Enslaved by Love

CHAPTER 33

Shaurya came back home after dinner, meeting Mehek who was eagerly waiting for him, "So how did it go?". "Pretty awful", he replied distastefully. A lot changed for Shaurya in past few weeks. A few good things were Mehek never talked about leaving him or the baby. She was looking forwards for a life with her baby,  wanting to nurture the new life with Shaurya. But she moved to her room and started to make him feel that they are no longer husband & wife. 

Though they were friendly, Shaurya could feel they were getting distant. Tonight she had forced him to go for a blind date arranged by Vicky. "Why are doing this to me, Mehek?", he asked earnestly. "Because I want you to be happy, Shaurya. When you wanted me beside our baby, I agreed. But I want you to move on", her usual reply frustrated him. " Will it make you happy that I am with another women? Will you bear that I eat, drink, live, laugh and sleep with her, every day & night for the rest of my life?", he shot at her. 

Mehek was shocked by the sudden his outburst. The thought of Shaurya being owned by another women was unpleasant but she kept quiet due to her stubbornness. "I think I got my answer", he took his blazer and moved to his room.

Few more weeks passed. Mehek entered last month of her first trimester. She gleefully displayed her baby bump which was now slowly visible. She felt that Shauyra finally started to accept truth of their life. He was less irritating and more joyful with each passing day. They never had their fights or arguments but spend most of their time planning for the new life she carried. Vicky and Purab arranged regular dates for him which she knew he attended just for the sake of her. 

Today Mehek was waiting for him at Bulbul's clinic. Shaurya was supposed to join her after his lunch date, Purab had arranged for him. Unfortunately he was late but she went ahead alone when her turn came. Bulbul enquired about Shaurya but gave a understanding node when she said Shaurya has gone to meet someone. "Oh! I remember he is supposed to meet a friend of mine today. I know her from my med school days. She is a psychologist. Few years back she met with an accident and her fiance passed away. Poor girl", Bulbul told her. 

"Hope Shaurya likes her", Mehek said with a tint of irritation. She was not comfortable listening about a woman who made him miss her appointment. "I am sure he will like her. Archie is such a sweet person", Bulbul told her. Before Mehek could reply, Shaurya barged in with apology of coming late, "I am so sorry for being late. I missed to notice how hours passed". "It's okay Shaurya. Mehek just came in. You didn't miss much", Bubul pacified him. Then with a mischievous smile told him, "So I guess the date with Archie went well". 

Shaurya was embarrassed while giving a sheepish smile to both women. "Come on, Shaurya. Bulbul is a good friend of ours", Mehek tried to cover her eagerness to know. "It was good", he replied carefully, "maybe we should get on with your check-up". Mehek was getting more irritated to know that he didn't give his usual validation that the girl he met was Awful or Horrible or Boring . 

"Mehek are you feeling any issues or discomfort now?", Bulbul asked. "Why should I ? I always wanted him to move on", she shot at her. Bubul and Shaurya looked at eachother for a minute and laughed out loud. "Sweety, I meant about your pregnancy. Are you facing any issues regarding your health ?", Bulbul explained. Mehek gave an embarrassing smile and shook her head. "Come in, let me check you", Bulbul took her inside.

Mehek was still feeling irritated while they were driving back home. "Mehek, are you ok?", he asked anxiously. "I am fine. Just a bit tired", she lied to him. He was relieved to hear it and returned his focus to driving. After few minutes of silence, she spoke, "This lady you met today...what's her name?". "Dr. Singh. Archita Singh. Friends call her Archie", he explained cheerfully. "Hmmm. Archie . A bit boyish name, isn't it ?", she poked. He smiled, "Maybe. But she is really sophisticated and polished. Unlike those fake bimbos Vicky had been setting me up till now. Archie is a fine lady". "I figured the same when you were late for the appointment. She must be really interesting if she could hold your interest form long, making you forget about me", she taunted him. 

Shaurya abruptly applied breaks. "Mehek, it's not like what you think. You and our baby are most important for me. I love you both a lot. Archie is a professional therapist .May be that's why I found it easy to talk to her", he explained, " God knows I desperately needed someone to talk to. I feel so lonely since you and Ma have distanced yourself from me. I found a good friend or may be a professional help in her. That's all. If you are uncomfortable then I won't meet her again" he spoke vehemently. 

Mehek felt so bad for Shaurya. She had listened to Vicky's advices, keeping away from him both emotionally & physically. Moreover she always wanted him to get over her. She was guilty of taunting him, "I am sorry, Shaurya. I overreacted. If you can find a friend in her then you should pursue her". He nodded and tried to smile. "Now don't spoil the mood. Let's go and have some ice-cream", she tried to cheer him. He was glad and pulled her hand to his lips. Mehek too was glad and rested her head on his shoulder.

A FORTNIGHT LATER. Mehek and Shaurya were in a posh baby store picking up things for the nursery. While Mehek was busy buying boy's stuff, Shaurya was in girl's section. After their fight about Archie, Mehek didn't try to distance herself from Shaurya. Mehek noticed that Shaurya didn't do for anymore blind dates and kept on rejecting Vicky's proposals. She was happy to be with him, so was he. She usually rebuked him when he wanted to buy girl's stuff but today she didn't mind. So finally when she came near him after filling her shopping cart , she found him checking a Barbie doll.

 "That's too mature for a newly born", Mehek humoured. "Oh! I was thinking of gifting it to Archie. It's her birthday tomorrow. She likes these dolls", Shaurya told innocently but was quickly taken aback at her reaction. "I thought you didn't have any more dates with her. Are you meeting her behind my back?", she lashed at him. "No, I didn't. Occasionally, we talked and texted. A couple of times we met for coffee near her office. Just like friends. It cannot be defined as dating", he tried to reason. "Damn your definition", she dropped her cart and dashed out of the shop. 

Shaurya trotted behind and caught up with her, "Mehek, please wait". "Shaurya, atleast be honest with me. Last time you said you were feeling lonely so you liked talking to her. From then I have tried my best to curb your solitude, still you are meeting her", she was extremely angry. "I was afraid to unsettle you", he said earnestly. "Shaurya, I will be happiest person if you find someone but these lies are something I cannot handle", she stated. "Okay. Fine. I like spending time with Archie. I accept it. But she is not important than you. If you say, I will stop seeing her", he was being honest, "tell me, Mehek. What shall I do?". "If you like her, then go ahead. I am happy for you", she said plainly. "Thanks, Mehek", he hugged her. However Mehek had a sting of pain in her chest.

A week passed. An eventful week. Mehek realised Shaurya was slowly moving away from her. He was very much involved in her pregnancy being part of her life but she felt presence of someone between them. Though she never met Archie, she was constantly present in his talks and behaviour. He went on several dates with her without hiding from her. Though Mehek appreciated his honesty, she wished he would have been a bit more discreet. She slowly started to show her displeasure which confused him. But every time he declared, he will put an end to his relationship with Archie, she couldn't give him an affirmative response. 

Tonight, Shaurya was going on a business meeting which required him to stay overnight. He was diffident to leave Mehek alone for a night but she assured she will be fine. Jena, her maid was asked to stay back in addition to usual staff. Mehek admired Shaurya who came out primly dressed in his dark grey suit, "You look great". He thanked her and smiled but she noticed nervousness on his face. "I am sorry, Mehek", he said quickly. "For what?", she asked anxiously." I mean... to leave you like this. I shouldn't have...", he fumbled. "I will be fine. It's just for a night", she was touched by his concern. She quickly went to arms and he held her closely. They remained so for several minutes. 

Mehek was engrossed in his warmth and comfort, she wished to stay there forever listening to his heart beats. Their cozy moment was interrupted by Vicky who was going to accompany him. Mehek felt it odd that Shaurya decided to drive by himself as he usually used his driver for all business meetings. They bid her farewell and went to garage to get the car. While she was going to her room to rest, she saw Vicky's mobile on couch. She quickly rushed to garage to catch them before they make a move. As she reached the garage door, she halted listening to conversation between brothers.

"Vicky, what is this?", Shaurya's startled voice caught her attention. "Condoms. For protection. You will need it", Vicky told and kept it in Shaurya's pocket. "Vicky, I don't feel right. It's seems wrong", Shaurya was in turmoil. "Bro, you are serious about Archie so as two consenting adults you both have decided to take your relationship to next level. There is nothing wrong in it", Vicky told to convince him. It may have pacified Shaurya but Mehek was devastated.