Sacred Games Of Twisted Fate {18+}

*BLESSINGS ? *

***AUTHOR'S POV***

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                          FACES ON FACES

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The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Singhania mansion, casting a warm glow across the grand hall. Aayara sat on the plush carpet with Abhi in her lap, gently bouncing him as his giggles filled the room. Payal was seated nearby, her little daughter crawling around and attempting to grab the colorful toys scattered on the floor.

“You’re getting so good at making him laugh,” Payal commented, watching Aayara with a smile. “Abhi’s such a happy baby.”

Aayara looked up and smiled faintly. “It’s the only thing that keeps me going most days. His smile makes everything worth it.”

Payal leaned forward, reaching for her daughter before she got too far. “I can see why. Kids have this magic, don’t they? Even when everything feels wrong, they have a way of making it feel right.”

Aayara nodded, her eyes softening. “I’ve learned that. He’s my strength now.” She looked at Payal’s daughter, who was babbling happily while holding onto a toy. “She’s growing so fast. What’s she going to call me? Badi Maa?” Aayara teased lightly.

Payal chuckled. “Whatever you want her to. Maybe she’ll decide for herself.”

They both laughed, their conversation light and easy. For a brief moment, the weight of their lives seemed to fade, replaced by the simple joy of motherhood.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Dia entered the room, her expression unusually calm. She walked over to join them, sitting down with a sigh. “You two look like you’re having all the fun while the men work,” she said with a small smile.

“Join us,” Aayara offered, shifting to make space. “The more, the merrier.”

Dia hesitated for a moment before nodding. She reached out to play with one of the toys, her demeanor a mix of guilt and determination. “I just wanted to say… thank you, Aayara,” Dia said quietly, not meeting her eyes. “For not holding a grudge.”

Aayara paused, surprised by the sudden sincerity. “Dia, we’re family. Mistakes happen. What matters is moving forward.”

Dia looked at her, visibly moved. “You’re far kinder than I deserve.”

Before Aayara could respond, Abhi let out a loud squeal, reaching for Dia’s hair. The tension broke, and the women laughed as Dia carefully pulled her hair away from the little boy’s grasp.

From the corner of the room, Meera watched the scene unfold with a tight smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. She turned and walked away, her mind already spinning with plans.

Unaware of Meera’s scheming, the three women continued to chat and play with their children, finding comfort in each other’s presence while the men were away at work.

As Aayara laughed softly with Dia and Payal, Meera appeared in the hall, her faint smile barely masking the glint of malice in her eyes. She approached them with an air of feigned warmth, her hands clasped in front of her.

“Aayara,” Meera said sweetly, her tone light and almost uncharacteristically friendly, “I was thinking... It’s been a while since we visited the Kuldevta Mandir. I think it would be good for Abhi if we went there to seek blessings.”

Aayara looked up, surprised but respectful. “That’s a lovely idea, Meera. You’re right, blessings from the temple would be wonderful for Abhi.” She smiled faintly, appreciating the suggestion.

Meera nodded, her smile widening ever so slightly. “Then let’s go today. I’ve already made the arrangements. It’ll just be the two of us and Abhi. I think it would be special for you as his mother.”

Payal glanced at Meera, sensing something off, but she stayed quiet. Dia, however, frowned slightly and opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Aayara nodded.

“Thank you for thinking of it, Meera,” Aayara said, oblivious to the undercurrent of malice in Meera’s demeanor. “I’ll get ready, and we can leave.”

Meera’s smirk deepened as she tilted her head. “Take your time, Aayara. I’ll wait in the car.” With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps measured and purposeful.

As Meera disappeared down the hall, Dia leaned closer to Aayara. “Are you sure about this? I mean, Meera suddenly being this... thoughtful? It doesn’t sit right with me.”

Aayara hesitated, her brows knitting slightly. “I don’t know, Dia. Maybe she’s trying to make amends. It’s a good gesture for Abhi, and I don’t want to assume the worst.”

Payal nodded slowly. “Just be careful, Aayara. Take your phone and keep us updated. If anything feels off, call us.”

Aayara smiled reassuringly, picking up Abhi in her arms. “Don’t worry, it’s a temple visit. What could go wrong?” She excused herself to prepare for the outing, unaware of the storm brewing just beneath the surface of Meera’s seemingly innocent suggestion.

______🏵️

Aayara descended the grand staircase, dressed in a simple yet elegant light blue saree. She held Abhi snugly in her arms, the baby cooing softly as he played with the end of her saree pallu. Her heart felt a mix of anticipation and calm, soothed by the idea of visiting the temple but slightly unsettled by Dia’s earlier warning.

Meera stood waiting near the entrance, her smile faint and calculated. “Ready?” she asked, her voice laced with an almost imperceptible edge.

Aayara nodded, adjusting Abhi in her arms. “Yes, we’re ready.”

Meera's eyes flitted to Abhi, and a shadow passed over her expression before she looked away quickly. She turned, gesturing for Aayara to follow. “The car is out front.”

As they stepped outside, the morning sunlight bathed the mansion’s driveway in a warm glow. The driver stood at attention, holding the back door open. Meera entered first, taking a seat with practiced ease, and Aayara followed, settling into the seat beside her. Abhi snuggled against his mother, his little fingers wrapped around her necklace as if for reassurance.

With a nod from Meera, the driver started the car, and they began their journey to the temple. Aayara glanced out the window at the familiar streets, unaware of the silent tension that radiated from Meera beside her.