A Wrong Move

Chapter 39

"How are my precious babies?", Shaurya wrapped his arms around Mehek's blossomed belly. "We are good", she replied happily while leaning into his chest peacefully. 

Mehek was looking over the arrangements in their new restaurant. Owing to success of the first venture, it was decided to launch similar one in another serene location. "Don't stress yourself", Shaurya warned her, " you don't have to do it personally. Let your team take care of it. After all, you have groomed them well". "I know Shaurya", she faced him with a cute smile, "but I love to work". "But your condition...", she didn't let him finish."I am pregnant not sick, Mr. Khanna. Normally women work even till the last week of their pregnancy", she pulled his nose playfully. "May be, Mrs.Khanna", he kissed her hand, "but you are mine and very special".

Mehek shook her head in defeat. Nowadays, often Shaurya switched to his protective mode. Then there is no turning back. Mayhap, the accident and memory loss during initial days of her pregnancy made him anxious. He took care to accompany her whenever she travelled for work. He didn't care whether his was losing a huge deal or worked piled due to his absense. He had gone through a lot to realise that he is nothing without Mehek. Moreover, she had nothing to complain. She was enjoying every bit of his company while entering the last trimester of the pregnancy.

Mehek was moving slowly around. Inspecting the work, giving feedback and appreciation. Over the time, with proper treatment, she had managed to walk without support along with barely noticable limp. Yet as days passed, she was fighting her urge to depend back on her crutches. While nature blessed her with glow & curves, added pounds made it a bit difficult to walk. Still she stubbornly refused to be an invalid. She wanted to be the ideal mother for her child. 

As Mehek took a slight turn to enter another room, she lost footing. Dread filled her, threatening security of the life growing inside her but she was saved. Shaurya caught her before any harm could befall on his pregnant wife. He led her to nearby sofa so that she could recover from the shock. His early self would have scolded her. But he didn't because time has changed him. He understood her completely. He knew his wife was trying to remain strong for their child. That's why he decided to be with her always, until she reaches her goal.

"I am sorry", Mehek spoke guiltily, "I was careful but I don't know how". Shaurya nodded, giving support to her. "I will be there, Sweetheart", he squeezed her hand, "whenever you slip, I will be there to hold you. I will never let you to fall", he abruptly pulled her ear, earning an yelp from her, "but you better be more careful". She was amazed by his care and concern, along with playfullness. 

Mehek leaned to place a kiss on his lips. He was surprised as she was always timid to display her affection in public. Nevertheless a lot has changed since last few months. He laughed when she moved back shyly. "And keep showering me with such alluring rewards", he teased her. They both laughed. "Let's go and have some lunch. I am sure our munchkin is making Mommy hungry", he rubbed her pregnant belly.

Shaurya took Mehek to a posh restaurant, that served good food with healthy choices. The nice ambience of place put her in a soothening mood. While they both were scanning the menu, Mehek noticed that their waitress was throwing glances at him. She looked onto Shaurya who ignored the waitress completely. He appeared to be keen to decide the food.  Mehek excused herself to visit ladies room once they ordered food. While walking back, she saw the same woman trying her luck with her husband. 

"What would you like to drink, Sir?", the waitress asked Shaurya sweetly.  "The same that my wife ordered", he replied plainly, "Water". He gave back menu roughly to her, indicating that her services were no longer required. Mehek tried hard to suppress her giggle while waitress retrieved with a disappointed pout. Soon she joined him at their table. 

"So when are we going shopping for our princess?", Shaurya asked Mehek once they were almost done with the food. "What if it is a prince?", she gave back humorously. "Then we will keep trying until we have a princess", he replied swiftly. Mehek gasped and threw the cloth napkin at him. "You are so violent, my Lady. I need my own team to protect myself", he made fun of her.

While returning back, Shaurya instructed their driver to drive carefully until they reach home safely. He took care while selecting vehicle to provide safety and comfort for Mehek. He buckled her seat belts carefully, pulled it softly to ensure it is proper and then asked the driver to start. Even while sitting beside her, he grabbed her hand as if afraid that she will slip out to danger.

 Mehek took a deep breath. After her accident, she was hospitalized for many days. Although physically fit, her mind was in havoc. Shock as an aftermath of accident along with her pregnancy hormones, troubled her a lot. Shaurya kept her sane throughout the journey. He patiently held her hand, aiding her sail through rough sea. Still she felt, it was he who was affected the most. "How did you feel that night?", she asked abruptly with a tint of guilt.

Shaurya didn't need any clarification to know which night Mehek was referring to. It was darkest and happiest one at the same time. The night when he almost lost her but fate mercifully brought her back to him. It was still difficult for him to talk about even now but he wanted her to know. "I was shattered to pieces", he spoke the truth, "I thought I lost you. Like I was unable to even breath. But then when you came back, it was most joyous moment of my life". 

Mehek moved closer and placed her head on Shaurya's shoulder. He caressed her hair while looking outside. He wanted to tell her the truth but refrained himself. In time, he will tell her everything. But not now. She still doesn't remember about that night. He was happy that it was erased from her memory. He too chose to remove it from him.

In return of the boon of fate, Shaurya decided to write off those vile chapters in his life that may threaten his sweet present and gleeful future. He vowed never to allow himself to sway even for a moment. Because it is not worth it. He will never even try to tread on the dangerous path that will lead to his destruction.

"I am sorry", Mehek sniffed. "For what?", Shaurya who was lost in thoughts suddenly jerked. He was used to her pregnancy mood swings but he wanted to know the reason. "For putting you through everything", she spoke while sniffing. She added, "I mean, I shouldn't have driven so rashly". He sighed and remained mum, stroking her cheek. Few moments passed, as they chose to remain in their blissful moments.

"Now you know even one Wrong move can ruin our happiness", Mehek spoke abruptly, breaking the silence. She smiled at Shaurya with a vicious twinkle in her eyes, "Atleast you learned a good lesson that night, didn't you?". He knitted his brows in confusion but she laughed out loud, putting him at ease "A lesson that you should always be my chauffer whenever we go for late night parties. Never leave me alone however foul my mood is", she pulled his cheeks, laughing at him. He laughed awkwardly. As journey continued, Mehek rested her head on his shoulder She soon dozed off while he kept gazing out of the window. 

Few weeks later

"Aren't you coming?", Mehek asked Shaurya. He shook his head, "Mrs. Joshi will be happier if you meet her alone. It will get formal if I join", he left her at the restaurant, "Have fun. Call me when you are done. I will pick you up". Mehek waved until his car was out of her sight. She exhaled as if making up her mind,before entering the restaurant. 

Mehek looked around the tables to find the person whom she intended to meet. "Hope I didn't make you wait", she spoke to the woman at the table once she reached close enough. She turned to Mehek. It was Shruti.