Chapter 119 - Fortune (2/2)

”No, it's not what you are thinking. After separating from Fortune, I could not bring myself to raise another one. And, later our business expanded I got busy with frequent foreign trips and office work, so I had no time to look after the pet. It would have been cruel on my part to not look after the pet, so I didn't have any,” Eshan spoke, clearing my confusion.

How was he able to read my mind?

I craned my neck to look at him.

”It has nothing to do with you. Don't overthink it,” Eshan explained when our eyes met.

”Innaya, see, Fortune wants to greet you,” Arjun announced startling me once again. Abruptly I turned my head, in time to see Fortune standing on his four legs before me. His big eyes stared at me.

His movements were slow, steady, and calm. If it was before I would have gone into a panic attack by now, but the diverting talks of Arjun and Eshan somewhere reduced my anxiety.

The fear was still there. I could still feel the palpitation in my heart. However, the need for running away from this place was not that prominent. I could still hold on for some time unless the Fortune decided to be misfortune.

Eshan left my side for a while as he crouched down on the ground before Fortune. I firstly glanced at his right hand that held mine and then I watched him slowly bringing the palm of his left hand towards Fortune's face. He did not forget to hold onto me.

”Good boy!” Fortune sniffed Eshan's fingers. His nose then rubbed against Eshan's hand as he tail started wagging again at that fast pace. His tongue came out next as he licked Eshan's palm. ”Did you recognize me now? Oh! Good boy, yeah... That's like it. Did you miss me?” Eshan talked to Fortune as he patiently waited for Fortune to familiarize himself with him.

I could care less about what was unfolding because of the hand holding onto me. The warmth from Eshan's palm helped me in staying put or I would eventually leave when Fortune stepped towards us.

”Do you want to touch him?” Arjun asked me. I did not realize when he stood up and came beside me. When I heard his voice, it was only then that I noticed his presence.

I shook my head little too forcefully at the prospect of being anywhere near to that dog physically. I was cynophobic for a reason. Life was not any kind of drama where you could get over your fears within a snap of fingers. Everything took time to happen, develop.

Loving Eshan was the best example of that. It took me more than five months to develop feelings for him. It took me months to feel safe in his arms. It took me months to open up about my past. It was not a one-day thing. Then, how could I leave behind my fear and get comfortable with the dog- no- their Fortune?

”No. That's not necessary,” Eshan answered too, and I was grateful for his considerate thinking.

”Okay, then I need to talk about something. Let's go inside,” Arjun said as he took my free hand in his. ”Eshan, you play with Fortune. See, he missed you,” he added looking at the dog enjoying Eshan's petting and rubbing as he laid on the floor on his back.

I glanced at his hand holding onto me and then to Eshan's hand. Honestly, I was scared of what he wanted to talk or bring out next. After Eshan, he was the person I had spent most of the time with. We had developed an understanding and built mutual trust. I knew he would not hurt me intentionally, but he had no idea what would trigger me. Unless I told him, how he was to know. Eshan would never tell about my past to anyone even if that was his best friend. I was sure about that in my heart. I decided to listen to what he had to say, and I wanted to thank him too for all that he did for me.

”Okay,” I agreed.

Giving a last glance to Eshan, who looked at me with concern, I slightly nodded at him. I withdrew my hand from his and attempting a small smile at him, I turned to get back inside with Arjun.

”Bring us something to eat in your study after some time.” Arjun reminded to Eshan when we were at doorsteps.

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