AUTHOR'S POV
as he walked home from school that afternoon, the usual animosity faded into the background when he spotted her across the street. Sakina was crouched down, her face a mix of emotions as she cradled a small, shivering puppy in her arms.
Intrigued but already planning to tease her, Kamran crossed the road, an easy smirk forming on his lips. “What’s the matter, Sakina? Did you finally decide to adopt a pet to comfort you while you study?” he called out, hoping for a reaction.
But as he got closer, his bravado slipped away. Tears streamed down her cheeks, glistening with vulnerability, making the puppy look even smaller in her hands. Before he realized it, his expression softened. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, crouching down beside her.
Sakina hiccupped, her voice trembling. “T-the puppy…he’s hurt,” she stammered, lifting the tiny creature slightly so he could see. A small whimper emanated from the puppy, and Kamran’s heart sank.
“Where’s it hurt?” he asked, moving a bit closer.
She pointed to the small paw, where a deep gash marred the otherwise soft fur. “I found him by the park. I don’t know what happened… someone must have hurt him. I can’t just leave him here.”
Kamran felt a strange pull at his conscience. “You can’t take him home?” he asked gently.
“No, my parents don’t want pets. They say they’re too much work and they won’t allow me to keep him,” Sakina sobbed, her hands shaking slightly as she held the puppy.
“Alright, how about this... I can take him to my house. My parents won’t mind. We can fix him up,” Kamran suggested, surprising even himself with these words.
“You’d really do that?” Sakina looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. There was a flicker of hope there that softened the moment even more.
“yes, Now Don’t cry,” he said softly, brushing a stray tear off her cheek with the back of his hand.
“ come on. We can ride my bike,” he said, standing up and extending his hand to help her. She accepted it, and they both got on the bike, the puppy placed snugly between them.
“How did you even find him?” Kamran asked, glancing back over his shoulder as they rode on.
“I was walking home from school,” Sakina replied, her tone softening. “I heard him whimpering and... well, you know the rest.”
“That’s brave of you,” he replied, surprised to find sincerity in his voice. “Most people would just ignore it.”
“I couldn’t just leave him,” she said flatly, a gentle fire igniting her voice. “He needed help.”
Once they reached Kamran’s house, they rushed into the living room, laying the puppy down gently on a soft blanket. “Okay, let’s see what we can do,” Kamran said, grabbing a first-aid kit from under the sink.
Sakina watched intently, her previous tears now replaced with a little more focus. “Do you know what to do?” she asked.
“I’ve seen my mom do this with our cat before. Just… hold the puppy still,” he instructed, and together they carefully cleaned the wound, applying antiseptic and a bandage to the soft paw.
“Oh, poor thing,” Sakina murmured, brushing her fingers through the puppy’s fur. “He’s so little. I just wish I could keep him.”
“Maybe we can find him a home,” Kamran suggested, tossing her a hopeful smile. “First, let’s make sure he’s alright.”
“I can take care of him until then. But what about food?” she asked, looking distressed.
“I’ll get some dog food from the shop. Stay here with him,” he replied, standing up. “I’ll be back in a flash.”
When he returned, a small bag of dog food in one hand, he found Sakina gently swaying, whispering soft words to the puppy. “He’s going to be okay, little buddy. We’re here for you,” she cooed.
Kamran chuckled, realizing that the tough girl he fought with was capable of showing so much softness. “Hey, let’s feed him now,” he suggested, pouring some of the kibble into a bowl.
Sakina knelt beside him, and they watched as the puppy sniffed the food before nosing it eagerly. “He’s hungry,” she said, laughing a little.
“Yeah, just like you after school. Always rushing for a snack,” Kamran teased, feeling lighter than he had in days.
As they fed Lucky, Sakina watched in amazement. “I never thought I’d see you like this, Kamran. You’re… kind of a softie.”
“Only for puppies,” he admitted, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I guess you could say they bring out the best in me.”
Once they were certain the puppy was feeling better, Sakina looked at Kamran, her expression suddenly serious. “I should probably go now,” she said reluctantly.
“Wait,” he said, frowning slightly. “It’s getting late. I can drop you home on my bike.”
“You wouldn’t mind?” she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and relief.
“Not at all. Besides, who would want to walk home in the dark?” He grinned, and they walked outside together, the puppy following them with a playful bounce.
“Thanks for today,” she said, her eyes sparkling as they stepped outside. “I actually had fun. Who knew rescuing a puppy could turn into something like this?”
“Yeah, it was pretty cool,” he replied, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not so bad after all. In fact, I’d say we make a great team.”
“Friends?” she suggested, looking hopeful.
Kamran contemplated that question for a brief moment, realizing how nice it felt to have someone else’s back for a change. “Yeah, I think I can manage that,” he finally said, extending his hand towards her.
Sakina grinned, shaking his hand firmly. “Deal! And hey, I’ll definitely come back to check on the puppy”
“Sure, but only if you promise not to bring any of your classic insults,” he teased.
As they rode back, the air was filled with the playful barking of their new friend, and the previously unthinkable camaraderie between them felt almost natural. “You know,” Kamran said, glancing sideways at Sakina, “I never imagined we’d be doing this together.”
“Me neither,” Sakina smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. “Maybe we’re not so different after all.”
“I guess we aren’t,” he replied, feeling the weight of their rivalry lift as they shared a moment of understanding, united by their compassion for the little puppy.
Once they reached Sakina’s house, she held the puppy close to her chest, reluctant to say goodbye. “I’ll come over tomorrow to check on him,” she promised, looking up at Kamran.
“Sure, and maybe we can figure out a way to find him a good home,” he replied, just as hopeful.
With a last glance at the puppy, Sakina waved goodbye, walking toward her front door. Kamran watched her head inside, feeling a warmth spread through him he hadn’t expected.
As he rode home, he realized that perhaps this unexpected day had changed more than just a puppy’s life. It had opened a door to a new chapter in his relationship with Sakina, one where they weren’t enemies but partners instead.
--
That's it for today!
YOU ARE READING
our wounded heartbeat
Romance-- "Look, Sakina, I can't do this anymore. We're done. kamran said. Sakina's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? What did I do wrong?"Kamran turned away, unable to meet her gaze. "It's not you, it's me. I just. I need to be alone right now. You nee...
