An AKSHAN Story- His revenge, Her love

Chapter 13

FLASHBACK,

Guddan was walking back to her apartment with bags filled with groceries which she bought from the grocery store next to the building. She was about to enter through the main gate when a dog started barking on her. She dropped the bags moving back in fear and covered her ears with her hands.

The dog's barking continued and it was furious. She moved backwards to run but she collided with someone. She hid herself behind him clutching his shirt in fear. Her eyes were shut and she was mumbling something out of fear.

"Hey, what happened?", the boy asked her seeing her frightened state.

She was about to open her eyes but the loud bark of the dog made her shut her eyes close and hid herself behind him.

A group of boys of 10-12 years of age came out laughing at her.

"Sister, it's just a dog, my Tommy", he said and laughed at her condition as he knew how much afraid she was of dogs and he and his friends always loved to tease her using his pet dog whenever she is not with her sister.

Guddan opened her eyes as the dog stopped barking in his owner's presence. She looked at the person she was hiding behind who was looking back at her with concern. She was lost in his eyes as it was the most beautiful ones she ever looked into. Her heart fluttered with the mere sight of his face and the concern he was showing for her, for a stranger. She immediately loosened her hold on his shirt and backed away feeling embarrassed.

Guddan: I will complain to your parents. Just let me speak to them.

She warned them for their doings.

"How will you do that? They neither speak Hindi nor English", he said laughing at her failed attempt.

Guddan looked at them with anger because of her defeat.

Guddan: Leave with this dog of yours or else I will shave your head.

She warned him strictly and he left with his pet and friends.

She turned back and look at him because of whom she was saved. When he found her looking at him, he unconsciously sets his hair remembering her warning.

Guddan: I am sorry. Mai aapke baal ke saath kuchh nahi karungi. Waise, Thankyou, aapke wajah se aaj bach gayi mai.

"It's Ok, aisi koi baat nahi hai, take care of yourself. I guess tum dogs se kuchh zyaada hi darti ho. Next time don't come alone. Har baar mai thodi na aa sakta hun bachane ke liye", he said to her with concern in his expressions and ended with a chuckle.

She nodded smiling slightly and picked up the bags.

"May I help?", he asked referring to the bags which she was struggling to hold as they were heavy.

Guddan: No. Thanks, I will manage.

She entered the house where Antara was waiting for her, worried.

Antara: Tu thik to hai na? Itna late kar diya aane me.

Guddan: Aap to jaanti hi hai.

She threw herself on the couch being tired.

Antara: Mujhe na tujhe akele bhejna hi nahi chahiye tha. Is baar kaise bach gayi tu?

Guddan: Ek farishte ne bacha liya.

Her eyes reflected the shine as she spoke which didn't go unnoticed by Antara.

Antara: Achha, aisa kounsa farishta tha wo?

Guddan: Pata nahi. Lekin is baar na unhe bohot achhe se warning de kar aayi hun. Agli baar kuchh karne se pehle sau baar sochenge.

Antara: Tera na kuchh nahi ho sakta hai. Mai jaa rahi hun khana banane.