Selfish LOVE

Part 2

Mehak wondered where the convoy of bodyguards that was following the car had disappeared. Maybe the driver had taken a wrong turn?
The crowd outside was busy arguing, thankfully they seemed to have forgotten about her. Her chauffeur was busy pacifying the van driver who glared balefully at the car, the tinted windows protected her; occasionally a curious random person would just walk towards the car and knock at the window, demanding that she come out.

Ten minutes later an SUV halted nearby and Shamsher stepped out of it. He was wearing a designer black silk suit, looking every inch a Nawab's son. The crowd of gawking idiots scattered out of his path as he walked towards the car, his expression fierce. She took a deep breath and opened the car door. The cacophony of voices died down. There was hushed silence as they all looked at her.

Mehak was always beautiful, naturally so, but today she looked stunning. The burnt orange wedding lehenga, elegant jewellery and tasteful makeup made her look like a queen. The crowd of people were mesmerised by the stunning woman in her bridal finery. She gracefully stepped out and closed the door. Few people lingered near the car, one of them spoke up, "Bibiji, you have to pay for this." He looked her up and down, Shamsher had reached them by then.

He had eyes only for her and his guards took care of the crowd. He looked at her, drinking her in. "You look beautiful" he murmured.
"Ohh, hello? Sir, your driver has damaged my.." the van owner started saying but before he could finish his sentence, Shamsher grabbed him by the throat. "You were holding my bride here, for your cheap van" he shoved the driver on the car by his throat.

Mehak felt shocked, and then stupid. This was nothing new, violence was second nature to him. The dispersed crowd started coming back again, 'By tomorrow, there will be a new viral video' she thought.

"Shamsher, please let him go, please." Mehak pleaded desperately, and grasped his arm. Shamsher slowly let him go and then turned towards her. His eyes searching her face. She couldn't read him, his face was blank, but he looked less murderous, so she focused on the van driver. The man was heaving and coughing, he started to say something but the guards hauled him away before he could get even a word out. She watched as the guards half dragged and half carried him away. The poor man was shouting apologies, begging "Where are they taking him?"
"Nowhere" when Mehak looked sceptical, he added "they are just going to talk, nothing bad, I promise."
"Shamsher, I don't think..."
"I really like it when you say my name" Mehak just stared at him, he was just so unpredictable. Angry one moment and baring his heart the next. This wedding terrified her precisely because of this, his absolute madness.

When Mehak didn't say anything, he smirked arrogantly. Mehak felt a frisson of irritation, smug bastard. He seemed to bring out the worst in her. She had never cursed before, never felt anything so intensely, anger or sadness or even happiness. Mehak floated like an indifferent bubble through life, she loved her parents and her sister, but it was a comforting, warm, familial love. Like an old coat that's so worn and fits so well, you barely notice it on your body. She felt like it was her duty to love them, her love was less spontaneous more platonic and thoughtful; sheltered as she was she had never experienced any passion, and therefore never felt it's void.

But Shamsher seemed to burn from inside, he was such a contradiction that Mehak could make nothing of him. His proclamations of love, she immediately dismissed as a revenge plot against her father or maybe some form of temporary madness.

They got inside the SUV and drove towards the wedding venue, which was her home. Her parents were waiting at the gate, hurrying to her side as she stepped out of the car.
"Thank God, you are okay" said her mother holding her.
"I'm fine, Mama. Everything is fine." She tried her best to smile. They could see people watching them, milling around the entrance, eager for a new scandal or piece of gossip. Mehak smiled, and when Shamsher offered his hand, she took it.