A Wrong Move

Chapter 38

"Have you seen Mehek?", Shaurya frantically asked the security guards. He had tried to find Mehek but was unsuccessful. He lost a bit of time while wading amidst the party crowd. By the time he reached parking lot, there was no sign of her. The guards knew them but since it was party night with lot of vehicles, they couldn't speak with conviction. "I think I saw, Mehek Ma'am driving away in her car", one of them informed doubtfully while another told convincingly that it was not her. Rather than wasting some more time, Shaurya didnt gather anything. He took his car to find the way in which she may have left. Nevertheless , in some time, he understood that he was moving in circles. There was no sign of Mehek or her vehicle.

"Is Mehek here?", Shaurya asked anxiously as soon as he entered Khanna mansion. Awara was baffled. "Not yet", he replied, "weren't you both going to same party". Shaurya had no time to explain. He immediately asked Awara to ask Imli to contact Mehek. She was not picking his calls. He was hopeful perhaps Imli may get through her. "What happened?", although ready to run his orders, Awara wanted to know the situation. Shaurya sighed, "Mehek is missing. I am unable to reach her". Sensing the seriousness of situation, Awara didn't leave another moment to waste.

"What have you done, Shaurya?", Harish's reprimanding tone accused him. He was unable to face his father. His silence was enough for Harish to assume the worst. "If you have hurt Mehek, you will lose everything", he spoke vehemently before leaving him alone. Shaurya was aware of his doom. He will be left in streets if Mehek decides to break up with him. 

No home, no family, not even a penny in pocket. However, Shaurya was least worried of losing his wealth, his father or even their child. Only Mehek mattered. If he loses her, his life will be over. He was ready to be tortured till eternity if he could just know that she is okay. He cupped his face in his palms and wept. "Mehek's car has been found", Awara 's voice woke him. "Where? Is she okay?", he shot at Awara. He looked away from Shaurya and spoke softly to Harish, "There has been an accident".

Mehek was fortunate to be admitted in the same hospital where Dr. Malhotra worked. He knew her entire medical history to treat her aptly. When Khannas arrived with Imli and Awara, he failed to pacify them. "Head injury. Minor cut on forehead but she is still unconscious. Perhaps internal bleeding. We are running tests. Let us hope for the best", he told them. "How about the baby?", it was Imli who asked. Dr. Malhotra seemed to be unaware of it. Harish clarified that there is chance of Mehek being pregnant. "We will do our best, Mr. Harish. But Mehek will our first priority". "She should be", Shaurya shouted at him, "nothing should happened to her". 

Dr. Malhotra gave a reproachful look to Shaurya. Harish quickly apologized and pulled him away. "Behave yourself", he reprimanded his son, "Don't forget that she is suffering due to your mistakes. If anything happens to Mehek...". Shaurya quick stopped his father, "Please don't say like that. I can't bear it". He folded his hands and begged his father. Harish looked away in dismay, "I pray that Mehek comes back to life unscathed. But seems like you have already lost her". Shaurya shook his head in denial, tears streaking his face. "If Mehek decides to leave, then you will be left with nothing", Harish scoffed at his son's pitiful state.

Hours passed. They all were waiting in the corridors of the hospital. Some junior doctors informed that Mehek was still under observation while some other told that tests are still running. They all expressed their concern that she hasn't gained conscious for long even when external injury is minimal. Shaurya was worse hit. He couldn't hear any more pessimistic words about Mehek. He could only kneel before Almighty and pray for her safety. 

Shauray contemplated that Mehek had caught him and Shruti in a compromising situation. He was guilty. Even if it was for fraction of a second, he got swayed. He was on verge of losing himself to his past addiction. He can't blame it on alcohol and situations. It was all his fault. He deserves punishment. It didn't matter that he recovered. But Mehek needn't be punished. She has to come back to life. I would rather kill myself than suffering another heartbreak. He recalled Mehek's words. He was sure that it was not an accident but a deliberate attempt to end herself. She had given up on herself finding him in another woman's arms.

With every passing minute, Shaurya was sinking deep in self-pity. He had everything. A family. A wife whom he loved ardently. Perhaps a child on its way to their world. But he ruined it all. Some hardships, few taunts from angry Mehek and couple of drinks of alcohol were all needed for him to slip back to a wayward life. A Wrong move has destroyed him. He knew when Mehek wakes up, he will be damned. But he didn't care even a little. Let her take away everything; his wealth, his father and even their child. But please let her be saved. He had already realised nothing mattered to him more than Mehek. He was constantly praying to God to spare her life. He was ready to serve any punishment but not losing Mehek.

"Mehek is awake", his father's voice, jerked Shaurya from his slumber. Harish has been witnessing Shaurya's pitiful condition but refrained from consoling him. They all were worried for Mehek. He had still not asked Shaurya but he knew he was Mehek's culprit. He decided to step back as he wanted to act not only as Shaurya's father but Mehek's as well. He left everything to her. He will neither judge nor advocate Shaurya. Only Mehek has the right. Shaurya quickly jumped on his feet but Harish held him, "She is unwell so be careful". Those subtle words cause painful shiver run through his spine.

While Shaurya covered the distance swiftly to reach Mehek, deep down he knew that he was approaching his doom. She may lash out at him or perhaps refrain from creating a scene before strangers. Yet it is inevitable. She will end their relationship. She may do the honours gracefully or banish him wildly like vermin. Yet he just wished to see her. He wanted a final glance at her, ensuring that she is out of danger. Apprehension of his ruination couldn't stand before his concern for Mehek. He just want to see her safe & sound.

Harish and Shaurya entered the room while Dr. Malhotra was still talking to Mehek. They walked towards the bed where she laid. Shaurya didn't have the courage to even utter a word. "Mehek, my child", Harish words brought her attention to them. She smiled weakly but they noticed that her eyes were tired. "You ought to be more careful, Mehek", Dr. Malhotra warned her, "especially in this condition". "Condition?", Harish asked anxiously. 

"I wish the situation was better for the news", Dr. Malhotra spoke to them, "You are going to be a grandfather, Harish. Mehek is pregnant". Despite the odds, Khanna men were joyous. They all suspected it for weeks. Finally when the news came, it was sad for Mehek was in hospital bed. Their attention was back to her who seemed to lost and baffled. Momentary happiness vanished, dread started to fill in Shaurya's heart.

"Why did you drive so fast when you knew about your condition?", Dr. Malhotra rebuked Mehek with paternal affection, "that too at late hours of the evening". She looked on to them, shifting her gaze to each of the men who were staring facing her with concern. Shaurya's heart was beating miles per hour. He prepared himself for the worst. "I don't know", Mehek's words shocked everyone.

" I don't remember. It was Shruti's farewell party. Shaurya was waiting for me at our restaurant. We had fight when I was waiting for the reports to come", Mehek rubbed her forehead to ease the pain, "But once I saw my reports were positive, all my doubts vanished. I was rushing to tell him the news", she extended her hand to Shaurya which he grabbed immediately, "Shaurya, we are going to have a baby", she smiled while tears adorned her face, "I am so happy. Aren't you happy?'. He nodded and pecked her forehead. "I am so sorry to trouble you. It was so unfair", she apologized but he brushed it aside. 

"But them something happened. I can't recall. It's all hazy. Was it accident or something else? All I could remember is a huge blow", Mehek breathed rapidly and held on to Shaurya, "I am unable to understand, Shaurya. It all vague as if I missed time. What happened to me?", she quickly grabbed her head, "My head hurts. Why can't I remember? I am trying but it hurt so much". He quickly held her close, to comfort her.

Dr. Malhotra got to action immediately and injected some medicines into Mehek. He asked her not to take stress, cautioning safety of her baby. She calmed down and dozed off holding Shaurya's hand. Once she was asleep, Harish asked Doctor about her condition. "Probably a concussion", he seemed to be unsure, "A temporary memory lapse, may be due to the head injury or just shock from the incident. I will run some more tests to be sure. Nevertheless, it is fortunate that Mehek and child are safe". They all agreed. 

While Harish left with Doctor, Shaurya sat beside Mehek. He kissed her hand and caressed it tenderly. Universe has been merciful on me, he mused, but how long.