, almost hesitant. She traced lazy circles on his skin with her fingers, but her eyes-usually bright and mischievous-were clouded with worry.

"Druv, kya tum ab kabhi mere paas nahi aoge?"

"Dhruv, will you never come back to me again?"

she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with pain and longing.

Dhruv turned to her, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. He searched her eyes, trying to reassure her with a gentle smile.

"Are aisa kyun pooch rahi ho? Main tumhe pyaar karta hoon. Main kyun chhodunga tumhe?"

"Why are you asking that? I love you. Why would I leave you?"

Maya's lips trembled as she pressed further, her voice fragile.

"Toh India wapas kyun jaa rahe ho?"

"Then why are you going back to India?"

Dhruv cupped her cheek, his thumb gently stroking her skin.

"Main jaldi laut aaunga wapas. Bharosa karo."

"I'll come back soon. Trust me."

She sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest, her silhouette outlined by the city lights streaming in through the window.

"Mat jao. Please. It's dangerous."

"Don't go. Please. It's dangerous."

Dhruv sat up beside her, concern etching lines across his face.

"Pehle toh kabhi nahi roka tumne mujhe, phir aaj kyun?"

"You've never stopped me before, so why today?"

Maya hesitated, then slowly slid a black diamond ring from her finger. Her hands shook as she took Dhruv's hand in hers and slipped the ring onto his finger.

"Agar kabhi bhi tumhe aisa lage ki kuch bura hone wala hai, toh mera naam lena, is anguthi par haath rakh kar."

"If you ever feel that something bad is about to happen, take my name while holding this ring."

Dhruv looked down at the ring, then back at Maya, a soft smile on his lips.

"Theek hai. Par yeh toh batao, tum mujhe is baar India jaane kyun nahi dena chahti ho?"

"Alright. But tell me, why don't you want me to go to India this time?"

Maya moved closer, her palm warm on his chest, her eyes searching his for understanding.

"Waqt aane par bata doongi."

"I'll tell you when the time comes."

Dhruv couldn't resist her any longer. He leaned in, pressing his lips to her forehead, then gently guided her back onto the bed. His kisses trailed down her neck, and Maya's breath caught in her throat.

"Dhruv..."

she gasped, her voice a mixture of fear and desire. She surrendered to him, their passion igniting in the quiet darkness, the world outside fading away until only the two of them remained.

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Present

The memory faded, leaving Dhruv with a hollow ache in his chest. He placed his right hand over the ring, closed his eyes, and whispered her name into the silence of the car,

"Maya... Maya..."

"Maya... Maya..."

A strange calm washed over him, as if her presence reached across the miles, soothing his fear. Outside, the rain began to slow, the storm losing its fury, but inside Dhruv's heart, the longing for Maya only grew stronger.

To be continued.....

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