A Wrong Move

Chapter 19

"Hmmm",Harish expressed his delight while eating his dessert, "I can starve for few meals to eat this delicious cheese cake". They all have retired to library post dinner. While Mehek & Harish opted for sweet dish, Shaurya sticked to his black coffee. "You don't know what you are missing", Harish tempted him. "Shall I bring a piece for you?", Awara who was serving coffee for Shaurya offered but he denied. "I will take a bite from Mehek", he stated. It was one of his guilty pleasures, to share sweets with Mehek. Their eyes met when he tasted it with the same spoon that Mehek had used. Harish pretended to focus on his plate while Aware kept his i-saw-it-all smirk. "You outdid yourself, Mehek", Shaurya's praise made a tint of crimson spread on her cheeks.

"What took you so long, Shaurya?", Harish asked, "it was supposed to be a short trip but you extended it for more than two weeks". "A good prospect came in from the Mittals", Shaurya replied. Awara bend to collect the empty plates and cups. Mehek too was about to leave since father & son will be discussing business. "It will be a huge merger. Profitable on both sides", Shaurya started to explain while Mehek listened without interest. "Mr. Mittal proposed his daughter's alliance", Shaurya spoke plainly. 

Suddenly the room became tense and atmosphere got charged. Harish was visibly surprised. Awara's widened eyes moved between Senior and junior Khanna. All the while Mehek remained stunned. "Do You mean marriage proposal?", Harish clarified being taken aback. "Yes, Dad", Shaurya again replied plainly.

Mehek's heart was beating miles per hour. She clasped her arms of her chair for support. "And did you agree to the proposal?", Harish was still trying to make sense. "I studied their terms and conditions. It seems like a great deal so why don't we grab it. Yet I haven't given final approval but told them that I will let them know after discussing with you", Shaurya stated the fact. "Shaurya, it is not just a business deal. A marriage is involved. It's your life", Harish desperately tried to reason. "Come on, Dad. This is a great opportunity. Bigger than the one we missed with Mehtas. So let's seal it", he drove final nail into Mehek's heart, "I want you to call Mittal and take it up further". 

Harish looked wearily at Mehek who was still too stunned to react. He softly gestured Awara to take her back to her room. She stumbled a bit to balance with her crutch when she stood up but swiftly steadied herself. Without wishing either of them good night, she got up to leave

"Have you met Ms Mittal? Is she okay with this transactional marriage?", Harish asked Shaurya and added "We don't want to repeat past". Shaurya understood his father's concern. "Her name is Shayara. Although an ardent classical dancer; as a profession, she helping her father after completing her studies abroad. I met her. A well-bred beauty. She is okay with it". Mehek walked slowly as she heard him describe his future wife. Each words clearly etched how she lacked to meet his high standards. 

"Still son, I think you are being haste", Harish didn't want his son to land in another trouble. "Dad, what is wrong with you? Aren't you the one who wanted me to marry Shruti for a similar deal? This time it is better and bigger", Shaurya spoke proudly. "I agree", he shot a guilty glance towards Mehek's retreating figure, "But it was a mistake. A huge blunder. Time post your broken engagement taught me a lot, Son. So I made amends. And believe me, I am really happy now". "Perhaps, you are. Not me. I still have it in me to conquer more heights. Shayara will be a perfect partner. She will bring wealth and legacy to our empire", it looked like Shaurya had thought through it.

What about Mehek?. Harish wanted to ask but he didn't voice it out. He realised that Shaurya would have rehearsed a practical response for it as well. A reply that will not be satisfactory for him and may hurt Mehek more. So he decided to let it be. "I always gave you freedom to make choices for your life. I am honoured that you still sought my approval", Harish stated, accepting defeat. "Thanks Dad. Let's inform them tomorrow", Shaurya was concluding his marriage proposal. "Congratulations, Son", Harish embraced him but over Shaurya's shoulder, his eyes focused on Mehek moving away from them.

Shaurya realised subtle changes in Mehek's behaviour. Not just her;  infact entire household appeared to be walking on egg shells. Awara was constantly gesturing Imli to fix her sour face. Harish seemed to be nervous while Awara ran around to ensure that household runs smoothly without gossip mongers wagging their tongues. Mehek was trying hard to act normal but her eyes always gave away the truth. Shaurya was also not in his usual self. He wanted to comfort her but decided against it. However difficult it is, he needed to draw boundaries. So he too tried to act along the flow.

"Mehek, have you decided about the internship?", Harish asked deliberately while they were having lunch. She looked uneasily and shook her head. "What's about the internship?", Shaurya asked inquisitively. "She got a good opportunity. Six months of internship and later a chance to be absorbed in the company. It is a nice offer", Harish explained while focussing on food and slowly dropped the bomb, "But Mehek needs to stay with other interns at the company guesthouse. Daily commute is not an option". 

"What?", Shaurya seemed to be appalled, "How will she manage?". "Just like others", Harish spoke plainly. "What about her treatment?", he shot at his father who appeared to be least bothered. "Mehek is not going to another continent, Son. She can visit us once in a while and same way continue her treatment. Anyways, Dr.Malhotra had already confirmed that Mehek needn't visit hospital anymore. She just need to contiune her exercises & medicines regularly", Harish softly admonished Shaurya and turned to Mehek, "It's your decision, Mehek. Time to widen your horizon". Mehek sighed and tried to smile.

Shaurya quickly intervined, "Then why don't you join us". Harish and Mehek were surprised while Shaurya continued to speak, "Mehek can join my office where I can offer her a comfortable position. We need not worry about her well-being at the same time she can start her career". Harish suppressed his smile but Mehek noticed. Harish quickly adorned a serious attitude and spoke, "It's your call, Mehek. Just like Shaurya had decided about his future, you also have full freedom". Mehek nodded and spoke softly, "I will think about it. Few more companies are yet to come. Perhaps I will get a more convenient offer". "Fair enough", Harish dismissed the talk and went back to his meal.

Few days later. "Mehek", Shaurya called out when he found her alone in her room. "Nowadays, you hardly come out. Not even for dinner", he complained playfully and she too smiled. "Exams. Interviews. I have been busy preparing", she gave excuses. "You shouldn't neglect your health", he reprimanded her affectionately, "a sound mind resides in a sound body". She nodded but didn't further extend their conversation. 

Shaurya's engagement was getting closer. Although a simple function, preparations were in full swing. He was also quiet busy most days. "I got you something", he extended a box to her. She opened and smiled despite their situation. He had bought her a designer lehenga in her favorite colour. In a moment, she felt sad that she had to wear it to attend his engagement. "This is too expensive, Shaurya. You should have got me something similar as for Imli & others. A simple one", she told him earnestly. "Mehek!", he quickly rebuked her and held her shoulders, "you are not like them. Don't you realise what you are for me?". She shook her head as if asking him the same question. What am I to you?

Mehek leaned onto his touch when he cupped her cheek, "You are special to me. Extremely precious. You are the only person with whom I can be myself without any masks but at the same time wish to be a better person". She blinked her tears while he wiped it away with his thump, "Nothing will change. It will all be the same. We will stay like we are now, forever". She nodded and wished his words were true. Shaurya and Harish Uncle had been extremely benevolent on her. She had no right to expect more from Shaurya. Moreover she was happy with his true friendship. Khanna mansion has protected her with affection and respect. If things will remain as is, she will teach her heart to be content and adjust with her tiny share of happiness.

"He is confused", Awara spoke while giving medicines to Harish. "I know", Harish agreed and gulped down the medicines, "rather than clearing his mind, he is searching in vagueness and moving absurdly". "Mehek will not voice her concerns. She would rather suffer than react", Awara knew both of them well, "Unless she acts, he won't understand. I am afraid they both will end up hurt". Harish nodded, "Not just them, Shayara too. She will be entangled in this mess without having any fault of her own". "I wish...", Awara left his sentence incomplete. "I too wish", Harish agreed to his loyal valet even when he didn't voice it out. They both wondered what future held for Khanna mansion