Selfish LOVE

Part 5

Mehak felt nervous inside the opulent room, Shamsher was a reassuring (!) presence beside her. She breathed deeply, she wanted to look normal. Her family was invited with a handful of close relatives and friends. And by the looks of it, she needed to deal with Farwa and Sofia too. She did not regret her treatment of Farwa, after the way that woman had insulted her baba and mama, she deserved more than just a glass of water on her face. She couldn't let that snob walk all over her family. Mehak avoided speaking to her, and in company she just smiled, still not saying anything. In her short time here, she had gotten to know that these people were insular and hypocritical, cold to newcomers. So she didn't try to know them or speak to them, she was courteous, but distant.

Mehak didn't know that she was unconsciously intimidating this group of elitist snobs. They were used to being courted and fawned on, so her cold politeness made them anxious. They thought she was haughty and proud, and those qualities commanded instinctive respect. Since pride, aloofness and cold behaviour were always considered upper class virtues, their virtues. Had she been friendly and ingratiating, they would have sneered at her and looked down her. Friendliness, ironically would've been alienating, but by snubbing them she had left her mark. But Mehak was unaware about all this.

In this glittering room, she was just waiting for her parents. The hotel was so faraway from the city, her parents were probably having a hard time driving here, they will not be able to stay long either, but they will make this journey for her. She just wanted to hold her mother's hand and go away with them, be with them again. She looked at Shamsher, next to her, he was talking to some politician acquaintance. Suddenly there was a loud noise and the banquet hall erupted in screams.
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Shamsher's heart raced as he rushed back into the ballroom, his eyes searching for Mehak. Panic swept through the crowd, and chaos ensued as people frantically sought safety. Mehak, startled and alarmed, found herself caught in the whirlwind of confusion.

Shamsher finally spotted her, standing frozen in shock. Without a second thought, he moved swiftly towards her, shielding her with his body. The gunshot had come from somewhere near the entrance, and the room echoed with the aftermath of the sudden violence.

The guests, previously engaged in merriment, now huddled together, fear etched on their faces. Mrs Dilawar, with a mix of concern and authority, attempted to restore order, urging everyone to remain calm. Dara, Shamsher's elder brother, took charge of escorting the guests to a safer area.

Shamsher, his protective instincts in full force, led Mehak away from the chaos, towards a more secluded part of the hotel. As they retreated, he kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, ensuring her safety.

In the midst of the commotion, the realization dawned on Mehak that the gunshot had disrupted their grand reception. The fairy tale atmosphere had crumbled, replaced by an unsettling tension that hung in the air.

Shamsher, still holding Mehak close, whispered reassurances to her, "Stay behind me, Mehak. I'll make sure you're safe." His earlier frustration and argument with her seemed trivial now in the face of a potentially dangerous situation.

They found a quiet room where Shamsher could assess the situation. He gently guided Mehak to a chair, keeping a watchful eye on the door. As the moments passed, uncertainty filled the air, leaving them both on edge.

In the distance, the sound of approaching sirens signaled the arrival of law enforcement. Shamsher, torn between concern for Mehak and the need to address the unfolding crisis, took a deep breath.

"I need to find out what's happening. You stay here; I'll come back for you," he assured her, pressing a reassuring kiss on her forehead before venturing back into the chaos.

Alone in the room, Mehak grappled with a mix of emotions – fear, confusion, and the unsettling reality of the life she had been thrust into. The gunshot had shattered any semblance of normalcy, leaving them both entangled in a web of uncertainty.