Page 178 of Twisted Sins

Nandini knew she was being impatient, but she wasn’t exactly known for being patient. Besides, she wanted to invite Girja to the feast and ensure the older woman would come.

Nandini liked Girja, who was sweet and patient. Girja was also an excellent teacher. Nandini knew the people didn’t still accept Girja because of Bhalla. But Nandini was determined to ensure Girja would never feel left out of the clan events.

She went towards the school. Lunch break must have begun, as most children were outside playing. Hoping Girja was around, she began checking the classrooms.

Luckily, Girja was seated in a classroom reading something, but she looked up when she sensed her presence.

“Nandini,” Girja greeted with a smile.

Nandini smiled back before sitting in front of Girja. “I wanted to invite you to the feast tonight.”

Girja’s smile dimmed. “Nandini, I already came to the ones before. I don’t have to come to all.”

Nandini shook her head. “You must come, Girja. If you don’t, I will not attend either.”

Girja let out a soft laugh. “The feast is in your honor.”

Nandini smiled. “Yes, I know. But I will skip if you don’t promise to come.”

“All right,” Girja said softly. “I’ll come.”

Glad that Girja would come, Nandini placed the books on the table. “I found these diaries in the trunks. Since I can’t read the Kabali language… yet, I thought I’d take your help in translating.”

Girja opened a book. “This isn’t a diary,” she said. “It’s a poetry book.”

Nandini was surprised. “Oh wow, poetry? Was Rudra’s father a good poet?”

Girja shook her head. “No, Bhairav gave good compliments to Radha, but he and Bhalla didn’t write poetry.”

Nandini knew Girja unconsciously spoke about Bhalla fondly. “Then who did?”

Girja was about to say something, but she looked over Nandini’s shoulder and smiled.

“Rudra,” Girja greeted. “Are you looking for Nandini? She’s here with me.”

Nandini’s heart jerked with excitement. She expected the demon to return late as he was going towards the far west border.

Excited, she turned. But she froze when her eyes met with the stormy grey ones.

After what seemed like the longest moment, she dragged her eyes away and turned to look at Girja.

“I will talk to you later, Girja,” she said softly.

Girja smiled. “You can come anytime. I’ll come to the feast as well.”

Nandini nodded and went towards the classroom entrance.

“Let’s go,” she said softly.

As she followed him, her heart thudded so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear anything. Even though it was hot outside, goosebumps broke on her skin.

When her eyes fell on the playing children, she walked faster into the mansion.

Uma came across them, and there was a surprise in Uma’s eyes.

“Oh, you are back early, Rudra,” Uma said with a smile. “Should I bring lunch to your room?”

Not wanting Uma to talk, Nandini quickly spoke. “Uma, please go to Skandamai and tell her I won’t be joining her for lunch.”

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