Consign to Oblivion

12. Dilemma

"Why can't she just leave us for good!!", Kanta angrily pushed Mehek cloths into the bag. "Stop it, Kanta", Jeevan reprimanded her sharply, "she is my brother's blood. Only kin left of his remembrance. I will not tolerate your wish for her death. Atleast think what will Shaurya feel if he hears you?". Kanta was aghast and looked behind as if to check Shaurya was behind her. She took a breath of relief and spoke sadly, "I feel sad for him. Till now he took care of her lifeless body not he has to put up with her madness". "Mehek is not crazy. She just...", Jeevan failed to explain her. He recalled their conversation with Dr. Malhotra

"We will run some more tests on her", Dr. Malhotra informed them, "her physical movements are constrained which is expected from a patient in coma. With time and  physiotherapy, she is will get better", he exhaled trying to breech the subject, "I can't explain her mental status unless I get some more time to study her". Both Shaurya and Jeevan remained silent. "Mehek seemed to have lost her memory. She didn't even remember until we told her", Dr. Malhotra spoke to Shaurya, "I know it is difficult for you. But atleast she has woken up now. Let's hope she will regain her memory soon". "I need to leave", Shaurya quickly jumped to his feet. "Shaurya", Jeevan tried to comfort him but he denied, "I wish to be alone for some time".

"Poor Boy", Kanta pitied. Jeevan knew very well that she is sad to have jeopardised her plan to make Nehal the mistress of the house. Mehek has never been close to the couple however Jeevan could never wish ill fate for his niece. "He will be fine", Jeeva was sure, "he cares a lot for Mehek". He earnestly wished that trials of fate will be over for Shaurya. He grabbed the bag from Kanta, "behave yourself when you are before Mehek", he warned her, "whatever it may be she still is the owner of this house and Shaurya's heart".

"Could she be faking it?", Shaurya asked Archie. He had rushed to her side as soon as he left hospital. Archie had dreaded his arrival. An encounter where he will be armed with sharpened accusations. So she was relieved when his focus was completely on Mehek's condition. Still his question made her uneasy. He was supposed to be happy for his wife despite her memory issue. "Why would she?", she asked back quickly. "Just answer my question", he snapped at her. "I don't know", she answered in fear, "she seemed to be genuinely clueless". 

Shaurya smirked, so she is back but as a blank slate where I can write as per my whims & fancies. "Aren't you happy, Shaurya?", Archie asked apprehensively but he didn't befit her with a response. "Have a safe flight, Archie", he wished her well looking at the bags and boxes that scattered around, "hope you will be happy in your life". She blinked back sadness that brimmed in her eyes due to his insensitivity. Still her emotions got better of her, so she asked, "Will we see each other again?". "It's better if we don't. Because I am not a good influence in your life", he patter her cheek before walking away.

Death would have been an easy exit for you, Shaurya thought wickedly. Even when he tried to get over his vengefulself, fate was pushing him back. Time gave him another opportunity to get even with his tormentor. This time he will not hold back. The guilt he felt to disappoint his elders or the disgust he felt turning to his father's version were nowhere near him now. He wasn't lost anymore to ponder on unwanted thoughts. He knew what he wanted. Till now I punished when you were unconscious. Your sins are too big for light torments. That's why you woke back; hale & healthy. Fit to receive torture that I am going to inflict on you.

"Doctor, will I ever be normal again?", Mehek asked dubiously. Dr. Malhotra remained thoughful for a moment. The best way to put it through her was truthfully. "Mehek, I am trying by best to make you better", he sighed, "however I am happy that you are out of coma. It's not short of a miracle". He had already explained to her that she was in coma post her accident. "You are fortunate to have caring family who took good care of you for past 5 years", he paused for a second before adding , "especially your husband". It was not in his nature to emotionally evaluate others still he had to admit that Mr. Shaurya was exceptionally attached to his wife. 

Mehek lowered gaze as sadness engulfed her, "I have been hearing only praises from everyone here about how he had held on to me while all gave up". Doctor was disappointed that hospital staff has managed to make Mehek feel low about herself. Making a mental note to strictly advise staff, he told her, "You don't need to feel guilty. It was his choice. Infact, you have to be happy to back to life".

"Is he happy?", Mehek asked timidly. When Dr. Malhotra didn't answer quickly, she clarified, "My husband. Is he happy that I woke up but with no memory?". "Ofcourse, he is", he replied, "Will he love me the same?", her fear was evident. Trying to breech the topic as safe as possible, "I think so, Mehek", he then kept a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "Quit worrying. Now all you need to do is to focus on your health and get better. Your memories may or may not come back. But you are back to life. It is a great blessing. Feel blessed and make most of it". She nodded, trying to come in terms with her situation.

"Good Evening, Doctor", Shaurya's cheerful voice boomed across the room, pulling attention of both Mehek and Doctor. They watched him entering with a bouquet of roses. "How is my darling wife?", he asked loudly much to Malhotra's chagrin. "She is fine, Mr. Khanna", he replied calmly but the warning in his eyes not to disturb his patient was evident. "I have to go for my rounds", he informed her, "I will come and meet you during late evening. Take care". As she showed slight distress, Shaurya said to her, "I will be with you, Darling. Always". Dr. Malhotra was not at ease to leave Mehek with Shaurya but it was not his power to forbid . Besides he has a lot more patients who needed his immediate attention. So he left them.

"You favourite", Shaurya spoke hoarsely while keeping bunch of red roses on her lap. Mehek looked at him dumbfounded, "Are they?". "Ofcourse they are", he made her grab the flowers with both her hands. "Ouch", she cried softly when a thorn pricked her slender finger. "Did you hurt yourself?", he acted to be concerned, "you ought to be careful, Sweet heart". Swiftly he pulled the hurt finger and squeezed it hard. forcing more blood come out. 

Mehek winced while Shaurya acted to treat and dab away the blood. He wrapped his handkerchief around her fingers. "Is it hurting?", he asked her acting his part. She nodded while a lone tear spilled from her eye. "Oh, don't cry, Darling", he wiped it away, "Why be sad when I am here with you?". This is just the beginning, my dear Wife, his wicked mind laughed.