Page 100 of Twisted Alliance

With a smile, she slowly went back up the steps and into the mansion.

A group of women stood watching her with dreamy sighs and smiles. Ishani didn’t understand.

“You are so lucky, madam,” one of them said. “Mr. Thakvar doesn’t mind touching your feet in public. It’s very rare for a husband to bow in front of his wife, let alone touch her feet to fasten an anklet. Mr. Thakvar loves you a lot. And you love him too since you gave him the protective rudraksh.”

Ishani’s cheek heated, knowing some of the household members had witnessed the scene. It was a sweet gesture for Shivay to fasten her anklet, especially for a man who is known to be reserved and commanding.

I can’t believe I’m thinking this. My devil husband can be sweet.

***

Ishani was lost in happiness and peace while playing the bin instrument. She had just finished playing when one of the maids approached her.

“Madam, Gujjar clan members are here to see you.”

Ishani was surprised and happy. Her mother must have sent the sweets she had made the previous day. Looking forward to them, Ishani smiled.

“I’ll be right there. Please bring some refreshments to the receiving room.”

The maid nodded and left. Ishani touched her forehead to the bin instrument before keeping it aside and hurrying into the mansion. She covered her hair, but not her face, owing to the tradition of the Gujjar clan.

She went to the receiving room and was surprised when she saw her brother along with some Gujjar clan members. She smiled and greeted them.

The clan members were surprised to see her without the veil covering her face. But her brother was the only one who expressed anger.

“Ishani, why are you not wearing the veil properly according to our tradition?” he demanded.

“I am wearing it according to the Thakvar tradition,” she replied softly with a smile.

Her brother’s jaw clenched, but he did not say anything further. Her eyes fell on the beautifully decorated, colorful woven baskets. Although they were covered, she knew what was inside them. It was the sweets her mother had made and sent to her.

Ishani was happy and excited.

The refreshments arrived, and Ishani served them to her brother and clan members. “These are the Thakvar specialties,” she said with a smile. “The drink is very refreshing. Please let me know if you need a refill.”

The clan members nodded. Ishani noticed that her brother didn’t touch the drink or the snacks.

“I need to speak with you on an important matter privately,” he said.

Ishani nodded.

“We can speak in the garden,” she offered.

As she led her brother outside, a part of her dreaded the conversation because she knew her brother was going to demand an explanation for not using the recording device on her husband. Her brother hated Shivay because he still didn’t believe Shivay to be the true Thakvar heir. Her brother still thought of Shivay as a ruthless businessman who wanted to gain control of the oil wells and steal it from the rightful heirs.

“Mother is not feeling well.”

Ishani was shocked by her brother’s words.

“What happened to her?” she asked in panic.

“Nothing. I meant in general. She is not getting better. She is barely out of her room and mumbles incoherently. She doesn’t even recognize me properly now. I think she won’t recognize you either. She needs treatment urgently.”

Ishani fell quiet. She knew her brother was lying. She had spoken to her mother the previous day and her mother sounded quite well.

“Here are the tickets to Australia that I booked for you and mother,” Ishani’s brother said, pulling out some papers. “I have also made arrangements for you both to stay comfortable during the course of the treatment.”

Ishani’s heart thudded because she knew her brother was going to ask for something in return.

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