A Wrong Move

Chapter 2

Buying a designer bridalwear turned out to be a simple task. Contrary to Ajay's perception, Mehek has a complete mental sketch of the dress she wished for her wedding. Unlike many brides, she tried to keep it simple but pretty. The designer was also impressed the way she described it. At the end, they easily  zeroed down choice.

"It's bad luck for groom to see his bride in wedding dress before the wedding day", Ajay turned away to avoid watching Mehek. "Don't be superstitious", she mocked him, "besides this is not the actual piece. Mine will darker shade and fitted to my measurements", she was uncomfortable in the tight lehenga. "You look lovely in this one also", he saw and complemented her heartily. "I will look better in the actual one", she boasted, making both of them laugh.

Mehek had a cocooned existence. Her dreadful childhood and then lonely days in orphanage were difficult to forget. Eventually she was blessed with a good future when Sharmas adopted her. They protected her under their care and nurtured her with her love. When Mehek started to bloom, she became a shy introvert but always had a thirst of adventure. Yet she remained obedient to her parents and lived quietly. She never had a friends who were boys. Even most girls didn't make friendship with her. 

So when Ajay was betrothed to her, Mehek was joyous to find a friend in him. Her parents finally allowed her to mingle with a boy as they approved him. For Ajay, he wanted to give her a whole new world. "We will travel a lot", she always found joy when he recalled his promise. As soon as he knew that Mehek loves to travel but never been anywhere, he wanted to take her to many places. A trip to city was first step to it.

Ajay was bit afraid whether Mehek will be overwhelmed to meet his friends. Few of them were rich and some typical brats but they all treated Mehek well. Just like they would have done to any member's fiance or spouse. He was happy as Mehek enjoyed it too. "So wedding shopping finished and you didn't abuse Ajay's card", his friend Sonal acted to be shocked. Mohit, her boyfriend pitched in , "Keep Mehek away from Sonal, the shopaholic". "In that case, I am taking in charge of her make over with your card, Mohit", Sonal pulled his wallet and stood up. Ajay noticed that Mehek seemed to be comfortable with Sonal. When Mehek looked at Ajay as if seeking his permission, he said, "If you wish, then go ahead. Sonal is talented and you can trust her". Both ladies giggled while they walked away.

"I heard about Shruti", Ajay spoke to Mohit, "What's Vicky going to do?". "The marriage needs to be stopped. These family rivalry is spoiling two young hearts. Vicky and Shruti truly love one another. She will kill herself if wedded to another man", he explained to Ajay. "What about Groom' family? Can we inform them the truth?", Ajay suggested. Mohit gave a dry chuckle, "Ironically, the groom is Vicky's cousin. But they are worse than enemies. No point in talking to them. They might go ahead with marriage just to spite Vicky's family". 

"Then?", Ajay was curious. "Vicky has a plan but not enough resources to execute it", Mohit explained. "So this is the end, is it?", Ajay felt bad for his friend. "I don't know, Ajay. Vicky is completely a wreck. After repeatedly pleading him, he agreed to meet us today. Let's give our support for him". Ajay nodded and Mohit excused himself for picking up Vicky from parking lot. At the very moment, Sonal walked in with Mehek. All gasped looking at Mehek.

Mehek was dressed in skinny jeans and fashionable top. Her hair was no longer in a pony tail, but curled and left open. A bit of makeup completed her new avatar. Mehek didn't look a bit like her own self. "Sonal you outdid yourself", they praised and Sonal gave a mock salute. Mehek timidly walked towards Ajay. "Are you okay if I stay in this cloths until we head back?", she asked nervously. "If you are comfortable then I have no issues", Ajay agreed. His admiration was evident yet he loved her the way she is, so he added, "But I like the way you are". She squeezed his hand being glad to know his admiration.

"Who is this beauty?", Mohit's astonished words caught attention of all. Mehek noticed another young man who accompanied him. In quick words, Sonal introduced Mehek to him. His is Vikram Agarwal but popular as Vicky. "I must say Sonal, you should consider makeover as a profession", Mohit praised her, "you can create true wonder". Vicky who was silently absorbing it all, spoke softly, "Yeah. A wonder indeed". He scanned Mehek from top to bottom before speaking , "She doesn't hold any resemblance to the photograph Ajay showed us. As if she never existed before and got created for the evening". They all laughed at his comment even when Vicky appeared to be in serious thoughts. As agreed earlier, they all decided spent remaining evening at Sonal's farmhouse.

While ladies were busy preparing food, guys joined together for a drink. Vicky quickly shared his plan and sought help from Ajay. "No way", Ajay vehemently denied, "Mehek is too innocent to be part of your dangerous plan". "Chill Bro!", Mohit tried to calm him. "Why don't you send Sonal?", Ajay snapped at him, "or someone else from our group who can handle the pressure". "I would have send Sonal despite the risks", Mohit told earnestly, "But it is in vain. Mehras or Khannas can easily track her to us and our the plan will back fire". Ajay sat dejected. Vikram came beside and pled him, "Ajay, I beg you". Even a stone hearted person would have had a hard time to refuse Vicky. It was true predicament for Ajay who is Vicky's close friend. Finally after much persuasion, Ajaay agreed to talk to Mehek but made it clear that it will be her decision

"For God's sake, Ajay",Mehek was mortified, "How could you?". "I am really sorry, Mehek but I am helpless. I promised by friend", Ajay tried his best to clarify his side. "You should have thought about me before making ridiculous promises, " she was trying hard to control her emotions, "We are supposed to be married in a month. You brought me to city, in pretense of buying my bridal wear but you have a vile plan in your mind". She felt utterly betrayed. 

"Nothing disagreeable will happen, Mehek. I promise", Ajay tried to persuade but Mehek chided. He knew he had hurt her feelings and to an extend broke her faith. "Mehek, no one will know anything. Since you are from village, none will recognize your identity and trace you back. Before the night is over, we will be back home", he awaited her response while she still remained dubious. So he sat beside her explained everything in detail.

"I cannot do it, Ajay", Mehek refused after listening to entire plan, "Even if I wanted to help, I don't have the courage to take such a bold step. It's not in me". Without wasting for another moment, she opened the door and dashed out of the room. As soon she came out, she found Vicky, Sonal and Mohit eavesdropping near the door . The other friends have already left and only they remained in the farm house. 

"I want to go home", Mehek spoke to all but her eyes were on Ajay. "Mehek, please listen to...", Vicky came forward with intention to explain but Mohit refused. "Vicky, let it be", Ajay spoke firmly, "Mehek has every right to decide". Mehek was a bit taken aback by their leniency. "Don't be surprised Mehek", Sonal told her, "I would also have thought same if I were in your shoes. It is not your battle to take a huge risk". 

"But I hope you will you reconsider after listening to my words", all of them turned to face the new female voice in the room. It came from Shruti Mehta. Dressed in an elegant shirt and trousers, she looked immaculate but one look at her eyes spoke otherwise. She looked tired and sad. Mehek nodded, deciding to listen to her story.