Page 74 of Twisted Deceit
Nakul was in a clan meeting in the southeastern region of Singoor. One of the clans that had held off talks in fear of angering the Goddess. They invited Nakul to meet with them after hearing about the plans to commission Shakti in Singoor.
He was listening to some of the details of the sculpture when his security head announced into his earpiece, “Sir, we have a situation.” His security would not interrupt unless it were an emergency. He excused himself from the conversation and stepped out of the tent to find his security head flustered.
“What’s going on?” Nakul had heightened the security for everyone in the family as the frequency of the attacks increased with no clan claiming responsibility.
“We have an unplanned trip, Sir.”
Nakul scrunched his nose. “Who?” There have never been any exceptions to what he had planned. He wondered if Aadhya’s uncle was planning his visit to see his other family while her aunt was away at a ceremony.
“Mrs. Thakvar, Sir.” Even as he wondered why Aadhya was leaving the mansion unplanned, he was thinking ahead. “She is headed to join her aunt at the ceremony by the Oasis.”
“Get in touch with the Tango team to ensure there is a perimeter at the destination.” He thought for a moment and something bothered him. He could not pinpoint what but he walked back into the tent knowing they had security coverage at all points. He had to continue the talks with the clan who still had their reservations about working together with him.
*****
Aadhya adjusted her dress and jewelry as she headed to the oasis where her aunt was performing a ceremony. It was a last-minute plan for her to join her aunt but she would do anything for her aunt’s happiness, especially when she was performing such a ritual. Her aunt had given up on her faith after her parents’ accident as if angry with the almighty. It wasn’t until recently that her aunt started going to the prayer room to join her husband in his morning prayers.
She had to accept that although it was a marriage of deceit, she was glad the way things happened. She could tell just by driving through the region, it felt safer. Unlike a few months ago, she no longer needed a convoy of vehicles. She was even able to sneak away just with her husband and she loved that. She smiled placing her hand on her chest as her heart thudded just at the thought of him. Her every sense came alive to the memory of their sweet moments that morning. He had left before sunrise for a clan meeting, but before that, just as he had promised, he woke her up before he left, with kisses.
Her inner layers clenched as they remembered the shudders that rippled through her. Heat crept up her cheeks as her mind replayed the feel of the tip of his tongue on her nib at the apex of her thighs. She wanted him and although she had decided not to interrupt his meeting, she changed her mind.
Just as she reached for her phone from the clutch, she heard the sound of tires screeching. Her mouth went dry when she saw the vehicle she was in, blocked by another SUV. Her heart issued a warning and she pressed on the button to call him. Something about the way the vehicle stopped, it felt like an ambush.
“What’s happening?” she asked trying hard not to sound worried. She heard the call go through to Nakul but no response. She kept her eyes on the vehicle, fear gripping her. It was an ambush, just like the attack on her aunt’s vehicle a few weeks back.
Her mouth went dry and a gasp escaped her when their vehicle door opened suddenly. A scream escaped her, a mix of shock and joy.
“Miss me?” Nakul grinned as he got into the vehicle's back seat, pulling her to him.
She took in the sweetness of the kiss and the thrill from a fearful moment. She pulled away from him and slapped his chest. “Don’t ever do that again?”
He chuckled. “How can I not kiss you again?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You know what I mean.” She was still reeling from the moments of darkness that had filled her mind. “That was scary. I thought it was an attack.”
He pulled her to me. “They’ll have to take my life before they get to you.”
She covered his mouth. “Stop talking like that.”
His eyes darkened as he kissed the palm that covered his mouth. “It’s true.” He slowly took her hand in his. “Do you mind if I join you at the ceremony by the Oasis?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Seriously?” Her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips going to his cheek. “I didn’t ask because I thought you were in a clan meeting.”
“I was. I’m here now.” He smiled. “Can I take you to the Oasis?”
She let out a low squeal, hugging his arm. “Yes!” She loved going out with just him. No security cars. He helped her to the front passenger seat and held the door as she gathered the heavy skirt. Her aunt was going to be thrilled to see Nakul.
“I’m so glad you are going with me.” She looked around as the other vehicles fell back letting their vehicle go solo. “I feel free.”
That made him laugh. “So what are we doing at the oasis today?”
“Rajji is doing the ritual, and we are going to get the blessings.” She smiled, no worry bothering her. “She had sent a message asking both of us to join but I knew you were busy so I started on my own."
“What is this ritual? And why is it done outside the holy lands?” His curiosity made her smile.
“Look at you. You know everything about Singoor.” She could not take her eyes off his handsome face.
He shook his head. “Not everything.”
