The Barbaric Proposition {Royal Engagement Series 1}

17. Plans In The Plan

When Nandini finally returned back to the Mahal it was already sunset. As she stepped inside she saw the worried expressions of the two sevikas waiting for her in the inner hall. Nandini couldn't help but frown, she could sense the abnormalities in the air.

"What happened? Why are you both looked like that?"

Purna and Isha didn't notice her return as they were startled by her voice. They heaved a sigh and rushed towards her.

"Anghari went out after you left Prizzi but she didn't return yet" Purna informed anxiously. She and Isha was feeling restless. Even though they knew Anghari wasn't an ordinary girl like others but she were their subordinate for years. If anyone of them leaves then they would know the whereabouts. But today it was different.

Nandini slightly frowned at the news. She told Anghari to pick some flowers before she left. And she was definitely sure Anghari would go for it. But why didn't she back yet? She walked towards the window and saw the time. The sky started to turn dark. The last light of the day has already gone long ago.

There's something wrong. Nandini's mind was alert.

"She didn't send any signal?" Nandini asked again.

"No, there's no signal from her. If she were in danger, she should have send the signal for us" Isha replied. Her tone was filled with worry.

Nandini let her gaze roam around the falling dark outside. She took a deep breath then made a loud whistling type sound. The sound was high pitch yet if people don't see themselves then they wouldn't believe it was made by her. Behind her Isha, Purna and Medha looked at eachother. Few moments later, there was another strange sound from outside. Then the flapping sound heard in the air. A small golden bird flew inside and sat on Nandini's shoulder. Nandini raised her hand making the bird sit on her finger. She made some sound then the bird flew out.

"Prizzi that..." Isha started to say.

"Shh..." Nandini stopped her from talking and made a gesture with her hand. Few moments has passed then suddenly a figure jumped inside through the window. The bird flew back in and sat on the window frame tilting its head.

"Anghari" Purna rushed towards the falling figure. Isha and Medha also joined while Nandini stared at her with a frown.

"How are you injured?" Isha asked. Anghari has cuts in her hand and cheeks while some parts of her dress has bleeding stains. She looked exhausted. Nandini squatted down and checked Anghari's injuries.

"Hmm...minor injuries" she said and hold Anghari's jaw before tilting her head, "you went for flowers yet ended up bleeding yourself?"

"It was a trap. They hit me hard in the head and when I was awake I found myself in a store room. Then the kidnapper led me to their master. They wanted to instigate me against you" Angrily replied.

"Who are those bastard?" Isha growled like a wounded animal.

"First take care of her injuries. Feed her the medicine and apply ointment on the wounds. We will talk latter" Nandini got up. Medha helped Anghari up and led her to the side room to change  her cloths. Purna followed in to help leaving only Isha with Nandini.

"Prizzi, these peoples are really taking us for granted. They even started to use our people against us" Isha voiced unhappily. Her face twisted in anger and hate.

"Hold onto your emotions. Too much emotions would only lead you towards the insensible state of mind" Nandini said slowly as she picked the golden bird up. The bird flattered its wings before settling down on her hand. Nandini stroke the head sensually before continuing her speech, "this kind of action is played because someone is fearful yet eager to step forward. He is so eager to take steps against me"