Like a Shadow to You

Chapter 13. Like A Shadow to You

Kailash rushed to his house in his car as soon as he came out of the airport. He had a small talk with the security personnel before finding the spare key from his briefcase. Using his spare key, he  unlocked the door and shouted on Banu. He waited impatiently in the living room for his daughter.

Banu woke up from her sleep and walked to the living room where her father sat on the sofa.

"Papa," she whispered in sleepy voice rubbing her eyes.

Kailash stood up and looked at her affectionately. His eyebrows began to crease in worry. He advanced to her by steps and patted her on her head fondly. A single drop of tear rolled from his cheeks involuntarily. Banu felt bad to see her father worry about her. So, she wiped the tear with her right hand and broke the silence.

"Don't be anxious about me. I'm perfectly fine now. Akash took care of me. I know you just now entered the house. You would be tired from your travel. Plop down on the sofa. I'll bring you a glass of water."

Kailash felt proud about her hospitality but it did not reduce the rage he held for Aravind. He knew that it was not the apt time to discuss about the matter as she recovered from the incident not long ago.  Anyhow he obeyed her words and sat on the cozy sofa which did not comfort the pain in his heart.

Banu left to the dining room and poured water from the jug into a glass. Kailash closed his eyes for a few moments. But the face of his wife appeared in his mind who pointed a finger at him in accusation of not being there for their daughter. The guilt made him open his eyes.

He gulped the glass of water and signaled Banu to sit beside him.

"It is my fault that the scoundrel had the chance to come near you with wrong intentions. I shouldn't have let you befriend him. My dar business is turning a grave for you just like your mother. I can't save her. But I will go any extreme to protect you from the intending danger," said he squeezing her hand.

Banu retrieved her hand and spoke calmy, "Papa, I was the one who did not inform you of Aravind. If there is anyone to blame, it is me. My conscience kept on saying that he is not what presents him to be. But I got deceived by his fake friendship. I will never run away from him. I'm a softhearted person but not timid. Whatever plan he may make, I will be prepared to ruin his every plan and give him a taste of his own medicine when needed."

Even Kailash shuddered at the strong feelings of Banu against Aravind. At the moment, he could not help but think of Akash who can settle this matter before it goes overboard.

Kailash went to refresh as Banu walked into her room to complete her morning chores. After having their breakfast, Banu  got ready to visit her boutique. Her father resisted her from leaving the house but oblidged to her wish. The security personnel accompanied Banu to her boutique where she started to check in all the deliveries for the day.

When the time was close to two o'clock in the afternoon, her phone got an message. She stretched her hands and picked the phone. When she opened the message, her face curved into a smile as it was from Akash.

'I came to a cafe nearby your boutique for a work. If you are free, may be we can meet for a lunch. Only if you feel okay.'

Banu thought for a second and typed out a response.

'You are lucky today cause I have just checked all the critical orders. I can spare you my time till 4 o'clock. Text me the address so that I can drive to there.'

Though her hand made notes for the aesthetic designs, her eyes went to the mobile. She was impatiently waiting for his reply.

Instead of getting a message, she heard the honking of a car. Her assistant stood up to look into that. But before she reached the door, Banu strolled to the entry and assured her that she'll handle this.

Just like she thought, it was Akash who honked his car to get her attention. Noticing her, he sheepishly smiled and asked her to get into his car. Banu carried the expression of annoyance fakely and went inside to take her sling bag along with her. After informing her assistant, she got into the car backseat.

When he exclaimed that she can take the front seat, she answered him in a humorous tone.

"Nah. It feels so cozy here. Why, do you want me to sit in the front?"

Akash understood the funny tone and shook his head. Aravind got this information from the person who he hired to track Banu 24/7. He began to lose temper and cracked his knuckles against the cupboard.
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