Dhampir of Kalika

১০. the unnamed portrait

A human is made up of many colours.

****

After the pertinent realisation, it became a little easier for Maya to navigate the house and talk with the members. She knew who they were at least, even if not the history of their existence. The strange marks on Ram's body could be now explained; those were inflicted upon him by the vampires of the house.

She pushed aside the thoughts and ate the meal. Today breakfast was cooked by Ram and not Khirodh, so of course it was tasty and edible, perfect for humans. Maya had read in books about how vampire's didn't have a strong taste bud and were denied the pleasure of experiencing the palette of human-made delicacies. The restriction perhaps put Khirodh in a position to also not be able to cook well, since she didn't have the good idea of flavours.

Little by little the puzzle pieces fell together. Maya felt relief wash over her.

Not so soon, no... I need to know how the murders of Abhinoy and the girls are connected.

Mrinmoyee sat with the men of her family, shocking Maya. Maybe it was because Kalikacharan wasn't present with them, and the other men of the family could easily break the rule of how women couldn't be equal to men. It warmed her heart. Perhaps there was some kindness left in them.

"Open your mouth, Mrino." Mrinjay brushed his palm over her lips. She parted them, and he fed her the omelette. She saw that Mrinmoyee's omelette was almost green with chillies. Maya pitied the vampires now. They need too much of everything to devour and relish.

"Mrinjay, I want to eat pineapple. Can you ask Ram to get them?"

"Yes! Manihar, go and ask Ram to buy a big pineapple–"

"No!" Maya exclaimed, startling the two men and the pregnant lady. Her protective instincts had been aroused. "Pregnant women don't eat pineapple. It can induce early labour."

The three members of the Das gulped. Worry was written over their faces, as if they were almost caught. Mrinmoyee held Mrinjay's palm tightly and looked between the two brothers.

Maya suddenly realised that they were vampires, and not humans, so maybe the rule of no pineapples didn't apply there. "It's just a suggestion."

"I-I don't need pineapples," Mrinmoyee whispered. "I am happy with the omelette."

"Yes, if Maya says it's harmful, you shouldn't eat it," Mrinjay said.

Maya completed her food and went outside in the gardens of the Das. She stood near the fountain and admired the fragrant flowers around. The vampires did have a good taste for beauty. Mrinjay had earlier pointed out that he was a refined man. Maya chuckled to herself. It was great that they didn't yet come for her blood.

On that note, do they drink human blood?

This fact hadn't been so disturbing to her in the younger days. It was rather an element of fascination that a brave child would harbour, wondering about the powers and quirks of being a vampire. But now, when she was indeed living together with vampires, her stomach twisted and she clamped her mouth. Not in her wildest dreams had she imagined herself being with these creatures of books. The supernatural was breathing all around her, thriving along with the human race.

And presently, standing beside her. A hand tapped her shoulder. A chill ran down her spine. Slowly, she turned back to see Mrinjay. "Oh, hello."

Mrinjay offered her some pickled onions which he was eating from a bowl. "Want some? Mrinmoyee always has these. I thought, why not taste them myself?"