Chanakyan's love

Eleven

Chanakyan

The bastards are intent on reaching my Gowthami. I hid her behind me and blocked their advances. At the present, I've kicked their sword off their hands and they're standing in front of me with wicked eyes searching for ways to snatch away Gowthami.

Fuckers, they forward at me concurrently and I quickly react by kicking one on his chest and strangling the other one's neck using my single hand. He struggles for air and I throw him away. Then I unleash my sword that I'd concealed inside the shirt, on my back.

The guy who I'd initially tossed on the ground gets hold of his sword that was lying around while the other one is trying his best to breathe.

I tighten my hold on the sword as the guy flees towards me to attack. I give a signal with my hands to Gowthami and she backs off. Now I can fight in peace. I let my inner monster take control of me and struck the guy in his ribs with my foot. He stumbles back and I use the opportunity to slash his right shoulder. In pain, he drops the sword to the ground and I was about to cut his neck off when I sensed the other bastard on the ground rushing behind me to get to Gowthami.

"Run Gowthami!" I yell to her frozen self. She looks beyond terrified...which further boosted my outrage. The guy was dangerously close to Gowthami when she began taking off.

Before I can get hold of the scoundrel, he raises the sword on her and I immediately lift mine up, increase my pace, and lacerate his back. He screams and plummets to the ground but he manages to injure my Gowthami on her arm. The red tint of blood made my eyes fill with fury and I didn't think twice before flipping the guy over and slitting his neck.

The blood splashes onto my shirt and on Gowthami's white skirt. She was trembling and I felt disdain for myself for not being able to shelter her. The gash on her arm, though small, hurt my insides. It evoked ruthless anger within me. I turn my head to finish the other guy but he was on a run for his life.

Dismissing him, I hurriedly move to Gowthami. She is trembling in fear. It was agonizing to watch her in such a state. This is the first time someone has tried to harm Gowthami. No enemies of Ayya ever targeted her individually.

Gowthami is under threat!

"Valikutha?" (Does it hurt?) She shakes her head but I use the dangling end of the saree to wrap over the wound and carry her in my arms to her home.

"Who are they?" She asks in a calm voice, cocooned within my chest. "I don't know in particular," she sighs at my answer. Her face is sweaty and she gulps, the fear still evident on her features.

I've to get to the person who was behind all of this and finish him. This person seems extremely vicious.

"Do you not feel anything when you killed him?" Gowthami questions with a concerned expression on her face while staring into my eyes. I blankly gaze back at her. "What am I supposed to feel for that rascal? He deserved to die," I state with hatred.

Gowthami goes silent and I couldn't figure out what was actually going through her mind. "Why would you ask such a question?" She doesn't reply but rather poses another query.

"Hadn't you ever felt tired of this?" I smile at her inquiry. "No Gowthami. I got into this because I was indebted to Ayya but I'm continuing it for you. I have to keep you safe. It's my responsibility," I respond sincerely.

"Why is it your responsibility?" I suppose she wants me to spell it out because I'm sure she already knows the reason. "En ponchathiya nanthanae paathukanum?" (I should be the one to take care of my wife, isn't that right?) She puts on an annoyed facade but I noticed the slight tug of her lips.

Later, we attain the home and everyone was panicked upon detecting Gowthami's condition. I explained the incident to Ayya while Amma was bandaging the gash on her arm. Thankfully, the cut wasn't deep.

"Enough of her studies. Let's get her married and keep her in our home. I can't risk her life," Amma blurts out with worry and tear-stained cheeks. Gowthami's eyebrows furrow at her mother's words. I don't know what's so exciting about studies. I haven't attended school past 4th grade. But I knew it is important to Gowthami. I've seen her walking around the house with books in her hand, studying with great focus...

"Where do I find a guy who will treat our daughter right and is willing to put himself in danger?" Ayya speaks up hopelessly and coughs.

I'm right here. Can't he see me?

"Appa...I want to attend college. The semester exams are approaching...and I've to do the internals," Gowthami mutters which earns her a smack on the back of her head by her mom.

"Is it that significant for you than your life!?" Gowthami glares at her mother's qualm.

"Gowthami. This enemy seems cunning. It's for the best If you stay back at home," Ayya attests, causing his daughter to dart her eyes at me. I get the hint.

"Ayya...Gowthami Ma is so passionate about her studies. Every one of us knows it. Why don't we let some of our men give her protection till her exam gets over?" I put forth respectfully.

"Are you willing to do that Chanakya? I trust you more than anyone," He spills out, curiously.

"If you want me to be her guard, I'll be her guard. I possess no contradictory statement," Ayya pridefully stares at me.

"A person like you is who I'm searching for Gowthami..." He trails off. He won't choose me, I know. I don't qualify on two categories.

Education and wealth.

But it's fine. Gowthami is mine and that means, I'm his son-in-law, whether he approves of it or not.

Feeling a sharp gaze at me, I look towards Gowthami. She bites her lower lip and it seduces me instantly.

I want to bite it too...

"Chanakya...she is my only daughter. Let no harm reach her. I'm entrusting her safety to you," Amma rains out, prompting me to avert my attention to her.

"Worry not Amma. Her safety is my responsibility from now on," She smiles at me warmly.

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