A Wrong Move

Chapter 29

Mehek woke up to multiple ringings of the calling bell. She was put up in a studio apartment, rented out by an old couple who stayed beneath her floor. "Delivery for you, Ma'am", the delivery boy gave her a bouquet of red roses with a card when she opened the door. "I think you got the wrong address", she knew it won't be for her. On her insistence, the delivery boy checked his device, only to repeat her name and address. Indeed, those lovely roses were meant for her.

 Despite the anonymity of sender, Mehek's heart warmed. She loved receiving flowers. Shaurya always used to bribe her with her weakness for flowers. Yet he too never gifted her red roses. She quickly opened the card to find the sender. 'I Love you'. Except for those three words elegantly hand written, it revealed nothing. Still she couldn't help caressing them lovingly. These adorable beauties are not at fault, she justified her actions.

Perhaps, it was lovely gift which graced her morning, Mehek was in a great mood. She decided to make most of the weekend. She ordered her favourite ice-cream, then sat before laptop browsing for a mushy movie. So she huffed annoyingly when Shaurya called her. "Good Morning Sir", she didn't try to hide her annoyance. "Mehek, it's a holiday", he spoke charmingly. "So?", she was still irked. "So this is not your boss but your Shauyra", he replied sweetly. She tried to remain angry but his words were having an effect on her. After all he is Shaurya Khanna, a charmer. 

"What do you want Shaurya? If it is not related to work then please don't disturb me", Mehek told him haughtily. "Will you go on a date with me?", he asked sweetly. "What???", she was aghast while Shaurya laughed. "I am so happy that you didn't reply with a NO", he teased her, "Shall I take it as a yes?". Before Mehek could blast him, he interrupted her, "Please Mehek. It's just a lunch. What could possibly go wrong ?". "So many things can go wrong", she retorted angrily. "Are you afraid that you will fall for me in one date?", he provoked her cunningly, accompanying with his vicious laugh. Indeed, it worked. "Where do you want to have lunch?", she asked firmly.

"Food is really nice", Mehek has to appreciate the dishes. Shaurya had taken her to an Indian restaurant that served most of her favourites. "I knew you will like it here", he beamed with joy. He smiled and moved his hand over the table to touch her fingers, "I am glad that you agreed to come out with me". Inspite of everything, she didn't pull back her hand. She reciprocated with a smile. It felt good to be with him. She wasn't sure whether she can give him another chance but it was clear that she didn't want to keep any animosity towards him. 

"We can still be friends", Mehek spoke out before realizing. She regretted it. Perhaps she gave in a bit sooner. "Thanks Mehek. But I don't want to be just friends. I want to us to be a couple", he asked for the same that she had yearned since long. However, now she wasn't certain. Unfortunately, she couldn't let go either. Sensing her turmoil, he squeezed her hand, "I know you need time. Till then I will try my best to woo you". She gave a slight laugh, "What if I still disagree?'. "He spoke proudly, "I know it will take time. But you will give me a chance", he then came closer and spoke softly, "If you ask me then I may say that you shouldn't agree easily. I need to pay for my mistakes. Besides, I love a good challenge". Her smile dropped. He realised that his words had stirred something in her.

"Thanks for the lunch. It was lovely", Mehek got up swiftly and tried to pull out money from purse, "I hope these suffice for my share of the bill". "It's on me, Mehek. Next time you can pay", Shaurya knew it will be pointless to hold her back. "What if there is not a next time?", she mockingly and answered herself, "Ofcourse, there will be. Until you win the challenge, you won't stop. One way or another, you will". "You misunderstood me", he wanted to clarify but she shook her head. "I like you when you are open and honest with me", she sighed, "truth may be painful.Still One need to live with it. Now I know where I stand. An exciting win". Few callous words from his side, messed up their date. He was to be blamed, he couldn't stall so let her leave.