Enslaved by Love

CHAPTER 18

"Why aren't you eating?", Shaurya asked Mehek firmly as he had noticed since morning. She didn't reply but just pulled her robe closer. He stood before her with his hands crossed across his chest as if daring her silent treatement. "I want to see to my mother", eventually she told . "If let you, what will I get in return, ?", he asked with a tint of mischif. She looked at him hopefully, "Anything. Whatever you say?". He gave a deep sigh and left her alone. 

Mehek felt sad and dipped her head on her knees. "Mehek Beta", she was surprised to hear Karuna's voice. She lifted her eyes and saw Karuna on Shaurya's mobile screen. Mehek could see her beside her mother. "Mehek, your mother is doing fine. I am here with her. You need not worry", Karuna consoled her. Mehek got emotional and spoke. Karuna sat near Meera, making her listen to Mehek's voice. Once they ended the call, she went near him and gave back his phone. 

"I expected at least a verbal expression of gratitude in return of my favour", Shaurya taunted her. "I am supposed to be beside my mother, taking care of her. My presence could bring her back to life. But you have kept me away from her", she sobbed. Shaurya was aware of his mother's belief that one day her friend will come back to life. But he knew it is just a distant possibility as Meera may remain in coma till end of her life. Still he didn't tell the truth to Mehek. Partly because he didn't want to upset her and partly he was afraid of Mehek moving away from him as Meera was her biggest weakness. He felt guilty and selfish.

Mehek controlled her sobs, "Besides why should I thank you? You had bargained price for you favour". "Speaking of which, are you ready to keep your end of the deal?", Shaurya asked her while checking her out. She was wearing a purple baby doll dress which hugged her curves. "Oh...Hmmm. Ok...kay", she stammered and started to undo her robe. He laughed out loud holding her hands."Mehek, for making love to you I don't have to strike a deal with you. I know the effect I have on you". She became red with embarrassment and anger. "There is nothing to be ashamed of, Wifey. I meant it as a compliment. If it's of any consolation, I too am extremely vulnerable when I am with you", he brushed away her hair from shoulder to peck it. 

Mehek pushed him away and snarled, "Then what do you want?". "An outing", Shaurya spoke cheerfullly, "A picnic with my lovely wife", he proposed. She sighed, "Agreed. Do I have parade there in these negligees ?". He laughed softly and passed her his shirt," You can wear this on top of one of the knee length nigh dresses. That will do" . It's been two days since they arrived and he could handed over the bag he had packed for her. But he relished an evil pleasure of watching her being uncomfortable and timid.

"Where are we going?',  Mehek asked him. They have been walking through the countryside roads for almost quarter of an hour. "Somewhere special. You not need to be afraid, Sweet heart. I am there with you", Shaurya replied holding her hand and leading the way. She rolled her eyes and walked with him. "Here we are", he announced. They arrived at a spot near the lake from where the sunset was picturesque. "Beautiful!", she exclaimed, earning him a satisfied smile.

There was an old crude stone bridge connecting both sides of the lake. A stone pillar supported the bridge in the middle, creating archway on crystal clear water. The lake widened beyond the bridge and moved till horizon. "It is shallow here so safe to wade into the water till the bridge. Beyond it becomes deep", Shaurya told her. He took out the camera to capture the scene. Mehek was actually having a good time but she refused to acknowledge to him. 

"Are you afraid of water?", Shaury asked Mehek. "Certainly not. I am an excellent swimmer and won many medals in school", she boasted. "Good. Since I am not a good swimmer, it is always good to have to beside", he beamed. "What makes you think I will ever save you?", she snapped at him.  Shaurya was slightly taken aback by her rude response but turned in pretense to capture the scenery. They rested in shade on the bed spread he got and enjoyed the food they packed.