Page 34 of Twisted Sins

The only way she could think of stopping the demon was if she could communicate with him. But Uma was nowhere to be found. It was just Rumi who had come with the lunch tray in the afternoon, and Rumi was icily silent despite several apologies.

The sound outside the tent had her heart racing in fear. Then she remembered that the demon barely made a sound. He moved silently like a damn ninja.

It was Uma with the dinner tray. But the Kabali woman’s head was lowered as she came inside and kept the tray on the low table.

Nandini looked at her. “I’m not going to eat until you talk to me,” she said.

Uma remained silent.

“I will starve myself and possibly die, risking the well-being of Singoor.”

She heard Uma sucking in a breath. “Please don’t. You are called the Thakvar tigress. You must be brave.”

Immediately, Nandini used the opportunity. “Then please help me,” she said. “You don’t have to give me information you are not comfortable with. But I need your help to communicate with… Rudra.”

Uma looked torn.

“Please, Uma,” Nandini pleaded.

Uma slowly nodded.

Relief swept over Nandini. She opened the tray and began eating the food. She ate the dates and nuts and once again left the meat dish untouched.

“Can you tell me what does ‘Tam hums manlam mam ornayi thikri dhani…gvanni’ mean?”

Nandini recalled the demon repeating the command each night.

Uma’s cheeks reddened. “It means… you will accept me as your husband… wife.”

Nandini’s face flamed even as anger gripped her.

Never!

She would never accept the demon as her husband.

Uma must have read her anger. “The Kabali warriors are fierce at first. But once they fall in love, they are gentle and tender.”

But I don’t want the demon to fall in love with me. I hate him!

She didn’t say the words aloud.

“Uma, can you tell me more about why I was—” She broke off when Uma’s eyes turned towards the entrance of the tent.

Knowing who it might be, Nandini slowly turned.

Her stomach quivered as soon the Kabali demon’s grey eyes met with hers.

Uma was about to leave, but Nandini stopped her.

“Uma, please wait! You promised to help me communicate with him.”

Uma nodded reluctantly.

“Tell him I can’t be his wife.”

Uma looked shocked.

“Tell him, Uma.”

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