Maya's POV:

Ah, its been a long day.

I just wanted to go home and sleep. After letting out a yawn, I made my way into the public bus 506T in order to reach home. Public transportation was the best way to take a breather and have some time to pull myself together before getting home.

I was so occupied with looking outside that I didn't realize when the bus reached Jubilee Garden which was my stop and continued on its route. It was only when the bus came to a halt at Railnagar bus stop, far from where I needed to be that I snapped out of my reverie. Panic surged through me as I realized my mistake.

How could I have missed my stop?

My heart raced as I stepped off the bus, uncertainty clouding my thoughts.

I felt a pair of hands cover my eyes from behind. I froze on my spot, my breath catching in my throat.

A warm and familiar voice whispered in my ear, "Guess who?"

I cautiously turned around, a mixture of relief and curiosity flooding my senses. 

"Suresh?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise.

Suresh grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he removed his hands from my eyes. "Gotcha!" he teased.

I couldn't help but laugh as the tension from my earlier panic melting away in an instant.

"You scared me," I admitted while rolling my eyes playfully.

Suresh chuckled, his smile softening as he looked at me. 

"Sorry about that. Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded, a grateful smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a bit lost."

"At least you're in the right place" Suresh responded with a smug smile.

"Wait.. you aren't planning to.." My voice trailed off as I tried to piece together that our roles, at this point were reversed and I was practically at his mercy.

"You're absolutely right. Let's go" Suresh said with a mischievous glint in his eyes and I couldn't help but follow along, wondering what would he have in store for me.

We stepped into Thakkar Restaurant, a wave of warmth and familiarity washing over me. The restaurant's architecture seamlessly blended modern amenities with traditional Gujarati construction styles, creating a welcoming ambiance that felt both timeless and contemporary.

The walls were adorned with intricate wood carvings and colorful paintings, depicting scenes from Gujarat's rich cultural heritage. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the bustling dining area below.

The restaurant buzzed with activity, the air alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of utensils. Families gathered around tables, sharing hearty meals and animated stories, while waiters darted between them, delivering steaming plates of dhokla, khandvi, and other Gujarati delicacies.

The aroma of spices filled the air, mingling with the tantalizing scent of freshly cooked food. As we found a table near the window, I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells that surrounded us.

I could hear the rhythmic beat of a dholak in the distance, signaling the arrival of a traditional dance performance. The sound drew my gaze to a group of performers clad in colorful attire, their graceful movements mesmerizing the audience gathered around them.

As we settled into our seats, Suresh waved to the waiter, placing our order with practiced ease. I watched with anticipation as the waiter disappeared into the kitchen, eager to sample the flavors of Gujarat that awaited us.

"So... Mr. kidnapper," I began hesitantly, "What plans do you have for me?"

"Your Villainess Highness," Suresh began, "Whatever you say. But, I do want to play basketball in the evening with you."

I blinked twice. Was he kidding me? It was a long time since I played a game and I would definitely lose against him. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself and tarnish my own reputation. But, I also didn't want to let him think I wasn't a sport person, maybe I could give this a try.

"Alright, it will be a good excuse to skip a commitment then." I responded in a calm voice, even as I was hesitant to go with the plan.

"What commitment?" he asked curiously.

"Shivoham Temple. You know, exams are nearby. My family wanted to go there, book a special token that allows us to be close to God, spend as much time as you wish and then return back to your life. But, truly, I feel like it doesn't make sense."

I paused and saw that he was listening intently. He motioned for me to continue, understanding that I wanted to vent and be listened to.

"For me, the concept of God is almost non-existent. Sure, I do believe that there's a higher deity above us that controls everything that's here and everything that's beyond here, but.. if you tell me that I need to do all these "rituals" to get close to him/her whatever applies." I ranted, making air quotes around rituals, really emphasizing how much I hated it.

"Who said that in order to be close to God, you need rituals, Maya?" he asked.

"People!" I exclaimed, "People, society, almost about everyone. I am always constantly bombarded with, you don't pray, you don't fast, but.. the heck with it! How am I supposed to make sense of things that don't even have a meaning. Every time I ask the elders on why something is done, they always answer me with, 'oh that's how things have been' but, like, at the least understand what you're up to!"

"But, does that truly define religion for you? Tell me, what religion means for you?"

I was stunned for a moment, never in a million years had I expected to discuss religion with someone, and now that I did, I didn't even have answers.

"Your silence tells me you don't have an answer," he began. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling flustered but he noticed it and comforted me.

"Listen Maya, religion can be anything you wish for it to be. You necessarily don't have to stick to one if you don't want to, but, think of religion like a stick, a set of rules to live by, especially in your personal lives. I know you're a villainess and all..." he smirked, making me blush, "but, you still need something to stand by. It can get a lot easier once you stop overcomplicating the concept for yourself."

"That's.. that's the best explanation I have found for religion. How do you.. know so much?"

"I have been on the same footsteps as you before, but life got a lot easier for me when I understood that religion was supposed to be a lifestyle, not a set of rules to hold yourself down with."

Our food finally came - it was khaman dhokla and green chutney for me and thepla and tomato chutney for him. There was also gajjar halwa for desert. We had our food in peace, not having anything further to add to the conversation and enjoyed the silence that cocooned us in its warmth.

"Did you call your parents?" Suresh asked as I joined him at the basketball court.

After our meal we walked around the area a bit, catching up on academics, subjects and the usual bickering about how teachers don't teach well.

"Yeah I did. I explained that I had a project," I started but noticed a half smile forming on Suresh's lips, I fought back my own smile and continued, "and some last minute graded assignments but they asked me to be back home by 6."

"Fair enough, we have time for a match. Half an hour to go. Did you tell them where you were?"

"Unless the villainess wants to be tied down in her own basement, no" I huffed, "I am sure I will find my way back home. There's a direct bus from here to my location, right?"

Suresh's lack of response reminded me of the dilemma I had put myself in.

Shoot.

"Don't worry, Maya" Suresh began, "The villainess will find her way back home with the help of her hostage."

A glint of hope sparked in my eyes, "You would? How sweet of you!"

"Don't get your hopes too high, miss. You have to win the game first." Suresh smirked challenging me.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement, as we warmed up with a few practice shots.

I dribbled the ball between my legs, feeling the familiar weight of it in my hands.

Suresh bounced it effortlessly beside me. "You ready for this?" he asked mischievously.

I nodded, determination coursing through my veins. "Bring it on!"

The game began in earnest, the sound of our sneakers squeaking against the pavement echoing through the empty court. Suresh dribbled the ball towards the hoop, his movements fluid and graceful as I moved to block his path.

He dodged left, then right, before driving towards the basket with lightning speed. I jumped to block his shot but he pulled off a slick spin move leaving me grasping at thin air as he scored the first point of the game.

I laughed in impression as we reset for the next play. This time it was my turn to take the offensive.

I dribbled towards the hoop with determination. Suresh moved to block my path but I executed a quick crossover dribble, leaving him stumbling in my wake as I scored a layup.

The game continued in this back-and-forth manner, each of us pushing ourselves to the limit as we battled for supremacy on the court. Sweat glistened on our brows and our breath came in ragged gasps but neither of us showed any signs of slowing down.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the court in shadow, we reached the final moments of the game. With the score tied, tension hung in the air as we both knew that the next basket would determine the winner.

I dribbled towards the hoop, my heart pounding in my chest. Suresh moved to block my path. 

With a burst of speed, I drove towards the basket, my mind focused solely on one thing: victory.

I leaped into the air, the ball leaving my fingertips in a perfect arc towards the hoop. Time seemed to stand still as it sailed through the air before finally swishing through the net with a satisfying swoosh.

I landed on the ground with a triumphant grin.

Suresh looked in disbelief. "Nice shot." 

"Why, that's kind of you, Mr. hostage. Now, about the deal—" I began but noticed he was standing close to me, the air between us thickening with tension.

He chuckled at my expression and stepped back, giving me space to catch my breath that was hitched in my throat.

"What was that for?" I protested.

"Every now and then, the hostage got to learn from her villainous mentor, shouldn't he?" He said with a playful smirk.

I puffed my cheeks, trying to make myself look angrier but he only laughed harder.

"Alright, alright," he began, finally catching hold of his laughter, "I was just kidding. Hope I didn't take it too far, miss villain."

"You're going to pay for this." I said and started to walk away when he called my name, making me turn my attention to him.

"Don't you wanna go home?" he playfully teased.

I sighed in defeat but also understood that I needed his help to get back home in time.

"I promise I won't hurt you, Maya." he said as he held my hand.

"As long as you don't hurt me." he added, looking hopefully in my eyes.

"I won't. Its been fun being with you." I stuttered, "Sure, I won't stop being the villainess I am, but you get a special pass." I smirked.

"As long as I am the only one you tease this way..." his voice trailed off.

"Wait, is that a proposal?" I asked in surprise.

"You must be living under some rock," he began with a chuckle, "No, actually. Not if you don't want to. But, some day far from here if we meet again," he fished his pocket to take something out and I didn't notice what it was until I opened my hands to reveal it was cash and some change.

I counted it and my face lit up with a smile as I realized it was my favorite number—14.32.

"How did you guess it was my favorite number?" I asked curiously.

"Just a hunch," he shrugged, "Promise me, Maya that if we do cross paths again in the future, you'll remember to buy me an ice cream." he added playfully.

"Specifically a chocolate one, given the specific amount you've given me?" I asked with a raised brow.

"Exactly, you know me so well."

"A villainess got to know her hostage after all," I said with a prideful smug, "But, I will be sure to bring you your favorite ice cream."

Suresh's expression softened, his eyes warm with fondness. "Let's get you home now." he offered, extending his hand to me.

I hesitated for a moment before accepting his hand, a sense of comfort washing over me at his reassuring presence. As we walked together conversation flowed effortlessly between us, laughter mingling with the gentle hum of the city around us.

I boarded the bus that took me near my home's bus stop. Suresh dropped me half way near Jamtower highway where there were frequent buses to my location.

I was definitely more alert this time, hoping to not miss the bus again. I got off at my spot, heaving a sigh of relief as I know I was finally home after a good time.

"I am home, ma" I declared as I placed my bag in my room.

"You're back in time!" she started, "What were you up to till now?"

"Assignments," I said as I flashed her my most convincing smile, "Let me get ready, we can all go then."

Mom nodded as I got into the shower, taking my sweet time to let myself soak in the warm comfort of the shower.

The playfulness and heat from before still lingered in my thoughts and I couldn't help but smile at it all.

After putting on a long kurti and leggings, I headed towards the hall where everyone started to gather to have tea. My mom brought tea from the kitchen and grandma joined us shortly after.

The Shivoham Temple tour was eventful, I passed through the rituals absent mindedly and as I saw the statue of Shiva in front of me, I really pondered upon what it meant to worship God in its true sense.

❛you mean the world to me. and even if someday you need to go against me, i'll happily allow you to. because in the end, i know you'll find a way back to me.❜
— Maya

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Word glossary:

dhokla- a savoury sponge dish that's mainly made of overnight fermented chickpeas and rice batter that's steamed and served

khandvi- a yellowish, tightly rolled bite-sized savory that's mainly made of gram flour and yogurt

khaman dhokla- similar to dhokla but made from chickpea flour without rice

thepla- multigrain flatbread

gajjar halwa- a carrot dessert

kurti- upper garment worn in the Indian subcontinent encompassing waistcoats, jackets and blouses

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THIS CHAPTER WAS SOO FUN TO WRITE, OH MY GOODNESS!!

I was practically swooning, shipping and laughing along with the characters, and despite the initial hesitation, their story did come through.

But, that also brings us to the question - what made her the way she is in the future? We gotta wait and find out, and wonder, if it was truly her.. or something else happened altogether 👀

Alright, I hope you love the chapter, I am glad you're reading it, even after such sparse updates, but, thank you for sticking around with me!

Cheers,
Sara <3