A Wrong Move

Epilogue

"How are you Shruti", Mehek asked her earnestly soon after giving her a bear hug. It was evident that she missed Shurti. It's been months since her friend had moved abroad with Khushboo. "Things are falling into place", Shruti replied, " Vicky and I have decided to file a mutual divorce petition. We have agreed to separate but be good parents". "I am sorry", Mehek was sad to hear about it. "Don't be", Shruti corrected her, "Me and Vicky, we both were unhappy in our marriage. This separation is a good decision for us. It's better to part in good terms rather than waiting for a ugly turn", she sighed, "We both can still remain as friends so that we can take good care of our daughter". 

Mehek nodded however she knew it was not as easy as her friend portrayed. Shruti was stronger that she had perceived else she wouldn't have stood boldly against the tempest in her life. "I am now handling business abroad. My father will also join me there after handing over our business here to my uncle and cousins. He seems to have built trust that his daughter is capable of running her own career", Shruti explained, "long story short, I may settle aboard forever. I am happy about it". "I will miss you", Mehek was truly sad to know that she will be moving away. "Me too", Shruti hugged her again, "You are a good friend, Mehek. Just a tough one when you demand favours back". Mehek laughed at her sly comment.

Indeed, I was persistent when I asked Shruti to play the part, Mehek mused. Years back, she had played role of a seductress to save Shruti from an unwanted marriage. Now in return, Mehek demanded Shruti to act out same role for saving her from her own insecurities. Even when reluctant she did her part so that Mehek shall be able to save her marriage.

Chill still run down Shruti's spine when she recalls about the drama they enacted on Mehek's insistence. "Weren't you afraid that Shaurya may cave in to temptation?", Shruti always wondered how Mehek took such a grave risk. "There was always a chance. That's why I chose you. A woman whom I can trust. Someone who will not take it further, if he sways", she spoke wickedly, "It didn't matter whether he cheated or not. My behaviour had cornered him to react. My intention was to make him realise the consequences. He needed to know what he will lose if he ever takes a step back to his old life". 

Shruti tried to make sense of Mehek's twisted logic. She has to admit that it worked. Mehek's vile play had successfully planted a grave fear in Shaurya. Horror of losing her will keep him from making any mistake. She still felt pity for him but somehow they all were convinced that it was need of the hour.

It was time for Shruti to bid farewell to Mehek. As she rose, she commented, "For the record, Shaurya didn't slip". "May be", Mehek sounded proud of him but kept it real, "Still for a fraction of a second, the thought did occur to him", Mehek countered. They recalled how Mehek was constantly watching them through hidden cameras. "One by hundredth of a second, Mehek. Cut the him some slack, girl. Poor guy paid hefty for that miniscule amount of time", Shruti humoured. "It was needed", Mehek still considered her plan flawless, "to ensure long time happiness of our family. For him, for me", she touched her pregnant belly, "For us".

Shruti was still unsure whether her friend's plan was required. According to her, the couple should have just talked it out to put across their grievances. Probably later taken to marriage counselling to solve their issues. But she was none to judge them. Even she was not a relationship expert. Her own broken marriage was a bad experience that taught her that life is not fair. Besides, Mehek and Shaurya were indeed one of a kind, unique & sinister. Their problems were different so were the solutions. At the end they both seemed to happy. All is well as it ends well.

Shruti hugged Mehek, getting ready to leave. But before parting, Shruti asked a question that was pestering her mind, "Aren't you afraid that Shaurya may know it all?". Mehek shrugged her shoulders, then shook her head, "Not in the least bothered. Infact, I think he already knows". Shruti's eyes widened in shock. Mehek giggled to ease her tension, "Once initial shock faded, he may have thought through it. He is clever enough to realise the truth. But I am sure he too sees that it was need of the hour. Even when the scenario was fake, the pain was real. It is enough to keep himself in check and us be happy. We both are madly in love".

Shruti shook her head in dismay. Mehek sounded crazy just the same way she did when she planned the whole drama. Yet somehow many agreed to act their parts in it. She, Harish Uncle and Dr. Malhotra were all just few characters whom Mehek managed to coax into the play. "Perhaps one day when all my hairs are grey, I will tell him", Mehek told her with a confident smile, "That day, I will not be surprised when he tells me that he knew it all". 

Shruti rolled her eyes being irked but couldn't be angry on her. Twisted but Mehek was not wrong. Her friend did what she needed to keep her sane. She is good at heart but was too many times hurt owing to her kind nature. Her insecurities were eating her from inside. Now she is at peace. It will be good for all. "Bye, Mehek", Shruti waved and walked away.

Mehek stayed at the restaurant watching Shruti leave. She got a call from Shaurya, "Hi Shaurya. I think I messed up with the time and came early. Mrs. Joshi is yet to arrive so I am still waiting for her. So sorry for the trouble". "It's okay Love. Call me whenever you are ready to leave", Shaurya cheered her, " I will come and pick you. Take care. Don't eat too much of junk". She giggled at his humorous yet thoughtful concern. She sighed and waited for Mrs. Joshi to arrive.

Shaurya was sitting in his sedan. His car was parked a bit away from the restaurant still he had a good view of table where Mehek was seated. He watched as she waved at Shruti who was now walking away. He laughed, looked onto Mehek lovingly. Clever minx. But she is mine. I will be damned if I lose her.

Mehek was once naïve but now she is smart and crazy too. Over the time, Shauyra may have brushed his madness on her. Nevertheless, he loves her the way she is. She is ideal for him. They may be flawed but their love is perfect

After that fateful night, Shaurya had vowed not to make even a single Wrong Move which could harm his Love, his life; his Mehek. He has everything any man could wish. Good friends, Successful career, Caring father and above all a Wife whom he loves dearly. Soon they will be welcoming their child to their happy world, perhaps few more in coming years. He will be a fool to destroy his little paradise. 

THE END