A Wrong Move

Chapter 24

Mehek grabbed receiver of landline and placed it close her ear while patiently waiting for the call to go through. She had taken an extra mile of her morning walk to reach the distant Post office to make a call. She could have made it from hotel landline but somehow she wanted secrecy.

 "Happy Birthday, Imli", Mehek greeted as soon as Imli attended the call. Imli giggled with happiness but soon her voice became hoarse as if she was crying. Imli complained and rebuked her for not keeping in touch and staying away from her. As usual, Imli continued her rant without giving an oppurtunity for Mehek to speak. Yet she didn't complain as missed Imli's chatter. 

"I miss you, Imli", Mehek spoked emotionally. "Me too", Imli sniffed, "Shaurya Sir...". Mehek didn't want to hear anything about Shaurya. Knowing Imli's nature, Mehek knew she will soon be pouring details without considering it. She didn't need to know about Shauyra and his new wife. So she tried to end the call citing some excuses. "How can I contact you again? I need to tell you so many things", Imli was aghast when Mehek tried to end their conversation. "I will call you soon. Take care, Imli. Love you Dear", Mehek quickly disconnected.

"Hope it will reach soon", Mehek asked the postmaster polietly. He smiled back taking in her parcel. "We will try our best but since it is far, few days will be covered". She blamed her tardiness. She should have planned to send Imli's gift earlier. But her tight work schedule delayed her trip to the post office. She won't be able to see Imli's reaction but knew well that she will be happy with her gift. Mehek was glad to send Imli something from her own earnings. 

Mehek bought few postcards, envelops, stamps etc before leaving the post office. It may not be an era where people wrote letters or send postcards still Mehek liked the feel of them. She wished to contact her parents but didn't have the courage. May be she will send them a letter where she will get a chance to explain herself. Despite not been aware of their reaction, atleast she will be feel better.

"Mehek", she was startled when Ajay came out of nowhere, "I am sorry", he quickly apologised but she didn't pay him any heed. She continued to walk away, wishing that he will leave her alone. "Mehek, please hear me out. I promise I will never bother you again", he begged. "There is nothing to hear", she sneered at him, "you moved on; rather swiftly". Even though she had accepted the truth, it was still not easy to digest. Ajay was once everything for her. He mattered so much that she chose to ruin herself for his sake. But he had easily forgotten her and went on with his life. Now she was disgusted by him. "But I need to tell. You got it all wrong", he was persistent and tried to grab her arm. "Don't touch me", she pulled back and lost balance.

"Ma'am, are you okay?", a stanger quickly appeared in the scene to help Mehek. Ajay was embarrassed to have hurt her. But the stranger didn't allow him to come near while she was back on her feet. "Is he troubling you , Ma'am?", he asked Mehek firmly. The stranger was a well-built man. Probably a tourist who was roaming around. Yet something about him or their situation cautioned her. She looked around to find that not much people were around. She could ask the man for help to get rid of Ajay but he was after all a stranger. What if he is a psycho or criminal trying to take advantage of her. Given everything, she can trust Ajay not to harm her. "It's okay. Thanks for your concern. He is an old friend. We will manage", Mehek denied his support and gestured Ajay to follow her.

"You have time till tea is served", Mehek commanded as soon as waiter left after taking their order. She was forced to drag herself with Ajay to the nearby restaurant. People were around and she knew it will get crowded soon. She calculated that it will be easy to handle Ajay if he creates a scene. "Mehek, I married Zoya to save her. She...she", he stumbled. "I know her story. She told me that you saved her from human traffickers", she smirked, "you wanted to do good deed to return my favour". Mehek looked away to blink her tears while Ajay closed his eyes in dismay. "Obviously it worked out for you. So be happy in your life and leave me in peace", Mehek got ready to leave. "It's not a real marriage, Mehek. An arrangement made to protect her. We had nothing between us. She lied to you about the child", he revealed quickly.