Chapter 170 - Overcoming the cynophobia (1/2)

|Innaya|

Until you experience something, you would not know what emotions it would bring to you. Because of my cynophobia, I always stayed away from dogs. Touching them, being near to them was never any possibility happening in my life.

So, today when I actually put my fingers on Fortune's fur, I realized what I was missing. It was not how his hair felt under my fingertips rather the happiness that radiated from his face. I never knew dogs could smile or laugh. Witnessing look of pure elation on Fortune's face had me brave up and caress his head.

Casting aside my reservations, I inched closer and brought my other hand down on his front, scratching the area of his chest lightly. I had seen Eshan doing that to Fortune.

I paused when he flipped. I was startled for a moment and both my hands hung mid-air. I did not know what to do. Didn't he like me petting him?

Reality proved that I was worrying unnecessarily. Fortune seemed to like that for he turned on his back, facing belly upwards pulling his four paws in all sort of directions. His tail wagged endlessly. However, his expressions turned sad when I did not move at all staring at him puzzled.

The light in his eyes dimmed down.

”Do you like it?” I frowned as I asked.

Maybe, as if he understood what I was saying for he tilted his head and his eyes went to my hands. I had an impulse to laugh out aloud. I did it. I improved and overcame my fears so easily.

For years, I had hidden away never daring to face my cynophobia. I knew first-hand what fear could do to you. For the majority of my life, the animal I most hated and feared was now the harmless creature in my eyes. Truly, you wouldn't understand until you take a risk and experience. For chasing away the demons, one needed to face them.

I smiled, and gradually that smile turned to laughter as I continued rubbing, caressing and scratching Fortune. His face returned to that of happiness as he let me do whatever I wanted.

Suddenly an idea struck me. I wanted to share this news with Eshan. I wanted to let him know that I had fought with my fear and defeated it. I wanted him to be the first person to know that.

With one hand, I kept rubbing his chest while stretching my other hand I pulled my phone from the sofa.

I grinned imaging Eshan's expressions. He would never believe that I could come closer to any dog ever. How could I forget how much panicked he was when I had gotten a panic attack once we stepped foot in the Mumbai. The incidence with that street dog in front of ice- cream stall was something we both could not forget.

Later when Arjun had brought Fortune at that time also I had been scared. How could he believe me if I only told him? I needed to show him the proof. Firstly, I decided to record the moment. I wanted to believe this as well. Hence, I recorded a five-minute-long video of this priceless moment.

I would always cherish this moment for my life. It held so much significance for me. It might be nothing for people, but for me, it was already a big deal. One needs to ask the people who overcame their fears about how they feel; the answer would be simple that they can't explain. Sometimes words would fail you to express your emotions. It was better to live the moment.

After I was done with recording the video instead of a voice call I started a video call to Eshan. I wanted him to see it with his own eyes.

The first call went unanswered. That did not dampen my mood.

While redialing his number I couldn't keep the smile away from my lips. When my three calls went unanswered, I started to frown. He must be at the meeting. I consoled myself. However, for some reason, my heart ached as if something was not right.