A Wrong Move

Chapter 1

"I need to have this deal, Shaurya", Harish Khanna sounded desperate. It was awkward yet the old man was almost pleading to son. "You do not, Father", Shaurya smirked without any sympathy, "you just want to get another win over Agarwals". "Fine, I agree. Even then what's the issue? Have you grown a heart suddenly?", Harish asked viciously. One thing he knew for sure was that his son will never be swayed by soft emotions. Afterall he had played a major role in molding his son into the man he is today. Shaurya is vicious and selfish. "I haven't ", Shaurya scoffed, "But I have a good brain". 

Harish walked away to gaze through his window. He was still puzzled with Shaurya's refusal. "Father, don't you think something is fishy?", Shaurya asked carefully, "Why would Mehtas want a merger through a marriage? They are also not friendly with Agarwals. If they want help us to bring down the rivals, then why keep unnecessary condition of marraige?". "May be they want their daughter to be well settled?", Harish told casually. Shaurya laughed out loud.

Harish Khanna was a self-made man who literally came from rags to riches. So apart from wealth, Khannas had no prestigious legacy to boast. On the other hand, Shaurya's reputation was well known in their circle. He wasn't a typical Casanova but a savage man. His good looks were drool worthy but sensible woman stayed away from him. His brutal domineering ways were scandalous and all his past affairs involved with equally f*uked up women. The mockery of settling a lady from respectable family of Mehta with Shaurya Khanna was too evident to miss. But his father seemed to be least bothered. He was hell bound to get revenge on Agarwals, family of his wife. In a way, they were Sharuya's family from his maternal side. Still both father and son felt nothing but contempt towards them. "I will you half of my entire wealth if you agree", Harish proposed as if final attempt to lure Shaurya.

Greed! Harish had tapped on  Shaurya's weakness. Harish and Shaurya were epitome of dysfunctional family. Love, Affection, Care and Values were taken away from this family the day Mrs. Karuna Khanna took her last breath. It is tough to realise that a gentleman like Harish Khanna who truly loved his wife and family, is now a heartless business man. In his craziness to get back to the ruthless world, unknowingly he made him and his son a brute. 

Shaurya is now a  menacing man just like those monsters who killed his mother. Unfortunately, he was now fully out of control. Not even Harish was able to keep in leash. "Fine", Shaurya agreed, "but I need paper work done before marriage" . "No way", Harish mocked him, "I know you too well son. I will draw the papers but it will be signed & handed over after your wedding". Shauyra smirked evilly at his father, "As soon as the wedding ceremony is over". Harish agreed.

"This is Shruti Mehta", Harish showed her picture.. Shaurya nodded after looking at her. He have seen her occasionally. She is indeed a good treat to eyes, both body and face. Not a typical spoilt brat but absolutely Papa's princess. Not a woman who throw herself on him for a one night pleasure but not an innocent either. She has had her shares of typical relationship but nothing scandalous. Definitely not his type but why should he care. If she complies, he can pleasure her in bed and lead a compromised life where even discreet affairs are possible. He isn't an unreasonable monster if dealt agreeably. Else she can go to hell. Once the deal is over and he doesn't care whether she stayed in their marriage or divorced him for good.

"It won't be hard to f*ck a woman like her", Shaurya impolitely remarked to his father, "she may hold my interest for a month, in the least". Harish was dismayed. He failed as a father in he desperate want to avenge his wife. He was as mentally disturbed as his son. He never knew normalcy after he lost his pregnant wife to death. Any father would have want his son to settle down in his life. But neither was he a good father nor is Shaurya an ideal son. 

Harish consoled himself that Shaurya is already a lost case. So better use him for their vengeance. He wasn't worried about Shruti either. He assumed that she would have agreed to the marriage proposal after weighing pros and cons. Anyways, it is her family who came up with a ridiculous condition and let it be their headache to manage their daughter's life.

"The engagement and press release will be next week. And then marriage in a month", Harish informed. "Deal", Shaurya held out his hand as if they were accepting a business agreement. They shook hands. "I will take my leave", he stood up to bid farewell to his father. It was time for him to celebrate and he knew the best way is to fu*k the brains out of women he uses for his pleasure. Harish knew where his son was heading but he didn't care until it was discreet.

Miles away. Mehek was sweating profusely. She was murmuring in her sleep. In her nightmare, she was pacing through darkness. A woman held her hand and urged her to run along with her. "Run faster Mehek. Keep up the pace. We need to escape", she told her while gasping for breaths. Before they both could reach safety, a fast pacing vehicle hit the woman and Mehek fell down away from her. She screamed when she saw the woman's bloodied body being smashed onto ground.

"Mehek!!!", her mother's voice woke her up but she was shivering. "Ma", Mehek wailed and she hid her in her mother's embrace. "Just a nightmare, my child", her mother rocked her to & fro, "You are safe in your home". Karuna looked behind to find her husband who sighed sadly. Mehek again had same nightmare. It's been several years since Kanta and Jeevan had adopted little Mehek but she was still not over the tragic death of her birth mother. They sympathized with her. She was too young to witness the tragedy. The aftermaths still haunted Mehek.

Next morning. "I wish I could also come with you", Kanta Sharma told Ajay who gasped in shock while drinking tea. Hot tea got stuck in his throat and he started to cough. Mehek smiled despite the situation. She was aware that Ajay wanted to spend time with her alone and visiting designer store was just an excuse. "I agree to you Ma", Mehek added to his woes. Ajay looked sadly at them and Mehek giggled sensing his predicament.

It's been few months since their engagement. Until now he couldn't take Mehek out on a proper date. Her overprotective parents sheltered her like a delicate doll. Truly, Mehek is a cute doll. It's been an year since his family moved near her home and it was love at first sight for Ajay. Mehek is like a pearl; rare and beautiful. In the modern times, it was so hard to find a girl who was as shy and innocent as her. And she was good at heart too. Soon Ajay's parents brought his proposal to Mehek's parents. Ajay couldn't thank his lucky star that she was written in his destiny. In short period of time, they became very good friends.

Finally it was all decided. Ajay and Mehek were going to city to but designer bridal wear for Mehek. Due to health issues, Kanta was unable to accompany them and Jeevan decided to stay back to take care of her. Both her parents sternly asked him to take care of Mehek as it is first time she venture out without them. He promised to take good care of Mehek. 

Ajay was so excited to finally have some lone time with Mehek. He also planned to introduce her to his friends. Finally they both left Mehek's home.