Timeline: Maya's college days

Maya's POV:

Swami Vivekananda University buzzed with the usual pre-exam frenzy. Textbooks were exchanged, last-minute cramming sessions fueled by strong chai, and a familiar wave of nervous energy crackled through the air. For me, however, exams were a mere formality. My grades were a testament to a sharp intellect and a knack for acing tests. The real challenge wasn't academics, it was boredom.

I selected Electrical Engineering partially because everyone told me about how tough it would be, including my parents and teachers.

The principles of circuits and electromagnetism sparked a fire in my mind, but the structured lectures and predictable labs left a void that craved a different kind of current – the thrill of mischief.

This whole villain business was getting tiresome.

Professor Bhattacharya's perpetually disapproving frown was a trophy I'd collected more times than I cared to admit. Stealing the mayor's prize-winning pumpkin? Child's play. Leaving a trail of glitter bombs at the principal's office? Been there, done that.

The exasperated sighs and furrowed brows of the faculty were badges of honor, a testament to the effectiveness of my "villainy".

My parents, bless their exasperated souls, had grown accustomed to the principal's office summons. Straight A's kept them at bay, a fragile truce between their worry and my relentless pursuit of mayhem.

I wasn't alone in my quest for entertainment. My posse, a glorious mishmash of engineering misfits, thrived on controlled chaos. Riddhi, the computer whiz with a mind like a silicon web, helped me code the software for my more complex pranks. Rohan, the ever-calm yin to my chaotic yang, provided escape routes with the precision of a Swiss watch. They called me "Evil Maya" or "The Notorious V," their teasing laced with a healthy dose of admiration.

But today, the usual pre-exam buzz felt hollow. The thrill of outsmarting the system, of leaving the faculty flustered and exasperated, was fading. Maybe, just maybe, my brand of villainy had grown stale. I craved a challenge, someone who wouldn't crumble at the sight of a smoke bomb. Someone... appreciative.

A mischievous grin stretched across my face as I exited the exam hall. Tonight, boredom wouldn't stand a chance. Maya, the villain with an impeccable GPA, was on the hunt for a new adventure, one that promised a delicious blend of excitement, a dash of danger, and perhaps, a hint of something more.

The flickering neon sign of "Lucky's Late Night Grub Hub" cast a greasy sheen on Maya's face as she surveyed the club.

Lucky's Late Night Grub Hub was usually a goldmine for unsuspecting heroes, or at least vaguely heroic-looking bystanders. Tonight, however, the pickings were slim. A couple on a greasy date, a group of giggling girls more interested in gossip than galactic threats, and a lone figure huddled by the flickering neon sign.

Bingo.

The man wasn't exactly built like the broad-shouldered heroes who graced the covers of my comic books. He had a rumpled shirt clinging to a frame that wouldn't intimidate a pigeon, and his shoulders slumped with an air of quiet resignation. He wasn't scanning the rooftops or clenching his fists. He was feeding a stray mutt.

Intriguing.

Most people buzzed with nervous energy under the threat of abduction. Heroes, of course, radiated a different kind of tension, a coiled spring waiting to be unleashed. This man, however, simply radiated...loneliness. It settled around him like a worn cloak, a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos I usually craved.

The idea struck me like a bolt of lightning. What if... what if the hero I needed wasn't some musclebound do-gooder, but someone who truly needed saving? Someone who might actually appreciate a break from the drudgery of their ordinary life?

A memory resurfaced.

▶ Flashback

I found myself seeking refuge in the college library. The rhythmic drumming of raindrops against the windowpanes provided a soothing backdrop as I scanned the room. Amidst the sea of chattering students, one figure stood out.

A lone man, his brow furrowed in concentration as he hunched over a worn copy of Keats, seemed oblivious to the cacophony around him.

Suresh Kumar.

A senior from a mechanical department, his name a melody that lingered in my memory from a random encounter during orientation. He wasn't part of any boisterous groups, his solitude a stark contrast to the vibrant energy swirling around him.

Yet, there was an undeniable aura of quiet dignity about him, a hint of melancholy in his eyes that tugged at something deep within me.

Wasn't this man the same person? There was only one way to find out.

Flashback ◀

The following week, I started small. A strategically placed "lost dog" poster with a picture of Suresh's scruffy mutt near his usual haunt, the college library. Bingo! He spent a good half-hour searching, a flicker of worry etched on his face before relief washed over him upon finding the "lost" dog that was conveniently tethered right next to the poster.

Next came the "accidental" bump into him at the local chai stall. A carefully orchestrated "spilled chai" incident that led to me, the ever-so-helpful villain, offering to clean him up at my place.

Suresh's initial reaction was a mixture of bewilderment and suspicion. But something in my frantic apologies and the genuine concern in my eyes seemed to disarm him. He hesitantly agreed, and as we walked, I stole glances at his profile: the worn leather satchel slung over his shoulder, the faint lines etched around his eyes that spoke of quiet solitude.

Back at the apartment room above my aunt's salon, the faint aroma of simmering spices hopefully masked my growing nervousness.

I frequently came to this place for late-night study sessions because our house was small, and my parents consented to make this arrangement on the condition that I keep it well; otherwise, I would be responsible for the damages.

He settled into the worn armchair, the dog immediately curling up at his feet, and I launched into a spiel about the "benefits" of a mandatory villainous retreat.

His reaction wasn't quite the wide-eyed terror I'd envisioned. Instead, he raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "So, a kidnapping with a side of pakoras? Interesting approach, Maya."

My cheeks burned. "Kidnapping? That's so harsh. Think of it as a mandatory, all-inclusive getaway. No deadlines, no pesky roommates—" I shot a pointed look at the cowering dog huddled in the corner, "just peace and quiet...and a five-course meal, of course."

He looked at me, a hesitant smile gracing his lips. "This isn't over, is it, Maya?"

The night unfolded in a way I hadn't anticipated. As we sipped on masala chai, a strange sense of comfort washed over me. Here, in this bizarre situation, I felt... seen. The awkward silences that plagued my social interactions were replaced by a comfortable flow of conversation.

His dry wit matched mine perfectly, and as we delved into conversations about everything from forgotten poets to the best chai recipe, the fear of him escaping or calling the authorities faded. He was captivated, not by my villainous facade, but by... well, maybe a little by me.

As dawn crept in, painting the sky a delicate rose, I led him to the window. His loyal mutt sat patiently outside, tail wagging furiously.

"Seems your chariot awaits," I said, a playful lilt in my voice.

Suresh cleared his throat, the remnants of a smile playing on his lips. "Alright, Maya," he began, a newfound boldness in his voice. "This has been...unforgettable. But a villain can't keep her captive forever, can she?"

A flicker of disappointment crossed my face, quickly masked by a playful smirk. "Letting you go already? Where's the adventure in that?"

He chuckled, a warm sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Not exactly. Look, Maya, your secret's safe with me. The villain who cooks like a Michelin-starred grandma? Genius! But on one condition."

"Conditions? This is a kidnapping, remember? There are no conditions!" I protested, although a secret smile played on my lips.

"Think of it as a villain-hostage negotiation," Suresh countered, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "My silence in exchange for...occasional mandatory getaways. You get a break from the villain monotony, I get a break from the, uh, social snooze fest that is my life."

My jaw dropped. This wasn't the hostage exchange I'd envisioned, but somehow, it was even better. "Occasional mandatory getaways, you say?" I repeated, a mischievous glint mirroring his.

"Exactly," Suresh countered, his gaze meeting mine. "But a deal's a deal. My silence for your... occasional hospitality."

The way he said "occasional" sent a thrill down my spine. Was he suggesting this wasn't over? My heart did a back flip. "Intriguing," I replied, leaning closer. "So, what kind of villainous experience are you looking for, Mr. Suresh?"

He leaned in too, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Surprise me, Maya," he whispered, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "The Notorious V is known for her creativity, wouldn't you agree?"

As he turned back, a playful wink sent my heart doing a villainous pirouette. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

The future stretched before me, a delicious blend of mischief, gourmet meals, and a dash of something entirely new—a hero with a taste for adventure and a weakness for a villain who could cook.

❛upon its head, with red extended mouth and solitary eye of fire, sat the hideous beast whose craft had seduced me into murder, and whose informing voice had consigned me to the hangman.❜
— Edgar Allan Poe

A/N: Woohooo!! A chapter after eons!!

Before you come at me with knives and shovels to finish the business lemme- *proceeds to look around and finds myself surrounded by weapons by readers, including Maya*

uh.. guys, you still need me, someone's gotta write her story right?

Maya: *unimpressed but complies* fine, but you're not safe for long

phew! crisis averted *feels a pain at the side of my arms*

*looks around and finds Ablazeisaleo who just poked the pen knife*

her: oops- your warning was too late, guess you are going with that injured hand then 😈

me: you're... you're menace but *sigh* i love you so i will let this pass

GraveyardSiren : *proceeds to munch on popcorn as he's watching the chaos unfold*

OnceUponALily : *wakes up from sleep and squints eyes* wait.. is that Maya? *blinks* yeah, ofc she is, what is she doing to my Sara.. i am coming for you!!

and that my friend was a cameo of the lifetime, you're very welcome 😂

ahem, does the name Suresh ring a bell? no? okay bye 👀💃

Maya wasn't ready to comply for any plans I had for her, cue her Achilles heel that her story is superior and when she finally did, I can't help but feel slightly jealous of her love life 😂❤️

hope you enjoyed the chapter, check out the previous one if you haven't and have a wonderful day ahead!!

take care of yourself loves ♥

cheers,
sara <3