A Wrong Move

Chapter 10

Mehek held on to her dear life during the entire drive. Shaurya was fuming but apart from barking random orders to driver, he didn't direct his wrath on her. In the short span of time, she had realised that Mr Shaurya Khanna possess neither mercy nor kindness. He will never leave her until satisfied with his so called revenge. She wondered what he is planning for her. In fear, she didn't even dare to predict her future. Being a cruel man, Shaurya Khanna could make her life living hell. From her point of view, death will be the most merciful liberation for her. Still she worried more about Ajay than herself.

Despite Shauyra's clear words that Ajay has abandoned her to save himself, Mehek didn't trust him. She still believed that Ajay was in some kind of danger else he would have come. She feared whether Vicky has harmed him or Shaurya is lying to hide his wicked deeds. At the moment, she could do nothing but pray for his safety and wish that the demon beside her will not unleash his wrath on her. She wished for protection in arms of her father or lay peacefully in her mother's lap . But she knew her fate was now in hands of Shauyra Khanna.

Shaurya jumped out of the vehicle as soon as it halted. He dashed to Mehek's side and dragged her harshly by her elbow. Only his most trusted body guards remained with them while all others stayed outside guarding the premises. Once they reached the house, he pushed her down to ground and yelled. His men were surprised by his outburst since Mr. Khanna seldom lost his cool.

"He won", Shaurya pulled his hair in frustration, "I couldn't fail him". "Boss, please calm yourself", one of his men tried to console him but he became quiet as soon as Shaurya glared at him. "What shall we do with her?", the other man asked to distract him. It was evident now that there is no use holding Mehek as hostage. His question angered Shaurya further, who sneered at Mehek,"Why did I even think that anyone will value a worthless piece of sh*t like you?". She winced hearing his words. Even his men felt bad for her.

Shaurya grabbed Mehek by her shoulders and forced her to stand on her feet. "How could I have been fooled twice by you?". She whimpered in fear. Even her tears didn't dare to spill over her eyes. "What shall I do with you?", he wasn't asking her but speaking to himself repeatedly, "what shall I do with you?". She looked around those hefty men, seeking help but they were helpless before their boss. "Even if I drain last drop your blood or skin your body, it won't cover my loses", Shaurya sneered at her again, "so tell me, what shall I do to you to make it worthwhile?". 

"Ajay is in danger", Mehek hiccupped, "else he would have come". Shaurya least expected such a response from her. Her eyes widened in shock as he laughed out loud. "She still doesn't get it", he addressed his men who still remained as mute spectators. In a moment, his jovial mockery changed to pure wrath. "Put it in your thick skull, Fool", he poked on her forehead, "he is not coming back for you. He abandoned you to save himself".

Shaurya's affirmative repetition  managed to pierce Mehek's blind faith in Ajay. Perhaps, Ajay left me, her inner voice spoke timidly. But she shook her head to silence it. But it lead to further fueling his anger. He grabbed her jaw and made her nod to agree, "Accept it, Honey. Your lover boy chose himself over you. No one is coming to save you. Not him or your parents or anyone. You are left at my mercy. THEY abandoned YOU". His released her from his hold and ruffled his hair with his hand. He turned away from her while she was still processing his words. 

"Now you are indeed a nuisance for me", Shaurya rubbed his temples. His men looked at him, both expecting Shaurya to command one of them to drop her back home safely. "What shall I do?", Shaurya was still indecisive. Even after knowing that keeping Mehek is useless, he was not ready to free her. It will only mean that he accepted defeat to Vicky and Agarwal family. "Tell me what shall I do to you?", he screamed at Mehek. But unlike previous incidents, she didn't cringe at his tone. She looked at him with empty expression and then swooned.

"Boss", one of his men warned him  But Shaurya had already rushed to her side before she hit the floor. "Mehek", he called out her name and patted her cheeks softly. "Call the Doctor", he instructed his man as he carried her in his arms and walked towards the bedroom. He placed her on the bed and looked at her being anxious. He never had to take care of a sick person before, let alone a woman. He was unable to handle the situation.

"Must be the stress", one of his men commented. "Have you called the doctor?", Shaurya asked angrily. "Yes Boss. He will be here soon". He kept his hand unsurely on Mehek's forehead. She was a bit warmer than normal temperature but not burning. He was relieved that she is not having fever. "Boss, let's leave her back her home. I have a feeling that keeping her with us will bring more trouble", his man advised," besides poor girl has suffered enough". Shaurya took a deep breath as he didn't want to lash out at him. Despite anger, Shaurya knew he was telling the truth. "Let the doctor check her first", Shaurya spoke firmly, "the rest will be decided later".

"She is really weak. Extra tension made it worse", the Doctor spoke after checking Mehek, "she needs good rest and proper diet. Call me if her condition worsens". "Won't she get better?", Shaurya was anxious. "I hope so, Mr. Khanna", the elderly Doctor smiled and kept his hand over Shaurya, "Don't worry, Young man. Your wife will get better soon". Shaurya cleared his throat being tongue-tied. "She is a family friend", his body guard explained to the doctor. "Oh!", the doctor got embarrassed and apologized. He left after prescribing few medicines and diet for Mehek.

"Must have been Anxiety", one of the bodyguards mumbled since he wanted to blame Shaurya. The dim witted one countered without a thought, "I don't think so. Perhaps starvation. She has hadn't anything except a bottle of water since we bought her here". "What??", Shaurya was aghast hearing them. They both realised their mistake of blurting out the truth before him. "Why didn't you morons give her anything to eat?", he was still trying to get in terms with the revelation. 

Both men looked down being guilty while one spoke, "It didn't cross our mind as she never asked for food". "We had never handled a hostage situation, Boss", the other one explained, "it is out of our expertise". Shaurya pinched bridge of his nose in frustration but he decided to handle the situation rather than spending energy on fools. "Call Awara", he ordered, "Ask him to arrive immediately", he paused and raised his voice, "along with his wife".

Mehek was having the same nightmare again. She was running through the woods with her mother.  Once again she saw the horrible accident of her birth mother. She wailed in pain. She was in a semi-conscious state. Her mother would have been beside her by now, consoling and giving her courage. But tonight she failed to come. She looked around in panic, her eyes desperately searching for her father's comforting presence. She couldn't find him either but instead she realised presence of another man.

"Sleep", Shaurya commanded her in his deep voice. He was beside the bed, seated in a big arm chair. Mehek shivered in fear. She had woken up from one nightmare to another one which is scarier and actually her reality. As he stood up from his seat and walked towards her, she felt fear paralyzing her entire body. She felt numb when he held her by shoulders and gently pushed her to bed. She finally realised how vulnerable she is right at the moment. She won't be even able to scream if he harms her. But instead he commanded her again, "Go back to sleep". She looked at him wide eyed, unable to think or act straight. He appeared to be confused too but at the end he caressed her forehead and spoke softly, "It's just a nightmare. You are unwell and need to rest". She nodded and closed her eyes as she knew her truth is scarier than her worst nightmares.