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Chapter Text

I can't believe this happened to me. Me - the one who always tried to live morally, do good and don't hurt others. Am I not veterinarian for that reason? Am I not Justine, whose name means justice?!
It sounds like a bad joke right now, but no one will laugh. No one even know about what happened. No one would believe me but do I really want to share this with someone? I'm too ashamed. No one will ever know but this written notebook pages.

No one besides me, him and his family...

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Everything began after I finished school with title of veterinary technician. I never imagined that I'll find myself in India but thanks to one of my teacher it was possible. We had great contact together and Lucas knew I've always been interested in asian cultures. His good friend needed worker in his clinic in Mumbai.

- You need to take this chance! Isn't it like a dream come true?

- Yes, it is... But it's soo far away, different language and I don't have experience yet! It's big responsibility and I don't want to disappoint you and your friend.

- And you won't. You were really good student and everyone have to begin somewhere Justine. I believe in you.

- That's true but you know me. I always overthink things. And this one is really big thing.

- Yes I know, but don't let that destroy your future. You have to belive in yourself just like others do. I can't see why would girl like you doubt in her abilities. Listen to me and try. Otherwise you'll regret it.

And I listened to him. I flew to India and started working for his friend Pankaj.
His clinic was second best in Mumbai with 5 people beside him as a boss and mee mostly as assistant. Everyone were really nice and understanding. I had especially good relationship with Pooja. She was gorgeous, few years older woman, who was truly helpful to me. I lived in doctors house next to our clinic so I was always ready to every emergency call. One month passed by in blick of an eye in good atmosphere, working with animals and learning more about India and its culture. I started to adjust myself and feel happy. Only one thing was missing - my family and friends... I contacted them as much as I could but different time zones didn't make it easy.

Then came one day when I had to go alone for a home visit to sick dog. But it wasn't just ordinary dog. And ordinary home...

- Justine! You'd go to Mannat! We had a call saying his dog is feeling bad. I have patient at that time and rest is busy too. Congrats! - said Pooja evidently excited.

- Why? What it Mannat? - I asked her totally clueless.

- Don't you remember? I told you this already - it's Shah Rukh Khan's house.

- Oh... - she indeed told me this earlier. - Yes, now I remember. Is he our client?

- Not really. He use his private vet but he has holiday and SRK called us. His dog is sick and he doesn't want to wait. You have to go there and check what's wrong. Congrats! You have opportunity to meet big movie star Justine haha.

Wow. This was totally new and exciting. Not that I was his biggest fan or something. I've watched few movies when I was a kid and enjoyed it but not really up to date with him. Even though I was little stressed. He's biggest Indian star. Surely many people would die to meet him and I will. And treat his dog.

- I go there alone?

- As I said. I'm busy and everyone else too. Just go there and do your best. 

- I always do my best! Regardless of who is the owner.

In half an hour I got out of the taxi in front of the big entry gate. I walked towards security man and introduced myself. After looking at me weirdly and contacting someone via walkie-talkie he opened wicket for me.

- Follow me ma'am.  

We get through and I saw Mannat in full grace. I remember that I was shocked and thought "isn't it too much?". It looks like a freaking castle! Yes beautiful, but still too much for me. I'm used to have modest life and in moment this house overwhelmed me.
We get through garden to building entry.
Did I say 'to much' at outside? Inside was ever richer! My God! Walls, floors, furniture - everything looked like a palace. I try to watch it discreetly but don't know if I succeed.
Then I heard steps coming from left.

- Sir, the vet is here.

I looked at the side and there he was. Shah Rukh Khan himself.

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I - wearing white polo shirt with our clinic logo, paired with white midi skirt and white sneakers.
He - in stretched dark shirt and black sweatpants. Had knee braces on one leg and crutch in hand.
We looked at each other for few moments, both expecting something different than what we see. He probably expected men or at least Indian lady. Not caucasian, short girl with blond hair and light eyes. And I? Didn't expect him to look so bad. Men head taller than me, with clear arms muscles, hair little too long, dark circles under eyes and undoubtedly older than I remembered from movies.

He came little closer.

- Hello - gave me hand and smiled. - What's your name? - I know that voice. It's really him.

- Hello - I said and shake his hand. - I'm Justine, from Pankaj's veterinarian clinic. Your dog is not feeling well, right sir?

- Shah Rukh. Nice to meet you. Yes, come with me.

Security guy left and we were slowly going further inside SRK's villa. I have never in my life seen so much richness and splendor. I still tried not to look like tourist in a museum. A slight shiver crawled at my back.

- So what happened to your dog? - I asked as we walked slowly through next corridor.

- She didn't touch her food since yesterday, only lays whole time in bed and looks pitiful. That's Suhanna's dog and she'll get furious if something happened to her.

- Suhanna? It's your daughter?

He turned his head toward me and nodded.

- You're not a fan, are you?

- Sorry... I saw few movies years ago but that's all.

- That's fine - he smirked - at least you won't steal anything and sell on eBay.

- WHAT?

- You wouldn't believe what people can do.

We reached a big alley where the dog's lair stood and inside dog itself. Really pretty one - older, lablador type with light fur.

- That's Sona. She's 6. Normally is quite lively but since yesterday not anymore.

- Hi Sona. - I came slowly forward and let her smell my hand. - Let's try without muzzle to not stress you more.

I get glowes on and slowly checked on her eyes, teeth, paws and belly. She looked interested but also in pain.

- What a beautiful doggie you are Sona. It looks like she has problem with stomach. What was her last meal?

- Let me think... Yesterday I had guests and she ate some grilled meat.

- Grilled meat? Don't you know dogs shouldn't eat those things? - I looked at him disappointed.

-It wasn't me who gave it to her but Sanjay, my friend. I know she should not eat this but was to late.

I picked up my bag and took syringe and syrup, which was new and hard to open.
Shah Rukh stretched his hand...

- Let me... - but I already lifted slightly my shirt, got it around plug and twisted to open the bottle. Then I've put my shirt back inside skirt at which he looked away. Respectful man, I thought.

- Sorry, I always do that.

- It's ok. Feel free to. - said looking back at me.

I gave Sona one dose of medicine, then once again checked her stomach. I've put my hand right below rib and felt something weird. It was some kind of bump, size of a nail. I very carefully examined it when Sona whined and snapped at me with her teeth. 

- Sona still! Oh fuck, she bited you!

Her attack made me sit on ground from earlier kneeling position. Shah Rukh wanted to bend toward me but he had problems with his knee. He held out his hand instead and I grabbed it to get up.

- She tried to. I'm ok.

- You're injured. Let me see it. I'm so sorry for her. She must be really sick because it's totally not like her. - he took my left hand and examined it while holding delicately. 

I had a moment to look at him from close distance. Frowned brows, brown eyes with long eyelashes, humpy nose and full lips. I compared his face with what I remembered from childhood and got to conclusion - even if he doesn't look best at this moment, without a doubt he's still handsome man.
He looked me straight in the eyes and caught me staring.

- I'm really sorry for Sona. You should get that treated.

-- It's fine, really. Just a scratch. She's in pain that coused this reaction. I want to take her with me to clinic. Found weird small bump on her rib that must be checked.

- Oh.. Ok. Then I get us car and we'll go if that's needed.

He slowly got away and called someone. I looked at Sona again.
- It's fine doggie, I hurted you so you defend yourself. - I said as kneeled down to my bag again, took disinfection and bandage and treated my wound. It wasn't big, just few teeth marks and little blood. I started wrapping bandage around my hand when Shah Rukh came back.

- Let me help you this time - and took once more my hand to help me stand up.

Two hand were needed to tie the knot so he pulled me a little while he leaned against the wall to keep the balance without crutch. He was really delicate with that.

- Does it hurt much? - asked looking at my face carefully.

- No. Just a little. It's not the first and not last time it happens so not a big deal. But does she have all needed vaccinations?

- Of course she has, we take good care of her - he finished tying - Ready.

- Thank you. 

- Sir! Car is ready. - one of security guys came.

- Let's go then.

We got Sona inside auto quite easily. She sat between me and Shah Rukh on the back seat. Clinic was only 10 minutes away from his house so we got there in time he ended a call with his daughter, assuring her that Sona will be alright.
We walked inside. Three persons waiting in corridor were in pure shock at sigh of biggest Bollywood star walking right in front of them. Maria, our receptionist, stood as frozen when we walked toward her.

-Maria, is some room free? Halo?! Maria! - I asked loudly.

- What's going on here? - Pankaj got out of his gabinet - Ohh.. mr Shah Rukh welcome!... Justine?

- I asked mister Shah Rukh to come with me while we must check further his dog. She has something weird on last rib and clearly that hurts.

- Alright. And what happened to your hand? You didn't use muzzle, did you?

- I didn't... But it's nothing. Barely a scratch, really. - I said quickly but already knew what was coming.

- Even if, you know the rules. You have to go get treatment and injection. I examine mr Khan's dog. You are free today, go now. - he turned toward him - Sir, please follow me.

Knew it... I looked at Shah Rukh Khan last time, said goodbye to him and Sona. 

- Hope you'll be fine. - he smiled at me warmly.

- Thank you sir - I smiled back- Goodbye.

And I leaved. 

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I came back to work after two free days. I didn't want them but doctor and Pankaj were stubborn. Happy that I can work again, wearing white jeans and linen gray tunic, I was walking through street to my workplace. When I got here Maria greeted me with smile and mass of questions.

- And? How was it inside of Mannat? Did you saw his wife? Or children? I didn't have a chance to ask you that day... How is he in person?

- I didn't saw anyone but him and security. Mannat is like a true palace. And Shah Rukh was here so you saw what he is like in person - I smiles at her.

- Ohh, but I didn't talk with him! You were alone with him in his temple... And his dog bited you! Wow I'm soo jealous! You are lucky girl.

- Yymm... I don't think there is anything to be jealous about. Yes, he is nice man but that bite made me sit in home. I wasn't really lucky haha.

- Noo! I mean you are lucky because you go there again today!

- What? Why?

- That bump you found was lipoma, but after some tests Pankaj found also infection. His dog have to take injections for one week. Rahul was in Mannat next day to give it and Shah Rukh asked for you. Exactly he asked if Justine can come and take care of his dog. You are so lucky girl!

I was surprised at that information. It's just a moment to give injection so what difference would it make who does it?

- I haven't stole anything... - I murmured to myself, thinking what's the reason.

- What the hell you are talking about? He said that you had good contact with his dog.

- What? Haha. Sona bited me - I laughed at that.

- Ohh just go there and ask him yourself.

So I haven't much of a choice but go and do my job. I took all needed items and in few minutes I was again in front of Mannat's entry gate. Once again guard let me inside Srk's garden and front door.
The moment I walked in, I heard familiar voice.

- Hello - Shah Rukh was slowly getting down the stairs. He looked the same as last time but with some stubble. Still had crutch in hand but his walk was better.

- Good morning sir. I came with treatment for Sona.

- Yes, come with me. - and we walked the same corridor as on the first day.

- Speaking of treatments, how is your hand? I've heard you had some free from work. Are you ok now?

- I was ok from the beginning but my boss is little over sensitive. I'm totally fine.

- He is worrying. I was worried too... - I looked at him. - Last thing I need right now is someone dragging me through courts.

- I would not charge you sir, it was my fault after all. Besides, work of a vet is... - I started immediately.

- I was joking! - he interrupted me with smile on his face.

-Ohh... Ok - I smiled back.

- I think you have great contact with animals, even tho some injures, you tend to understand them well. It's nice to look at how you work with them. That's why I asked for you. This guy was ok but I prefer you.

I felt how my face turned a little red. I can't take compliments very well, but it was really nice to hear. My heart felt warm at that recognition of my devotion for my job and love for what I do.

- Thank you sir. It's nice to be appreciated. I truly love animals and can't stand their pain. That's why I do this job, to help them the best I can.

- You do what you love and results are visible.

- The same is with you, right?

- Haha, right. I love being an actor. Besides all this money and success, I really like becoming different person on set, play all those emotions and learn from all those stories different thing.

The way from front door to Sona's bed was not very long. Even tho we walked slowly due to Khan's leg injury - as I then thought...
Finally we got there. She was sleeping peacefully, then opened one eye after other.

- Hi Sona. How are you today doggie? - I slowly bent down and pet her carefully. She had some stitches where the lipoma was. I got a shot from my bag. - Just easy girl, this is not painful.

It take me few moments and work was done. I petted her for next few more and stood up. Shahrukh was standing right behind me and looking quietly at all my movements. Then we slowly walked back towards front door.

- Can I ask what happened to your leg? - I asked really curious.

- Small accident on set. I slipped down on stairs. Done something to my knee cap and ligament... But that was 2 weeks ago. Right now I'm much better.

-  My first profession is massage therapist so I asked from curiosity. I see that you walk better everyday, sir.

- So why did you change it?

- Prefer animals over people, I guess. This job gives me much more satisfaction. Maybe because they can't speak and are more vulnerable? Don't know.

- I understand. I like working with people but know what you mean. We can be pain in the asses sometimes.

He had his eyes on me all the time I was speaking, carefully scanning my face and processing what I said. I felt that he was really interested in my opinion and it was nice.
We once again walked slowly, like we had whole day and nothing else to do. I had few other patients that day but forgot it in that moment. It was interesting to talk with him. He emit some kind of peace and intelligence. His voice low and warm, attentive eyes, light smell of perfume mixed with cigarettes. He had something that makes you want to stay with him as long as possible. Charisma some would say.

- So I guess you are grounded now to recover, sir?

- Yes, till I can normally walk I have free time but it's never really free for me. I'm workaholic.

- It's soo quiet here. Do you live alone?

- Is your third profession journalism? - he laughed

- Oh I'm sorry. I didn't want to be inquisitive...

- I live here with my family but kids study abroad and my wife is busy with few business projects so yes, practically I live alone.

I didn't know what to say. It wasn't my intention to interfere in his private life... I felt stupid and was quiet for some time. But he didn't let that awkward silence go on.

- How about you? Where do you live?

- In doctors house, next to our clinic. I came here month ago so it's good for start.

- So you are really new here. Do you live there alone?

There was bit of laugh but also curiosity in his tone. "Is he really interested or is that question his revenge?"  I thought to myself.

- There are many other doctors of different professions...

- You know what I mean - he smiled. - I was asking if you found yourself someone?

- Oh.. I live alone, yes. And no, thank you.

- "Thank you"? I wasn't offering anything Justine haha

- No! I mean in general "thank you" as for "I'm not looking for anybo...

- Anybody or just guy from here? - he asked right away.

- What? Why would I... ? I'm simply not interested in love right now. So nobody really interests me...

This conversation was getting weird. I felt like he had great time making this situation soo awkward. He was smiling under his nose. Gladly we arrived at entrance.

- I see, I see... - he looked at me very carefully with obvious amusement on face. - It was fun to talk with you. Come here tomorrow, right?

- Yes... Till tomorrow, sir.

- Till tomorrow Justine.

And I left.
What the hell was that!? I was shy girl as long as I can remember so such situations make me little uncomfortable. But it probably was my fault to ask about his personal life and he took revenge. Better when I shut up and just do my job as I should.

Rest of the day was quite peaceful, we had some patients but it ended quickly and I could go back home. After taking a shower I took my laptop and thought about watching some movie with Shah Rukh. I just naturally grow curious about his roles again.
I remembered that as a child I watched "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and liked it so I chose to watch it again. Quite old one but wow those clothes, vibe and dances of course! Yes, dance is my big passion so I'm naturally always drawn into everything with beautiful performances.
At the finale I ened up with teary eyes but was satisfied with whole seans. Later that night I dreamed about dancing beside those stars.