Dharitri was taken aback at his words. She had been expecting acknowledgement and praise for the party. How did the topic shift to the dead body? Was he trying to imply something here? No, no… there was no way that anyone could connect the death to her.
The old man was in all probability berating her for her household management inefficiency only.
Nonetheless, a tremble ran through her body and she tried really hard to suppress it. She sat there with her head bowed and her fists clenched tightly.
Had she known that her grandfather would raise this topic with her, she would not have asked for this meeting. Truth be told, she didn't need to show these lists to him. She had only wanted to create a favourable impression on him by showcasing her hard work in front of him.
After all, his one word carried more weight than her father and third uncle combined. She was hoping to shine in the party and receive better marriage proposals than those brought in by the matchmaker till now to her mother.
If Kirtidev was to acknowledge her effort and skill in front of others, it would definitely earn her a good reputation. Ever since her grandmother passed away, Kirtidev had stopped attending or holding any social gatherings at home.
To make it worse, her own father's idea of an event included networking with other ministers or visiting those lowly brothel women. As for her mother, the less said the better. Even if she was invited to a party or event, Madam Lilavati would rather send a gift than attend in person.
Hence, Dharitri had not gotten many chances in the recent past to show up in front of the upper class society with her family. Her own friend circle wasn't too big or influential due to the cautious policy of Kirtidev for the entire family to stay away from mingling with the powerful clans in Dima city. He didn't want the Bali clan to be part of any clique or political group in the capital.
Hence, this birthday party was her one big chance and she wanted to make the most of it! After all, most families wanted their daughter-in-laws to be capable of maintaining the face of the family in a public event apart from the usual skills.
But Dharitri didn't want to gain this chance at the cost of her 'big secret' being under any threat of exposure.
She knew that her grandfather was known for his shrewdness which had earned him many accolades and wins in the royal court over decades.
It was apparent by the fact that there weren't many ministers who managed to successfully survive and thrive under two consecutive monarchs with different ideologies. But Kirtidev's genial and laidback demeanour made people almost forget about the cunning mind behind the facade.
"Grandfather, you are right. It is this granddaughter's mistake and I will reflect on it properly. Your words have made me realise that I am not suited to handle such a big event on my own. I will ask Mother and Third Aunt to take over the duties henceforth," she spoke after a minute spent in composing herself.
Kirtidev smiled and peered at her. "There is no need to do so. Just leave these lists behind. I will have a look and if there are any changes to be made, Bhadrak will inform you about it."
Dharitri got up from the seat and walked up to him. After touching his feet, she bid him a polite farewell.
Bhadrak closed the door once the two young females had crossed the courtyard and gone away.
"What do you think?" Kirtidev looked at his trusted assistant.
The amiable expression from his face was long gone.
Kirtidev's style had subconsciously rubbed off on Bhadrak due to the close interaction over the years between them.
"This servant is slow in mind and unqualified to reply to Master's question," he responded with a bow.
Kirtidev snorted loudly, expressing his displeasure towards Bhadrak's false attempt at humility. The guy was as sharp if not sharper than him. Unfortunately, he was of low birth else Kirtidev would have adopted him after his only capable son, Hridaydev, passed away.
"Her uneasiness today could be either due to me blatantly pointing out her deficiencies or it could be guilt. If not for that nanny's sudden retirement right after the person's death, I wouldn't have been suspicious of my own granddaughter. But if she is the one behind it, what is the motive? For a girl who hasn't gone beyond two kilometers of her boudoir, how would she develop an enmity so deep which could result in someone's death. Even if she is unrelated to the whole matter, the coincidental departure of her nanny is a bit much to digest. I am told that Eldest Daughter-in-law is yet to recover from the sudden loss of her trusted maid," Kirtidev spoke his thoughts out loud.
Bhadrak thought for a moment and said, "Master, you were the one who misled the officials by hiding the nanny's name from the household register. Isn't it because you wanted to cast away all rumours and clear the family name, lest someone pointed fingers at us for any sort of wrongdoings? Now that the investigation results are inconclusive, the local magistrate will soon shut the case down. Why are you, then, trying to rake up the issue again?"
Kirtidev didn't respond immediately and grimaced as he took a sip of the now cold tea from his cup.
"Master, let me get you a fresh pot. This tea is not suitable to drink anymore. Second Miss sent a pack of tea leaves this morning which has been procured from the Western Kingdom of Vasi. Her maid said that the tea gardens of Vasi were affected by heavy rainfall this year and hence only a small quantity could be obtained," Bhadrak informed him, while his hands were busy opening the seal of the fragrant cloth pouch in which the tea leaves had been placed.