Page 10 of Twisted Alliance

“What kind of alliance?”

Rai Bahadur hesitated. “A marriage alliance,” he finally replied. “Until now, there wasn’t a possibility of such a thing happening as the rest of the three leading clans only have daughters.”

Shivay did not show any reaction to the man’s words. It was becoming more evident why their father kept his family away and hidden from the regional feuds. The man continued when Shivay remained silent, “Ideally, we need three heirs from Thakvars to build the relationship with the three clans, but a strong alliance can be a starting point to begin the peace talks.”

Rai Bahadur held a hopeful look. “Several decades ago, such alliances between powerful clans were the norm. And it was said that the couples from the most powerful alliances had together commissioned the divine form of our goddess.”

It didn’t take long for Shivay to understand that an alliance between two prominent clans would restore the balance required in the region. It would open up the possibility of having talks with various other clans as well.

“Who are the other prominent clans in the region?” Shivay asked.

“There are many clans, but the most prominent are the Gujjars, Bhils, and Kanwars. These are the only ones that can be somewhat trusted for an alliance or having peace talks with.”

“I see.”

Right then, Shivay didn’t care which clan and who he would pick to marry. All he cared about was to unite his father and mother.

So, he went with the first clan. “The Gujjars,” he said. “I’m going to have an alliance with the Gujjar clan.”

***

Mihir Thakvar was not happy with the announcement.

“I want you to leave Singoor, Shivay. Not build alliances that would tie you to this land and risk your life further! Bahadur shouldn’t have told you about the alliances or the land’s history.”

Shivay was prepared for his father’s reaction.

“It isn’t his fault. I asked him to provide the information. And if not Mr. Bahadur, I would have gotten the information from elsewhere. But no matter what, I am not leaving until you can join your family with peace of mind.”

Shivay’s father looked torn. “But how can you talk about making such alliances? I married for love. The ten years I spent with your mother were the happiest in my life. I wanted the same for you as well.”

Shivay looked at the broken yet yearning expression of his father. “Ten years isn’t nearly enough, Dad.”

Mihir Thakvar’s face crumpled listening to Shivay. “I know, son. I have known and felt that every moment of these last twenty years I have been apart, but my family’s happiness and safety were worth any sacrifice.”

Shivay understood that perfectly. “I agree that no sacrifice is greater than the safety and happiness of family, which is why I would like you to speak with the Gujjar clan and arrange for an alliance.”

Shivay’s father fell silent.

Shivay looked at Bahadur listening quietly.

“Can I meet the heir of the Gujjar clan? I would like to discuss the region’s state of affairs with her.” Shivay had to ensure that the woman he was planning to marry would understand the gravity of the situation and the need for such an alliance.

Bahadur gently shook his head. “Ishani Gujjar is the heir, but she grew up in a conservative environment like the women of her clan. Her older brother, Devraj Gujjar, is the one running the clan on behalf of his sister, and he is a bit of a hothead.” He paused as if contemplating speaking. “Devraj is the first born of the clan leader, but he is illegitimate, and more than half the clan do not recognize him as the rightful heir.”

Shivay realized he hadn’t expected the prospective bride to be too sheltered and innocent. He thought the clan wars would produce tough and hardened women.

But based on the information, the half-brother might be a useful link since the man was looking for ways to establish himself as the true heir of the clan.

“Then let’s set up a meeting with the brother tomorrow,” Shivay said.

Shivay knew he was moving rapidly, but that was his usual working style. Although it worked well for him in business, he had never made quick decisions when it came to his private life. Even the women he casually dated were picked only after careful consideration.

Shivay’s father seemed to think along the same lines.

“It’s barely been twenty-four hours since you arrived at Singoor, Shivay. You must sleep on it and reconsider forming an alliance that will have lifelong consequences.”

“I’m not going to change my mind,” Shivay replied. “Whether it is tomorrow or a week after that, I want to form an alliance with… Ishani Gujjar.”

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