A Wrong Move

Chapter 13

"This is an important event so no room for mistakes", Shaurya stated as soon as they were alone inside the car. Mehek nodded so he glared at her. "I understand", she replied swiftly . He always preferred his instructions to be verbally accepted. He seemed to be satisfied and moved his attention to road. Despite being in role for long, it was still difficult for Mehek to communicated with him as an individual. In public, she was expected to shower him with sugar coated words and enticing deeds. He was a perfect actor as he returned her gestures with equal vigour. But in truth, he was cold and reserved.

Mehek often wondered what Shaurya still sought from her. Her soul was already traded into his hands to save her love. It led to her body being submitted to his pleasure. Only her heart remained, but it was so shattered that it was useless for anyone. From what she heard from others, Shaurya was easily bored and moved on without care or regret. Yet he was stuck with her for many months. They also warned her that once he sets his mind on a target he will get it by hook or crook. It made her puzzled as well as afraid . She had nothing left in her to be given to her so called Master. It intrigued her whether Shaurya is after something so precious in her that she herself is not aware of. The thought scared her. She wanted to be free of his clutches at the same time frightened to be away from him. She was unsure how she will survive after Shaurya Khanna was done with her. Her parents won't take her back and going back to Ajay is not an option.

"Honey, where are you lost?", Shaurya asked her affectionately but the grip on her waist was clear sign of his disappointment. Mehek smiled widely and apologized for which he pecked her lips and murmured into her ears to stay focussed. Shaurya was introducing themselves to a couple. "Mehek, meet Mr & Mrs Raichand. He is one of the most sought out business man in his field. And she is his better half". She greeted them pleasantly.

"I always knew that behind happiness of a man like you, there will be a beautiful wife". Mehek froze when Mr Raichand addressed her as Shaurya's wife. Often when they met new people, they were assumed as a couple. It didn't affect Mehek but she grimaced, anticipating disgust from those eyes that had just respected her as a wife. Shaurya on the contrary laughed out loud and declared that he is a bachelor. To cover embarrassment of her husband, Mrs Raichand pitched in, "He is typically old fashioned. Sorry to mistake your girlfriend". "She is not my girlfriend either", Shauyra's reply made Mehek ready for humiliation. Raichand couple looked at Mehek & Shaurya curiously. While Mehek remained mum with a plastered smile, Shaurya side hugged and state, "I cannot disregard her value by tying her to a silly role because Mehek means the world to me".

Mehek blinked couple of time before gaining her footage. She soon acted her part by leaning on to Shaurya's shoulder while the Raichand couple found them adorable. They spoke for few more minutes. Eventually Shaurya moved to another guest and became endorsed in conversation. His grip on Mehek loosened, giving her an opportunity to wander away. Many familiar faces appeared who either gave her a curt nod or turned away in contempt. She was happy when none came forward to trouble her with their double edged sweet taunts. 

Finally Mehek reached her usual destination; the bar counter. "A martini please", she ordered and rubbed her forehead to ease heading that was beginning to trouble. "Nice party", a familiar voice stated from behind. Someone she was expected to encounter in any party where Shaurya took her. She smiled at Vicky but evidently it didn't reach her eyes.

"You look lovely", Vicky complimented and ordered something from bar. While Mehek sipped her drink, he asked the same question again, "How are you doing, Mehek?". As usual she never gave a straight answer, just smiled at him pitifully. He knew she had endured too much to become numb. He never brought Ajay as a topic since it would have hurt her more. Neither she asked him about Ajay. Their conversation was always short and filled with silence. Without words he would feel guilty of her predicament while she understood his helplessness. "Hope Shruti is doing well", Mehek spoke and chugged down her entire drink. He nodded and stood up to leave as it was his cue that she had enough of his company.

"Dear Cousin", Vicky took a deep breath as he heard Shaurya's voice. He always tried his best to avoid Shaurya but somehow it was impossible. "How are you, Shaurya?", he replied keeping neutral tone. It was in vain to fight with Shaurya. Besides he was afraid that Mehek will be at receiving end due to his behaviour. "Heard from my sources that my Dear Uncle managed to scr*w up again with wrong decisions. Too Bad for your business", Shaurya acted to feel bad. 

Vicky didn't care about their business but mocking his father didn't sit well with him. He was about lash out at him but his father-in-law arrived in time. "Good evening, Mr. Khanna", he greeted and then turned to his son-in-law, "Why are you still here? I thought you would have gone early so that Shruti won't be alone". Vicky seemed to be embarrassed. It was evident to Shauyra that he was under Mr. Mehta's control. With a slight nod, Vicky left without further words.

"Mehek , right?", Mr. Mehta asked her and she nodded. Although aged, he still held a powerful aura and she felt uneasy. "Sweet Heart, why don't you give company to Mrs. Raichand?", Shaurya tried to push her away and Mehek was happy to escape. "She is a beauty", Mr. Mehta spoke while still keeping his gaze lingered on Mehek's retreating figure. "Like your daughter", Shaurya spat at him. His reaction surprised himself and Mr. Mehta. Shuarya seldom lost control and was known for his stoic expressions. Yet Mr. Mehta didn't lose his cool. He smirked, "My daughter is nothing like her. Shruti is a rebel who makes poor choices while Mehek is totally submissive letting others decide for her". Shaurya cooled down a bit although he knew Mr.Mehta was up to something. "What do you want, Mr. Mehta?", he asked uprightly.

"I made a mistake, Shaurya", Mehta started to speak informally and touched Shaurya's shoulders, "Shruti managed to persuade me and I helped Agarwals. Mr. Agarwal is unable to match current trend and Vicky doesn't have any business acumen", he sighed, "I wished I did business with you". Shaurya straightened his spine in satisfaction while Mehta continued, "I want to rectify. Let's do a bigger deal where we both will make profit. I ensure you will be benefiting more". Shaurya smiled giving away his approval towards the proposal. "But I need something in return", his words intrigued Shaurya so he turned to head where Mehek had headed, " I want her".

Shaurya balled his fist in anger and had a tough time reining his anger. Sensing his body language, Mehta explained, "I know everything, Shaurya so no need to act as a possessive lover. You took her to compensate your loss. Now give her to me as I favour you a better deal". Shaurya gripped his collar of his shirt and pulled him to a corner. Although none noticed, their situation threatened a scandal. "A man of your age who has a daughter older than Mehek, needs to be more prudent. What on earth you have in mind for Mehek?". Mehta softly released his collar from his grip and spoke softly, "Its none of your business, Shaurya. Perhaps she will continue to be my trophy while keeping me entertained in bedroom. Just like she does now for you. You got her for a price. Now I am trying to buy her with a better price. Do we have a deal?".

Mr.Mehta scoffed as Shaurya moved away from him without giving any reply. "Think about it, Mr. Khanna. I know you are not in a good mood tonight. But when you are in better frame of mine, I am sure you will make the right decision", Mehta told him. But rather than a dismissing shake of head, he didn't even face him. He swiftly grabbed Mehek's hand and walked out of the party.