Shield- Protecting the one you love

Chapter 6

Tanet enters his room and just drops on his bed. He was exhausted after today's events. He knew what Veera said was true. He was really stupid to go to that place without thinking about the consequences. But when it comes to his friends, he never uses his brain. They are the only family he has and he will do anything and everything to protect them.

Tanet's POV

He was not always this arrogant and cold. He was a happy and cheerful child. He was the only son of a wealthy and happy couple. They loved and pampered him a lot. He used to laugh so much and everyone around him loved his dimpled smile.But everything changed when he was 10yrs old. His parents got into an accident while they were on a business trip. They passed away on the spot leaving behind little Tanet. None of Tanet's relatives were ready to take him with them and he finally ended up in an orphanage.

That's where he met his bestfriends Rune and Daw.Rune was a mischievous and rebellious child who was abandoned by his parents. He used to fight with the other children in the orphanage over the slightest provocation. But he was very protective of Tanet since the moment he set foot into the orphanage. Tanet followed him everywhere like a dog following his master.

Daw on the other hand was a timid and silent child. He hardly spoke to anyone. But everyone bullied him due to his timid nature. Rune took pity on him and took into his gang. Everyone was frightened of Rune and they didn't dare to touch Daw or him because of that.

Life in an orphanage was pitiful and frightening. He lost his smile as he spend more and more time in an orphanage. We used to get beaten up by the person in charge of petty things. One day, the warden accused Rune of stealing money from the office and started to beat him using a stick. Rune was beaten up so badly that he was about to lose consciousness. That day something changed in him. He picked up a stone lying nearby and threw it at the warden's head. He screamed in pain while three of them escaped from there. They were 15yrs old and had endured this painful life for a long time. So they decided to escape and live their life on their terms.

After running away from the orphanage, they did many petty jobs to fill their tummy. Then one day they met an old man in a restaurant where were working as waiters. He often spoke to them as he was alone and lonely. The boys took care of him and kept him company in their spare time. He took them under his wings after hearing their story. He was a retired teacher who was living a lonely life. He offered to take care of their education in return for doing some chores and taking care of the old man. They agreed to his condition as it was the best opportunity that life offered them.

All three of them finished school and joined one of the prestigious universities in Bangkok. They studied hard to thank the old man whom they later started calling grandpa. They managed to secure scholarships in various categories to complete their studies without taking money from grandpa. Sadly grandpa passed away before they graduated. He left behind a small amount of money in their names. They decided to use that money to build their business.Tanet along with Rune and Daw managed to set up a company using their skills and hard work. As time went by business grew exponentially. Then one day someone came to visit Tanet in his office.

Flashback:

Tanet was working in his office when he received a call from his secretary saying someone named Arthit Wang wanted to visit him. He did not anyone by that name but the name sounded familiar. He asked her to send him in. After some time he heard a knock on his door.

Tanet: Come in.

An old man in a suit enters his cabin. He takes one look at him and flashbacks from his childhood flashed before his eyes.

Tanet: Uncle Arthit

Arthit: Thank God, you recognized me. I never thought I will be able to meet you again.

Tanet: What are you doing here uncle? I haven't seen you since...

Arthit: Since your parent's funeral.

Tanet: Hmm

Arthit: I know it's been a long time but I owe you an apology. I was not just your father's best friend but I was his lawyer too. When he passed away, I was grieving for my friend and his wife. I wanted to take you home with me but your extended family denied saying that they will take care of you. I surrendered because I thought you would be better off with your people. But when I came to visit you a week later, I was informed that you were sent to an orphanage. I was enraged but could not do anything. I...

Tanet just looks at his uncle's sad face and squeezes his hand encouraging him to continue..

Arthit: I somehow managed to get the details of the orphanage but then something shocking was revealed. When your parents got into an accident, I was suspicious because they have been getting a lot of threatening calls. I hired a private detective to investigate the accident and the reports were shocking. He found that it was not an accident but a murder.

Tanet looks at his uncle in shock.

Arthit: At that moment I decided to let you be at the orphanage because I thought your life would be safe among so many people. I used to visit you secretly now and then. Then you went missing when you were 15yrs old. I have been searching for you for the past 5yrs and then I saw your pic in the business magazine. I am so glad I finally found you, my son.Tanet just sat there in silence taking in so much information in such a short time.

Arthit: Tanet

Tanet: Hmm

Arthit: I have something else to tell you.

Tanet: HmmArthit: Your parents left behind a huge fortune in your name. This fortune was what got them killed. But now it's the right time to hand over the money and property back to you.

Tanet: But Uncle.

Arthit: Son, your parents worked hard to earn all these fortunes for you. Take good care of your legacy.

Arthit hands over all the property and bank documents to Tanet.

Arthit: Do not trust anyone because money changes people.Those were the last words of Uncle Arthit before he left Tanet's office.

Flashback ends.

That day Tanet changed as he realized that money can do a lot of damage if not handled carefully. He became ruthless and arrogant in business. He never let anyone be close enough that they can hurt. His only family was his friends and he guarded them like a hawk.But today, something changed. He let someone from outside enter his personal space. Today when Veera shouted at him, he didn't feel angry. He felt overwhelmed by the care he felt in his voice. He was not shouting because he was angry. He was shouting because he was concerned. That feeling scared him so much that he shouted back at him. But his tears betrayed him showing his vulnerability to Veera. Now he didn't know how to face him anymore. He lay there running his finger through his hair in frustration.

Veera's POV:

Meanwhile, in a room at the other end of the corridor, Veera was pacing left-right in frustration. He never lost his temper with any client before. But today when he saw Tanet's car empty and Tanet nowhere to be seen, he felt scared for the first time. He just wanted to find him and hold him in his arms, away from any danger. But all his fear and frustration burst out in the form of anger when he saw Tanet's blunt expression. Just when he thought Tanet is emotionless and does not care for anything in this world, he shouted at him in anger and tears started to form in his eyes. At that moment, Veera realized that Tanet was hiding a lot of pain behind that arrogant and tough exterior. Veera just wanted to hug him and take away all his pain. He was on the verge of crossing the forbidden professional boundary between a boss and his bodyguard.

Veera: Who are you Tanet? Why do I feel so worried seeing you in tears? What are you doing to my heart Tanet?