Page 142 of Twisted Sins

It was a beautiful day, and she was eager to explore the rest of the Kabali mansion.

She got out of bed and was about to go into the luxurious bathroom when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” she said.

Uma came in with the breakfast, but instead of a tray, the dishes were placed on a two-layer wooden cart.

“I’m still full from yesterday’s feast,” Nandini said with a laugh.

Uma smiled. “Rudra’s order,” she said. “He wants you to rest for today as you are tired.”

Annoyance filled her at the demon’s command. Although she was still sore, she didn’t want to stay in and rest.

“I’m fine,” she said. “And I am excited to explore the place. Can you be my guide?”

Uma was surprised. “Yes, but Rudra wants you to—”

“I’ll talk to him later.”

Uma hesitated for a second before slowly nodding. “All right,” she said.

By now, Uma knew that Rudra Kabali’s wife didn’t always do as he commanded.

***

Nandini spent the morning exploring the mansion.

She met the housekeeper, cook, and many other staff members responsible for maintaining the huge place. Although the staff weren’t openly hostile, they weren’t friendly either. She knew it would take them time to warm up to her presence.

Uma accompanied her as she explored the large, spacious rooms.

Most parts of the Kabali mansion were newly built with a modern touch, but many artifacts and items belonged to the Kabali clan for several hundreds of years.

“There were a lot more prized collections of the Kabali heirlooms,” said Uma. “But they got destroyed in a fire. And a lot got stolen.”

Nandini felt sad that along with the tragic losses of lives, a lot of history was also destroyed. She wanted to know more about the events that unfolded.

“Where is Skandamai?” Nandini asked. “I haven’t seen her yesterday at the celebration.”

The seer must have returned to the Kabali mansion. Although Nandini was shaken by their last interaction, she knew the seer was the only one who could reveal information regarding the past without hesitancy.

“Skandamai came to the feast later in the night with Girja,” Uma replied.

“Is Girja also a seer?” she asked.

Uma looked uncomfortable. “No, Girja teaches children in the school. But many people don’t like her. They are forced to show respect and include her in all events because of Rudra. He won’t tolerate disrespect shown towards her.”

Nandini frowned. “Why don’t people like Girja?”

“I’m not sure why,” Uma replied. “I couldn’t ask because we are not supposed to discuss anything from the past. Even my husband didn’t want to say anything against Girja.”

Nandini knew it was the demon’s command.

She was annoyed that the demon didn’t tell her much, nor did he allow others to talk about what had happened. She made a mental note to meet Girja.

“I want to meet Skandamai,” she said.

“She must be resting now to begin her nightly prayers,” Uma replied. “I’ll take you there tomorrow morning.”

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