Page 115 of Twisted Alliance

He continued to listen to the call while watching her with a look that fluttered her stomach even more.

It took her a while, but she realized the call was with Rishab and Nakul.

“Tantra definitely has allies from the other prominent clans as well,” Nakul stated.

Ishani listened keenly. Shivay had already told her about the man named Tantra who was behind the attack in Africa and also trying to gain control of the Singoor oil wells. Tantra had made use of Devraj. But Ishani was surprised that other clans were also in touch with the international businessman.

“And I know who it could be from the Bhils,” Rishab added. “Gauri Bhil, my soon-to-be bride’s older sister.” There was anger in Rishab’s voice. “She’s definitely the kind to side with the bad guys.”

“I have established contact with Aadhya Kanwar with a new identity,” Nakul said. “But unless I land in the Kanwar mansion, I wouldn’t be able to determine who is in touch with Tantra among the Kanwars.”

Ishani was conflicted about how Rishab and Nakul were approaching the alliances. It was similar to how Shivay had formed an alliance with the Gujjars.

Shivay’s and her marriage had been quite stormy, but miraculously, it ended well. She hoped Shivay’s brothers would find similar happiness in their alliances.

“Find the allies to Tantra among the clans, but don’t take any action yet,” Shivay instructed. “We need to know what Tantra wants. It isn’t just the oil wells. There’s something more. A lot more that he wants.”

Based on what she knew about the man named Tantra, she agreed with Shivay’s observation.

“Ishani is here with me,” Shivay told his brothers.

Suddenly, the tone of the conversation changed.

“Hey Ishani,” Nakul greeted.

“When are you returning to Thakvar mansion?” Rishab asked. “We miss your food and history lessons.”

Ishani laughed, since it had barely been a week since she last saw them when they came to the Thakvar mansion. “Soon,” she promised.

Shivay smiled.

“I’ll talk to you both tomorrow,” he said before ending the call.

Then cupping the back of her neck, he pulled her for a kiss. “Mmm… sweet and delicious,” he said.

She giggled. “I was in the kitchen tasting the big batch of sweets our mothers are making. I brought you some.”

“It’s a good thing I was going into the desert often and getting a good workout,” he said, picking up a piece of the sweet. “Or between our mothers’ cooking, I’d barely be able to move.” His mouth then twisted, and there was a wicked glint in his eyes. “Of course, I get the best workout because of you each night.”

Ishani’s cheeks heated. “Shivay!” She smacked him on his shoulder.

He chuckled and then picking up her hand, kissed her palm.

Ishani's palm tingled as warmth spread inside her heart. She had never imagined Shivay Thakvar to be a sweet, playful, and romantic husband. She still recalled how terrified of him she was at the beginning of their marriage. She had even hated him. She had thought of him as a devil husband.

But ever since she returned to the Thakvar mansion after he sent her away for her safety, she began to see his softer side. He was still ruthless and stern at times when he thought she put herself in danger, but the rest of the time he was playful and romantic.

“You look beautiful,” he said, running his hand up her long, floral summer dress. She had worn it that afternoon when he had taken her sightseeing in downtown San Francisco. “But I like you even better in your traditional dresses. I’m always reminded of the first time I saw you on our wedding night. I think I knew right then you were going to be trouble because I wanted to make you mine.”

Ishani’s heart fluttered.

She laughed. “When you asked me to change, I thought you were asking me to undress.”

His mouth twisted. “Subconsciously, maybe I was. I wanted to see you underneath all those layers of clothes and heavy jewelry.”

She laughed.

Suddenly, she gasped when he held her and got up from the office chair, and carried her out of the office room.

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