Page 167 of Twisted Sins

“Yes, we want to ensure Goddess Shakti is restored in the temple first,” said Aadhya.

Nandini knew that although her brothers fell madly in love with the women they married, the constant danger and uncertainty stopped them from starting a family.

The sounds of chanting and murmurs filled the air. The mansion was prepared for the evening rituals and events to begin.

Nandini spotted her brothers standing near the large open courtyard where a fire was set up for the rituals. Nandini’s mother and father were seated next to the priests.

She was led towards the fire and asked to sit opposite the priests.

“Please ask the Kabali heir to join as well. We need to begin the ritual before it gets dark outside.”

Nandini’s mother frowned as she was a stickler of tradition.

Just as Nandini wondered where Rudra was, a hushed silence fell over the large courtyard in the mansion.

She turned to see that her demon husband had arrived along with the Kabali warriors. Her heart jerked at the sight of him, dressed like the Kabali clan heir.

With only a black dhoti, the rest of his impressive upper body was left bare. Thick, heavy silver bracelets and rudraksh beads adorned his arms, neck, and chest. But the most captivating and shocking part was his face, which wasn’t covered entirely by ash. Except for the three horizontal lines on his forehead, his handsome, regal face was visible to everyone.

There was a buzz of murmurs from the crowd, and quite a few Thakvar clan women looked shocked and mesmerized by the savage Kabali clan heir’s handsome appearance.

Her heart thudded as his eyes fell on her, and he came towards her.

Why is he showing his face?

She knew the Kabali warriors covered their faces with ash to go to war. They only left their faces uncovered as a sign of trust.

Was her demon husband sending a message that he and the Kabali clan now trust the Thakvar clan?

Warmth filled her at that thought.

He sat beside her, and she breathed the heady smell of sandalwood.

“Chitra madam, before we begin the ritual, please put the holy ash on your daughter and son-in-law’s foreheads,” the priest directed.

Nandini’s mother did as instructed. She placed a dot of ash on Nandini’s forehead. Rudra bowed his head with joined hands while an ash dot was placed on his forehead.

The ritual began, and Nandini followed the instructions. She repeated the long chants when the priests asked her to, and when the priests asked Rudra, he did the same with ease.

Chitra Thakvar’s face softened, hearing Rudra chanting the verses with ease.

The rituals were completed, and Nandini and Rudra touched her parents’ feet, seeking their blessing.

The rest of the evening was followed by songs and dances arranged by the Thakvar clan. Although she enjoyed the performances, she was anxious to speak with Rudra. She had to tell him what she had heard from her sisters-in-law about the Goddess Shakti statue and Tantra.

A feast followed the performances. She wasn’t hungry, but she ate because her mother had made her favorite food. By tradition, the newlywed couple was supposed to stay in the bride’s home for a day. She wanted to maximize the time spent with her family while also letting them know she was willingly in the marriage with her demon husband.

***

It was close to midnight when Nandini forcibly sent her mother to bed. The rituals, events, and feast had ended a couple of hours ago, after which Nandini spent time with her mother. Nandini’s sisters-in-law gave them privacy, knowing how much Chitra Thakvar worried about and missed her daughter.

“I’ll be here tomorrow too, Ma. You must rest.”

Her mother reluctantly agreed. “You need rest too after your long journey,” she said. “You don’t have to wake up too early, but I’m making your favorite breakfast.”

Nandini laughed. “I’m still full from the two feasts!”

With a smile, her mother hugged her for a long moment. Nandini let the warmth of her mother’s embrace fill her before gently pulling back.

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