Sindhi Forest:
Aditya woke up panting as he relieved the moment again with the smugglers. He groaned in pain as a searing pain shot through his shoulder making him fall back into the bed. Aditya twisted himself to get better support to sit but he couldn't.
"Don't stress yourself. I have cleaned the wound, but we need to burn it so that it would not get infected." A voice said, as he held Aditya's shoulders, pushing him onto his back. Aditya couldn't help but notice how different the man was in build and features. He was leaner than most men and his face had a touch of femininity than masculinity. He had very minimal facial hair and his eyes were quite attractive.
"Who are you?" Aditya spoke. He wondered who this strange man was and why he would threaten and save his life.
"My name is Maheshwar and I live nearby. I was trying to help my people with the smugglers and find why our villages were being destroyed." Aditya nodded hearing him. But his silence was cut short when a piercing hot metal was placed on his shoulder making him grip Maheshwar tightly. A loud scream left his mouth, and the birds and animals around ran away in freight.
"Sleep. It will get better." That was the last thing Aditya heard before succumbed to the darkness.
Aditya groaned as he adjusted to the light falling on his face. He was tired, feeling run over by elephants and someone had stirred his sleep. He tried getting up but the pain in his arm was evident. Managing to toss and turn he tried sitting up and rested his back against the wall.
Aditya closed his eyes, trying to relax himself from the strenuous efforts he had made.
"You are awake!" Maheshwar spoke, as he walked towards Aditya. Aditya nodded in response. Maheshwar forwarded a small cup of a green drink towards Aditya, who looked up at him in question. "This shall help reduce the pain. And you shall feel better." Aditya thought for a moment before he gulped the entire thing. He made an icky face tasting the disgusting liquid given by Maheshwar.
Maheshwar laughed at his expression and Aditya frowned at him. He slowly took in his surroundings and found nothing but a humble hut. On one corner was a small Shivalinga, which had been decorated with fresh flowers. Another corner had a few pots which looked like they were filled with food and water. There were some books on one end and he was sitting on the other end. As his gaze fell on Maheshwar, Aditya took in his form and built.
"Done staring?" Maheshwar asked, making Aditya embarrassed.
"I need to leave." Aditya said, breaking his awkwardness.
"You cannot leave so soon. You aren't healed completely. And if you go out now, people will question you and I don't think you have answers for that." Maheshwar spoke, making Aditya agree with his words. "By the way, what is your name?"
"Aditya." After a pause Aditya spoke, "Thank you for saving my life." Maheshwar just nodded and walked to the pot to fetch himself some water.
"Who were those men? Why were they after you?" Maheshwar asked.
"They had come to steal something from the village I am staying in. I had decided to stay awake and see if I could find something. I did. There were four men, and if we are lucky their loot might be at the same place." Aditya said, sleep covering his eyes. "Was this medicine drugged?" He asked, trying to fight the sleep.
"Maybe." Maheshwar cheekily replied before Aditya was knocked out.
**********
Aditya is hurt. Oh no.
How's the story so far?