A Wrong Move

Chapter 15

Mehek didn't know how or when but finally she reached her home. Her safe haven where her parents lived. A place where she was nurtured with their love and care. She knew they will be angry and probably will give her an earful or even few slaps. But she was sure that when once she bares her truth, they will accepted accept with open arms and console her. She knocked the door excitedly and waited for someone to open the door. 

After few second, it opened and Karuna came into her view. But rather a stoic expression, she didn't show any signs of recognition. She spoke rigidly to Mehek, "Who are you? What do you want?". Mehek was taken aback by her mother's strange behaviour. "Ma, it's me Mehek", she held her hands, "your daughter". Kanta quickly slapped away her hands and rebuked her, "Non-sense. I don't have a daughter. I am childless". "Who is it, Kanta?", her father's voice came from inside the house.

"I don't know who she is?", Kanta replied to Jeevan, " I think she came to wrong house". Mehek was stunned. Jeevan quickly came beside Kanta to check on the visitor. Unlike her mother, he showed atleast flicker of emotion but restrained himself. "Kanta, go inside. Let me talk to her", he told his wife. "Don't let such strangers come inside our house. God knows what her intentions are", with those words Kanta walked inside, leaving Jeevan beside Mehek. 

"Baba", Mehek greeted him affectionately but he showed his palm to her to stop. "Please leave", his words broke her further. "Baba, it's me Mehek. Why don't you both recognize me?", she appealed to her father. "Because you have caused enough damage, Mehek", he rebuked her, "the shame you brought to us made my poor wife insane. She is living in an elusive world were your memories are wiped away. And at times, when she remembers you, it is difficult to watch her pain and curse herself for adopting you". Mehek wept hearing plight of her parents.

"Go away. Your presence may kill Kanta", Jeevan pushed Mehek out of the way, "don't ever come back. Have some mercy on us". "Baba, please listen to me", she tried to explain but he didn't wait to listen to her pleas and closed doors on her face. She sat before the door and wept for some time. If only they knew about the sacrifice she had made to save Ajay then it would have been different. Ajay! Only his explanation will bring back her parent's trust and affection. She quickly got on her feet and ran to his house.

Unlike Mehek's home, Ajay's house was well lit and gate was left wide open. She was afraid to face her neighbours or Ajay's parents. But she knew only Ajay can makes things right for her. She didn't expect him to take her back or appreciate her sacrifice by getting married to her. She was too spoiled to be anyone's partner. But she still wished to remain as her parents' daughter and only Ajay could make it possible. He owe it to her. He has to explain to them how his folly had ruined their future. She was never a wanton but a helpless prey. She could see his silhouette from the window at his room. All she had to do was call out his name. But before she could a hand fell on her shoulders.

Mehek was a bit taken aback to find a young woman behind her. She had never seen her before. From her attire, it was clear that she was newly married. "You are Mehek, rt?", she spoke softly while looking at the window, "please come with me". Before Mehek could protest, she pulled her to a corner which is hidden from Ajay's window. Mehek was about to lash at the strange woman but she immediately fell on her feet. "Please go back, Mehek", she begged , "Don't ruin my life". "Who are you? I don't know you. I haven't even seen before until now. How will I cause you any problem", Mehek was desperate to be away from her so she didn't wait for her reply and tried to walk away. "I am Ajay's wife", her words stalled Mehek.

She was a young woman who was still in her tender age. A veil covered her head and she looked pale & week. Mehek was shocked that she was married to Ajay. She looked too young to be married to anyone. Once she recovered from initial shock, agony and anger crept into her mind. While she was suffering to save Ajay, he didn't take even few months to move on and get married. "It's not like what you think", Ajay's wife clarified sensing her emotions, "he married me to save my life". 

Before Mehek could ask, she wept and  explained herself, "My name is Zoya. I am from a poor family. We were cheated in pretense of good job. I was trapped by traffickers who forced me to work in a brothel". Mehek was indeed shocked but soon she felt pity for the poor soul. She  was too young and innocent for such a horrible life. "I ran into Ajay while trying to escape. He was honestly trying to help but circumstances forced us to be wed".

Zoya held Mehek's hands when she realised that Mehek was still angry on Ajay. "I know everything about you, Mehek. Not even a single day passes without him mentioning you. By going out of the way and helping me, he was trying to do same as you. Sacrificing oneself for another". Mehek smirked as it sounded so vacant for her. "Perhaps our marriage is a force commitment but still he is now my everything. Please don't come back and take him away", Zoya implored her.

Mehek had enough so despite her sympathy she lashed at Zoya, "I am not here to snatch away your husband. But he is the only who can tell my truth to my parents. I lost everything but need to have my parents back". Mehek moved Zoya aside and walked but she was pulled back. "You don't understand", Zoya sobbed, "Ajay is still trying to come out his guilty shell. He was so affected by your tragedy. But slowly he is showing willingness to give us a chance. If he sees you now then our marriage will be over". 

Mehek scoffed as she didn't know how to convince Zoya. "You may have no intention to be back to Ajay's life. But he will come after you", Zoya tried to muffle her sobs, "His family hates me.  They will never accept me due to my past. For sure, they will encourage him to pursue you". Mehek had enough of it. She had lost a lot being benevolent. First for Shruti then for Ajay and now Zoya. But she was not ready to sacrifice her parents. When she still remained adamant, Zoya kept her palm on her stomach, "I beg you. For the sake of my child". Her plea shook Mehek to core. Yet it was enough to convince Mehek to abandon her cause. An innocent need not suffer because of her. 

It was getting dark while Mehek walked on the deserted roads. She was lost and feeling vacant. Her life seemed to have lost its purpose. She is no longer wanted, not as a daughter or a lover, Not even as a slave. She smirked at her fate. It was her mistake to consider another above her. She foolishly destroyed her life and also her parents' peace of mind.

Mehek opened her bag to check the envelop  Shaurya had given. Atleast she won't be left on streets to beg or whore to feed herself. She felt thankful to Shaurya for being thoughtful and also herself for not being too pride to have reject his money. It was time for her to put her past behind. She was determined to start afresh with whatever left with her. She decided go to railway station, board the first train and live in whichever place it takes her. She was an orphan and still remains one. Decision was taken. She looked around to find a ride but soon fear grew into her as it was getting darker.

"Madam", a vile looking mad sleazily called out her from behind, "Are you looking for a lift?". She looked at him in fear and started to trot away. "Me and my friend will be happy to give you company", another one teased her. "Go away", she sneered at them but her voice gave away her fear. "Come on. Don't be rude. Let's be friends", one of them tried to grab her bag. In fear, Mehek slapped his hand away and pull her bag closer. Her instincts kicked in when they tried to get back at her. She quickly ran away from them to the other side of the road. In her haste to escape those wicked men, she failed to notice a car coming from opposite direction and ran straight into it.