A Wrong Move

Chapter 21

"Where is Mehek?", Shaurya asked anxiously when she was missing at dining table for lunch. It's been few days since Mehek was discharged from hospital. Since their quarrel, she and Shauray hasn't had a proper conversation. Both sides seemed to be waiting for another to make the first move. Still it was consoling to see eachother regularly during meals. So he was a bit tensed when she wasn't present at the dining table. 

 "Today's lunch is special", Harish murmured to Shaurya, "Mehek prepared every dish. All your favourites". He smiled while his father tried to nudge him, "she is trying from her side. It will soon be your turn". Shaurya tried hard to conceal his smile. Cooking his favorite dishes was Mehek's way of making him feel special. In turn, it was always rather easy to impress Mehek. A walk in their garden while conversing endlessly, a drive to nearby temple or a good novel usually made her joyous. He decided not to be picky and do it all. Perhaps go an extra mile and buy her a bouquet of roses at the end. Father and son waited impatiently for Mehek to enter with her mouth watering dishes.

"Surprise", a voice boomed, startling both men. Mr. Sanjay Mittal entered with his daughter, Shayara in tow. Although not prepared for their sudden visit, Shaurya and Harish got up to welcome them. Shayara greeted Harish respectfully and bend down to touch his feet. He stopped her and blessed her with words, "We don't allow daughters to touch feet. They are too precious". Shayara smiled at them while her father beamed with pride. 

"We were passing by so thought paying a visit", Mr. Mittal sounded apologitic, "Seems like we came at wrong time". "Ofcourse not. Please join us for lunch", Harish invited them out of courtesy. But when they accepted and sat around the dining table, a slow wave of uneasiness started to creep into both Khannas. Soon Mehek walked in with Imli & Awara bringing in the food trolley. Her face that beamed, soon frowned when she found they had guests. All stood awkwardly, but noneless Awara took charge and started to serve food. Unlike their regular meals, Mehek refrained from dining with them and walked around helping Imli & Awara. The joyful lunch she planned soon turned to be a dull affair.

"Aren't you the one who fainted during the function?", Mr. Mittal asked sternly. When she nodded, he studied her from top to bottom. Once he saw he crutches, his eyes softened. He enquired, "Hope you are feeling better now". She nodded and tried to escape. "Who is she?", Mr. Mittal threw question to both father and son. Mehek remained tightlipped as she wanted to avoid any trouble. Furthermore, she wanted to know how Shauyra will handle her identity. 

"She is Mehek", Harish slowly spoke but evidently Mittals were not interested to know her name so he fumbled , "She is....she is...". "She is from Dad's village", Shaurya quickly pitched in. Although it was a harmless lie, Mehek was hurt. "Oh! So you might have got her to work here. She must be your relative, rt?", Mittal looked on to Imli and Awara. Shaurya was angry but Harish grabbed his hand to control him. But hot headed Imli reacted quickly, "No, she isn't. Mehek is not a servant, she is ...". "She is a distant relative of mine", Harish quickly cut her words but when he lifted his eyes to Mehek, she was gone.

"Food is delicious", Mittal couldn't hold back his appreciation. Sensing the situation has relaxed, Harish cheerfully informed, "Mehek prepared it. She loves to cook". "Wow! Then I must reward her", he spoke pulling out his wallet. Mr Mittals's act of benevolence brought back irritation to all. "Pappa, they already told you that she is not a servant but a relative", Shayara tried act sensibly." A distant relative, my girl", he smirked and looked onto Harish, "Kids these days don't understand that it is a polite way to introducing your staff". 

Mr. Mittal was getting on to Shaurya's nerves but before he could speak, his father did the honours, "I am sorry to correct you, Mr. Mittal but Shayara is quite right. Mehek is more like a daughter to me". Mr. Mittal was taken aback but Harish didn't shy away appreciating Shayara, "You are really smart and sensible for your age Shayara". "Thank you, Harish Uncle", she replied shyly. "Call me, Dad", Harish asked her. Mehek who entered carrying desserts was again hurt that Shayara was earned privileges and respect too soon.

"It was a lovely meal", Mr.Mittal appreciated Mehek but more civilly, "It's been long since I have had such tasty dishes". "Thank you, Sir", Mehek replied politely while keeping the desserts on table. While she tried to walk away, Harish stopped her, "why don't you sit with us. Mehek? Let's enjoy the dessert together". But Mehek had enough for the day to upset herself. She denied respectfully, citing some silly excuses. She stealthily walked towards her room and shut the door. She pretended to study after opening her laptop but streaked her cheeks. But she composed herself and wiped them away. She tried to focus on the chapter opened on the screen and learn it.

Towards evening, Mehek heard a soft knock on her door. "Mehek, this is Shayara. May I come in?", she asked in her sweet voice. Mehek quickly made her presentable before opening the door and led her inside. "I came to apologize on behalf of my father. He is good at heart but talks without thinking. Don't feel bad about his words", her earnest words touched Mehek. "It's okay, Ms. Mittal. I understand", she replied with same honesty. "Don't be so formal . Please call me Shayara", she walked around Mehek's room, "This is a lovely room". Shayara admired looking around, "Positive vibes. Peaceful atmosphere, added with abundant in energy". Mehek was already aware of Shayara's passion for dance. It was evident that she was admiring the room from an artist's perception.

"You can set up your dance studio here", Mehek spoke softly. Shayara swiftly turned and took a good look at her. "I am not here to disrupt anything, Mehek. I hope we can co-exist even if it will be a bit awkward". Now it was Mehek's turn to look intently at Shayara. "Shaurya had already told me everything", Shayara walked around admiring the view of garden, "even if he hadn't, I would have known but I am happy that he did". Mehek kept her head high. She was unsure whether Shaurya has told their past to Shayara or she was simply bluffing . Either case, she was not going to suffer any more humiliation. "I don't know what Shaurya had told you Ms. Mittal but I won't be here when you arrive as his wife. That's why I suggested to use this room as your studio since it will be empty", she spoke confidently, "After a lot of struggle, I restored my self-respect. It won't be trampled again"

Mehek held the doors open, "hope you have a nice evening, Ms. Mittal". Shayara was perplexed but realised that it was in vain to argue with Mehek. While she was contemplating her next move, Shaurya walked in to them. "Shayara, your father was asking for you. Anyways, what are you doing here?", his voice surprised both ladies. "I wandered around and found Mehek", Shayara tried to pretend but it angered Mehek. She closed the door forcefully and he gathered that Shayara may have troubled Mehek.

Shaurya pulled Shayara by her arm and brought her to a corner, "Ms. Mittal, I already told you about my perception of our marriage. We will be a couple but both are free to live their own life". She freed herself and smirked at him, "Ofcourse, Mr. Khanna. You can carry on with your affairs as long as you keep them discreet". "Not just me, you too have the freedom if you maintain discretion", he reminded her, "because we both don't believe in love". "Speak for yourself, Mr. Khanna", she sneered at him, "I do believe in love but it is too rare to fine. I don't have patience to wait or make mistake of rushing. Hence I chose to be practical. But you, my friend is worse case. Why are you too blind even when it is so near to you?".

Shaurya ignored her taunts. "What did you do to upset Mehek, Ms. Mittal", he grabbed her shoulders, "I know this sweet demeanor of yours, is a farce to hide a cunning face". Shayara laughed at his apt comment. She had wanted to take Mehek in confidence and find her weakness to overpower her. She had expected a smart woman who lured Shaurya. But after seeing Mehek, it all changed. She earnestly tried to be amicable with Mehek to ensure that they both can live peacefully in Khanna mansion even if they share the same man. But Mehek proved her wrong. She was all set to leave and make the coast clear for Shayara. "I haven't done anything to Mehek. You have given her enough reasons to be upset", she removed his hands from her body, "A piece of advice, Mr. Khanna. Take care of her else your bunny will soon hop away from this love nest".