A Wrong Move

Chapter 17

It was time to leave! Mehek was informed that it will be her last day in hospital. Her discharge formalities were completed so she was supposed to leave soon. She had to thank Shaurya for settling her bill as she knew her little contribution meant nothing to the entire amount he had spent on her. She was baffled where she will go from here. Despite her pleas earlier to get discharged from hospital, she was scared now. A months treatment had made her strong enough to manage her own needs but she still was far from being normal. She wasn't surprised on Shaurya's haste to settle her treatment. Although sad, she realised that he has reached his limit of benevolence. Besides, he has helped her enough that too without any conditions or expectations in return.

"We will be leaving in an hour", Shaurya's voice boomed through the room, "nurse will help you to change.". "What? I.. I don't ....don't understand", Mehek stammered. He looked distracted being busy checking his mobile and replied casually, "you are moving into my house". She was surprised yet realization dawned to her. So she looked at intently while he continued to ignore her, pretending to be busy over his phone. 

"Sir, can you stay outside while I change her?", nurse asked Shaurya politely. He nodded and was about to leave when Mehek spoke, "it's okay", she acted to be amused, "Mr. Khanna can stay. We were initmate before. I don't mind". The young nurse was tongue tied and blushed in embarrassment. "Why don't you stay outside while he helps me to change?", Mehek made it clear that she wanted to be alone with him. While nurse stayed unsure, Mehek requested again, "Please leave. I will call you if I need help".

"What is this Mehek?", Shaurya sneered as soon as nurse left and closed the doors. Mehek smirked at him but didn't reply. She undid the ties of her hospital gown so that it slides down her body. She remained still, making no attempt to hide her herself from him. His eyes and fingers had feasted on her naked beauty many a times. But she wanted him to know that he skin is no longer fair and smooth. It was covered with blemishes and bruises. Those ugly scars will never be pleasant to touch even after they heal.

Shaurya looked away unable to take in the sight. "I am no longer your perfect doll", Mehek taunted him softly, "you will be disappointed to take me again as your mistress". He didn't speak but quickly grabbed the cotton maxi dress the nurse had left. He place it over her and helped her to pull out her hands through the sleeves. He ensure that she was covered properly and decent. Still he turned, facing away from her.

"I understand that you are feeling insecure to come with me but I have no ill intentions", Shaurya spoke without meeting Mehek's eyes. Sensing her silence he added to reasure her, "I don't want to compel you. You are not bound to me in anyway and free to make any choice". "But do I have a choice?", she pitied herself, "it is either coming with you or dying out in the streets". "I am not taking you back to that house but Khanna mansion. It is my family house. My father lives there", he didn't know why he was trying hard to convince her but he continued, "rest assured that you won't face any troubles there. My father is not ideal but no woman will be disrespected under his roof". 

Mehek nodded blankly as if the information didn't affect her a bit. "You can continue your treatment, Mehek. You will get better in few months. Then you will be capable of making your choice. Till then bear with me",  she was perplexed by Shaurya's pleading tone. "Thank you", she spoked with tears brimming in her eyes, "but I want you to know that I cannot repay your kindness in any way. Not even with my body. As you can see, it's a futile deal". Her words didn't receive any befitting reply. He walked out in vigour after calling in the nurse and asking her to bring Mehek towards his car.

Mehek looked in awe as they reached Khanna mansion. If she thought the house in which Shaurya had kept her was big then the mansion was huge. But it was beautiful and classy. None could save from admiring it's beautiful garden that spanned infront of the mansion. "Who may you be?", a pleasant voice interrupted while she was taking in the surrounding. She got tensed as she was unsure whether the aged man was friendly or outright rude with fake charm. 

"Dad, she is Mehek. I told you I will bringing someone", Shaurya too was trying hard to behave aptly and turned to her, "Mehek, he is my father. Mr. Harish Khanna". "Good evening, Sir", she greeted him, recalling those etiquette lessons Shaurya had forced of her. "Sir? Nonsense. You can call me Dad. Can't she Shaurya?", Harish was amicable. Realising the discomfort of Mehek & Shaurya's confusion, Harish decided to give them a break, "Then be it. You can call me, Uncle", he paused while a vague smile came on her face.

"It's been ages since Khanna mansion had any inhabitants other than us", Harish sounded excited, "let me take you to your room". As he tried to get behind her wheel chair, Shauyra stopped him. He had looked around in search of their staff to take Mehek but was disappointed to find none. Friendly behavior of his father was confusing Shaurya so he decided to take the lead. "I will bring her in", he proposed and Harish nodded. 

As Harish lead Shaurya and Mehek to the room arranged for her, Harish read the surprise on his son's face. "This room has best view, Mehek. Ample sun and good air circulation. The side door leads to garden. I am sure you will be comfortable here", Harish explained while Mehek glowed with happiness. Sensing her joy, Shaurya didn't comment. He remained quiet letting his father speak until Imli came near the door. "She is Imli. You may remember her", Shaurya paused giving her time to recall, "she will help you settle". As Imli came beside, both men decided to leave. "A word, son", Harish told him.

Shaurya knew he had to face his father and explain himself. He had already perfected his statements. He had expected/ his father to be rude or in the least cold towards Mehek. So his enthusiasm made him uncomfortable. "She could have stayed in outhouse with Imli and Awara. There was no need to let her stay inside the mansion", Shaurya spoke broodingly, "that too one of the best rooms. Not even the guests' room". Harish laughed softly while pouring a drink, "Best room in this mansion belongs to you, Shaurya. I didn't put her with you, did I?". His mischief irritated Shaurya but made Harish happier. "This mansion has lot of empty rooms. It doesn't matter if that poor girl stays in one", Harish reasoned. Deep down Shaurya felt at ease that Mehek got settled comfortably but he didn't want to show it to his father. Lately his father had shown grave changes and Shaurya didn't want to give him more reason to impose it on him.

"It's just for few weeks. A month utmost. Once I find a good abode for her, she will be moved", Shauyra explained using his well versed speech. "I don't mind if she stays longer. You and Mehek can stay here forever", Harish surprised him, "I have decided to retire and spend my days in my village. Khanna mansion needs a new master". "Don't jump to conclusions. Do you have any idea who she is?", Shaurya was pushed to the edge, "she is not my secret lover who is here to play wife. Neither are we an ideal father-son". 

Harish gulped down his drink and looked away guiltily. Shaurya felt bad for hurting his father with his crude remarks. But Harish's behaviour was irritating him. He was used to his cold & calculative father but not an understanding one. "I am sorry", Shaurya apologized. "it's okay", Harish replied but evidently he was hurt. "I am sorry too, Son", his apology perplexed Shaurya. "What's matter with you, Dad?", he asked him, "You are not the same".Harish smiled but his eyes were sad.

"When I lost Karuna, I should have focused on you. It would have better to spend time on nurturing my son who had lost his loving mother. But instead, I got busy avenging her death", Harish came beside and caressed Shaurya's face, "I completely forgot that she left a part of her as you. I should have cherished you". Shaurya quickly released himself from his father and moved away. Memories of his mother was always a painful subject for both of them. 

"You did the right thing. We have to avenge her death. You made be strong enough to tramp on her culprits", Shaurya tried to reason. "At a heavy price", Harish sighed, "now looking back, I feel empty. Just like this mansion. Luxurious but cold. Huge and vacant". Shaurya didn't argue. His father did have a point. In their mad rush to destroy their culprits, they both failed to build a home for themselves. Mayhap they became monsters, worse than those who harmed them.

"I am really tired", Shaurya tried to escape. "Is it too late to make amends?", Harish asked softly. They both knew the answer but Shaurya didn't voice it out. "There is no need, Dad. Since I feel you didn't do make any mistake", he spoke plainly and tried to leave. "You still have time, Shaurya", Harish told firmly, "make amends before it is too late. Maybe it's your mother's good deeds that made destiny merciful on you", he came beside Shaurya and looked into his eyes, "Although lonely, I still have memories of my Love; your Mother. If you go in same path then you will have none". "Dad, please", he threw his hands in air in defeat, "I have no regrets. I like the way I am. You got it all wrong". "Probably", Harish kept his hand on Shaurya's shoulder, "But give it a thought".