Page 33 of Twisted Sins

Nandini’s heart raced with excitement, listening to Uma speak in the Thakvar language.

Rumi wasn’t happy and let out a barrage of angry words at Uma.

But Uma told her something that made Rumi glare at Nandini. But thankfully, she kept quiet.

Nandini knew she would have to mend things with Rumi as the Kabali woman was still pissed off about the previous day’s events when she had tied up Rumi and stole her veil to escape the encampment.

Why didn’t Rumi fight back and stop me?

She recalled Rumi in the middle of the desert, holding the three-pronged weapon with a fierce look. It was obvious that the Kabali women were trained in fighting and defending themselves.

Rumi could have stopped her from escaping, but the Kabali woman didn’t tackle her.

Was Rumi worried about accidentally hurting or killing me during the tackle?

Did the Kabali women receive an order from their savage leader not to hurt or kill the rich hostage?

There were too many questions. But first, she had to find out more about her current predicament. She hurriedly put on her clothes and looked at Uma while being led back to the tent.

“How do you know the Thakvar language?” she asked.

Uma looked uncertain and shy. “I am from an eastern clan in Singoor, and your father, Mihir Thakvar, took care of my village. I got married to a Kabali warrior last year.”

“I see.” Nandini wondered if the marriage was forced. But seeing Uma’s shy look, she gave the Kabali man the benefit of the doubt.

“You were brought here for Singoor’s well-being,” Uma said imploringly. “Please don’t harm yourself, as your safety is important to everyone in Singoor.”

Nandini frowned, not understanding.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

Before she could answer, Rumi said something harshly that made Uma’s face fall.

“I’m not supposed to give you any information as it’s dangerous for our Kabali clan.”

“But I won’t tell—”

“I’m sorry.”

Before Nandini could coax further, Rumi dragged Uma out of the tent.

Nandini remained standing, trying to process what Uma had said.

What have I got to do with Singoor’s well-being?

***

Later that evening, Nandini was yet again pacing the tent anxiously.

She was angry and terrified that the demon would return early to the tent that evening, and she would have to prepare for yet another tussle to fight him off her.

She was also worried that she wouldn’t succeed in being able to stop him.

For a brief moment that afternoon she had contemplated setting fire to the demon’s clothes and to the tent, hoping she could escape during the distraction. But she knew the demon had left instructions to his people to keep an eye on her and for her not to allowed outside.

She had tried going out in the morning, only to be escorted back into the tent immediately by Uma.

What do I do?

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