A Wrong Move

Chapter 31

"Enjoying the party?" , Manav, one of Mehek's team member tried to make small talk to her. It was her last day as Shaurya's employee. His Restaurant had a grand opening. It was already packed with guests. Finally her assignment was over. She was no longer answerable to Shaurya, not even professionally. 

Mrs. Joshi has given a wonderful reference to Mehek that ensured she will be appreciated handsomely at her parent company. She should have left already but when Mrs. Joshi insisted to join the celebrations thrown for the entire team, she couldn't refuse. "Mehek", her attention was pulled from wavering thoughts when Manav nudged her again, "where are you lost?", he asked playfully. She shook her head and smiled back. She didn't reply him but she knew the reason of her distraction.  The one who was standing away, pretending not to notice her still keeping her always under his radar. Shaurya.

"You are looking good tonight", when Mehek realised Manav's compliment was meant for her, it became awkward. All women around her were looking gorgeous, decked up in their partywear, making her look duller. "That's really kind of you", she didn't know how to respond otherwise. Manav has always been good to her. But experience had taught her that worst of a man always comes out when you least expect it. She tried to find excuse to leave politely. 

"You may think I am flirting with you", as if reading Mehek's thoughts Manav spoke, "but I genuinely appreciate you, Mehek. You are a beautiful woman. Not just outwardly but skin deep too. I wish we could spend more time". While she stood silently, he understood it was his cue to leave. "I wish you success, Mehek. Please consider me as a good friend and do feel free to reach out to me". With those words, keeping his smile intact, he walked away from her.

"He is a nice boy", Mrs. Joshi's words beamed from behind. Mehek smiled but didn't reply to her comment. "Unlike many men here, he is a safe option", she shared her opinion. Mehek gazed at Shaurya who was star attraction of the party. Women and men gathered around him, eager to talk and make acquaintance. All the while she stood in a corner wishing to be invisible. "you need to go out and live your life, Mehek. You are still young", Mrs Joshi advised. "It's not easy Ma'am", she managed say. The older woman sighed and kept a hand on her shoulder, "I know you have been through a lot". 

Mehek was startled and in reflex her eyes darted to Shaurya. Did he tell her about me?, her mind panicked. "Don't be shocked", Mrs Joshi consoled her, "it's all written in your eyes". The elderly lady was a bit tipsy so Mehek wasn't surprised when she hugged her suddenly, "Mehek, you are a strong one else you wouldn't have survived. So don't be afraid to get hurt" then she looked at Manav's direction and sighed, "else you will lose a fair chance to be with the someone nice. As you grow older, loneliness is not the best companion".

"Ma'am, I think you had enough", Mehek held Mrs. Joshi when she tried to grab another glass. "Call me as Bani", she grabbed two glasses and thrusted one in Mehek's hand, "Party just started, my dear. Be a sport and drink with me. ". Her energy was too hard to ignore that Mehek also decided to put her hair down. She sipped from the glass while swaying to the music. She wanted to forget her worries and enjoy the night. In few hours, they both were squiffy yet none in a mood to give up. Bani Ma'am and her intoxicated enthusiasm became contagious. "Ladies, you are rocking tonight", Manav along with other colleagues joined them on dance floor.

Shaurya was eyeing Mehek closely eventhough maintaining  distance. As time passed, he realised that things are getting out of hand and interrupted her drunken stupor. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you all had a great time. Now let's call it a day", he announced.  Bani and Mehek pouted but cheered along with others. It was time to leave. They hugged one another, bidding farewell. 

"I will drop you", Manav suggested Mehek but Shaurya countered, "Don't worry about them. I will ask my driver to drop both of them. "You drop, Bani", Mehek spoke stubbornly, "I will go with Manav. He is a nice boy. I trust him to be safe". Manav smiled awkwardly being indecisive whether to take Mehek or obey Shaurya. "Manav, drop Mrs. Joshi. I believe you know her residence", Shaurya decided to take matters into his hand, "I will drop Mehek home". His tone was firm, giving away that his words are non-negotiable. Manav didn't waste any time and helped Mrs. Joshi to the exit while Mehek stood disappointed. "I wanted to go with Manav", she acted childish. "You are coming with me", he spoke angrily. He pulled her forcefully and took her to his car.

"You trust that guy whom you hardly know, to let you drop home when you are dead drunk", Shaurya taunted Mehek while wiping her face with a wet towel. She giggled, "I am not that drunk". They had arrived her apartment some time back. Although Mehek pushed him to leave, he didn't have the heart to leave her alone. He wanted to ensure that Mehek is settled comfortably at home. She hissed when cold surface of the towel was pressed to her cheeks. In anger , she sneered at him, "Besides Manav is harmless. Bani told me so". 

Shaurya laughed softly, "you trust a random guy just because that old hag thinks he is a good guy. But in my case, you refuse to even give a benefit of doubt". "I know you too well, Shaurya", she spoke softly, "You are the known devil who tortured me. Not just once but many times. One way or another, I always got hurt by you". He sighed when she recited their truth once again. 

"I am really sorry for hurting you, Mehek. Please forgive", Shaurya plead her earnestly while holding her face in his palms, "One last chance, my Love". She laughed out loud. "You are so cute", she pulled his cheeks, "That's why I love you a lot". "So you love me?", he asked menacingly. Realising her mistake of blurting out , she shrugged her shoulder and got up to leave. "Don't avoid me", he grabbed her from behind and held her closely.

"You are taking advantage of my drunken state", Mehek complained. "You are not that drunk", Shaurya countered using her own words. "Leave me", she tried to free herself desperately. "Just tell me that you still love", he asked hoarsely into her ear. His voice, touch and closeness was making her senses go crazy. "However hard I tried, I could never stop loving you", she spoke emotionally, "I hate myself for it. I hate you for it". He held her chin and turn her face to him, "And I love you more than anything for it". Tears welled in her eyes when he pecked her forehead, "you are my precious". "I love you, Shaurya", she confessed her feelings and tiptoed to reach his lips.

Feelings were overwhelming both. Mehek started it and Shauyra took it forward. They were in arms of the person whom they love deeply. Nothing seemed to be wrong when they found themselves lost in one another. Mehek didn't resist a bit when Shaurya pushed her onto bed, his tongue still exploring her mouth. They were panting as he parted from her to have a good look at her flushed face. "Don't leave me, Shaurya", she spoke tenderly. "Not even if you insist", he promised before kissing her again. 

Passion ruled over their reasoning. Desire fueling their hunger, forcing them to submission. Shaurya relented when she pushed away his jacket and tore open his shirt. However he slowly undressed her, trying to catch any sign of hesitation. He kissed every inch of her skin, driving her crazy with want. She eagerly pulled him into herself, being impatient to have him for herself. She moaned in pleasure when he finally culminated their passion. 

It wasn't their first time. But unlike before, it was fulfilling. She wasn't his slave, neither he wanted to use her for his pleasure. Tonight, their intimacy was expression of love. They craved to complete one another. It was compelling as well as blissful. 

Hours passed. Shaurya was still awake. He caressed Mehek who was sleeping peacefully on his chest. They made love. He didn't feel anything wrong about it yet was restless since Mehek was inebriated. Her consent was evident when he took their deed forward. But he knew she would never have shown her scars to him so freely if not for the alcohol in her system. However hard she tried to be confident, she was conscious of them. He too couldn't pretend to not to care about them. 

Mehek hid them for they were ugly taints on her body. While for Shaurya, they were reminders of the pain she had endured due to his adamancy. Infact, those were mere physical marks  that may fade with time. He had scarred her mind and soul, even deeply. He need to heal her in every possible way, else he would fail as a man who claimed to love her ardently.

"Please don't leave me, Shaurya", Mehek whimpered in her sleep. He laughed softly and held her closely as reply to her plea. "I love you a lot", she sobbed against his chest. He wrapped his hands around her body tightly, giving warmth to convey his presence to make her feel cherished and protected. 

Selfishly Shaurya wished Mehek would stay intoxicated, professing her feelings for him and holding him with her dear life. But Alas! It's just a wishful thinking. Soon she will awake from her slumber. She will blame him for taking advantage of her drunken state and denying her true feeling all over again. He sighed thinking helplessly about the inevitable tomorrow. He batted his eyelids to fight sleep so that he can stay awake and bath in the blissful night hours, holding his love closely against him. Yet slowly sleep conquered him.