Waltz of Hummingbirds

5.Scandal & Lies

"Ma'am", Sonal addressed Mehek formally. She groaned as she knew the matter was extremely crucial else Sonal will not adorn her professional attitude along with matching tone. "Shall I include our legal team to sue the website?", Sonal asked Mehek who seemed to be glued to the screen of her computer. She didn't respond for few moments.

"Is it all over the internet?", Mehek asked despite knowing the answer. "Our tech team has done enough to prevent  it from being going viral. Yet the news is still up on their site. We can't touch them unless we file a formal complaint". Mehek had already deduced the same. She sighed trying to get in terms with the mess she was pulled in.

A formal complaint means Mehek had to either claim it as fake. But it could be easily proven wrong. Next options was to project that her privacy was breached but then it will accepting that it is real. "Let our legal team take care of it", Sonal advised sensing her turmoil. "Ask them to give their recommendation", Mehek spoke firmly, "I will decide how to proceed further". She once again looked onto the photo shared on the gossip website. A clear picture of her with the man whom she had spend her wedding night. Dressed in oversized men's attire , she is seen smooching a barely dressed man at the threshold of their honeymoon suite.

"How did these buggers even trace you?" Sonal was baffled, "even I couldn't find you whole night". Mehek rubbed her temple. Her credit card. Someone from hotel might have recognized from name on her card. Possibly tipped the gossip mongers who are always ready to pay good money for a juicy piece. She cringed while reading the elaborate title of the article. Jilted Heiress caught on camera after an amorous night. Rich bee  swiftly hopped away from her ex-fiance to new lover, in few hours of her disastrous wedding. 

Mehek knew how news sells. Twist the whole angle to sell a spicy story. She had been dealing with them for long, recently even started using them for her own popularity. Over the time, she had almost become immune. But she was wrong as it still hurts. Despite, Reyansh leaving her on their wedding day, he was painted as a noble man. All the while, she is accused to be an easy women who moved from one man to another in a matter of few hours.

"Nandita Aunty is here", Sonal informed her. "What does she want?", her mother was the last person Mehek wanted to see. "Relax Mehek. She is here to help, Mehek. Your name is drawn through mud. Reputation of our company is affected. Above all, your new venture is absolutely at stake", Sonal explained it all. Mehek sighed, recalling how she went against the board and launched her own brand of perfumes. 

It is Mehek's dream project. She was the face of the brand which was easily becoming popular in market. Being a successful socialite, it was easy for her to influence consumers. Above all, her products were exquisite and admirable. Now if her name is spoiled, her brand will also go down. Soon board will push her out and she may lose control of the company. Despite their dislike, both mother and daughter valued their company. It was better to team with her mother rather than any other wolves.

"Who is he?", Nandita asked as soon as they all sat around the table. Sonal dreaded the very moment. Mehek had no excuse but answer her mother, yet she snapped at her, "None of your business". "It is my business, Darling daughter. Your reputation is our reputation", Nandita replied coldly, "I don't wan details. Is he just a one night stand or some long lost admirer?". "Does it matter?', Mehek was irked, "I slept with a man. Big Deal! It is still privacy breach". 

Sonal pled with her eyes to Nandita so that she will not lose her cool. Nandita sighed, "the photograph was taken in broad daylight, outside the hotel room. Clearly in an area outside four walls. So we can't accuse privacy breach", she looked at Sonal, "If he is an old fling, then atleast we can reason that you sought comfort after being jilted. Else let's see how to suck sympathy of being pushed to a one night stand after being dumped". "Stop it", Mehek yelled at her mother. She threw away the vase kept on table, "Enough", she screamed again and marched out of the room.