A Wrong Move

Chapter 25

"It's a good property", Shaurya spoke while he looked around, "if they could tap on its legacy and provide good service, all efforts will be fruitful". Mehek nodded in agreement. Despite their animosity, she knew his business acumen is top notch. "Shall we sit for a moment? I am sure you are also tired after long tour", he proposed. Again she responded with a soft node. 

They both sat down on one of the benches provided around the garden. "The garden is well maintained", Shaurya commented. But not as good as Khanna mansion , Mehekthought but didn't speak out. Instead she let out a deep breath. "How are things here , Mehek? Are you okay with work? How's your health?", he asked. In spite of her decision of not sharing any personal talks, she informed she is doing fine. Then silence fell between them.

First Ajay and now Shaurya. Strangely Mehek had been meeting those men who had broken up with her. Ironically, they both are married but still wanted to communicate their part to her. "Come back, Mehek", when Shaurya spoke, she glared at him. "You wanted to prove a point while leaving Khanna mansion. I admit that it worked. Now that I realised your worth, I'm here fetch you. What more do you want?', he appeared to be truly baffled. She scoffed, "Mr, Khanna, you seemed to be delusional. I want nothing from you". She tried to move away but he held her, "I am sorry, Mehek. This is all new to me. I never have to try to win back a woman. Please understand that I am trying my best". "Then stop trying and go back to those who throw themselves at you", she spoke firmly, "because we are done".

"Is it because of Ajay?", Shauyra shot at Mehek, "Afterall that he had done , what does he want from you?". "Same as you", she sneered at him, "he wants to talk and clear things out. He is a bit less proud than you. So he came begging for forgiveness to redeem himself". "Mehek, he is married", he raised his voice. "So are you", she shouted back at him, "so I am saying the same thing to you as well, Shauyra. LEAVE ME ALONE". 

Shaurya seemed to be shocked by her outburst but before he can react, she walked away. "What non-sense are you saying, Mehek? You are comparing your spineless ex-fiance with me ? How could you?", he was mortified. "Why can't I ? Infact he claims to have a more noble reason to marry while you married for money", she tried hard to suppress her sob, "none of you care about me. Both are selfish morons. I am done with your likes".

Shaurya was taken aback by her words but soon he gave a sad smile. He knew that she never enquired about him to his father. But he had expected her to be a bit inquisitive about his whereabouts. Seems like Mehek had totally ignored him from her life. "Fine, Mehek. If that's what you want", he gave up his attempts and walked away. But before covering more distance, he turned back and announced, "For the record, I didn't get married".

After many hours of deliberation, Mehek finally visited nearby internet café to browse about Shaurya & Shayara. He wasn't lying.  It was clearly mentioned that few days prior to marriage both groom & bride appeared together before media to announce the decision of calling off their wedding. They dodged questions that it was mutual decision based on personal reasons. Merger between their companies were not affected as both agreed to continue to be as business partners and friends. Their break up was not as hyped as their wedding announcements. Few news followed stating that Shayara went abroad while speculations were made on the Shaurya's past affairs. Mehek rubbed her forehead to ease her discomfort. Why was she wasting her time & energy on him?  She had no answer but she decided to not to pursue it anymore.

After paying tariff, Mehek left the café. Few steps into the crowd and she found the same man who was hired by Shaurya. She sighed dubiosly while he smiled awkwardly. "Where is your Boss?", she asked him. He pointed to the SUV parked in nearby alley. "Ask him to come here. I need to talk to him", she demanded boldly. "Ma'am, why don't to come with me to the car. You will have better privacy and talk properly", he suggested. "I will wait here for next 5 minutes and then leave", she replied adamantly. He gave up and quickly pulled out his phone to update Shaurya.

"Why are you men keeping surveillance on me?", Mehek asked nonchalantly while walking with Shaurya. He laughed softly, "They are for your own good. Unlike you, I still care about you". "What do you want?", she asked keeping same indifference. "I want you", he spoke softly but she stopped abruptly. Sensing her anger, he corrected quickly, "Please come back, Mehek. My marriage with Shayara is cancelled. Everything will be back as before. You have nothing to worry about". 

Mehek smirked, "You don't get it even now, do you?", while Shurya looked baffled, she clarified, "I didn't leave because of Shayara or anyone else. I left because of you". As she turned to leave, he grabbed her elbow, "you took a stand for yourself and I take your point. Now end this drama and come back". She released herself from his hold and gave back firmly, "I won't come back. You lost me forever, Mr. Shaurya Khanna".

"What do you want? Huh?", Shaurya argued rudely to Mehek who was walking away, "Do you want me to beg on my knees for you to come back? Or should yell out to the world that I missed you terribly". She slowed her steps so he went on, "Very well then be it", he raised his volume, "Days without you were miserable. I understood that I cannot live without you". Few passerbys noticed but none bothered to interfere thinking it as a silly lover's tiff.

Mehek took a sharp breath to control her tears. Those were the words that she always wanted to hear from Shaurya. But today they made her sad. So she decided to put an end to their torment. She turned to him, "But I lived without you, Shaurya. It was difficult in the beginning; Ireally difficult but I managed to cope. So I am sure you will be fine too". "Mehek, don't do this to us", he warned her. "Don't you dare to put blame on me, Shaurya. YOU did this to us", she sneered at him, "you spoiled US when you refused to give it a chance. You destroyed everything because of your selfishness".

Shaurya had no defense for he has absolutely guilty. "Mehek", he spoke lovingly and tried to caress her cheek but she refused so he tried to justify himself, "I did it to protect you". She smirked, "No Shauyra, you did it for yourself. You were too much onto to yourself to care about another". He couldn't reason with her anymore. Somewhere he too knew Mehek was uttering truth. He didn't dare to take leap of trust. Even when she voiced her feelings, he pushed her away. But his intention was never to stay away from. He was selfish as he wanted everything; Mehek, a trophy wife with lineage, affairs with his flings...

When Mehek left abruptly, the void she left was too huge to be unfulfilled. He realised that in a race to win it all, he lost most precious person in his life. He immediately cleared his situation to Shayara and called off their wedding. Surprisingly, Shayara expected it to happen and didn't make any fuss. He had expected Mehek to come back but she didn't and never even gave him a call. He managed to track and keep her under his  radar.  He wanted to give her space. But Ajay's apprearence changed everything. 

"Now also you are here for yourself, Shaurya. When you found Ajay came to see me, your ego got hurt. This is not Love but plain obsession. And I am tired of being objectified", Mehek cried out, reflecting his thoughts. "God! Mehek. You got it all wrong. I was worried when I got to know that Ajay was stalking you", he came closer and spoke, "I am trying to protect you". Finally a lone tear betrayed her and fell on her cheeks. "I am sick and tired of your attempts to protect me, Mr Khanna. So leave and take your men with you. I can take care of myself". 

Mehek took few steps to realise that Shaurya was still walking behind her. She was annoyed and irritated by his stubborness. She looked ahead and saw Ajay who was getting into an autorickshaw. She didn't know what possessed her but she called out his name. Ajay was stunned however a hearty smile spread on his face . She trotted to his side without giving another glance at Shaurya. "Mehek, I..", Ajay's words were cut short by her who got into the vehicle. He was baffled and enquired her where she wanted to go. "Anywhere but here", she replied firmly.