#kalki

Reader's pov -

Creaaak-

“shit”, I mutter to myself as the rusty metal door creaks as I open it. I quietly enter the house – if you can call it that, it’s basically just a metal box with a roof. At least the roof is fine. For now.

I close the door behind me.

Pale yellow light floods in as the single light bulb is turned on.

I let out a sigh and turn around as I come face to face with him.

Bhairava.

Four years ago, the rebel base in Bombay – my home, was destroyed by the complex. Some of us were compromised, some fortunate souls escaped to Shambala. Me being the unfortunate one, narrowly escaped the attacks and was forced into hiding.

After spending almost three months alone in hiding, I caught a vehicle which was enroute to Kashi. With no other choice I had to come here. I spent my initial days wandering around clueless, with no units, surviving on scraps. While I was trying to lay low, I somehow caught the attention of a local hooligan. With no energy to fight back, I was almost sold to the complex.

But then Bhairava stepped in and saved me from the goons. Ever since then I stuck by him.

He didn’t seem very pleased with me following him around, but I just didn’t have the courage to be alone after that night. It was very naïve of me to trust a complete stranger who has shown me an ounce of kindness but even an ounce in this world is rare.

He is selfish – that’s the first thing I learned about him. but he is also sarcastic and very good at fixing stuff.

As time passed by a special bond was forged between us. We became best friends. Even though he won’t admit it, I know I’m his best friend.

I eventually found a job at the 'instant cremation centre'. It doesn’t pay much sometimes pays nothing at all, but I had to do something to keep myself occupied.

The cremation centre however was almost at the city end. Bhairava was reluctant to let me go to work but after a lot of promises and convincing he gave in. On one condition – I had to be home by 6’o clock.

Which is exactly why right now he is standing with his arms crossed, glaring at me.

“Where were you?”, that’s the first thing that comes out of his mouth, his tone sharp.

“Bhairava I- ", he doesn’t let me finish.

“Do you even realize how worried I was? It’s almost 10’o clock now. I have been searching for you all evening – going around, asking people. You couldn’t send me one signal – wait, what is that?”

“What?”

“That – your hand? IS THAT BLOOD? Are you hurt”, within a couple of strides he was in front of me, taking my hand in his and inspecting my split knuckles.

“It’s nothing, I’m fine”, I tried pulling my hand away but he just tightened his grip, not too tight but firm enough.

He throws me a piercing look and I immediately discard the thought of giving a lame excuse. He drags me to a chair and makes me sit there while searching for an antiseptic cream. He comes back with the cream and a piece of gauze. He holds my hand again and starts applying a thin layer of the cream.

“I’m sorry”, I mumble quietly. He looks up, “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just ran into some trouble – a very bad brawl broke out on the way and somehow, I got caught in that shit.” I pause, “But I’m fine, I really am. Nothing happened to me”. He looked at my hand and raised his eyebrows at that, as if saying ‘really?’. “Uhm – that, I may have punched someone really hard.”

He remains silent, which is very unusual of him. He just releases a sigh of exhaustion and wraps the gauze around my knuckles. He doesn’t let go of my hand though.

“Are you mad? Say something.” I ask.

Another sigh followed by a deep breath.

“I’m not mad… I was just so worried. About you.”

“You don’t have to be so worried about me. I can handle myself pretty well.”

He looks me in the eyes, “I know you can handle yourself. But I just can’t help it. The thing is I’ve never cared about anyone like I care about you.” He pauses and looks me in the eye. I can see the moisture in his eyes, “When you didn’t come back on time, I just started imagining all the worst possible things that could happen.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing, “I had nothing. Absolutely zero. But then you happened. The reason I was cold to you initially was not because I hated you or something. I just didn’t think I was worth your time. I always thought my life was a curse, any kind of relationship with me is destined to doom. But then you gave me hope, a solid reason to live.”

He blinked his eyes rapidly, as if trying to control his tears. My heart clenched at the sight, my own eyes becoming moist. I have never seen him so vulnerable.

“Promise me… promise me that you will always be by my side.” His eyes pleading, hopeful.

“I promise.”

A smile broke-out on his face, not the cheeky grin he usually gives but a genuine smile.

He then leaned down and kissed my wrapped hand. I let out a chuckle and brought my other hand to the back of his head and pulled him closer, placing a kiss on his forehead.