A Wrong Move

Chapter 22

"Shaurya", Harish called him when arrived home after office work. He walked obediently towards his father. From Harish's demeanor, it was clear that the matter was serious. "I am worried for Mehek. She is not the same cheerful Mehek anymore. Behind her occasional smile also sadness lingers", Harish shared his concern, "I was planning to go to my village for few days. Perhaps I will take her along with Imli & Awara. Perhaps a change will help her". "It's not needed, Dad", Shaurya was not in favour of his idea, "I agree Mehek needs a distraction and I have the perfect solution", he tapped on his pocket and walked away. 'I am sure she will be happy', he mused.

"Open it", Shaurya excitedly gave the envelope to Mehek. Although belittled, Mehek gave a slight smile while reading the contents in it. "Appointment letter", he spoke before she could read it fully, "Not as an intern but as a permanent employee in my office". Mehek looked happy but not as much as he had expected her to be. "Thank you, Shaurya", she replied brimming with formality, "it's really kind of you". "What's the matter?", he was concerned, "I thought you will be happy". "I am", she countered honestly, "but my mind is in turmoil, Shaurya. It is too meddled to think straight". They looked at each other for a moment until Mehek looked away rubbing her forehead, "I better get back to my studies". It was his cue to leave and avoid a confrontation but he decided to stay back. "Talk to me, Mehek. You have liberty to ask me anything", he coaxed her, "I believe we are close enough to leave formalities and be open".

"Why you chose Shayara?", Mehek spit out words vehemently as if she has been waiting for the slightest encouragement. "I..I chose... She...She is...", Shaurya stammered while finding apt adjective to describe his fiancé. "Because she is beautiful. Highly educated. Rich. Brings legacy from a prestigious family", Mehek counted Shayara's qualities. Shaurya nodded and Mehek went on, "If she was an invalid then? A woman with a deformed body and dirty past. Would you have chosen her?". 

Sensing the direction in which the conversation their conversation is heading, Shaurya interrupted, "Mehek, you got it all wrong. You both are like chalk & cheese". She bit down her resentment, "I know I shouldn't dare to compare myself with the elite Ms. Mittal. She is a goddess while I am a cheap tramp". "Mehek!", he roared but it didn't scare her. "I thought we shared something Shaurya", she got emotional. "We do", he cupped her face, "you are most precious for me, Mehek". She smirked and pulled away from his hold, "but not good enough to be in a respectful relationship with you".

"It's not you", Shaurya finally blurted out, "but me". "Don't tried to play that card here. We are not sixteen", Mehek got angry, "I am not stupid to accept such vain reasons". "The last thing I want is to hurt you, Mehek", he spoke earnestly. "Yet you are doing an excellent job", she taunted him and soon sobbed, "It's so difficult for me, Shaurya. I won't be able to survive this torment".

Mehek wished Shayara was a vamp. But despite her strong dislike, it was clear that she is not a bad person. It will be too difficult to come in terms that Shaurya had moved on with a perfect woman as his wife. "You shouldn't have lead me on", she whimpered, "you made me believe in myself only to make me feel worthless". He grabbed her arm and raised his voice, "Do want to know the truth, Mehek? Can you handle it?". She kept her chin high and nodded. "Fine. Then hear me out. I can never me a one woman man. Loyalty is not my code. All this while, I have been constantly sleeping around with other women. Can you tolerate a man like me? Will it possible to accept me as a partner?", he raised his voice. Eventhough he knew her reply, it pained when she shook her head.

"Is it because of me?", Mehek asked timidly, "are you repelled by my deformity? Am I driving you away to other women?". "No", Shaurya replied vehemently, "in my eyes you are perfect. In all possible ways. But...".. He combed his hair roughly with his left palm in frustration. "I can't be happy with a single woman. Even when you were my perfect mistress, I used to sleep around a lot. But then I never cared about hurting your feelings", he tried hard to explain his flaws, "you will be shattered if I commit and cheat on you . I won't be able to live with it".