FantsySeries(complete)-I(SK),II(AK),III(AR),IV(MG) - Page 19

Originally posted by: pinky901

hey dear

nice story thankx😃

i'm in only b'cos its also have some glimpse of s-k n for dem i'll read.pls pm wen u decided to wrote s-k in this story too like the previous one..alright😊 so dear cont soon

bye

tc

Originally posted by: spvd

hey dear interesting is all i will say.................well i try my best😉started with SK then AK and now AR...............very nice sequels.thankyou😆...................he he he................so its ridhhima who is angad's sister.................liked it.............armaan is thrown out of heaven to earth, to his ridhhima finally..oh yeah... lol ...............😉......cont soon and pm me.........................okay😊

Originally posted by: ...anshu...

hey megs
.hiiii
first of all srry for nt replying earlier..its ok i loved the ending of puppy love and the fallen angels seem interesting.there is a bit more action in this one... though i wish armaan to have some of his trademark bubbliness..umm i am sorry... but i never watched DMG.... actually i rarely watch serials i am an anime fan...sigh....i'll try to make him more... lively.. but even so i hope his actions make u laugh...

thnx for the pm.ur welcome.. i'll add u to my pm list..
anshu

warning- this chapter contains a few action scenes...nothing serious though...just character building..lol😉

CHAPTER 1

The Fallen

~|~Armaan~|~

I felt pain as I had never felt from each and every cell of my body.. Freaking angel!! Couldn't send me down gently.. What if I had crashed and died now? Maybe that's what they actually wanted…

Grunting with effort and irritation I managed to open my eyes and sit up. Unlike others I had never cared much about what went down here at earth, coz I always felt a great fascination for it. To show my interest in anything made me vulnerable, so I know nothing of earth, its humans and their creations.

Taking account of my injuries I untangled myself from the smelly stuff and stood up. It seems as if I had fallen on a pile of rubbish..It was of course better than falling on iron nails..

As I stood, I realized I was lacking more than my usual strength. Apparently my clothes had disappeared along with every other possession on my body except the warrior's knife held fats in my hands. Now I had to find clothes first.

*******

~|~Armaan~|~

2 months later.

I saw a suited up man walk into the library and looked around in astonishment. What did he expect? People read in library and that's what people were doing.. Prejudiced humans..

He walked over to the warden and asked about me, I know coz the warden pointed in my direction and I have good ears. I watched him approach me with caution. I wasn't going to suddenly get up and strangle him.. Even now I didn't understand much of the weary caution inside prison.

"You are Armaan?" he asked in a commanding voice. He was 3 inches taller than me and more bulky. I guess it made him intimidating.. to others. Me.. at 6 foot 3 and well toned body.. I wasn't intimidated and I knew that the commanding aura was a faade.

"Yes I am. You are?" I asked slowly getting and stretching to my full height. Humans.. liked playing dominance game.

"I am special agent Sean. Do you know why I am here Mr. Armaan?" he asked unconsciously backing up a step. The whih I was winning.

"I hope not to take me out of here. I don't have money or food or clothes. I like it here in prison just fine." I replied with a smile. This was always fun. Smiling at these people when they least expect it. It leaves them flustered and… open to prying.

"I am here to get you out. But not to make you completely helpless. Please come with me, I have a proposition." He said, but his voice wasn't requesting at all. This always ticked me. Why use polite words if you want to be mean? Why not openly do what you want?

"Boys.. I'll see you all later.." I turned to wave at the guys whom I was helping read and silently followed the suited man outside.

Soon we were seated in a bright room with comfortable chairs and tasty food. It was all offered to me along with the proposal to join these Special Forces team.. They dealt with bad people.. Terrorists. They were impressed by my skills. They wanted t know how I had managed to turn hard core criminals into scholars who used the library and hardly fought amongst themselves anymore.

"Well it all started when one of them decided to make me his… underling I think. So I beat up that guy in defense and next day few were following me around in admiration, I would like to believe. Several people fought me to teach me some sort of lesson and I defeated them all. It wasn't hard. They had no technique. A few weeks later I had established that I was stronger than most of them, so I told them to leave me alone. Which they didn't. So I thought making them busy so they wouldn't bother me. Telling them to do stuff was easy. And I managed to find things that interested them."

"Not very humble are you?" the man sneered. I didn't think he actually wanted me to join his team.. But he had orders from above ..

"Merely truthful. So if I join whatever it is you want me to join… I will get..food, clothes, a place to live and money", I counted off on my fingers.

"Plus the insurance and other perks.." I had no idea what these additional things meant so I told him I didn't need it.

"But why me? Why not other people here?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Coz they have long criminal records unlike u. you don't have any record. I guess you were orphaned and managed to lay low until now. Also you have exceptional fighting skills, which you aren't afraid to use. It isn't every day we come across a criminal who can manage the prison better than the warden."

I nodded as some things made sense, but then as I had nothing better to do, I accepted his proposal.

**********************************

~|~Ridhima~|~

I glared at Angad's back as he walked back and forth in my house. It was Saturday tonight and it was a tradition b/w us to have dinners together on Saturday nights. Not that I really wanted to be with him right now… but well…

"Angad. This is for the best, stop agonizing over it.", I spoke in calming tones, but I realized that it only irritated him more. My brother was bothered over a girl Kripa. She had been ignoring him and he couldn't handle it. Now he was seriously considering doing some mad stuff and I have to stop him.

"The hell it is!!How could she.. Want to be with that.. that monster over me? HOW?!! Why can't she see that I-"

"NO! Don't say whatever you were going to say. What you r feeling is utterly foolish Angad. Atleast the girl had brains enough to stop this right now." I quickly stopped him from declaring his feeling. Once it out in the open it can't be overlooked anymore... I was beginning to get agitated when he said.

"Why don't you understand damnit!! Could you atleast try and feel something? For the first time in decades I've found someone I can be myself with and the whole bloody paranormal world is working against me!" the rising beat of my heart calmed back down to normal at his words. He believed I couldn't feel? When I was always working hard not to feel too much. But it was useless to tell him that right now, if he believed the whole world against him. But still I have to try…

********************

~|~Armaan~|~

A month and a half later ( around Kripa and Angad's wedding ceremony…)

I noiselessly stalked around the wall and peered out the corner. He could see the back of the terrorist holding a hostage and fingering a… remote control.. My team.. comrades in arm were all standing with their weapons.. guns poised at the terrorist. Their apparent decision was to sacrifice the hostage and shoot the terrorist. But that might still allow him to press the button… unless I handled the situation. I moved out a bit more so that my team could see me. I saw the slightest shake of our leader which meant I was to retreat and not take any actions. Humans…

I carefully but back my gun and palmed my knife which I had taken before falling. It was a perfect fit to my hand, it always felt like an extension of my limb. Shaking my own head and putting a finger on my lips I signaled back my insubordination and intent to my team. Without waiting to see their reaction, I felt the strength gather in me and peaceful stillness fill my mind. Slowly I snuck up behind the man, becoming his shadow. Then with speed I grabbed his remote holding hand to kick away the offending device and crashed my elbow on his neck at the same moment. The man staggered and dropped to the floor. My team advanced towards us and I saw the man reach into his jacket. I always suspected him to have another remote, so I was ready for him. Before he could reach the device I kicked away his hand, hearing a snap of bones and then his howl, which I cut midway as I bent down and slashed his throat. With care I cleaned the knife using his clothes and stood up to replace it.

I watched our leader approach me and slowly my heart quieted, the sounds and smell of the world returned to me, no longer focused on the dead man. Analyzing my leaders red face I knew I was in for another long lecture.

**********************************

~|~Ridhima~|~

I rounded up my visit of all the recovering animals in the clinic and started locking my office when I felt her.

"Hey doc!! Wassup?!!" she chirped happily from behind me. It definitely was her.

"Hello Kripa. I am fine." I said evenly. It disturbed me. This change in routine, but then I know that Kripa never thought things through and she never came here with intention of irking me.

"Umm yeah…. So… ummm how are you doing?" she asked me again. I guess there was actually a reason behind her visit now. A reason she didn't know how to bring up. I can always help.

"What is bothering you Kripa? You came here to say something to me right? I don't appreciate my time being wasted." I added the last line to make her hurry.

"Umm yes. Uh.. I know you r busy and well.. Uh what I came to say was that. Well.. you know me and Angad are getting married and well I never asked you how you felt about it.. and I just thought.. we should.. oh I don't know!!! I just wanted to tell you that I really love Angad and I'll take care of him and I won't give him up even if you don't approve. But that doesn't mean I don't care what your opinion is and I really want you to agree with this match and I want you to be happy for us. I know I am sounding very selfish with all the 'I want's but.. Well I just.. It would be nice if could get along well. I always liked you a lot doc. Even if you r a bit aloof. I think you r really great and what you do is nothing short of miracles. Plus I owe you a lot for saving me max and Angad. When we were battered and beaten up. What I mean is that-"

"I like you fine Kripa." I interrupted…ufff can the girl speak or what?!

"Oh really?!! WOW!! That's umm gr8 I mean. Uh yeah.. So you mind me walking you to home?", I shrugged at her and started locking up, apparently her speech wasn't complete.

I didn't mind her, though she spoke too much for my taste, she was also tranquil and didn't mind if I wasn't listening, plus she was good for Angad. So who am I to complain? Now he would be busy with Kripa he will bother me less.

I don't drive a car and usually took a taxi home. But Kripa had hers, so we sat in it.

"You know I am kinda relived that you like me. I.. when I was young… well let's just say I have lived in big families and I know sisters in law can give hell…. Umm well…. So.. you decided on your dress for the wedding?"

I switched back to attention mode at her question. I didn't want to antagonize her by telling her I wasn't paying attention and I didn't care what I wore… and lying isn't my forte..

"I am still deciding" I settled for tact.

"Uh… umm.. You know.. well if you haven't decided as yet.. Is it possible that Kashish can decide for you? No offence to your choice!! I mean I am sure you have a gr8 taste.. But um.. Kashish is doing most of the dress and color schemes and stuff… and…", I looked at Kripa and saw faint sweat on her upper lip. She was nervous. Caught between the silent me and the control freak Kashish. Guess she isn't a bridezilla after all.

"That would be helpful. Tell Kashish to do that and thank her too. I don't really know what sort of dress to wear in a wedding."

Kripa grinned at me and I saw tension seep out of her body. Oh she will be good for my brother. And her family would be even better. I thought and smiled. It might be fun.. this wedding.

********************

~|~Armaan~|~

>>>>3 days later.

I closed my left eye and took aim. I only had one shot to kill the human who was lurking around. My chief had given me hell for defying him and slitting the terrorist's throat. But then the superiors above him were happy with my success rate and the fact that I didn't get jitters while doing what I did.

So here I was lying flat on my stomach on the roof of a 3 storey building aiming to kill a man in a crowd of hundreds. I took a deep breath and let the tension drained out of my body, everything became still. My heart beat slowed and my mind entered the static white peace. I closed all my senses except for my eyes and waited for the target to walk into the trajectory of my rifles bullet. As soon as he took another step I calmly pressed the trigger and instantaneously I saw the guy dropping down on the ground.

Happy with my work I got up to leave when I noticed something strange. While people around the body were screaming and looking afraid, a scattering of men were looking angry and glancing at rooftops. Probably looking for me.. Huh.. More people, to kill then I guess.

Touching my earpiece I told my team I had observed few more terrorists and as usual they said " Retreat immediately. They might have bombs planted, This is work for evacuation and bomb diffusion squad."

"And what about the innocent people down below sir? Shouldn't we atleast try to subdue the enemy?" I asked back

"Negative. Fall back and fall out." Our commander replied. I shrugged and began backing away to where our hover craft waited.

Well, what more can I do? I did try saving all these humans didn't I? If their own fellow beings don't care then why should I?

But then again.. When have I cared for things that others had cared about? Feeling the familiar rushed of adrenaline in my veins I half turned to wave to my team members and then took off in a run. 3 floors aren't that great a fall.

Reaching the edge I jumped and marked the positions of the enemy group, then tucked my legs so that I can roll to break the fall. Minimizing the impact of fall, I got up and surveyed my injuries, a sprain in my left arm and leg. Easily healed. I discarded the earpiece which was a buzzing nuisance now and took out my heavenly knife to start the game of tack with the terrorists.

20 minutes later I knew I had got all of them. I had counted 7 at first glance, during the jump 2 more. I even kept one alive for interrogation. Maybe that will make everyone shout less at me.

I knew I was grinning like an idiot when I walked back to our base dragging the bound, shaking terrorist behind me who kept mumbling about the devil.

As soon as I got in, all hell broke loose as I had expected. Half the people applauded and half shouted at my recklessness. Within minutes I found myself standing inside the chief's cabin.

"Armaan. Do you seriously hate to live?" he asked in an oddly calm voice.

I opened my mouth to vehemently deny the accusation but stopped. That would be just coping actions of my team members. Did I hate to live? Did I really want to live?

"There is nothing for me to live for." I replied after careful thinking. Lying isn't my way. Only the weak lie.

"Well now sit down. Why say that, surely you have some family? Friends?" he asked gently. As if those words may hurt me. But I had already faced those words million time from my heavenly warrior comrades.

"No." I replied without much thought now.

"Surely there must be something you like doing then?"

"Fighting?" I replied with doubt. That was the only thing which made me feel of worth and alive. It is the only thing I am good at.

"Just that Armaan? Look I know you've… your…. Background is somewhat unbelievable. You said you don't have anyone who knows you.. And no money, so you stole and therefore you will keep going back to prison coz your only ability it seems is… combat… Now you aren't a bad man at heart. You don't like hurting people.. " my chief paused here, waiting for me to agree. I sat stonily making sure not to even blink my eye. let the man squirm

"So.. As I was saying, you seem to be a good guy. But you got to take up a less violent hobby and cultivate it…" I stared at chief and turned off my ears and brain. It was again going to be one of those lectures…and I had yrs of practice dealing with them.

"…… I hope you agree. I don't want you to think that anything is wrong with you. You can take more details some Samantha my secretary."

Chief was looking quite white and agitated by the end… Maybe I should have listened as to what my next mission was. Nodding an affirmative at him I got up and left his office. When he called me to stop.

"Armaan I require you to leave your badge and gun here for this." He said. I shrugged and put them both on the table. Not like I had ever used them anyway.

Outside I walked over to Samantha who smiled upon seeing me. Unlike others her smile wasn't pitiful or snide. Yet it wasn't a simple, 'happy to see you' smile either.

"Chief sent me here.."

"Oh here you go. All your paper's are right here." She said fluttering her lashes, I wanted to ask her if something was troubling her eye again coz she seem to do that an awful lot. But once, initially she had told me that her eyes were just fine. Some habits of human.. I just don't understand.

"And here's your bank receipt and papers. The account in your name. How about we meet up for dinner tonight?" she spoke in the same breadth.

Well I didn't know what the bank was or what was I suppose to do with this account. As for dinner..

"You are always welcomes to eat here at the canteen. You don't have to ask me to see me there." I told her simply and walked away to my bunk. I lived here at the base quarters.. It was a dorm.. I didn't mind sleeping there. My whole life I have lived in such a place, yet people find this strange.

After cleaning up and eating dinner without Samantha. I sat back to study my next mission and felt as if the world had been pulled away from under my feet a second time.

*********************************************************

CHAPTER 2

Vanity.

The day I had received my marching papers, was the day I packed up and left. They had kicked me out of heaven for being me and now these humans thought I was having a "burnout" and needed time to "recuperate"… I was told to leave the agency for some unmentioned time, until I became less aggressive.

I was allowed to stay there, but something made me leave. Anger towards the authority, frustration with the system and something else. Some emotion I didn't understand. It prevented me from staying and being made fun of, it prevented me from receiving pity, it told me I was better than others and yet I was the one made to leave…

Consumed with the unnamed emotion I packed the few clothes I had and some money I had saved. I didn't understand what the bank or accounts paper meant, but the same emotion stopped me from asking. It didn't allow me to ask for help.

The agency told me I was always welcome back here, but the emotion made me decide to never come back to a place where I wasn't appreciated.

Inspite all this by the next day I wasn't worried. I was infact happy. Now I had a chance to explore and satisfy my curiosities of earth, perhaps I could even understand the wild emotion I had felt.

Though my optimism didn't last long. How was I to know the cunning and conniving nature of humans, who are only interested in duping others of their assets? I had lost whatever money I had within two days. Some I had spent on food, mostly I had given away to beggars. I didn't have a place to sleep.. But there were parks which had trees, so it didn't bother me. A thief had stolen my bag of few clothes.

11 days after quitting the agency I had tattered, smelly clothes on my body and the heavenly knife which no one can take away from me. I hadn't eaten for 9 days and the healing from the battles fought weeks ago was taking its toll. I struggled to walk straight. Struggled to come up with a plan to earn food, yet the vile emotion I had felt earlier stopped me from returning to the agency. I was sure I would die of hunger of all the mighty evils..

*****************************

The same day(Angad and Kripa's wedding)

I fingered the rapidly fraying ribbon of my dress as I waited for the bride to walk down the aisle. Today my brother was finally getting married. Un-freaking-believable..

I smiled as I looked at the nervous Angad. I am sure he was thinking of the vampire and his wife. He was underestimating Kripa, she can turn his world upside down without the help of her family. I stood up along with everyone else as the organs played and the bride came. She was indeed beautiful, a jewel amongst weres.

I admired the couple from far and clapped along with everyone else when the ceremony completed. Then there was the flurry of congrats and best wishes offered to the couple. I stood back. I didn't detest crowd.. I just preferred being alone.

"You were late." A voice spoke up almost shocking me ..Almost

"Sorry Kashish a bad case came in the last moment I had to operate or the pet would have died." I gave her the unnecessary long explanation to avoid further questions.

"That doesn't mean… fine whatever!!" she said in an angry huff. Obviously I had disrupted her pretty plans. Kripa's.. Master-Sujal's wife-Kashish… had arranged the whole wedding and she was a mean merchant, "Come along now. We have to get the photo session done. I can't be around dragging you everywhere."

I followed her in silence. I knew she was agitated and didn't mean the rudeness. I was made to stand in a few photos and the camera man obviously had some problem with my face. He kept telling me to shift or turn or smile or close my mouth… I was so tired.

"Dr. Ridhima can't you just smile and get this photo over with! There are so many people waiting!" Kashish suddenly snapped at me. Silly, angry, human.

Out of stubbornness and pride inborn in me of my heritage. I fully close my mouth and carefully pulled down my lips, completely erasing any trace of amusement from my face. I didn't glare at the human, I had no fight with her. But I won't allow anyone to walk all over me. I had taken away that right from everyone. Even the gods.

"Ridhima, please, sister mine. I wish to remember this day as full of happiness and joy.", my brother intervened.

With effort I worked up a smile and the cameraman didn't dare to complain again. But I could hear several others complaining.

They didn't think I was a good sister, I didn't care for my brother. I didn't help with wedding preparations Who wants to go against Kashish? I was late for my only blood relatives wedding ..Only to save a life. Now I wasn't even happy for him… It's difficult to smile after a grueling day…

Then there were murmurs of exaggerated rumors…. I envied or hated Kripa.. I didn't care for anyone but myself…. I probably killed some pets just watch their owners cry.. They think I am some sadistic, sociopathic, animal gutting- freak?!!!

On any other day it wouldn't have bothered me. But I have been feeling slightly sick for a week now. It wasn't bothering my schedule, only irritating my mood. And words which didn't even fall on my ears usually were striking against my heart today. I knew I myself was responsible for the malicious talks.. But then I glanced at my brother who was kissing his bride. He was truly happy with her. Now he didn't need me. I looked away only to see the human caught up in a day dream of her vampire… Even she didn't notice me now. I was only needed for the family photo I guess…

Crushing a swell of rising emotions I gathered my bag. I refused to feel sad for standing alone. This as a path I chose for myself and those who didn't understand were human fools. As I started walking out of my brother's wedding I saw the sinking sun. Angad wouldn't blame me for leaving and I would not stay at a place where I wasn't required, where my presence was detested.

Hailing a cab from outside the venue I gave my home address and wondered at my sudden burst of human emotions. First sadness then pride… I must be sicker than I feel.

I closed my eyes and felt the wind on my face. I couldn't bear to sit with windows closed. I barely managed to sit in cars at all. But I had promised Angad to take a cab from work to home every day. Suddenly the car lurched to the right and came to a jolting halt. Instinctively my hand flew to my throat and I felt light headed with nausea.

"Stupid dog^#%^$%&" I heard the driver curse. After a few swallows I managed to tell the driver to stop and fell out of the cab. Sick….I was so sick… I felt bile rise up and choke me. Taking deep breaths it took me 5 mins to be sure I wasn't going to retch on the pavement, another minute to pay the cabbie and send him away.

I was only 4 blocks away from my home and it wasn't completely dark as yet. Bides I knew I couldn't sit in the cab even if the sky fell down now. Clasping my purse firmly, I closed up my coat as it was chilly these days and started walking home.

************************************************************

CHAPTER 3

Gluttony.

I was only 4 blocks away from my home and it wasn't completely dark as yet. Besides I knew I couldn't sit in the cab even if he sky fell down. Clasping my purse firmly, I closed up my coat as it was chilly these days and started walking home.

Even though it was only 4 blocks, but years of cowering from the darkness made me nervous and I quickened my steps..Only three blocks now… not that the absence of sun meant anything to me. I can never pull swords like Angad.. but I can run faster, hear and smell better… anticipate danger quicker.

Just as I rounded another corner the shadow of a tall building fell on the ground and the small lane up ahead gave me creeps. Clutching my coat tighter I continued, but I shouldn't have. I should have listened to my instincts.

Out of the darkness suddenly a trio of thugs stepped out. I would have given up my purse without resistance, but they were intoxicated and money wasn't all they were looking for. I thought of calling Angad instantly, but then I realized that he wouldn't be having his phone with him.

Backing up slowly, I tried to keep them all in my sight. I had to simply get back to a crowded place. But I haven't seen a person except a beggar since the last block. One of them reached out and brushed my arm, I jerked back in alarm and turned to flee. Casual retreat wasn't going to work.

I started running as fast as I could, my heart thundered as I risked a backward glance and crashed against something hard at the same moment.

The momentum of crash took us both down and I realized I had hit the beggar. I wasn't sure if I should be grateful of his presence or not. He looked weary and sick.

The thugs stopped a few feet away from me, but when they too got a look at the beggar they realized that he would be of no help, so they circled me again. This time they had me surrounding, cutting off all routed of escape.

"Are you ok miss?" a gruff voice made me look down. I was partially sitting on the poor beggar. Instantly I got up nodded, offering him my gloved hand in assistance. He took my hand and stood up with difficulty.

"I am sorry I didn't see where I was-" I began but stopped. What am I doing?!!! I am about to be assaulted and much worse by a trio of thugs and I am chatting with a street bum? What is wrong with me?!!!

Before I could answer my own questions or think of another escape plan, one of the thugs grabbed my wrist crudely, pulling me to him. I dropped my purse and swung a fist at him. I am not much of a fighter.. I missed hitting his face by 3 inches. He laughed at me and called me a few crude things. In vain I struggled against him as the other two explored my purse.

I desperation I turned to the beggar and said "Please.. Help.. Get some help-" the thug decided to slap me at that moment, cutting my speech mid sentence. I felt afraid now. Very afraid. But not panicked. Nothing could be as bad as the incident I had gone through 25 yrs ago.

"I don't think she wants to go with u.. You should unhand her." the beggar spoke up, distracting the thug who was trying hard to kiss me. I saw the beggar sway on his drunken feet and felt stupid for involving an innocent bystander in this mess as one of the thugs flipped a knife and approached the beggar. Is he for real?.. Talking like some damn film hero…'unhand her'….

"Ya should have pretended to pass out fool, now I am gonna havta gut ya…" thug with knife spoke and the pervert near me laughed. I renewed my effort to free myself. The least I could do was let them not harm the poor man.

I felt weak from not eating food for 9 days now. The impact of the crash had made me unsteady for while. But now I was on full alert as I saw the pretty lady struggle harder and the other man approached me with a knife. I hadn't known she wasn't with them till she had asked for my help. Humans do play silly games..

I swayed on my feet deceptively, feigning drunkenness and let the man with knife come close to me. Just before he could swing the knife to do real damage I held on to his wrist and kicked him in the face. That got the attention of other two assailants. One down two to go.

Moving on pure adrenaline rush I punched the 2^nd guy-first on nose, then in stomach and then kicked him down. Two down one to go.

This man was more intelligent. He had taken the woman as the hostage now and was slowly inching away, "Stay back or I'll break her pretty neck." He hissed as he kept backing away.

I observed his hand on the slim pale neck A pretty neck indeed.. But the angle's all wrong. Unable to hide my satisfaction at his mistake I smiled and moved forward, "You can't break her neck. You are not holding it properly. Let her go and I won't follow you."

The man looked more scared than he had before, what did I say? I kept moving forward and he kept threatening, until he threw her at me. I caught the woman this time and did not fall. The man had run away.

"Are you alright Miss?" I asked her again, she seemed a bit dazed, but not hysterical.

"Yes.. I…I am ok. Thankyou!" she said, straightening up and stepping away. Surely she does not think I would attack her too!!

"You saved me. Thank you." She said managing to smile a little at me.

It was a fake smile, but her gratitude seemed genuine. I smiled back at her and nodded my head, relaxing now "It's nothing". I said trying to shrug it off when a sudden spell of dizziness hit me and I wobbled on my feet. If she hadn't held me up I would have dropped to ground.

"Are you ok mister? Did you get hurt? I am sorry, you got hurt b'coz of me." she said, helping me lean against a wall. She looked at me as if she was examining my body of wounds. A healer..

"No.. no.. it wasn't… this isn't coz of what happened… I am just a bit weak that's all." I said hesitatingly. I didn't want to show her any weakness.

"I see.. You are sick from before then… I thought so… I.. would like to help… I am… I treat only animals, sorry I can't help you, even though I would like to. If there is anything I could do… then.. here's my card." She said hesitating herself and handed me a card with an address on it… Why treat animals though?

I nodded at her and saw her gather her purse. She started to walk away without a backward glance at me, but not 10 paces ahead I saw her pace falter and she glanced warily at the dark alley…. Animal healer, whatever for?

I pushed myself away from the wall and centered all my remaining strength, slowly without blundering, I walked up to her, "Let me escort you miss. Why do animals need treatment though?"

I looked up at him, making sure my distrust didn't show on my face. He had fought of 2 thugs so easily, he could overpower me too. But he seemed kind of ok… I started walking accepting his escort quietly. Although why the silly question?

"Don't animals get sick mister?" I retorted. Along with suspicion I felt guilty for letting him do this. He was sick, but it felt so much better with him besides me. So much more secure. Perhaps I could give him some money for his treatment later on..

"But who cares if the animals get sick?" he walked slowly beside me.

"Their owners. People who love their pets."

"Humans are capable of that much love, when they kill other humans in name of religion and god?" he asked with genuine surprise.

I gave him a sharp look but he didn't notice, he was looking straight ahead. Why was he speaking with so much bitterness?

"Yes they are." I replied simply.

He didn't ask me anything after that, we walked in companionable silence to my home. Reaching my front porch I turned to him and thanked him again.

"It's ok. As I said."

"Look mister. I would really like to help you. Isn't there anything I can do for you?" I asked genuinely wanting to do something for him.

He simply shook his head and smiled at me "I don't think there is. My actions weren't prompted with thought of gaining something from you." Turning around, he started walking away and promptly fell unconscious after taking 5 steps.

I slowly opened my eyes as my stomach burned. I was pretty sure it had several burn holes in it by now. I looked around before getting up and instantly grew more attentive. I wasn't out lying on some park bench… I was inside some1's home on some1's couch!!!

"Oh good you r awake." a voice called my attention and I saw her. The woman who I had helped.

"Where am I?" I asked wetting my lips with my tongue. I suddenly felt a whole lot sicker for no reason.

"At my house. You… fell unconscious after turning to walk away.." she said shrugging as if it was a normal occurrence around her.

Damnit!! Not in front of her!!! I hated my deceitful body for showing weakness in front of her.

"How long was I out?" I asked feeling ashamed for being so weak.

"15-20 mins… why don't you tell me what you r suffering from. Maybe I can help…" she asked taking a seat beside my head.

I thought of lying, no way! Never to her. So I told her "I haven't had anything to eat for a long time. I am just weak I guess."

She looked at me with disbelieving eyes, but spoke all the same "when did you eat last?"

"9.. 10 days… I guess…" I shrugged and finally tried to sit up. Instantly she protested and laid her hand on my head to stop me.

Then it happened. The second her cool bare hand touched me, my body spasmed… I felt a tidal current course through my veins, burning my blood and flooding my body. It touched each and every part inside me, it even brushed my soul. And then I felt it retreat, like a tidal wave lapping back to the ocean. I knew it tore some part of me and took away with it, but I didn't mourn the loss of it as another wave crashed as soon as the first one retreated. It continued, building in speed and intensity, it crested as if a big wave would soon come to sweep away my body. I jerked when it suddenly stopped. I felt as if I was suddenly thrown off a riding wave. The lady had snatched her hand way, she no longer touched my forehead. She was shaking and her whole face had turned white. So she felt it too!

I looked at her waiting for her to say something, while she stared at her hand with too many expressions for me to decipher. What had just happened? Why did it happen only when she touched me skin to skin? Why did I suddenly felt too bereft and empty now? Also the pain in my stomach had lessened considerably.

I opened my mouth to ask her what she had done to me, but she turned abruptly and walked out of the room. Leaving me alone in darkness and confusion.

Sometime later she came back, but she didn't come near me. She still looked pale and shaken, but her hands weren't trembling anymore. "Come with me mister."

I nodded and got up slowly, unlike the dizzy spell which greeted me from weakness, I felt infinitely better. What the devil did she do?!! Or was it all me?

Even though I was feeling better I moved slowly for her comfort. She led me to what seemed to be her kitchen and motioned me towards a small table with two chairs. "Have a seat please."

I sat down and followed her with my eyes. She had my full attention and something told me she knew it too.

She was not a small woman, neither large. She was average hight with dark raven hair. Yet there was something which made her seem bigger. Her beauty wasn't comparable to ….. yet it was striking. It demanded attention and managed to hold it.

I watched her potter around for a few more moments and then put a dish of hot, delicious food in front of me. "Eat." She said and I began devouring the food. Within minute the plate was empty and I didn't even know what dish I had eaten. She promptly filled my plate again, without giving me enough time to look up from my plate. Making sure like the first time to stay away and not brush her hand against mine. Hadn't I been so hungry, I might have questioned her about this strange reaction, but I was hungry.. Very hungry.

Around 3^rd refill I realized what actually she was serving me. I slowed down to eating like a normal person by 4^th refill and even managed to mumbled thanks and continued eating. I cleaned up my plate again. I wanted another serving but I just couldn't ask her. She looked at my empty plate from her seat across the small table.

"If you eat too much at one go. You'll fall sick." She said getting up and gathering my plate. No more free food then… I sighed silently. I knew she was right and after this much I felt almost normal again. I had to thank her for bringing back from starving death.

"Thankyou very much Miss…. I don't know your name." how can I thank without a name?

"It's ok… This was the least I could do… You saved my life. I am Ridhima." She said turning around to face me.

" Then we canceled each other's debt" I said getting up, I extended my arm in the earth manner " I am Armaan."

She looked down at my hand but didn't touch it with her own. I retreated my hand, I understood her hesitation. Turning back, facing away from me, she continued to clean the dishes. With nothing better to do.. I sat back down in my chair.

"So you don't have job?" she asked moments later. I think she felt necessary to make small talk.

"I did… I was told to take holiday… I had a… burnout" I spoke slowly hoping she knew whatever that word meant.

"What?! So they let you go just like this? They didn't pay you?" she asked a little outraged.

I shrugged… I still didn't know much about the bank thing.."It doesn't matter. I am not going back there anyway."

"So you can't get another job?"

Why would I want to go back to listening to someone telling me what to do all the time? "I haven't found another one yet… I worked for government anti-terror squad… It isn't easy to find something which requires my skills.." I gave her the other reason instead. I didn't want her to think I was lazy.

"So you don't have job, no money, and no skills. Do you even have a place to sleep?" she asked without malice turning around to stare me in the eye. I think she was concerned, or maybe that's just what I want to believe. I stared back at her unable to help it. She was the first human I had felt this comfortable with. I wasn't checking for attacks or watching my back here in her house. I wasn't even paying attention to my surroundings with her standing there in front of me. and something in her captivated me, held my attention and distracted me from everything else.

"Well do you?"

"What?" I asked dazedly… what is wrong with me?!!

"Have a place to sleep?"

"I sleep in the park."

"In that?" she said pointing to me. In what? I must have looked confused at her question so she asked again

"In those clothes. Do you know how cold it is out there?"

I simply shrugged. I even felt slightly ashamed for not wearing cleaner clothes. I must have soiled her sofa and now this chair.

"You shouldn't be sleeping out in cold like this especially when your body is so weak. You well catch hypothermia. And now that you have eaten, you are going to feel dizzy too. I wonder if you can make it to any park."

"Where else can I go?" I asked hoping she knew of a warmer place nearby… atleast she answered my dizziness.

But maybe I shouldn't have asked, coz again she turned away from me. Minutes ticked away like this, just when I was about to get up and leave, she spoke very quietly "you can spend the night here if you want to. Use the sofa." and then hurried out of the kitchen.

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