A Wrong Move

Chapter 23

"She left ??", Shaurya raised his voice at Awara. His tone didn't hide his shock and anxiety. He knew Mehek may act rashly after he had announced his wedding date. He expected her furious outburst or pure dejection. For days when she avoided him and remained silent whenever they me. So he undestood, she had chosen latter option. But he never expected her to leave abruptly without a word. 

"Who allowed her to leave?", Shaurya roared at his valet. "I don't know, Sir", Awara replied promptly, "Nevertheless, we all were under impression that she is free to leave whenever she wants". Shaurya glared at Awara, warning not to mess with his wounder self. To appease his young master, Awara added, "Perhaps, Harish Sir may know".

"Dad!!", Shaurya called out as soon as he entered Harish's study. His father was busy on phone, arranging media and related activities for covering his son's wedding. He gestured to spare a minute and went on. While Shaurya stood impatiently, Harish talked leisurely and ended the call. "A quick press meet will be held before you leave for honeymoon. Shayara is already informed. Discuss with your designer and take care of your attire for this event also. Something casual but classy", he informed his son while moving his fingers animatedly. His behaviour surprised Shauyra yet he decided not to waver from the pressing issue.

"Where is Mehek?", Shaurya shot at his father. Harish acted cool as if it was trivial. "She left early morning. She got a good job offer. A good one, indeed", he revealed without interest and seemed to be busy with wedding preparations. "What?? You didn't even stop her", Shaurya was aghast. "Ofcourse, I did. I asked her to stay till your wedding and then leave. But the joining data was too near. It is foolish to risk her career for your wedding. After all, we can manage without her. She is not the bride, is she?", Harish subtly taunted him. "Where has she gone? I need to know her whereabouts", Shaurya spoke firmly. Harish casual demeanor changed suddenly when he stood determined, "That my son, I don't intent to tell you. You blew your chance. Now man up and bear the consequences. I won't allow you to spoil Mehek's future and also Shayara's".

"I will find her on my own", Shaurya decided to leave. "Don't", Harish spoke firmly, "she is not your lover or a slave". His stern words chastised Shaurya. He appeared to be worried for Mehek, "I care for her, Dad". Harish understood his condition but was unable to help him. "Son, no need to feel guilty on her account anymore because you have rebuild her. She is now confident and strong enough to walk out of this mansion, keeping her head high", Harish advised him, "She has every right to live in her own terms". 

Once anger and anxiety boiled down, Shaurya was lost. "Dad, I... I ...I don't know how it will be without her", he sank into an empty armchair. "You will figure out", Harish kept a consoling hand on his shoulder, "you need to Son. You chose Shayara over Mehek. Going out of her character, Mehek asked your commitment but you went ahead and announced your wedding. You made your choice loud & clear. Now nothing can be done". Shaurya stooped and held his head in agony. "Don't worry about her safety, Shaurya. I have enough contacts in law & order that will ensure that Mehek is not harmed. Aid will be provided to her if she is ever troubled by anyone. By anyone, I mean even you", Harish spoke conclusively, "Now go back and prepare for you wedding. Mehek's chapter is no longer valid in your life. Think about your future with Shayara".

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Mehek rubbed her palms to bring comfort of temporary warmth. She always thought that she liked hill stations. But until when you start living in one, you won't realise the effect of its weather on you. Yet Mehek was joyous. She was happy about her choice, to take up the internship in a startup company. Stipend was decent with a good management. None looked down or pitied her as an invalid. 

As soon as Mehek joined, she was presented with a challenge that can turn to a wonderful opportunity. She got placed in a team who is supposed to manage an heritage inn situated in a remote hill station. The family run business had quite a reputation but recently they were not doing great due to lack of guidance. If her team manages to bring back the profit, then the inn will become their resourceful client . All team members will be rewarded and she will be acquired with good salary package. Her manager had made it clear that it won't be an easy task, especially for an intern. Yet it was clear that benefits and risks were equally alike. Above all, Mehek needed distraction, so hardworking long hours were a welcome act for her.

All the while, Mehek had deliberately kept away from social media and news. Internet proved to be a luxury in the remote village where landlines were more prominent. Unlike others, she found it as a blessing to remain hidden. Deep down she knew, if wanted, Shaurya will easily find her. But he didn't. She is not important for him to chase around while his wedding is round the corner. Shaurya would have already married and gone for his honeymoon with his bride. Mehek was sad that he chose not to pursue her. Still she tried to find silver lining that he didn't drag her to be his captive. She tried to be happy. After many years, she felt independent and free. Even without any near & dear ones, she didn't feel alone but self- sufficient.

Harish Uncle was the one person with whom she remained in touch. He was happy for her success and encouraged her constantly. Their conversation never covered anything about Shaurya. Neither Harish talked about whereabouts of Shaurya nor Mehek probed about him. She tried not to bear any ill feelings for him. She had accepted that her relationship with Shaurya was weird so destined to doom. They didn't owe one another anymore as they have spent enough. She try to picture him as husband of another woman on whom she had no rights to keep feelings. She was never a home breaker neither she will never become one.

Mehek was cheerfully moving around guests in restaurant. Her task was to engage with guests and know their preferences & feedback. Her team immediately put her to the task, as she has a knack to mingle well. So they didn't mind sharing their thoughts with her. Her jolly face and chirruping failed to annoy anyone. She managed to create a rapport with guests.

Today, few new couples have checked in and Mehek expected to meet them. Besides guests, occasionally few outsiders also dined with their restaurant. Mehek always tried make them visit again and also spread the good word about the inn. While she moved from table to table, a faint voice called her from behind, "Mehek". She didn't have to look back to recognise him. Ajay

"I thought it was you. But couldn't be sure", Ajay smiled awkwardly, unable to form a sensible sentence. When he came in to pick up his take away for dinner, he least expected to meet Mehek. He glanced at her side crutch and got concerned, "What happened to you?". Compared to him, Mehek remained poised. One she didn't feel terrible when she finally met Ajay again. Second it was her workplace. So she plastered a fake smile and greeted him, "Long story. Not a good time now". By then staff came with his food parcel, "Sir, your order. As you said, second fried rice is less spicy. Hope you enjoy your meal". Mehek smiled as she understood, he had come with his wife. "Good evening, Sir. Hope you and your wife like our food. Do rate our food online and post your comments", Mehek addressed him with her practiced words and walked away.

"Mehek, it's not like that", Ajay trotted behind her. She tried to move fast, away from the crowd but towards her team mate. Luckily her team lead spotted her and came for her aid. "Mehek, is there any issue?", she asked. Usually Mehek would have brushed it off but she didn't want Ajay to be anywhere near her. "Yes, Ma'am. This man is bothering me", she complained against him. Ajay was taken aback by her words so he stuttered, "I know her. We are not strangers". "Ma'am, he is my ex-fiance. We broke up long back. He is now married and has a child". While Ajay remained aghast, her lead glared at him.

Sensing Mehek's plight, she was quick to support her. "Young man, please leave respectfully. Else I will be forced to call authorities", her lead threatened Ajay. "What are you talking about, Mehek? ", he was shocked. "Don't act dumb, Ajay. Zoya told me everything when I met her. Now leave without creating a scene", Mehek snapped at him. While he looked dubiously at her, security came into escort him out of the restaurant.

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Zoya opened the hotel room door timidly. Once she realised it was Ajay, a broad smiled bloomed on her face. "You may be really hungry. Let's eat quickly", she told happily while taking parcels from him. While she was busy, serving dishes to plates, Ajay stood noticing her each movement. "I have never been dishonest with you, Zoya", he spoke while she was baffled, "hope you won't find it unreasonable, if I expect same from you". "Ofcourse. I have always been loyal to you. You are my husband and saviour. Only light left in my life. I will never betray you", she replied. 

They continued their staring competition for a while, until Ajay decided to give Zoya benefit of doubt. "Have you met Mehek?", his one question send shivers down her spine. It was enough for Ajay to know the rest. Yet he asked her again, "Tell me what all lies you fed into her mind? ", he shouted angrily. Zoya folder her hands  and fell on her knees, "Forgive me. I was desperate to save my marriage". Ajay didn't wish to stay beside her another moment and left her in despair.