A Wrong Move

Chapter 7

Mehek was trying hard to hold her sobs. She didn't know what to do. She had dashed out of her home as it was unbearable for her to face her parents. She knew they were hurt deeply hurt and their reaction is truly reasonable. Yet their words even if uttered in anger, broke her heart. 

They have accused Mehek to have disgraced their upbringing and values. Above all, she was guilty to have became the reason to tarnish her birth mother. An innocent woman who is no longer in the world of living. Her parents had taken care of her for long, still Mehek was unable hear them bad mouth her mother. It was unfair to speak ill of a woman who was actually a victim. In spur of moment, she rushed out of her own home to escape the situation.

Mehek was angry on herself. Has she destroyed a man's chance on happily ever after? Did Vicky played them to get wealthy? Is Ajay in with his friends? . She shook her head vigorously. No, she rebuked herself. She may not know Vicky or Shruti. But she knew Ajay well enough to conclude that he has no part in it. Besides, how much do they know about Shaurya Khanna? How can she and her parents take word of a stranger and not Ajay? She desperately wanted to see Ajay and know the truth. 

Once her mind was clear, Mehek looked around. She realized that she had come far from her home. She rebuked herself for not taking her phone. It was a stupid to have left her home alone as evening sun gave way to darkness. She looked around apprehensively. But as if on cue, she noticed a familiar figure walking towards her.

"Ajay!!", Mehek called out his name to ensure that it is really him. He smiled and waved at her.  She was so happy and relieved to even get a glace of him. For a moment she felt consoled and at ease. Ajay will sort out the mess, her mind chanted. She wiped her tears and walked briskly towards him while he slowly trotted towards her. 

Ajay was just few feet away from Mehek when a vehicle sped towards him. Few hefty men came out of it and grabbed him. He struggled to free himself but they were too strong. They pushed him inside the vehicle. Mehek was shocked but she knew she had to act and save Ajay. She screamed for help. Their village was small enough for many people to recognize her and arrive for help. But before she can yell further for aid, they sprayed something on her face and she lost consciousness.

Mehek startled when cold water was splashed on her face. As she tried to open her eyelids, soft slaps were placed on her cheek to wake her up. "There was no need to involve her", she heard an unhappy voice, "I just needed him. Can't you do one job properly", he scolded his men. She was still trying to remain conscious when she heard Ajay's voice, "Please let her go. Mehek has nothing to do with all this. I pushed her to be part of the plot", he begged them, "she is innocent". 

A sharp sound of slap and whimper from Ajay made Mehek fully awake. "Not innocent. Perhaps ignorant. Both are not the same, Lover Boy", Shaurya grabbed her jaw forcefully so she met his gaze fearfully, "Yet her punishment was served. I tarnished her before her loving parents. She will never be her naïve princess but a scheming witch". She sobbed recalling the events of the day. When she looked to the left, she was shocked to see a battered Ajay.

"Ajay!!!", Mehek yelled but rather than a weak smile, he didn't respond. She tried to move but Shaurya held her in his iron grip. "Please", she begged him so he let her go. "Ajay", she wept as she held his bleeding face in her palms. "I am sorry, Mehek", he apologized to her and then pled to Shaurya, "Please let her go. You want me, not her". "I couldn't agree more with you, my friend. But your naïve fiancé got herself entangled in this mess", Shaurya acted to explain, "All I needed was to torture you to death and teach my dear cousin a lesson". "Please don't harm him", Mehek folded her hands before him and begged. Shaurya smirked at her, "You need to worry about yourself, Sweet Heart. I can't imagine what I will do to you if my beast is unleashed".

Shaurya's threat shook both Mehek and Ajay. "Please leave her. You got me. Do whatever you want me to but please spare her", Ajay begged him. "No, I won't leave you", Mehek held on to him. "Aren't they a cute couple?", Shaurya made fun of them. He grabbed her hair harshly to pull her away from Ajay. She cried out in pain. "You should have stayed happy in your bubble rather than messing with me", he yelled at both of them. Her scalp pain a lot but she was worried about Ajay. "Please show mercy on us", she begged him. "Sweet Heart, I don't do mercy", he moved closed and spoked hoarsely into her ears, "I do deals", he then looked menacingly at Ajay, "Are you ready to deal with me?".

"What do you want?", Ajay asked desperately, "I will do anything". He knew very well that having Mehek in clutches of Shaurya, left him with little choice. He was in no position to bargain but agree to his demands. "You broke my engagement but I am ready to let it slide", he pushed Mehek to Ajay, "But I cannot bear my loss in business". Mehek and Ajay looked at one another.

 "We know nothing about the business deal", Ajay spoke the truth. "Our intention was to unite Shruti and Vicky. They were in Love", Mehek tried to explain further. "Shush!!!!", Shaurya warned her to remain quiet, "I am least interested to know about their love story since Mehta's daughter was never my priority. Infact, she was a simple bonus point along with the business deal. Vicky can have her but he has to forgo the deal". Mehek and Ajay gulped down in fear and confusion. "You need to convince him", he pointed at Ajay.

"I don't know whether it is possible", Ajay was truly baffled. He still didn't comprehend Shauyra's words. "I have no knowledge about Vicky's family business", he told Shaurya, "I don't know how to convince him". "Perhaps, she will motivate you", he grabbed Mehek towards him. While she grimaced in pain, he kissed her forcefully.

 "Stop it!", Ajay screamed while Mehek struggled in his hold. Shaurya didn't relent until Ajay turned away his eyes in shame and screamed, "I will go to Vicky". "That's my boy", he turned Mehek to face Ajay and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind "Isn't he sweet, Sweet heart?". "Please leave her alone", Ajay begged but Shaurya denied. "I need her as leverage", he spoke plainly. 

Ajay was untied and ready to be released. Shauyra's men were supposed to drop him at Vicky's house. Ajay looked at Mehek who was weeping. "Everything will be okay, Mehek. It will be over soon. Vicky will help us. He will not risk our life and future for money. He is not heartless like Shaurya Khanna", he gave her confidence. She nodded but burst into tears. " I love you", she told him and he replied, "I love you too". They embraced while Shauyra rolled his eyes. "Time's up", he roared at the couple. Ajay bid farewell and walked away slowly.

"Loverboy", Shaurya mocked up but still held menacing tone, "I am a patient but vile man". Ajay's eyes widened when he held Mehek to his side, "I am not sure what I will do to your fiancé if you are delayed". His men laughed at his wicked taunt, "I mean look at her.. She is so ripe", he pulled her closer and licked her cheek, "and tempting", he nipped her chin, earning a yelp from Mehek. "Please don't harm her", Ajay begged Shaurya. "Then be quick", he warned Ajay, "before I lose control, come back with results".