Page 32 of Twisted Sins

While she ate, the women began to roll up more windows inside the large tent, letting in more air and sunlight.

The configuration of the tent was exactly the same as before with the demon’s leather trunks placed at the back, and low tables and several rugs on the floor and lining of the tent walls.

“Dagar jo,” a curt voice said as soon as she finished eating.

She looked up to see Rumi and Uma holding a stack of clothes and supplies.

Nodding, Nandini got up. Her legs ached dully from the riding, but the sand and grime of the previous day felt uncomfortable. She was looking forward to a bath.

She followed the two Kabali women outside the tent and noticed that the new encampment was also near the foothills of a mountain. The tents were set up in a way that they camouflaged with the mountains and deserts.

At a short distance, she could see smoke rising in the air with cooking, hear the people talking and other sounds such as birds and animal noises that were heard in the previous encampment.

How did they set up things so quickly?

She realized the Kabalis must be used to the nomad lifestyle.

How will my family find me?

She slowly realized that the sudden move the previous day might have been a decision made by the demon to ensure she couldn’t be found by her brothers who would be scoping the Singoor desert looking for her.

Even if someone had seen her the previous day on the horse, they wouldn’t be able to trace her or the Kabali encampment around that location.

Her stomach sank at the thought, and angry helplessness began to fill her.

No, I can’t give up! I have to find a way to escape.

She looked at the women inside the tent. Although they appeared harmless, she recalled how fierce they looked, holding a sharp three-pronged weapon in their hand. They were protecting her at the time, but she knew if she tried to escape, those weapons could be wielded against her.

She shuddered.

Sucking in a breath, she followed the women as they took her through a path that led to a pond. But unlike the previous pond, this one was much bigger and also deeper.

The two women waited while she shed her clothes and took a bath in the refreshing water. She could even swim in it.

When she came up to the surface, she saw Uma’s concerned face.

The Kabali woman probably thought she was trying to drown herself. The last thing she would ever do was kill or hurt herself.

Her family didn’t raise her to be a coward.

But something about Uma’s concerned look triggered Nandini’s mind, making her heart race. She stepped out hurriedly from the water and wrapped a cloth around her.

“You spoke to me last evening in my language,” Nandini said, using the Thakvar language.

Uma’s eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head.

“I know it was you,” Nandini insisted. “I heard you talk to me yesterday before I fainted. You can speak the Thakvar language.”

Uma looked torn and conflicted.

“Please, Uma,” Nandini begged. “Talk to me!”

When Uma remained mum, Nandini tried a different tactic. “If you don’t talk to me, I will kill myself.” She looked at the pond behind her.

Nandini knew she was taking advantage of the Kabali woman’s gentle heart, but she had no other choice.

“Please don’t hurt yourself!” Uma said urgently.

---