A Wrong Move

Chapter 18

Turning a new leaf!  It is not as easy as the quote, neither a swift task. After the brief but meaningful talk with his father, Shaurya did give it good thought and eventually decided to act upon it. It was his father who had once disciplined him to be cold & calculative. But when the same man asked him to reconsider his ways, Shaurya couldn't disregard. 

After an year, he couldn't say he is a fully changed man. He was still unable to comprehend tender feelings yet his heart was not merely beating. It was more humane and joyous. His relationship with his father has improved. He started to consider others. Perhaps not everyone but his near & dear one; especially Mehek.

Shaurya gazed at Mehek who was enjoying her morning stroll in the garden. A compulsory chore he imposed on her, which she actually enjoyed. She still needed an elbow crutch to walk. But her progress was tremendous through last year and Dr. Malhotra predicted that if she keeps the same pace of recovery then soon she will be able to walk without any support. 

"Shaurya, baby birds have hatched out of the eggs", Mehek called out to him excitedly. He smiled and walked towards her. Their equation has changed a lot in past year. She was no longer a slave but a close friend. It wasn't easy to overlook their past. She was vary to trust him while he was confused & lost. Yet they both took baby steps and reached a comfortable comradeship. Both were able to forgive & forget, to move ahead. Mehek was no longer afraid of him and Shaurya was comfortable being himself beside her.

"Don't you have to prepare for exams, Mehek", Shaurya tried to steer her playful time. "I will when you leave for your office trip", she retorted. During her convalesce period, Shaurya had helped her to join online courses and continue her studies. His intention was to keep her occupied and save from depression but Mehek aced in her studies. "Dad will have my head if your grades drop", he played victim. "As if he would", she mocked, "When is he coming back?  I miss him a lot". 

As planned, Harish never stayed in Khanna mansion for long. He moved to his native village, leaving Mehek & Shaurya in charge of Khanna mansion along with Awara and Imli. They had a bunch of loyal staff who respected Mehek and considered her as member of Khanna family. "He will be back after your exams, Mehek. Else you will spend all time goofing around with him and slack in your studies", he made fun of her. Mehek stuck her tongue out in retaliation.

"Have a safe trip", Mehek wished him. "Wish me luck, Dear. I need it", Shaurya beamed to hide his nervousness. It was an important deal which will help him to widen his horizons. "All the best. I am sure you will win, as usual", she smiled at him and held his hand cozily. For Shaurya, it was getting difficult to leave her alone. Earlier he was anxious for her health but now it was an unknown fear.  

"What shall I bring back for you? You haven't text me your shopping list yet", Shaurya joked to lighten the mood. "Nothing. Just some back soon", Mehek spoke affectionately, "I will miss you". Her words were making him even more restless. In reflex, he spoke, "I will miss you too". He regretted immediately, to have spoken callously but seeing her blush & smile, he pushed back his remorse. He pecked her forehead, bid bye and got into the car.

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Glancing at the midnight traffic from the window of the hotel room, Shaurya stood dubiously. It was getting more and more difficult to justify himself. He was man with needs. He wondered with his high sex-drive how he had managed to keep women away from his bed. In the beginning, it was awkward to come back to Khanna mansion while he reeked off sex. It was disrespectful towards his father and ofcourse Mehek. Soon his innuendos were restricted for days where he made it back home. Business trips have become those occasions while he succumbed to the need of his flesh. His hunger flesh relished the pleasur from flings. Yet after each time, he was feeling guilty as if he was cheating. Yet his logical mind asked him, who was he cheating? He wasn't committed to Mehek.