Chapter 202 - How Things Fell Apart (6)

(Flashback continues)

***

|Innaya|

Just as I was about to get out of the bed to go back for Fortune, something wet, slippery touched my feet. Startled, I looked down only to find the dog licking the sole of my feet. My agitated heart settled a bit at finding someone familiar by my side who would not judge me.

I did not know how Karan brought Fortune along. Anyhow, it helped me greatly.

"Fortune." I heaved a sigh of relief at finding Fortune perched up at the foot of the bed. My tears finally fell relentlessly. Fortune stood up, moved closer to me, and rubbed his head against my shoulder softly. I could not help but sob out loud at his pure love. It was as if he could sense my distress and was trying to comfort me. I realized animals have more humanity and empathy than humans.

It was the same animal that I was wary of, but today it was the same animal that was showering his endless love on me. I rubbed his head, feeling the warmth bubbling in my heart.

"Why are you crying so much? Is it hurting anywhere? Tell me, I'll call the doctor." Karan stood up taking out his mobile, perhaps dialing the number of the doctor. I could feel his concern. Why would he get concerned over me? The question puzzled me.

"No need." Regaining control over my emotions, I refused him as I wiped my face. Answering his questions was not my responsibility. I had not forgotten about the torment he had put me through. That experience of kidnapping still sent shivers down my spine.

I needed to leave. I did not need his sympathy.

"Don't," he called out.

I stared at the hand that held my wrist. I was about to pull away the needle stuck in my vein when Karan stopped me.

"I need to leave," I told him flatly. "Thank you for taking care of me. I'll remember your kindness and repay in the future to best of my abilities," I said sincerely. He had helped me in one of the weakest and the lowest point of my life. How could I just ignore it? I did not know what kind of intentions he harbored, but nonetheless, he had helped me. That was the truth.

"Why are you being so formal? You are Eshan's wife," he replied, putting away my hand. "Don't take it out. You've been unconscious for nearly four hours. The doctor said you need the saline. What happened? Why were you out? How could Eshan leave you alone? I did not know he was that careless. You are his wife, how could he forget his responsibility towards you?" he rattled on, blaming Eshan.

I retorted, getting angry at the fact that he was blaming Eshan. "The wife you had abducted."

"That was not abduction," he denied again, shaking his head. There was a brief look of regret on his face.

"Yeah, it was you playing a sick joke on me," I snorted. The mistreatment I had received at the hands of people closed to Eshan was finally starting to get on my nerves. Deep down, I knew there was no point in taking it on him, but I could not help it.

"That was a misunderstanding," he refused vehemently.

"Yeah, you all people seem to harbor misunderstanding towards me only. What wrong did I do to you? Huh? I'm trying to live my life, but you don't seem to like it. Will all of you be happy if I kill myself?" The wave of anger and helplessness washed over me, making me lose my senses for a moment.

"INNAYA," Karan yelled loudly.

His yell reminded me of what I was talking about. I bit my lip, turning my eyes away from him to the Fortune who was being guarded against Karan. Karan's loud yell had startled him. I petted his head, trying to calm him down.

I had seen Eshan doing that. I had never seen Fortune in a guarded manner. Eshan had told me that the pets could sense the emotions of the owner. So, when they were stressed, it was a good thing to remain calm.

By being close to Fortune, I was trying to feel close to Eshan. It was foolish of me. I knew, but I could not help but seek safety with Fortune. Unlike other related people to Eshan, Fortune had never hurt me.

The severity of the words I had spoken in anger was dawning on me, making me feel ashamed for even having the thought of dying. How could I make a mockery about my life?

Karan stood up, glaring momentarily at me before his eyes softened. "Stop talking rubbish. How could you say something like that? I know I was wrong, but that was a misunderstanding. I never wanted to hurt you. I would never hurt you. What happened? Why are you so stressed? Let me call Eshan. Talk to him, you'll feel better."

"No. Don't call him," I turned to him and almost yelled. However, I was late for he had already dialed Eshan's number.

Ignoring the drip or my aching body, I got down from the bed and snatched the mobile out of his hand, promptly disconnecting the call.

"Careful."

I moved out of Karan's reach as he tried to hold my staggering figure. I slumped on the bed once I achieved my motive.

Right now, I was not in the proper mind-set. How could I talk to Eshan when I knew I would end up crying? What I would tell him about his mother's intention? It was not clear to me yet.

I wanted to let him know the truth. But, that would end up ruining his relationship with his mother. Then again, if I did not tell him, what would I do?

"You're bleeding," Karan's surprised shout diverted my attention to my arm where that IV was inserted. Due to my abrupt movement, the needle had come out, and the blood was flowing from that puncture in my skin.

He pressed his handkerchief at the wound. I took a look at the face of the man who was being concerned about my well-being.

"Can you be a little careful? I don't know how Eshan handles you. He must be always on his toes looking after you," Karan lamented. I could see he was trying to loosen up the atmosphere, but his joke was terrible. His worried expressions for me seemed genuine though.

"Why are you being nice to me?" I asked suddenly, taking hold of the white handkerchief which would surely have bloodstains on it.

Karan's hand hovered in the air for a bit before he sighed and sat back in the chair. "I'll answer all your questions, but before that, tell me why did you end up in such a condition?"