Page 54 of Twisted Sins

Her skin broke into goosebumps, and her teeth chattered in delayed shock. Clenching her teeth, she tried to control her reaction.

How long until the demon’s control snaps?

CHAPTER 15

The next morning, Nandini woke up to the sounds of drums and conch shells.

Her eyes felt groggy as she had remained awake for a long time in the night. She saw that the sun had risen, which meant the demon must have left the encampment.

Why are they playing the drums?

Before she could think of a reason, Uma and Rumi entered the tent, along with a few more women holding several trays in their hands. Nandini pulled the bedcovers closer as she was naked underneath.

A small shudder passed through her as she recalled the events of the previous night and what had nearly happened. The women rolled up the window rugs, letting sunlight stream in.

Uma looked excited. “Nandini, you must get up quickly. We have to get you ready!”

She sat up slowly. “What is happening?” she asked. “Why are they playing the drums?”

“Oh, it’s a celebration for your send-off.”

Nandini’s heart began thudding. “My send-off?”

For a shocked moment, she thought the demon was planning on returning her to her family.

Uma’s eyes lit up in excitement. “Yes, yours and Rudra’s send-off. You will be going to the holy land.”

***

A strong sense of déjà vu filled her while she was being readied. It reminded her of the ceremony held at midnight nearly ten days ago. But at that time, she hadn’t known the details of the occasion. She hadn’t known that it the wedding ceremony between her and the Kabali demon leader.

Now, she not only knew of the occasion, she was the one to facilitate it. She had been drugged yet terrified at that time. But now, satisfaction filled her.

She smiled at the Kabali women who helped her get ready. They accompanied her to the pond and gave her an elaborate bath using the herbal powders. She noticed how the thick consistency of some of those powders removed the body hair naturally. Delicate scented oil was then applied until her skin felt smooth, supple and glistened like liquid gold.

Over the last ten days, she had been operating in survival mode. But now, she appreciated the beauty and culture of the Kabali clan.

Respect the Kabali clan and culture…

She recalled her mother’s words in the letter while the women helped her put on a beautiful black and silver dress similar to that of the wedding ceremony. Heavy jewelry followed. This time, she appreciated the beautiful, intricate designs of the Kabali clan jewelry. The bangles looked beautiful next to the bracelet sent by her mother.

Once she was nearly ready, they put on a silver-colored veil covering her hair.

She hadn’t eaten much the previous night, so she compensated with a good breakfast that was brought to her while she got ready.

“Come, it’s time to go,” Uma said. “You must start now to reach the holy land before sunset.”

Nandini nodded. But before they left the tent, she hugged Uma.

“Thank you so much for helping me, Uma. I truly cherish your friendship.”

Uma smiled. “You are our clan head’s wife, Nandini. It is my pleasure to serve you as well as be your friend.”

Nandini smiled. And then, she hugged Rumi as well.

Rumi looked utterly surprised.

“Thank you so much, Rumi,” Nandini said with a smile. “I really appreciate that despite your hard feelings, you continued to bring my meals and help me with my bath. I hope you forgive me for that day when I had to do things out of desperation.”

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