Waltz of Hummingbirds

23.Lose to Find yourself

"You look much better", Doctor told Mehek cheerfully. They all have to agree that Resmi's presence expedited  her recover. "When can she be discharged?', Shaurya asked eagerly. "In a day or two", Doctor replied, bringing smile to everyone. Resmi hugged Mehek affectionately, thanking Almighty for his blessings. "Time to go home", she exclaimed but cheerful mood of Mehek dampened quickly.

"Mehek, please come back home with me", Shauyra requested her, "I assure, it will not be same as before". Mehek's silence brought out his worst fears. Sensing her reluctance, Nandita came forward, "You can come to our home, Mehek". Even after hearing her mother, she looked away without uttering a word. "We all want the best for you, Dear", Resmi squeezed her palm. Mehek nodded, understanding their intention. Yet she was not ready to give them a chance.

Shaurya and Nandita eagerly waited for Mehek's reply. "Will I still be welcome to Ahlawat House?", she asked nervously, "even if I am not with Shaurya". "Of course Mehek. When I said you are my daughter, I meant it. You can stay with me as long as you want", Resmi wanted to make her feel cherished. Shauyra realised Mehek had made her choice so did Nandita. They knew their redemption was not easy.

"But Mehek, you are still weak to travel", Resmi reasoned carefully, "perhaps we can stay with Shaurya for few days until you are fully recovered. Then we will both fly back to our happy home". "Promise?", Mehek was on verge of tears. She was unsure whether it will be a tact, forcing her to live with her husband. Before Resmi could reassure, Shaurya spoke, "No one will force you, Mehek. I promise. Just bear for few more days until you are better". He had decided to give Mehek the power to decide. She has all rights to make the choice. Hearing him, Resmi felt proud of his son after a long time.

Later in the evening, Shaurya came beside his mother. "Ma", he asked timidly, "Can I stay with Mehek for tonight?". Resmi was beside Mehek, round the clock for past couple of days. She too wished to have a bit rest but not at the cost of troubling Mehek. So she replied firmly, "Ask Mehek. I am fine only if she agrees". Shaurya grinned and tried to hug his mother but she stopped him. "Shaurya, I meant what I told Mehek. If you are unable to earn her forgiveness, then I will not force her to be with you", she was determined, "She is dear to me", she patted his arm, "So are you. I want you both to be happy". 

"I will try my best", Shaurya promised, "With a bit of your help, I am sure to win her again". She smiled at his cute words. However hard Resmi tried to remain angry on her son, she failed. Moreover, she wanted Mehek and Shaurya to sort out their differences . She tried to advise him affectionately, "Don't hurt Mehek, Shaurya. Pranati was too matured and independent to seek your support. Mehek is soft and sensitive. She needs affection. You need to handle her tenderly". He agreed to her while she wished him all the best.

"Ma is really tired. It will be better if she rests at home", Shaurya told Mehek tentatively. He knew she will never want his mother to suffer. "Shall I ask her to go home to rest for tonight?", he asked her. Mehek agreed as she knew that Resmi didn't get any rest since she arrived. "Don't worry, I will stay with you tonight", he added timidly. "No need", as expected she refused blatantly, "I will be fine alone. You don't have to stay". "Mehek, Ma won't leave unless someone is with you. Please let me stay here for her sake. You won't even know I am here. I promise not to bother you", he implored her. After a bit of thinking, although reluctant she agreed.

Shaurya tried hard but he was unable to squeeze himself into the tiny couch kept in hospital room.  All his life, he was proud to have taken after his father rather than his mother's petite figure except for tonight. Mehek seemed to have turned a blind eye towards his struggle because she didn't react even a bit. Soon her soft snores gave way that she slipped into slumber. He got up, frustrated and disappointed. Nothing went as he had planned. Mehek refused to speak or even hear him. She totally ignored either watching TV or pretending to take rest. He tried his best not to bother her, even while initiating small talks. However she made him feel like he was talking to the walls. As he was unable to sleep, he moved towards the window and tried to indulge in the sight of late night traffic.

"You scared me", Shaurya was awakened from his trance by Mehek's gasp. "I am sorry", he apologised, "Just trying to wade through the night. Couch is really uncomfortable". She sighed being irked, "Why don't you go back home?". "I don't want to", he spoke timidly, "I want to stay here beside you". "But I don't need you", she spat back. "But I need you", he looked away to hide his desperation, "really bad". 

"What do you want from me, Shaurya?", Mehek asked being defeated, "I have got nothing. Why don't you just leave me and move on?". He wanted to say he loves her. But he refrained, because he knew she will never find truth in his words. It will hurt him deeply, if she scoffs his proclamation of love as a lie. He feared to further the wedge in their already estranged relationship. "I don't want anything, Mehek", he told apologetically, "please sleep. I won't disturb you".

As Shaurya slowly walked back to the couch, Mehek spoke being annoyed, "you won't be comfortable in the couch. You take the bed and I will sleep on couch". "Absolutely not", he was horrified by her suggestion, "you are unwell and need to sleep comfortably". "I won't be able to sleep when you are passing around like a ghost". "I will stick to the couch and won't move around ", he was embarrassed, "Sorry for bothering you". She huffed and turned away from him. He continued to sit on the couch, looking at the light streaming through the window while sighing at his misfortune. 

"You can sleep in the bed", Shaurya was taken back when he heard Mehek. While he was contemplating whether it was his mind playing tricks on him, she repeated the same, "I can't sleep listening to your deep exhales & inhales of frustrations .Anyways,  It's just for few hours", she moved giving him some space. He grinned knowing that she still cares for him. Without giving her time to change her mind, he swiftly climbed behind her, occupying the little space. "Stick to your side and don't dared to come closer to me", she spat at him. "Absolutely", he agreed but trying hard not to smile.

Shaurya laid peacefully on the bed. It was only a bit more comfortable but he was keen on to enjoy proximity. He knew Mehek too well to expect that she will soon move to his side. She never stays at her side so he knew she will be beside him soon. As promised he remained in his allotted side, expect making slight adjustments of his limbs so that his wife can smoothly sprawl over him. He caressed her head while she cooed more onto his chest as if seeking his warmth. She sighed contently and wrapped her arms around him.

Next morning, by the time Mehek woke up, Shaurya was already risen up and freshened. When she opened her eyes, she found him on the couch reading newspaper. She felt revived after a good night's sleep. He smiled, hiding behind newspaper while relishing peaceful rest he enjoyed with his wife. She gazed at him until his eyes fell on her. She looked away, pretending to ignore him. Soon Resmi arrived, asking Shaurya to leave for the day. 

"You have spent enough days away from work, Shaurya. Better get back to office. It will be a mess if both you & Vivaan are gracing hospital corridors", Resmi told him sternly. "What happened to Vivaan? Why is he in hospital?", Mehek was inquisitive. "Because he is a kind hearted friend", Resmi replied plainly. Mehek didn't question further as she assumed that they were referring to friendship of Shaurya & Vivaan.

"I need a favour from you, Mehek", Resmi added a preface once they were alone. Mehek felt awkward, anticipating that her mother-in-law will ask to give Shaurya another chance. But she surprised Mehek, "I want you to meet someone admitted here", Resmi spoke tenderly, "she is a bit critical".