A Wrong Move

Chapter 20

It is one thing being comfortable in your own cloths at home and another being decked up in a heavy lehenga at a social gathering. For long, Mehek hadn't attended any party or function. Anxiety was creeping into her. She was afraid whether anyone will recognize her as Shaurya's ex-mistress, a vaccant f*ck toy. Imli stayed closed to her to give her company. 

When Imli took their selfie, Mehek was pacified to realise that she doesn't resemble the glam doll. Today she is an ordinary woman with no glam quotient. An invalid who probably none will remember afterwards. Few people looked at her with pity when they noticed her crutch while many disapproving glares where thrown at her.

Shaurya Khanna and Shayara Mittal was supposed to get engaged in a simple function with just close friends and family. Yet the number of guests were huge and media was waiting eagerly for them. Attention of every onlooker were on Shayara when she walked into the stage for ring ceremony. She was epitome of poise. Her beautiful face radiated with soft expression, giving away that she has a good heart too. She moved graceful after taking blessing from elders. 

Soon the couple exchanged rings. Mehek earnestly wanted to be happy for them but unwillingly it recalled many memories she tried to bury deep inside. Her engagement with Ajay, Shruti & Vicky, Shaurya's wrath when they broke his engagement with Shruti...They all flashed before her eyes and she started to feel dizzy. Imli was busy recording the ceremony on her phone that she failed to realise until Mehek fainted.

'Thud'  The sound of human body hitting the ground diverted attention of many from stage. Imli's shrill cry followed, gathering many around her.'Mehek' Both Khannas realised and panicked. Awara was already beside Imli and helped Mehek into the nearby chair. Harish and Shauyra were about to rush to her side. But Shaurya's assistant stopped them. "Sir, media is here. It will be a scandal if you leave now. If any of them identifies Mehek Ma'am, then it will field day for them dragging your name through mud". "Son, he is right", Harish agreed, "Let us stay here and face press. I will leave discreetly leave in few minutes and take care of Mehek". Shaurya didn't want to but he acceded. He didn't care about scandal but Mehek didn't deserve any more disgrace so he remained in stage while already a group gathered around Mehek.

"Please move a away. Let her get some air", Awara tried to disperse the crowd while Imli gave Mehek water. "Are you okay? Shall we go to Doctor?", Awara asked anxiously. Mehek denied. "I am so sorry, I didn't realise", Imli apologized but Mehek brushed it aside, " I am fine, Imli. Nothing to worry". "Poor thing. Is she your relative?", someone from crowd asked Imli. She remained tongue tied so did Awara. They were lost how to react. "You should have taken care of your sister?", another person already made assumption to rebuke Imli and commented on Mehek, "Weaklings like her should stay home. Why do they come and cause ill omen?". 

"Let's leave", Mehek tried her best to stand and walk away. She had enough of taunts and pity. Awara nodded and gave her support while Imli trotted infront to clear the way. Mehek turned and looked onto the stage where Shaurya was confidently facing the crowd with his new fiance. It pained her that he didn't even spare a glance towards her.

"Mehek, are you okay?", Harish managed to reach the car where Awara had led Mehek. "I am fine, Harish Uncle. Please go back to the function. You are needed there", Mehek told him. Harish knew it was truth. Despite his wish to take care of her, his hands were tied. "I will leave now for  home and rest. You both also go inside", Mehek spoke to Awara & Imli. "No way", Imli was adamant, " I am staying with you". Harish was anxious about Mehek's health. She looked pale and weak. "Awara take Mehek to Dr.Malhotra. Call me after meeting him. I will come there directly", he ordered Awara. Before Mehek could protest, Harish shushed her, "Not another word, Mehek. Lately, you have been neglecting your health. You are going straight to hospital". She knew there was no point arguing when he is adamant. She still looked behind as if expecting someone to come along but none came. Being disappointed, she asked the driver to  take her to hospital.