A Wrong Move

Chapter 32

Mehek wandered around the street aimlessly. When early sunrays played hide & seek with her, she was bestowed with a relishing smile. She looked back at Shaurya who was still sleeping peacefully. She wanted to caress his perfect face but refrained herself. She even cocooned herself to the warmth of Shaurya's body for few moments until realization dawned on herself. She was supposed to panic, being disappointed in herself and blaming him for taking advantage of her. Yet she remained painfully calm because she knew it was bound to happen. She covered her naked body while wondering whether he was repelled by her scars.  Unable to stay quiet in the scene, she quickly dressed up and escaped out of her own house.

It was still early morning. So except for few passerby, roads were deserted. Mehek had no destination in particular. She was trying to keep herself away from confronting Shaurya. What if he mocks her fragile resolution to keep him at bay. Even worse, he may stop pursuing her since she proved herself to be an easy target. Perhaps, he will leave her forever now that he got what he wanted since long. A night she willingly submitted herself to him. A win to boost his ego. It pained her, playing worse scenarios in her mind, not allowing her to focus on anything else. 

She didn't know when she reached main road, until someone took her name from a car that was rushing pass her. "Mehek", the person alighted from the expensive car and trotted towards her, "I thought it was you but was not sure until now". "Shruti!!", Mehek was able to quickly identify the woman although she had changed quite a bit since she met her last time. 

Shruti seemed to be doing well. Unwanted jealousy crept into Mehek for Shruti reaped her happiness owing to misery of others. She was in no mood to chat with the spoilt brat whom fate always favoured. So she chose to ignore her and turned to walk away. "Mehek, please", Shruti held her hand and begged earnestly, "I beg you to spare few minutes for me". Mehek shook her head, "Your puppy eyes and fake tears have cost me a lot, Shruti. Not even a moment, I am willing to waste on you". Shruti stood before her with folded hands, "Please one last time. I promise I will never trouble you ever again".

"Would like to eat something, Mehek?", Shruthi asked once she ordered two cappuccinos for them. Mehek shook her head and looked outside. They chose nearby coffee house to sit and talk. It was still early for crowd to pour in. Except for few tables, many were unoccupied. "There was a time when me and Vicky used to frantically search for you. But unluckly we always failed. I never expected to meet you abruptly, while I am on my way to airport", Shruti tried to converse with Mehek. "What do you want to talk? It's better that you don't miss your flight", Mehek retorted plainly. "It doesn't matter, Mehek if I miss it. Finding you out of the blue, has made my day", she told her. Mehek still didn't show any interest in Shruti's words. She would have left and gone back home if not for Shaurya. She wanted to give him enough time to leave. It would be really awkward if she returns back, only to witness him trying to leave discreetly.

A notification came on Shruti's phone.She cleared it as she didn't want any disturbances. Mehek's gaze fell on the wall paper; a photograph of a cute baby. Without even realizing, a smile adorned Mehek's face. Sensing her reaction, Shruti pushed her phone to Mehek, "That's my girl". Mehek held the phone to see the photograph clearly, "She is so cute. What's her name?". "Khushboo", Shruti replied, "a word with same meaning as Mehek. Fragrance". 

Mehek's happiness slowly withered away, yet she tried to ward of negative vibes, "You are blessed to have her". "Truly, I am. But it wouldn't have been possible if not for you", Shruti's eyes welled with tears, "If I had have got married to Shaurya Khanna, then my life would have been turned to hell. I owe my life to you". Although Shruti was trying to express her gratitude, she managed to open old wounds of Mehek. Shruti may have ended up happily married to the man she loves. However, Mehek's life went downhill and became miserable. Even now she is left in an indecisive juncture, aftaid whether she may make a wrong move.

"I need to leave", Mehek stood up but Shruti held her wrist. "Mehek, if you need anything, anything at all, please call me", she kept her card into her palm. "I don't need your pity", she tried to return it but Shruti insisted. "The day I held my daughter, weight of your debt overburdened my shoulder. It's not pity but your right. You can demand even my life", she spoke emotionally. She managed to melt Mehek's resolution to remain cold. "I didn't expect anything in return", Mehek sniffed, "I still don't want anything from you. Whatever happened in my life was written in my destiny. It was never your fault Shruti. I wish you and your family well". "I know I don't have any right to ask you, still can we be friends?", Shruti's request was indeed genuine, "Khushboo will be happy to meet her Aunt Mehek". "I would love to meet her as well", Mehek's heart fluttered with joy yet she refrained, "May be in time. Someday". "Thanks Mehek", Shruti happily expressed her gratitude

Mehek denied Shruti's offer to drop her home. She still needed to spend some time before returning home. While walking back home, she felt it was fate that made her encounter Shruti. It was a consolation that atleast she is happily married with a child. Something good came out of her miserable life. She recalled picture of Khushboo. Will I ever be blessed to have a child of my own? Probably never. She was too damaged to pursue a relationship with anyone other than Shaurya. And her chances seemed to be bleak with Shaurya. After last night she was sure that he will add her to his long list of flings whom he used and tossed away. Another win, a challenge accomplished.

As Mehek entered her home, she saw Shaurya walking to & fro while barking orders over phone. "Find her and inform me", he told someone, "I am staying back at her appartment incase she comes back. Her phone is at home so there is no point tracking it. Put your best men to it. I can't lose Mehek again". He sighed after disconnecting the call. While he sat in despair, her heart fluttered with joy. While she was giving him ample time to escape, he was desperately seeking her. 

"Shaurya", she called out softly. "Mehek!", he sprang onto his feet and came to her side immediately, "I was so worried for you". He hid her in his warm embrace while she reveled in his care. "Where did you go? You didn't even take your phone. You killed me with worry", he rebuked her. "I...I thought...", she didn't know how to speak the truth, so she decided to lie, "I went for a walk and then lost track of time".

Shaurya glared at Mehek in disbelief. He knew well that she was hiding the truth. But before he could probe further, she held her head and swayed a bit. "Mehek, you need to rest", he carried her to the bed and made her drink water. "Are you taking your medicines regularly?", he asked while checking for box of medicines. "Most of the times", she spoke timidly and when he stared at her angrily, "perhaps nowadays I missed often". He sighed and gave her tablets. "Take rest, Mehek", he patted her cheek, "I am here for you". She blinked back her tears and looked away, "You can leave, Shaurya. I will get better in some time". He held her chin and made her face him, "I am not going anywhere. Now you take rest". Tears streaked her cheeks when he pecked her forehead. "I love you, Mehek", he professed his love again.

"I met Shurti", Mehek blurted out, "she is happy in her life with a child. A baby girl". She shared with Shaurya that she is happy for Shruti, at the same time saddened where life took her. "You will have everything if you just take a step ahead, Mehek. Me, our Children, our family", he squeezed her hand, "just trust me and you will have it all". "But I am scared", she cried, "I feel so hollow as the fear of getting hurt is eating me inside". He wiped her tears, "Then we will find a way to overcome your fears". He stroked her forehead, lulling her to sleep. "I will find a way", he promised himself as she fell asleep.