A Wrong Move

Chapter 9

Shaurya smirked when Vicky walked towards him. They had decided to meet in a restaurant. Although popular, Vicky managed to book it  fully and few tables were occupied by his men. He had no intention to combat Shaurya but he didn't wish to take any risk. If needed, he was prepared to take Mehek from Shaurya with force. But contrary to his expectation, Shaurya came alone. No bodyguards, no assistant and importantly without Mehek.

 "Where is Mehek?", Vicky asked . Shaurya laughed softly and asked back, "Where is Ajay?". "Getting treated for the injuries that you inflicted on him", Vicky sneered at him, "it was inhumane, Shaurya. Even for your standards, it was too much. He was barely alive". Shaurya looked on to his young cousin and studied him for a moment. 

There was a time in his youth, when Shaurya had envied Vicky. He got it all while Shaurya missed them; their grandfather's love, loving parents, a safe home and comfortable lifestyle. Slowly his envy moved to sadistic pleasure while he pushed Agarwal family into misery. Along with his father, he had successfully snatched it all from them. 

Vicky's reaction proved that he genuinely cares for Ajay. Shaurya smirked knowing that Ajay is a good card to play Vicky. "These goons have no sense", Shaurya acted to care, "I never intend to hurt Ajay so badly. But my men got carried away. Apologies. Hope he is fine now". Vicky scoffed, sensing his sarcasm. But he was clever enough not to argue with Shaurya and get to business. "Where is Mehek? You agreed to meet with her", he accused him. "I never did", Shaurya acted plainly, "All I agreed was to meet in private to sort out the matter", he looked around at Vicky's men, "looks like you failed to understand".

Vicky sat opposite to Shaurya. Dismal was evident on his face. He had little hope to talk things out with Shaurya and as a last resort he thought of taking away Mehek forcefully. But clearly Shaurya outplayed him. "Bhai, please", he begged but earned a mocking laughter from Shaurya. The word Bhai from Vicky's mouth sounded like a big joke for him. Vicky appeared embarrassed yet he knew that Shaurya has an upper hand, keeping Mehek as captive. "I pulled Ajay into the plan. On my insistence, he convinced Mehek to play the part. Else they had no hand in it", Vicky was desperate to convince Shaurya. "Okay, I believe you", Shaurya surprised Vicky, "You got the girl you love. Fair enough as you both are in love. Keep her but I need back the deal". Vicky sat back defeated as he was at loss. He had to convince Shaurya to leave Ajay & Mehek but unable to meet his demands.

"It was Mehta Uncle who suggested", Vicky told the truth, "he wanted to bestow us a favour and make sure that Shruti's future with me is secure. Bagging that deal was never in my plans". "I hear you, dear Cousin", Shaurya mocked, "You never wanted it so it will be easier to give it up. Unlike me, you care more about friends and family". Vicky sighed as he perceived it is going to be a difficult conversation. 

"Father will never give it up. After many years, he got hope to stabilize our business. He will not agree", Vicky spoke the truth. Although Shaurya looked calm, beneath the table he balled his fist in anger. "We will never be anywhere near Khanna empire even with this deal, Shaurya. Please allow us to live in peace", he requested him, "Spare innocent lives of Ajay & Mehek". "No", he banged his fists on the table, "never".

Men hired by Vicky stood up from their seats. They were ready to defend but Vicky gestured them to halt. He had no intention to hurt Shaurya who trusted him and bravely came alone. "Shaurya, I can only promise to compensate you in time", he proposed, "I will pay you back every penny profited from this deal. But I need some time, till I get reins of business". Shaurya seemed to have cooled down and sat again. He spoke firmly, "I don't need your damn money and not at all ready to spare time on you", he paused before demanding again, "It's about our pride. Leave the deal and we all can home safely". "I am helpless", Vicky told honestly, "It's not in my hands". Shaurya drummed his fingers on the wooden table for few seconds and sprang on to his feet, "Then nothing more to talk. I am leaving. Your friend will have to deal with the consequences. He will have only one name to blame on, Yours".

"I will never let you anywhere near Ajay", Vicky was determined. He was horrified when Ajay came to him. His battered body and tortured soul are still haunting Vicky. "But he will come to me", Shaurya laughed evilly, "Else his sweetheart will suffer the consequences". Vicky decided to play his hand. It was a dirty game but Shaurya left him no choice. "You are mistaken, Mr.Khanna. It is true that he cares a lot for her. But he won't come to save her by risking his own life", Vicky paused to gauge Shaurya's reaction. It was evident that Shaurya was taken aback, so he continued, "Afterall, who risks his own life for a another. IYou live only once. If Ajay lives, then he can always find another woman but a dead man can't ". Both men glared into one another, trying hard to decode his opponent.

Without another word, Shaurya got up to leave. Vicky knew he had managed to shake Shauyra's confidence. "Leave her, Shaurya. She will be nothing but a nuisance', Vicky tried to coax him, "Leave Ajay & Mehek out of it. It's between us and let us deal with it. I promise to give you back the money you lost". "It's okay, Vicky. Don't trouble yourself", Shaurya spoke softly. A ray of hope rose in Vicky but quickly Shauyra shunned it, "I will ruin her and get even with you". 

"You won't", Vicky raised his voice. He knew his cousin too well but couldn't imagine him to play with a woman's honour. "You won't stoop so low", Vicky was still hopeful. "I never did before", he smiled mischievously, "but there is always a first time". "Don't harm her", Vicky held his forearm, "she is innocent". Slowly but firmly Shaurya freed himself from Vicky's hold, "Why do you care, Vicky? Clearly neither you nor your friend gives a damn about her. Atleast let me enjoy ".

Shaurya walked away angrily. He drove away on his sedan and reached another vehicle that was parked few blocks away. His men who were guarding bowed slightly as he walked towards it. One of them opened the door and he got into the vehicle. A terrified and tear struck Mehek was sitting in it. Her anxious heart was contemplating the outcome of his rendezvous with Vicky.

From Shaurya's demeanour, she knew it was not fruitful. She was scared for Ajay. "Where is Ajay?", she asked him but he didn't reply. Anxiety made her a bit brave, "What have you done with him?". Her shrill pitched voice irked him more. "I didn't get a chance to do anything, Darling", he moved closer to her, "Your lover boy chose to abandon you".

Mehek was aghast. She knew Ajay is in some kind of danger else he will never leave her. "Something happened to him", she told herself, "Almighty, please say Ajay". Shaurya smirked at her naivety. "Your Ajay is doing fine. Vicky came as his messenger and conveyed their decision. They chose to leave you at my mercy". She shook her head in disbelief. "Now pray for yourself, Baby", he grabbed her jaw, "Because I definitely ned a punching bag to vent my frustration". He leaned to capture her lips but she turned to away and saved herself from his assault. "Please", she begged him. He pushed her back to her seat and shouted at the driver to start the car.

Vicky sat beside his friend who lay semi-conscious in the hospital bed. Ajay was still mumbling Mehek's name. Vicky felt so guilty to have pulled Ajay & Mehek into his dangerous plan. All he wished was to save his Love and live happily with her. Fame and money was never in his goals. Yet fate pulled him and placed him a painful seat where he appears to have hit jackpot but in truth he was utterly helpless & guilt ridden. "I am sorry, my friend", he held Ajay hand and apologized repeatedly, "I am really sorry".