Deceiving Veils

Chapter-10{Undefined stakes}

Coming out of shed of trees, she saw a scenario which froze her to her place. She couldn't believe her eyes.

Refugee camp was burning in pieces. There was smoke and ashes as far as she could see standing uphill.

"Mother," she murmured seeing the disastrous sight, being all worried for her mother.
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Hiding himself in coat, Manik had been walking through military tents. He needed to see her. He hadn't been this eager since a long time. Every emotion which could drive him was barred by him. He was nothing more than a stone heart.

Did promise which he made to her was that important?
He shut the mind out by concentrating on hostile surroundings.

"It's mere need to see her. To see that she is fine"

He answered the query with utmost ruthlessness.

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"Ms. Murthy"

Nandini jammed to her place as soon she heard someone calling her name. She closed her eyes praying for a rescue.

"Nandini"

She could feel a familiar voice approaching her covering the distance between them.

She turned around to see Aryan reaching her.

"What are you doing here? It's not at all safe to roam around like this," he said.

She sighed in relief. Aryan for sure wasn't a threat. He could be easily manipulated at any time.

"I was just.... What has happened around, Aryan? I saw those burning tents and army on alert," she asked.

"Rioters are back," he replied.

He told her how rebellion citizens had attacked the army base and army in return burnt entire refugee camp assuming rioters to be one of them. A lot of people had lost their lives and rest had ran away to save their lives. Army was planning for an invasion. Every civilian was a suspect now.

She was shocked to discover what had happened while she was asleep. A panic struck her thinking about casualties and unrest.

"Do you know where my mother is?" She asked in worry.

"Last I heard was that she was with lieutenant. They are supposed to discuss something important," he told.

Important...
That rang a bell. Her mind was working faster than she could handle. She reminded herself it wasn't time to think about state but about Manik.

"Where is he?" She asked quickly.
"Who? " Aryan asked.

"Manik. That guy who brought me back," she elaborated.

Aryan's face showed some uncertain colors. He couldn't depict worry on her face for his brother.

"Well... " he laughed a bit while trying to digest the importance given to Manik and continued, "he must be lying behind the bars or maybe even dead. Who knows? "

Nandini's eyes reflected emotions from horror to ire.

"Then go and find out. I want to know where he is?" She snapped.

"And I swear if any of you have harmed him, I will make sure this bloody army pays off," she added.

Aryan looked at her, dumbstruck. He couldn't apprehend what side it was of her.

"What that worthless piece of junk had done to earn that concern? " He blurted out without even realizing his rights.

It was beyond his understanding how and why anyone in this world could even care about a person like Manik.