BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

CHAPTER 3

BLOOD DOESN'T LIE

A Story of Blood, Betrayal and Destiny

By: walidah_hm

Chapter 3 – Sisters Without Blood

One year later...

Morning sunlight poured over Singhania Mansion.

The large kitchen was already alive.

The aroma of cardamom chai drifted through the air.

Fresh vegetables were neatly arranged on the marble counter.

Copper pots gleamed after being polished.

Pooja stood beside the stove, stirring a pot of dal while humming softly to herself.

Behind her...

Naina entered carrying a basket of fresh coriander.

"You started without me again," she said with a playful smile.

Pooja looked over her shoulder.

"I knew you'd say that."

She laughed and handed Naina a knife.

"Come on."

"Chop these."

Naina rolled her eyes dramatically.

"You always give me the boring work."

"And yet you always do it."

"Because you're my friend."

Pooja smiled.

"No..."

"My sister."

Naina paused.

Then smiled back.

"Sister."

The two women laughed together as they continued cooking.

For anyone watching...

They looked like real sisters.

Not two women from different families.

Not merely two servants.

Just two friends who had found comfort in each other.

Outside the kitchen...

Little Deepak, now one year old, sat on a clean blanket near the back door.

He played happily with a wooden elephant carved by Kumar.

Every few moments...

He looked towards the kitchen.

"Maa..."

Pooja leaned out and smiled.

"I'm here, beta."

He giggled and returned to playing.

Naina watched him with a warm smile.

"He's such a calm child."

Pooja nodded proudly.

"He almost never cries."

"He has kind eyes."

Pooja's smile grew wider.

"He got them from his father."

Vijay, who had just walked into the courtyard, lowered his head.

He couldn't answer.

Those eyes...

Did not belong to him.

---

At the front of the mansion...

Baby Aarohi was celebrating her first birthday.

The lawn was decorated with pink and white balloons.

Guests laughed as musicians played cheerful tunes.

Mahesh lifted Aarohi into the air.

"My princess!"

The little girl laughed loudly.

Everyone clapped.

Dhuraya kissed her forehead.

"May you always stay blessed."

Vaani smiled lovingly.

"Our little miracle."

From a distance...

Pooja watched while carrying a tray of juice.

Her eyes softened.

"She's beautiful."

Naina stood beside her.

"She really is."

Pooja smiled.

"Sometimes I wish Deepak had someone to play with."

Naina gently nudged her.

"Maybe Allah is listening."

Pooja laughed softly.

"Maybe."

---

Later that afternoon...

The guests had gone home.

The kitchen was busy again.

Dirty dishes covered almost every counter.

Naina sighed dramatically.

"I think they used every plate in Mumbai."

Pooja burst into laughter.

"Stop complaining and wash."

"You wash."

"You cooked less than me."

"You talk too much."

They both laughed.

Just then...

Vaani entered quietly.

She looked around the busy kitchen.

Then smiled.

"You two are laughing again."

Pooja quickly wiped her hands.

"Madam."

Naina also stood respectfully.

Vaani shook her head.

"How many times have I told you?"

"When we're alone..."

"You don't have to be so formal."

She looked at the dishes.

"You've been working since dawn."

Pooja smiled.

"It's our job."

"It's still hard work."

Without another word...

Vaani picked up a towel and began drying the clean plates.

Both women stared at her.

"Madam!"

"You don't have to do that."

Vaani smiled.

"Why not?"

"We're all trying to finish faster."

Naina exchanged a glance with Pooja.

This was why everyone respected Vaani.

She never treated anyone as though they were beneath her.

---

That evening...

Kumar returned from the security gate.

He walked into the guest quarters carrying a small paper bag.

"Naina."

She looked up.

"What is it?"

He grinned.

"Your favorite jalebi."

Her face lit up.

"You remembered!"

"I always do."

Pooja laughed.

"I wish Vijay remembered things like that."

Vijay looked embarrassed.

"I..."

Before he could finish...

Everyone laughed.

Even Vijay joined them.

For a few moments...

Life felt simple.

Peaceful.

---

A few weeks later...

Naina stood in the kitchen, one hand resting gently against her stomach.

She frowned.

Pooja noticed immediately.

"Naina..."

"Are you alright?"

Naina smiled shyly.

"I think..."

She hesitated.

"I think I'm pregnant."

Pooja's eyes widened.

"Really?"

Naina nodded.

"I haven't told Kumar yet."

Pooja's face immediately lit up.

"He's going to be so happy!"

She hugged Naina tightly.

Naina laughed through happy tears.

"I hope so."

At that very moment...

Kumar walked into the kitchen carrying sacks of rice.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Pooja looked at Naina.

Naina looked back at her.

Then both women burst into laughter.

Kumar frowned.

"What?"

Naina walked towards him.

She gently took his hand and placed it against her stomach.

His eyes widened.

He looked at her.

Then at her stomach.

Then back at Pooja.

"...Really?"

Naina nodded.

A slow smile spread across his face.

He carefully lowered himself and rested his forehead against her hand.

"Alhamdulillah..."

Pooja quietly wiped away a tear.

Watching them made her heart full.

She whispered softly,

"Ya Allah..."

"Protect this family."

She didn't know...

That life was already preparing a test none of them could imagine.

To Be Continued... 🩸✨