Page 162 of Twisted Sins

But she smiled while continuing to hold Rudra’s hand.

The sound of the drums and conch shells grew louder as her father and brothers led her up the wide steps where her mother was waiting.

Nandini recognized Shivay’s wife Ishani right away. She also recognized her brothers Rishab and Nakul’s wives, Gauri and Aadhya, whom she had only seen pictures of and communicated with on video calls.

Nandini saw her mother fighting tears of joy. Nandini’s eyes welled, knowing how much her mother must have missed her.

As soon as they reached the mansion entrance, Nandini’s mother rushed towards Nandini.

“Chitti, my baby!” she said.

Nandini wrapped her arms around her mother, hugging her back tightly. “I’m so happy to see you, Ma.”

The hug lasted for a long moment until her mother pulled back.

“You must be tired and hungry from the journey,” her mother said. “Let’s finish the welcome ceremony, and you can have your favorite food.”

Nandini smiled, knowing her mother’s top priority was to feed her children their favorite food.

The welcome ceremony commenced with the Thakvar women singing a folk song and welcoming the newlywed daughter of the house along with her husband.

Nandini stood beside Rudra while her mother and sisters-in-law held a silver platter with flowers, vermillion, and a small fire lit inside.

When the song finished, Nandini’s mother put a vermillion dot on Nandini’s forehead. And when it was the turn to put on Rudra’s forehead, her demon husband lowered his head until Nandini’s petite mom could reach him.

It didn’t escape Nandini that her mother glared at Rudra while placing the vermillion dot on his forehead. Nandini knew her mother wasn’t scared or intimidated by Rudra despite how he appeared and his savage reputation. Chitra Thakvar was pissed that the Kabali clan leader had stolen her precious daughter.

Nandini knew she had to speak with her mother and the rest of her family about Rudra to let them know she was willingly with him. Since she couldn’t speak right away, she held Rudra’s hand.

Nandini’s mother frowned, but she didn’t say anything.

“Step inside together,” Ishani instructed with a smile.

Nandini returned her sister-in-law’s smile and stepped into the Thakvar mansion with Rudra.

The Thakvar mansion resembled a traditional palace from the inside. There was a large open courtyard at the center and the rest of the place was furnished with antiques, rugs, wall paintings and furniture.

Nandini looked forward to exploring her father’s childhood home.

They were led inside to a long dining table that could easily seat dozens of people. Rudra and she were made to sit beside each other while her father and mother sat opposite her. Her brothers and their wives sat on the opposite side.

The Kabali warriors were also invited to join at the table. Many others who must be the Thakvar clan members close to her father also joined at the table with their wives.

The food served was traditional, and several dishes were Nandini’s favorite. But Nandini couldn’t completely enjoy the meal, especially when her mother and brothers glared at Rudra.

“Rudra plays the flute beautifully, Ma,” Nandini said with a smile.

Chitra Thakvar’s face softened slightly as though realizing a person who could play her God Krishna’s instrument couldn’t be bad.

The rest of the meal continued mostly in silence. Nandini knew it would take some time for her family and people to accept Rudra and the Kabali clan as their allies.

I have to ensure that the past misunderstandings are healed.

Soon, the meal concluded.

Rudra and the Kabali warriors were asked to join her father and brothers to meet with the Thakvar clan leaders. Nandini wanted to go along to ensure there wouldn’t be any violence, but Rudra asked her to stay back.

Hoping things would remain cordial for the sake of the fourth alliance, she stayed back with her mother and sisters-in-law.

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