'This voice... this voice... it's him! Shiv'
"Ahhh! Arghh!! *Hiccups*" Ira wept continuously holding onto him hand. She looked desperate as she cried.
Shiv was shocked to see the girl cry her eyes out. He was not able to see her face, as she completely covered her face with the hood.
"Stop... stop crying.... What happened? Who..." He used his left hand to gently lower the hood on her head.
The moment he lowered it, his heart sank!
The girl before him was the girl he was trying to find so hard. He hugged her tightly in his arms, as if she might disappear on him again and softly whispered into her ears, as he breathed a sigh of relief, "Don't cry, I'm here... Sorry I couldn't protect you well. It was all my fault!"
He couldn't bear to see the wound on the girl's head. He deeply sank his head on the girl's trembling shoulders ashamed that he was not able to protect her well.
Ira shook her head vigorously, "I'm glad that you are finally here. I'm glad that I can finally see you. I'm so happy that I could die! Ahhh!!"
He firmly held the girl's trembling shoulders and made her sit. He went on his knees as he said, "Don't cry anymore. I am here... now... I will be sure to protect you well. From now on, I will be glued by your side. So rest assured!"
Ira stared blankly at the man before her.
'I know I can trust you... I feel protected, warm and comfortable when I am by your side.... but... I don't belong here. Sooner or later, I must return. I am scared that I might become greedy, wanting both you and my family.'
*Sounds of the rustling bushes*
"Who is there?" Shiv was on high alert. He immediately stood up and unsheathed his sword. He ordered that person, "Come out and show yourself!"
Abhinav slowly appeared from behind the tree. He raised his arm as he said, "I'm not a suspicious person. I just followed an idiot who ran away."
"Who are you calling an idiot? Damn you!"
"Who else besides you? Running away like that, making those guards suspicious, ignorant of whether you are being followed or not, being clumsy and falling down while running. How could a person be this stupid! God, you are the epitome of stupidity in this world."
'Shit! I don't have anything to take back.... Damn him! When did he see me slip and fall?'
*Hump!* Ira frowned a little.
Shiv put his sword back onto the sheath and looked at Ira, "You both seem to be so close... How and when did you get to meet?"
"WE ARE NOT CLOSE!" Ira and Abhinav screamed in unison.
"Oh.. Hmm... Okay..." Shiv was caught off-guard by their yelling.
The atmosphere between Ira and Abhinav was a little intense. Whenever they got a chance they pull each other's leg.
"Thank You for helping Ira. We owe you one. Whenever you are in need of anything, don't hesitate to ask. Well then."
Shiv stretched his hand to Ira, indicating her to hold it. Ira hesitated a little as she held onto to his hand.
'I should pull myself together! He is nothing but a dream. He and I can never be together... But still... Can I stand by your side for a little longer? Is that allowed?'
Shiv looked at her eyes. Her eyes were full of mixed emotions. He noticed it but didn't say anything, as he gently helped her climb onto the horse.
"You said I can have anything right?
Yes.
Then, take me with you. I have some thing I need to do for my people. Help me!"
Shiv started at him for a while, 'Just what is this guy up to now. First pretending like he doesn't know me and now he wants to follow me?'
"Very well. I know I can still trust you and your skills. It will be of use to me."
'What? Do they know each other?'
"Okay. I need to give my farewell to the people who are dear to me. Please give me some time..."
"Sure. We shall accompany you if there is no problem with you."
"I don't mind."
.....
"Grandma, I have made some extra portion of your medicine. Keep it safe and don't forget to have them on time."
"Sire. Why are you giving us extra portions? Are you going somewhere? When will you be back?
What? Sire is going somewhere?
What happened?" The village people started crowding as they started to feel anxious regarding Abhinav's departure.
"Don't worry. I will be back soon. I just have something that needs to be taken care of. Once I'm done, I will hurry back."
Even after hearing his explanation, the villagers were reluctant to part. Abhinav tried his best to explain them and finally left with Shiv and Ira.