Page 27 of Twisted Deceit
“Too soon to say.” Nakul had a list of people he needed to check on—their activities, what they did for the clan, financials, everything.
He was also convinced that Aadhya’s parents passing away could not be an accident. It was too much of a coincidence, and it could not be the curse as people in Singoor believed to be the cause of the heirs' deaths.
Shivay was looking into investigating the accident where their father’s brother and sister passed away in a car accident. Rishab was looking into the death of the Bhil clan heir’s death. When the truth about the Gujjar heir’s death was revealed, it made them question all the other heirs’ deaths.
Nakul shook away the thoughts of his investigation. “Did Mom and Dad leave yet?”
“Yes.” Shivay paused. “They had a long conversation with Nandini before they left. She was not happy she missed all our weddings.”
“She called me too but could not take the call the first time. She was not happy.” Nakul smiled, thinking of their sister, the youngest of all. He and his sister were closer in age and had a different dynamic than she did with the other brothers. “When I called her back, she insisted on visiting us. I had to come up with many explanations as to why without revealing the truth.”
“Good, and I hope you also explained why we have additional security at her university, too.” Nakul shook his head, smiling in response.
“Of course,” Nakul chuckled. “Did you talk to Rishab? He texted last night.”
Shivay fell silent for a moment. “He called. The situation is under control.”
“Good.” Nakul was glad his brother was able to take care of the situation. “We need to heighten security in all locations. Expand the perimeter.”
“I agree. Adding more security as we speak.” Shivay was aware of the increasing unrest between the clans due to the Thakvar’s presence in the prominent clans.
“I’m headed to the auction tomorrow with Aadhya.” It was in a remote town in Europe. In his months of investigations, he was led to this trail. He was informed that there was a sculpture of a goddess that we would be on auction.
“We can only hope.” Shivay knew how much time and effort went into even getting this far.
Nakul nodded. “There’s a slim chance it’sShakti, but can’t miss out on the opportunity. And no matter what, I will not lose the auction.”
“Sounds good; all the best. I’ll catch you later.” With that, he ended the call and stepped back indoors. The room was dimly lit as the sun had not risen yet, and he could see her silhouette on the bed as she slept.
What was that about not being able to take off her jewelry and not wanting anyone else to help? Whatever stunt it was, it worked. He had a tough time fighting his urges to pull her into his arms and ravish her beauty.
Two days, and he was already taking long showers to alleviate his growing need and arousal. He could not show any signs of being impacted by her antics.
*****
Aadhya woke up feeling stiff all over. She stretched in bed, groaning deeply as she opened her eyes. Yet again, she was alone in her bed and rolled her eyes, wondering what kind of a ritual she had to perform that morning since her husband had left her and gone off to do whatever he was up to.
Her back stiffened when she heard soft footsteps moving toward her. Was it her husband? A few moments passed, and she knew it was not him. She turned and saw Meenabai with a broad smile on her face. “Good morning, Aadi. Are you ready to wake up?”
Aadhya knew the older woman was trying to be nice to her for putting her in the awkward situation the night before. “I don’t know, Nani. Should I be talking to you after what you did last night?” She was mad at Meenabai for the undress stunt she pulled off effectively.
The older woman tsked. “Aadi, I had to.” She placed her fingers under Aadhya’s chin as she sat up. “Now, all we need to do is wait for the heir to arrive.” Aadhya narrowed her eyes, watching the older woman, but did not say anything. “You must be hungry. Let’s get you ready for—”
“What? Another ceremony?” Aadhya respected the culture and traditions but had no energy to sit for long hours while performing the ceremony.
Meenabai gave her a soft glare. “Aadi, your husband is downstairs talking to the region manager. He has refused to take a morsel of food without you by his side.” There was so much joy on the older woman’s face that Aadhya couldn’t help but smile. “And he had issued strict orders not to wake you up before you are ready to.”
“Oh, so I can go back to sleep, then.” Aadhya fell back onto the mattress from the sitting position and pulled the sheet over her chest. “See you later, Nani.”
“Aadi, please.” The older woman hesitated. “Because yours and her husband have not eaten,Maahohasn’t eaten yet.”
That got Aadhya’s attention, and she was out of bed in a flash. “Bring me my clothes, and I don’t need anyone to dress me. I will and can do it myself,” she called out as she ran to the bathroom for a quick bath.
Shortly after, she stepped out of the bathroom to find a group of women waiting for her, bright smiles on their faces, and one of them held a tray with a burning lamp on it. Her eyes flew to the older woman who stood to the side, happy tears in her eyes.
What happened in the ten minutes she was gone?
The women started singing as another woman covered her head with a silk cloth, draping it over her chest. Aadhya was confused as Meenabai had not mentioned yet another ceremony. To her relief, the singing didn’t turn into an elaborate event. Standing to one side, she approached Meenabai and asked, “What was that for? I thought you said we were eating breakfast.”
