Page 161 of Twisted Sins

Several horses were loaded with goods, which Rumi had mentioned were gifts from the Kabali land to be offered to the wife’s family as part of the third-month wedding anniversary ceremony.

Nandini’s eyes fell on Rudra, who was on his horse along with several Kabali warriors. He was once again dressed like he was during the wedding ceremony. With an ash-smeared face, heavy accessories, and the horns headgear, he appeared demon-like. But unlike before, when she was terrified, she was now drawn to him and found him larger-than-life and stunning.

He got down the horse and waited as she approached him. His eyes swept over her and lingered on her face, making her stomach flutter. His hands held her waist and put her on top of his horse. Then, he climbed behind her and let out a primitive cry that was joined by answering loud primitive shouts.

Her heart raced excitedly, and she waved at the people before the demon rode out from the Kabali mansion and the settlement.

***

It was late afternoon when Nandini saw the signs of settlement in the desert terrain. The horses sped through well-paved roads and then took a detour.

Excitement shot through her, seeing people wearing the Thakvar clan colors.

Finally!

She smiled as they rode through the province's well-paved streets. Several buildings and structures indicated that the place was well-developed, and she felt proud of her father.

The Kabali horses sped through the streets, and she saw a three-story massive structure at a distance, which she knew must be the Thakvar mansion.

As they neared, she was surprised to see a large crowd lining the sides of the streets, which indicated that her family knew about her arrival.

The crowd gave way while the Kabali horses sped through the open gates. There was a massive crowd inside the gates in front of the mansion. Sounds of drums and conch shells filled the air. The demon pulled on the reins, slowing down the horse and eventually stopping in front of the mansion. The rest of the Kabali horses also stopped next to them.

Nandini’s eyes immediately searched for her family.

She smiled with happiness when she saw her father and brothers standing at the bottom of the wide stairs in front of the mansion. She couldn’t see her mother around them. She looked up and saw her mother waiting at the top of the stairs near the mansion's entrance. Her mother was surrounded by a group of women holding a large platter in preparation for the welcome ceremony.

The demon got down the horse, held her and carefully placed her on the ground.

As soon as Nandini’s feet touched the ground, she went towards her father.

“Papa!” she greeted in excitement.

Her father looked happy as he hugged her. “Nandini, my child. I’m so happy you are safe.”

She smiled. “Yes, I’m fine, Papa,” she said.

She looked at her brothers, who were standing next to her father. Although their faces looked tense, she could see the relief in their eyes when they saw her smiling.

“Bhai!” she said, hugging her oldest brother, Shivay. She also hugged her other two brothers, who looked happy to see her.

“Let’s go inside,” said Shivay. “Ma is waiting.”

Nandini nodded. Smiling, she turned back to look at Rudra so they could go inside the mansion together.

Her demon husband was standing behind her. She couldn’t read his expression but sensed the tension in the air. She glanced at the surrounding crowd and heard the buzz of murmurs as the people stared at Rudra and the Kabali warriors in fear.

Nandini recalled that the clans in Singoor feared the Kabalis and thought of them as brutal savages. And seeing her demon husband and his men in such close proximity must have increased their fear.

She realized that although her father and brothers didn’t fear the Kabalis, they didn’t trust Rudra or his men. They must have asked her mother to stay at a safe distance, fearing an attack.

Nandini wasn’t offended as she knew they were protecting her mother from a possible danger.

There had been decades of fear and mistrust between the Thakvar and Kabali clans. She knew it was time to begin building trust and friendship again.

She took a step back and held Rudra’s hand.

The people looked shocked. She knew everyone expected her to be terrified as well. They thought she endured the marriage because she had no other choice.

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