Part 1:
One can call it a pleasant day. It's an open garden with sunlight peeping in through the mild mist in the air. Two men seated facing each other was silent and concentrating on the chess board in front of them.
The elder looking man had a figure that anyone would him a Santa Clause. Pot bellied yet with a firm torso. He had a glow on his face that radiated his immense power within him. "Why do you look old?" many have already asked him. "Maybe then I would suit to the category of old and wise" he would just laugh aloud spreading the smile to everyone beside him. He moves a rook and leans back to the chair. "your turn Michael".
The person opposite him just smiled. How can we describe him? Maybe one word would suffix his looks. He looked flawless. Angelic. With blue eyes, fair skin and thick heavy hair and well build body and a face that would stop any living heart for a moment... he truly was angelic. Michael didn't take long before moving a horse on his board.
"How's she keeping up?" the elder looking man asked still looking on the board.
"She is fine". The reply was courteous.
"Few more months left. We should be more careful now. You know what I mean, right?"
Michael had a counter move now and leaned back to the chair facing the other person. "I do. And that's why I send the best person for her protection. Till date I never regretted sending him my Lord. And I trust him. He can do it"
Obviously the elder looking man was superior to Michael. They trusted each other a lot. Still it's the time that none trusts.
***
I walked along the corridor not bothering the crowd. I never had an issue with the crowd. Why would I? They can't see me or feel me. I like it when they pass through me. At times I listen when these human speak of my kind. At times I have a good laugh at their imagination. Nothing bothers me until 'she' is fine. She is the only matter that bothers me. And my little devil is right there in front of me having a gala time. Its Lucy's birthday. They have been friends from school days. It's been weeks that she have been planning this party. From cake to decoration to pranks. She knows what Lucy likes. They believe they know each other more than anyone. Well Lucy got it wrong. None knows her better than me.
It's been 19 earth years and 8 months now. It began when Michael, my boss called me to give me a duty. "I am counting on you Ryan. It's very important." he had said that day.
You will never know how much proud I have felt that moment. Out of the innumerable members around he selected me!!
I was ready for any work he would assign. He spoke to me for a while and yes I was surprised at his demand. You see I am a warrior. Though it's been a while since we had a war in our world... still we were ever ready. The last war that took place many centuries back was a disaster. But then there was some silent treaty signed with them. We don't know what it is. Only higher authorities were allowed to know it. Knowing this much and then when Michael assigned me as a full time protector of a human... well it was a surprise. But then he didn't give any reason. I was bound to follow orders and so I did.
I am looking after her from the day she was born in her world. I have seen her taking her first breath. Her first smile. Her first cry. Her first feeding. Her all first. I am more than her shadow as even shadows moves away but I don't.
I have seen her struggle when she was orphaned. I was there when her aunt took over her responsibility. I have seen her eyes getting moist. I have seen her wiping it away with the back of her palm. I have seen her masking it with a smile. I know her well more than she herself knew.
She is clumsy and has a record in checking the gravity. I lost count trying to help her. At times I just let her fall thinking she would remember that missed step next time. Still she never remembers. And that's my little devil. I like to call her so.
But now I know why Michael sends me to protect her. Though I don't know the exact reason still I can say this much. She is one of the most innocent souls that you can see. Her inner glow is as good as her outer one. She has black wavy hair and grey eyes. Her fingers are delicate and she loves creativity. She paints and sketches beautifully though a very few get to see it. Me obviously in the top of that list.
Anyone would love her. I don't see why one wouldn't. And maybe that's why Michael had already warned me. "Never fall in love with her Ryan. You are to protect her and nothing more". And trust me it's hard not to love her.
She is my little devil... Zara.
And I am Ryan her protector angel and Michael is the Lord of all Angels.
I do have powers to protect her from anything be it magical or not. But there is something I can't do. Or rather I am not allowed to do.
I can hear or see others trying to hurt Zara intentionally. Reasons may be personal, prank or just fun. But trust me it gives me a hard time to control myself seeing it. Michael have warned me to never manipulate others mind and thoughts. He says that this is the balance of the world. With innocence there should be anger and jealousy around. Only then the balance will be maintained. Maybe true but very hard to follow. I am allowed to help her from an immediate problem. But I should be careful. I can't allow attention to reach me. And by the record I am doing extremely well.
How do I look? Well I may say I look angelic. No, I am not blabbering. At times I take a liberty to be visible in some places. Maybe a crowd of a mall or a park. And yes people especially ladies do take a second look if not third and so on. Maybe it's my skin or my blue green eyes or well tone figure... I don't know what takes their attention.
But till day Zara have never seen me. And lately I try not to come out much.
But still I do. When she goes to park I stay some distance away always keeping an eye on her. I come out to feel the grass below my feet. To feel the warmth of the sun. When it rains I love the drizzle on my face. Just like her.
She loves to have long lonely walks. So do I. her loves the spring when the streets are bright with the cherry trees. She sits for a long time in that park bench and I sit beside her. She at times looks at my side. It makes me wonder if she could feel me. I don't know. I am not allowed to read her mind. I am only allowed to feel her feelings. And many times I have felt. She was waiting for someone to sit by her side.
She loves autumn when the roads are covered with the autumn leaves.
She loves the beach and never gets tired of watching the waves.
She is special. She is my little devil. Zara.
***
As Ryan watched Zara smudging the chocolate cream on Lucy's face... far above where I would call now as the House of Gods; Michael the Lord of Angels was about to state next round of chess with the Supreme power God. The first game was a draw as it happens often.
Edited by kunchu - 10 years ago
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
