Page 2 of Twisted Sins

“We have already had this discussion, brother. I want to join you in convincing the current clan heads to honor the peace treaty.”

Her brother nodded. He had always encouraged her to speak her mind and do as her heart wished. And what she wanted more than anything was to once again make her homeland a peaceful place.

“Raji madam is here,” the housekeeper announced.

“Oh, ask her to come inside for breakfast,” said Nandini with a smile.

“I did, but madam said she already ate and wants to wait in the receiving room.”

Knowing her best friend wouldn’t change her mind, Nandini nodded. “Tell her I’ll be out shortly.”

“Okay, madam.”

Finishing up the delicious yet heavy breakfast, Nandini went to the receiving room, which was filled with beautiful flowers. Raji was holding one of them, which was Nandini’s favorite pink lotuses.

Raji appeared sad, looking at the flowers. Nandini’s heart went out to her best friend. Like most of the clans in Singoor, Raji had been through tragedy as well. She had lost her brother and sister-in-law in a fire. Nearly a decade ago, she had also lost the man she loved. Nandini recalled that sweet man fondly, as he had been a good friend of hers.

“Raji,” she called.

Her friend looked up from the flowers, and for a moment, there was a flash of uncertainty in her friend’s eyes.

Nandini gave her friend a warm hug. “You didn’t have to come all the way to wish me today, Raji. But I’m so glad to see you.”

An uncertain look remained on Raji’s face.

“What is it? Is everything alright?” Nandini asked. “Did you have an argument with your husband?”

Raji married a man she didn’t love for the sake of tradition and her clan. But Nandini hoped her friend would open her heart and once again fall in love.

“No, I came to stop you from going to the clan meeting today. Spend the day with me instead.”

Nandini smiled.

“Weren’t you the one who said Nandini Thakvar is a trendsetter? That I should lend my voice in person to the cause of Singoor?”

“Not this time, Nandu! Please, don’t go.”

Nandini shook her head gently. “You know the Kabalis are hurting. They have shut themselves completely from the rest of the Singoor. All of their heirs are dead, including a small, innocent child, and they blame the Thakvars for the recent deaths. It is important I lend a voice to let them know we weren’t the cause and we would help them in any way we can.”

Her friend looked worried. “But—”

“We will spend time together, Raji. I promise. When I return, let’s go shopping in the city. I’ll need to get a few books, and we can also look at some trinkets in the market.”

Nandini smiled and gave her friend the pink lotus bouquet that was kept in a vase. “This is for you. I know it’s your favorite flower too.”

Kissing her best friend’s cheek, Nandini stepped out of the mansion where her brother was waiting.

“Ready?” her brother asked. He was seated in the driver’s seat of her favorite car.

Nandini smiled. “Yes, I am. But please, let me drive.”

***

Two hours later, the sender of the pink lotus flowers was waiting for the good news.

“The task is successful, sir.”

A satisfied smile covered the man’s face. “Excellent. So now, even the Thakvar clan fell upon the unfortunate Singoor curse and lost an heir.”

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