9 – Searching for the Truth

Prateek couldn't shake the feeling of unease as he left his mother's chambers. The collar marks on her neck, hidden beneath her flowing red locks, seemed to burn into his mind. He couldn't understand why his mother would have such marks on her neck, and he was determined to find out the truth.

Determined to uncover the mystery of his mother's past, Prateek set out to gather information from anyone who might know the truth. He began by talking to the servants in the household, hoping to find someone who might have some insight. The smell of cooking food filled the air as he made his way through the bustling kitchen.

"Do you know anything about my mother's past?" Prateek asked a young maid as she hurried about the kitchen, her hands moving quickly as she chopped vegetables for the evening meal. The maid had long, curly brown hair that was pulled back into a messy bun and sparkling brown eyes that seemed to dance with energy.

The maid's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden question. "I'm sorry, sir," she said, bowing her head. "I know nothing of your mother's past. I've only been in the household for a few months."

Prateek sighed in frustration. It seemed that no one was willing to talk about his mother's past. The sound of his own footsteps echoing on the stone floor as he turned and left the kitchen.

As he made his way through the bustling kitchen, the smell of sizzling meat and herbs filled Prateek's nostrils. He scanned the room, searching for anyone who might have information about his mother. His eyes landed on a plump, middle-aged woman standing at the stove, stirring a pot of stew. She had rosy cheeks and a friendly smile, and her apron was stained with flour and bits of vegetables.

Prateek approached her and cleared his throat. "Excuse me," he said, his voice hoarse with desperation. "I was wondering if you could tell me anything about my mother's past."

The woman looked up at him with a surprised expression. "I'm sorry, sir," she said, shaking her head. "I don't know anything about your mother's past. I've only been in the household for a few months."

Prateek's heart sank at the woman's words. It seemed that no one was willing to talk about his mother's past. Just as he was about to turn and leave, the woman spoke up again.

"But if you're looking for someone who might know more about your mother's past," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "you might try talking to Old Mary. She's been in the household for many years, and she knows all sorts of secrets."

Prateek's heart raced at the prospect of finally finding someone who might know the truth. "Thank you," he said, bowing his head in gratitude. "Where can I find Old Mary?"

"She's usually in the gardens, tending to the herbs and vegetables," the woman said, gesturing towards the back door. "Just follow the path out the back door and you'll find her."

With a renewed sense of hope, Prateek hurried out of the kitchen, his footsteps echoing on the stone floor. He knew that she held the key to uncovering the truth about his mother's past, and he was determined to do whatever it took to get her to reveal her secrets.

Prateek followed the path through the gardens, the smell of freshly turned earth and blooming flowers filling his nostrils. As he approached Old Mary, he could see her bent over a bed of herbs, her gnarled hands tending to the plants with care.

Old Mary might be the key to unlocking the mystery of his mother's past. As he approached a small patch of herbs, he saw an old woman bent over a bed of mint, her gray hair tied back in a simple bun.

"Excuse me," Prateek said, approaching her cautiously. "I'm looking for Old Mary. I was told that you might be able to help me."

The old woman looked up at him, her blue eyes sharp and penetrating. "What do you want to know?" she asked, her voice rough and gruff.

"I want to know about my mother's past," Prateek said, his voice intense. "I saw the collar marks on her neck and I have to know the truth."

Old Mary's expression softened, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, child," she said. "That information is very sensitive. It's not my place to reveal it."

Prateek's heart sank with disappointment. He had been so sure that Old Mary would be able to help him. "Please," he pleaded. "I have to know the truth. My mother's past is tearing her apart, and I have to find a way to help her."

Old Mary sighed and looked away, her eyes filled with sadness. "I understand how you feel," she said. "But revealing your mother's past could put her in danger. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you what you want to know."

Prateek nodded, his heart heavy with frustration. He had come so close to the truth, only to be denied at the last moment. As he turned to leave, he suddenly had a sudden inspiration. There was one person who might know the truth about his mother's past, someone who had been in the household for many years.

He turned back to Old Mary, his eyes gleaming with determination. "There's one more person I can ask," he said. "I'll find a way to get the truth, no matter what it takes."

Old Mary looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Who are you going to ask?" she asked.

But Prateek was already turning away, his mind focused on his next move. He knew that he had to be careful, but he was determined to uncover the truth and protect the ones he loved. He just hoped that he was strong enough to face the challenges ahead and make the right decisions, no matter how difficult they might be.