Page 1 of Twisted Bonds

CHAPTER 1

Thakvar Mansion,

Singoor Desert, India.

The Thakvar mansion was bustling with activity. There was excitement in the air as everyone was preparing for the festivities that would begin the next day.

Chitra Thakvar adjusted the flowers around the lamp and looked at the sample tray arrangement. It was pretty, but it seemed to miss something. The traditional flower arrangements were her favorite task to work on, and when she was at the temple as a young girl, she would wait for Diwali when they made such decorations.

“I knew I would find you here,” a familiar, deep voice said with a hint of playfulness, making Chitra smile.

She turned to look at her husband, who appeared breathtakingly handsome and regal, dressed in the Thakvar clan head’s traditional clothing. The light brushing of gray at his hair made him appear even more dashing.

“Mihir, I didn’t realize you were back from your clan meeting.” She often lost track of time when immersed in her favorite activities.

He handed her a cup of steaming hot tea. “This is for you, my love. I came back as soon as I could because I didn’t want to miss tea time with my wife.”

Chitra laughed, knowing her husband wasn’t exaggerating. No matter how busy their lives were, they always made time to sit down and have a cup of tea together. It was always her favorite thing to do during the day.

With a happy sigh, she settled into the chair next to him at the fifty-seater dining table that would soon be filled with their family and loved ones.

“We only have a day before our children visit us with their families.”

Mihir nodded with a smile. “That’s why I want you to relax and spend time with me. You will be too busy with hugs and kisses from the little ones, who can’t get enough of their grandma.”

Chitra laughed. “Don’t be silly. The little ones adore you, too. You are their favorite grandpa who tells them exciting stories from your childhood.”

“But you are the pampering grandma who makes their favorite sweet treats and has them enact in fun dramas and plays. Even I can’t resist your plays. It reminds me of the day I saw a girl with the most beautiful smile.” His smile grew wider. “I chased after the girl then, and even now, I can’t resist her beautiful smile.”

Chitra blushed like a young girl. “Mihir!” she laughed.

It had been several decades since they first met. And yet, the two of them remembered each moment they spent with each other. She had fallen in love with Mihir for his quiet charm, married him for the man he was, and would love him forever for making her the happiest woman in the world, no matter how many years they had been apart.

“I will love you and protect you until my last breath. And our memories will be my strength to live a life without you.”

Mihir had said those words to her when he had left San Francisco to return to Singoor. It was right after his older brother and sister had been killed, and there was chaos and danger in his native land. She would have followed him to the ends of the earth to be with him. But they had to be apart toprotect their three innocent children whose lives would be in danger in Singoor.

For over twenty years, she had missed him. During their time apart, she was sad, but she was also fiercely proud of the man who would sacrifice his own happiness for the well-being of his loved ones.

It was his selfless love that gave her the strength to keep her promise of not contacting him and staying focused on raising their children. And she was happy that their children grew up to be strong leaders like their father.

“What are you thinking about?” The warmth in his voice brought her out of her thoughts.

She blinked away the light moisture that filled her eyes.

“I was thinking about how blessed we are for having everything we ever wanted.”

He cupped her cheek gently. “You are my biggest blessing, Chitra.”

He leaned to kiss her on her forehead. Chitra smiled, looking into his eyes. Even after decades, the love she saw in his eyes made her heart skip a beat.

A soft, feminine gasp made her blink.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Chitra and Mihir, Sir!” Malini had entered the dining room, and before even Chitra could speak, the other woman left the room.

Chitra let out a small laugh. “Maybe we shouldn’t be holding hands or staring into each other’s eyes so much, given our age. After all, we are grandparents now.”

Mihir smiled and kissed her cheek. “I disagree, my love. I will never stop admiring my beautiful wife. After all, our love began with my admiration of you.”

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