DHRUVTARA

ILLUSION

--- Sometimes few moments with someone give us lifetime of happiness---

AUTHOR'S POV

After travelling through the tough forest area they reached the city wall, they halted for a little break in the serene atmosphere. The night seemed too long with all what happened. Anand drank water from the silently flowing stream. Nandini was soaking in the slightly cold breeze by rubbing her hands on her palms closing her eyes. Anand's eyes looked at the beautiful view adoring his sweetheart. 

But this didn't last for long as a Knife flew straight in the direction of Nandini.

"Nandini" Anand shouted running towards Nandini. He jumped and grabbed Nandini's waist pulling her towards him. Their chest collided , Nandini's eyes were tightly shut in fear. Before Anand could react another Knife flew towards them , Anand smartly dodging the Knife fell on the grass , hovering over Nandini making a shield so that if any weapon is thrown it first hits him.

And it happened , A knife went straight cutting through Anand's flesh at the back. Fresh blood started coming out, But Anand didn't move an inch neither he finch , he was dedicated to protect Nandini. Nandini felt the blood on her hands and opened her eyes to check if it really was blood , It was. Her eyes widened as she looked at Anand's face , it didn't have a sign of pain but she knew if there was more blood loss he might faint or even die. 

She panicked thinking what she could do , without thinking much she pushed Anand and stood up , the Knifes stopped firing for a few second and taking the chance Nandini grabbed Anand's wrist and pulled him back into the dense forest. Anand kept looking at her puzzled as she opened her Dupatta , Anand's eyes sinfully lingered on her cleavage that was now on show. He immediately looked away avoiding the not so pious thoughts. His breaths started getting uneven. 

" Hold your hands up" Nandini ordered. Anand looked at her with shock and she eyed him , and he immediately put his hands up. Nandini tied the Dupatta over his wound. Anand didn't wince even a bit and Nandini wasn't surprised because that's engraved qualities of Kshatriya men . They are taught to be strong no matter what happens. They are taught to hold their head high with pride.

"Put them down" Nandini ordered and Anand immediately put them down obeying like an obedient kid.

" What's the plan now ?" She asked. Anand got back into senses and focused on bringing Raj back.

" You are going back " Raj said grabbing his things and walking towards the other side.

"No I am not " Nandini followed him stubbornly.

"You have to Nandini,  Why don't you understand ?"Raj said sternly.

" You think I am weak? " Nandini asked with disappointment as she assumed him to be someone else , after he agreed to let her accompany him.

" Nan-" Anand tried to explain her something but she didn't let him complete. 

" No don't explain anything , I know you think I am weak , I couldn't save myself obviously you will think that I am weak , I couldn't protect Mohini as well ....yes I am weak  "She was deeply hurt , she turned around and started walking back, tears formed in her eyes as she stopped leaning on a tree. Anand rushed towards her on hearing her sobs.

" Stop it Nandini , You are not at all weak .... you can hold a sword like a warrior , like you have fought several wars , you crossed the most difficult forest with utmost presence of mind and over that you saved me , you saved me from dying there if you wouldn't have pulled me here another Knife would have struck me taking the life out of my body " Anand said firmly encouraging Nandini.