BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

CHAPTER 10

BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

A Story of Blood, Betrayal and Destiny

By: walidah_hm

Chapter 10 – Twenty-Two Years Later

Twenty-two years had passed.

Mumbai never slept.

The city woke before sunrise, its streets already alive with honking cars, street vendors, and people chasing another busy day.

On top of Malabar Hill stood the magnificent Singhania Mansion, as grand as ever.

Its white marble walls reflected the morning sunlight.

A fountain sparkled in the center of the garden, surrounded by blooming roses and neatly trimmed hedges.

Inside...

The mansion was unusually lively.

Servants hurried through the hall carrying flower arrangements and gift boxes.

One maid carefully climbed a ladder to hang fairy lights.

Another adjusted expensive crystal vases.

"Careful with those flowers!"

"They're for Baby Aarohi's birthday!"

"It's not 'Baby Aarohi' anymore," another maid laughed. "She's twenty-two today."

Their laughter echoed through the hall.

In the kitchen...

The aroma of cardamom tea, fresh parathas, and butter filled the air.

Pooja stood near the stove, flipping hot parathas onto a plate.

Time had left a few silver strands in her hair, but her gentle smile had never changed.

Beside her stood another cook.

They worked quietly until someone entered.

"Good morning, Pooja Aunty."

Deepak smiled as he walked in.

He was tall now.

His simple white shirt was neatly tucked into black trousers.

A backpack rested over one shoulder.

His calm eyes carried kindness that made people trust him instantly.

Pooja's face brightened.

"You skipped breakfast yesterday."

"So today you're not leaving this kitchen until you eat."

Deepak laughed.

"Maa..."

"I'm getting late for college."

"So?"

She placed a warm paratha onto his plate.

"Your stomach comes before college."

Deepak surrendered with a smile.

"As you command."

The women in the kitchen laughed.

One maid whispered,

"Pooja Aunty still treats him like he's five."

Pooja heard it and smiled proudly.

"He'll always be five to me."

Deepak shook his head, smiling as he took the first bite.

Outside...

Vijay swept the front driveway before the gardeners arrived.

His hair had turned slightly gray.

His shoulders looked heavier than they once had.

Mahesh stepped outside with a cup of tea.

"Good morning, Vijay."

Vijay immediately straightened.

"Good morning, Sir."

Mahesh looked at the decorated entrance.

"You've worked hard since dawn."

"It's Aarohi Baby's birthday."

"It should be perfect."

Mahesh smiled.

"Thank you."

As he walked away...

Vijay lowered his eyes.

His grip tightened around the broom.

Every birthday reminded him of the same terrible truth.

The daughter this family loved...

...was his own.

He closed his eyes briefly.

Then forced himself back to work.

Upstairs...

The master bedroom door opened.

Vaani walked onto the balcony, her long silk saree flowing gently in the morning breeze.

She smiled as she watched the workers decorate the garden.

Mahesh joined her.

"So..."

"Our daughter is twenty-two."

Vaani laughed softly.

"It feels like yesterday."

Mahesh wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm proud of the woman she's become."

Vaani nodded.

"I just wish..."

He looked at her.

"What?"

"Sometimes I feel she lets pride speak before kindness."

Mahesh sighed.

"I've noticed it too."

"But she'll learn."

"I hope so."

Across the hallway...

Dhuraya sat comfortably on a wooden swing, counting prayer beads.

A young maid placed tea before her.

"Dadi, your tea."

Dhuraya looked at the cup.

Then at the maid.

"You added sugar?"

"Yes."

"How many spoons?"

"One."

Dhuraya frowned.

"One?"

"I've told all of you for twenty years."

"My tea needs half a spoon."

The maid froze.

"I'm... I'm sorry."

A second later...

Dhuraya smiled.

"I'm only teasing."

The maid let out a relieved laugh.

"You scared me."

"I know."

Dhuraya chuckled before taking a sip.

"Perfect."

At the other end of the mansion...

Sakshi stepped out of her bedroom wearing an expensive designer saree.

A maid accidentally brushed against her while carrying decorations.

The tray slipped slightly.

Sakshi's expression darkened.

"Watch where you're going!"

"I'm so sorry, Ma'am."

"If these decorations were damaged, could you afford them?"

The maid lowered her head.

"No, Ma'am."

Kiara had been walking down the stairs.

She stopped.

"Maa..."

"It was an accident."

Sakshi looked at her daughter.

"You always defend servants."

"They work hard."

"They make mistakes."

Sakshi scoffed.

"That's because people like your uncle spoil them."

Kiara didn't argue.

She quietly picked up the decorations the maid had almost dropped.

"It's okay."

"I'll help."

The maid smiled gratefully.

Sakshi rolled her eyes and walked away.

A loud voice suddenly echoed through the mansion.

"Where's my coffee?"

Everyone recognized it immediately.

Aarohi.

She descended the staircase wearing a luxurious satin robe, her long hair freshly styled.

Every servant moved a little faster.

One maid hurried over with a cup.

"I'm sorry, Baby—"

Aarohi interrupted.

"I asked for hot coffee."

"This is warm."

The maid looked nervous.

"I'll make another one."

Aarohi handed the cup back without another word.

Kiara watched quietly.

"Didi..."

"The poor woman has been working since morning."

Aarohi shrugged.

"So?"

"If she's paid to work..."

"She should do it properly."

Kiara sighed.

She loved her cousin.

But moments like these always made her heart ache.

From the corner...

Sakshi smiled to herself.

Good.

She's learning exactly what I've taught her.

Meanwhile...

Near the servants' quarters...

A motorcycle stopped outside the gate.

Vishu removed his helmet and smiled at the security guard.

"Morning, Uncle."

The guard grinned.

"Morning, engineer sahib."

Vishu laughed.

"I'm still a student."

He walked inside carrying books under one arm.

Tall.

Confident.

Respectful.

He greeted every gardener, maid, and driver by name.

When he reached the kitchen...

Pooja smiled.

"Breakfast?"

Vishu laughed.

"If I say no..."

"You'll feed me anyway."

Deepak looked up from his plate.

"I already tried escaping."

"It didn't work."

The two friends laughed together.

Vijay watched them from outside.

A smile crossed his face.

For a brief moment...

The weight in his heart felt lighter.

Two boys.

Raised in different worlds.

Yet they had grown into good men.

Neither of them knew...

That fate was slowly bringing them toward a truth that would change all their lives forever.

To Be Continued... 🩸✨