Chapter 208 - Who told you to keep this vicious animal here? (2/2)

With my heart palpating in fear, I willed myself to get up. If I did not leave, Eshan would come to find me. He would find it in a moment that something was not right. He would always perceive if there was something off with me. I just prayed that in his happiness of meeting his mother, he would overlook it.

The two-minute distance from the dining room to the living room felt like I was walking on a path of nails. They pricked my conscious, my heart, and my emotions. It took a lot of effort for me to not break into tears. I had half a mind of running away, but then things would complicate further.

”Aunty, I missed you so much. I have so much to tell you.” Ayesha was excitedly chatting with Eshan's mother.

Eshan was hugging his mother as he sat just holding her. On the left side, Ayesha sat holding Eshan's mother's other arm. The scene looked so warm. They seemed a perfect family. If Eshan had not married me, then Ayesha would have been the ideal choice for Eshan. Eshan's mother would have chosen her for being Eshan's bride.

I shook my head to get rid of that though. We were married, and Eshan had chosen to do so without any pressure. I would not fall in that cycle of what if's. I steeled my heart. Moving further in the room, I wondered how I was going to face her. Fortune ran ahead, leaving my side before I could stop him.

Facing Eshan's mother, he started barking at her.

”Woof… woof…woof.”

His barking even scared me, least Eshan's mother. Eshan stood up, trying to control Fortune.

”Don't Fortune.”

”What the hell!”

”Hey, get away from me!”

Many voices rang out, but Fortune did not pay any heed. He glared at Eshan's mother and continued his barking.

I sprinted when I saw the expression of disgust on Eshan's mother's face. She raised her silver gold plated clutch. At that moment, I knew if Fortune did not stop, she would hurt him.

And, I was so right. The next moment, she hurled her clutch at Fortune. I crouched before Fortune, shielding him from getting hurt. That clutch landed heavily on my left shoulder. I gritted my teeth to bear the pain. The impact of the hit was quite powerful. I did not expect her to use that force. The stinging pain made me wonder if I was hit by the sharp edge of it.

”Innaya,” Eshan yelled.

I stood up, putting Fortune behind me. I did not want him to get hit again. I would not allow it. It was rather strange though. The bond I developed with him was surprising me day by day. I never thought I would be willing to put myself in the face of danger for any dog… ever.

However, things changed. And, I kind of liked this new change. If this meant I could have Fortune love me the way he did, then I did not mind the new change.

”I'm okay. I'll take Fortune in the garden,” I replied to Eshan when he came to stand by me, looking at me concernedly.

Technically I should be touching her feet and taking blessing as it would be the first time I had met her. Of course, it was for Eshan's sake as he did not know about the meeting I had with his mother a month ago. But, I decided to first bring Fortune out.

”Stop right there,” Eshan's mother yelled out.

I stiffened. She would not create drama in front of Eshan, would she? I turned around, making sure that Fortune stayed behind.

”Mom, how could you hit Fortune? See what you did, Innaya got hurt because of you,” Eshan spoke little harshly.

'I've got way more hurt because of her, Eshan.' I wanted to say that, but I held back.

”You stay out of it. Who told you to keep this vicious animal here?” His mother yelled.

Why did I feel that she was referring to me? I contemplated the possibility of her being upfront and behaving the way she did that day now. Would she let Eshan know? If she really wanted me out of Eshan's life, then she would definitely say everything clearly. I nervously looked at Eshan. Would he be able to handle it?

I did not want Eshan to be in the dilemma where he had to chose between his mother and his wife. Any decision he made would make him miserable. I did not want him to suffer, but at the same time, I did not know how to handle the situation.