Page 39 of Twisted Alliance

“I’m carrying out a chore for Ishani madam,” she said.

“Ishani?” one of the guards asked in confusion.

“Ishani Thakvar.”

Her heart thudded, hoping none of the guards would demand proof. Luckily, they didn’t.

“The Gujjar heiress who Shivay sir has married,” one of the guards informed to the others.

The guards stood at attention, the tall gates were opened, and she was allowed outside.

She led the camel out and towards the village she had briefly seen when she was brought to the Thakvar mansion as a bride.

Hoping her mind would remember the directions, she continued to lead the camel away from the mansion. It was only when she took the detour from the village that she finally saw the vast stretch of sand.

With excitement brimming inside her heart, she pulled the reins and gave Champa the signal to start the sprint.

As soon as the camel took off, she felt the wind in her ears as her veil flew up.

Ishani laughed with excitement. It always felt liberating to be outside without being surrounded by guards or clan members.

Adding to her excitement was the meeting she was looking forward to with a man who met her every three months. He would bring her something precious.

She led the animal in the opposite direction of the sun. It was a hot and sunny day as usual, and she ensured to take sips of cooling water from the water bottle she had packed.

Nearly two hours later, she stopped next to a familiar large cactus plant.

She got down from the camel and gave it a gentle pat while waiting for the man to arrive. She hoped he wouldn’t be late as she needed to return before sunset or before her devil husband returned home.

“He is the devil,” she told Champa.

But the sweet, obedient camel just chewed on the small patch of leaves next to the cactus.

Time ticked by, and when her stomach growled, she opened the box of biscuits. She nearly finished the box when she heard the familiar honking of a jeep.

Her face lit up with a smile.

Finally!

She pulled the veil over her face and watched as the jeep approached the usual meeting point.

The jeep stopped, and a tall, young boy driving it got out.

“Sorry, Ishani madam,” he said. “I got delayed.”

“That’s all right, Chotu.”

“I found everything on the list, madam,” he said, handing her a heavy cloth bag.

She smiled behind her veil. “That’s great, Chotu!” She reached for the small pouch she tied around her waist and pulled out a small ring. “Payment for this time and the rest of the year.”

The boy nodded, looking at the gold ring. It was one of the last ones she had, the other rings belonging to the Thakvar family. Although she was a Thakvar bride, she didn’t want to use their wealth to pay for her things, especially since she didn’t intend to stay married for long.

“How did you write your exams?” she asked.

The boy smiled. “I did well, madam. I passed with good marks. The study guides you suggested helped me.”

“That’s great to hear, Chotu!”

---