Severed in Haste

Chapter 14

Ajay observed Mehek who seemed to be lost in her own world of thoughts. He hugged her from behind. "This shall also pass", he consoled her. "I am sorry you have to go through it because of me", she was apologetic, "Shaurya is still a mystery to me. Despite my resolution, once again I am running away to escape him", she sniffed, "Adding to it , you are pulled amidst my issues unnecessarily". "You have done enough for me. Now it's my turn to help you through it", he tried to reason. "You don't owe me Ajay. You saved me when I was in despair. Infact I am still indebted to you", she sobbed recalling her worst days. He held her close, "I will always be there for you, Mehek. In past, we needed one another. Now also we will stand for each other".

Mehek wiped Ajay clean once he relieved himself. He was beyond humiliated that he was dependent on her even for his basic needs. His eyes teared but she didn't allow it to streak his cheeks. She quickly wiped them away with her delicate fingers, "This shall also pass. You are healing well. Doctors assured that in few months you will be fully recovered". He admired her optimism. His family had forsaken him long back. They had faintly reconciled when news of Mehek staying with him as his live-in partner reached them. Yet when he fell victim to violence, they didn't bother to take care of him apart from sparing some change to pay his medical bills. According to Mehek, it was a huge support as their means were limited when it came to finances.But he was disappointed with his family. 

 Mehek didn't mind taking care of Ajay. Day & night she worked relentlessly, until nursing him back to health.

They still wanted to harm Ajay. Bullies just needed an excuse to target him. He was seen as an abomination that many wished to be kept away. It was Mehek who even though weaker protected him, acting as his shield. Her presence forced his family to extend an olive branch, eventually. They asked Ajay to officially tie knot with Mehek. When he explained her past, they didn't push him further. His family chose to remain silent because they were happy that atleast a woman is now in his life.

Ajay in turn tried his best to support Mehek in her journey to heal. He got her admitted into a good college favouring her interests. There she was introduced to apt mentors, helping her to grow and be independent. It is true that if they start to thank one another, it will be a never ending duet. Yet Ajay always felt that Mehek has done more than her share when it came to him. He simply brought an orphan woman home. He was guilty to have had his own selfish motives when he provided her a roof with just bare minimum essentials. But Mehek stood with him through thick and thin. Now it was his turn to protect her and was determined never to fail her.

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Josh stood beside Shaurya unhappily since former has informed about his plans. Restaurant was just an excuse to be with Mehek. Now when she has decided to quit, it was a meaningless venture for him. He was still in double mind whether to stay back until Mehek leaves. It will give him a chance to spend few more days with her. However pain of losing her will torment him repeatedly throughout. Besides, he assumed that she will be relaxed if he doesn't show his face to her. 

Mr. Ajay Parmar whom Shaurya had thought of so low about was able to win her over. From the way Mehek behaved with Ajay and happily accepted his proposal, it was evident that he was not the villain. May be, I am the villain in her life, he chuckled pitying himself.

It was time for him to leave. She should have a wedding she deserves, a peaceful one filled with joy. Last time, she got married in a shameful way. He didn't even propose to her properly. All he did was blame her for getting pregnant while he was as much as to be blamed. "Sir, I still feel you need to talk to Mehek Ma'am. She may understand you". His boss gave him a defeated look before shaking his head. Josh sighed concurring with his thought so he agreed to find someone to manage the restaurant. "Book me the ticket on immediate flight", it was difficult for Shaurya to let go, after being so close to Mehek but he has to.

"So that's it", Raghav' voice resonated as he wheeled himself into Shaurya's room, "going to run away without even a slight fight". For a moment, Shaurya wondered how he knew about his plans to leave. Yet one glance at Josh proved to him who is guilty. "I will leave you two", his employee excused himself. 

Irritation seeped into Shaurya but he was too tired to argue. "There is nothing to fight for. Mehek decided to move on with the man she chose. I can only wish her the best", he countered his grandfather with vigour and added with a sigh, "perhaps he is a better than me". "Are you sure?", Raghav asked cunningly, "How can you be so sure that he is the one for Mehek? Just because he proposed to her properly doesn't mean that he is good for her". Shaurya was rendered speechless hearing him.

Ajay Parmar came back to Mehek out of blue with a marriage proposal. Besides Mehek's acceptance, the entire plot seemed to leave a bitter taste. Raghav explained to Shaurya. "Mehek needs to know your part. If you are feeling timid, then please let me talk to her", Raghav pled, "your side of story will definitely melt her walls". Shaurya shook his head. In the beginning, his intention was to tell her everything. But pulling her into cross roads with aid of his truth didn't appeal to him. "if her future is secure with Ajay then I won't interfere. My truth will only cause her more heart burn. It is unfair on her to give up on a better choice just out of pity for me". "Then let's ensure that he is the better one", Raghav baited him, "until then don't give up. Try to be the man who defied even his grandfather for her".

"Why are doing this?", being tired, Shaurya sat back on his chair, "yesterday you asked me to leave Mehek. But now, you want me to fight for her. Why can't you pick a side and stick to it?". Raghav chuckled, "Believe me son, I am not a villain. Yet I caused harm to you and that poor girl. It was my fault to have judged her poorly while her family sacrificed her in name of honour. You were naïve and she was too weak. One way or other we all played our share to blamed", he sighed, "But I accept my guilt. I realised my mistake a bit too late until she was hurt badly. I failed to stay beside her, providing her comfort and reassurance. I fell short sighted when calamity stuck from all sides. She suffered a miscarriage under my roof when you left her in my care. While she was struggling to stay alive, you disappeared", he paused to take a deep breath recalling the past, "I couldn't think straight amidst chaos. One side I was worried for you and other side fear of facing Mehek forbid me to comfort her. When I let her to go back, I thought I will have enough time to sort out situation and she will get care of her family. My intentions were purely her well-being but it backfired".

When Shaurya's eyes were still accusing him, Raghav agreed, "I am not washing off my hands, Son. It was mainly my deeds that broke your marriage. Just trust me that I always wanted best for you". He laughed at himself, listening to his grandfather, "I wish I could trust you". "you don't have to", the old man was about to leave, "but please don't give up on Mehek until you are sure. Don't let her slip away to suffer more". "Why do you care?", Shaurya mocked him, "don't act that it's your guilt or suddenly your stone heart started to beat for her?". Raghav sighed anticipating his apprehension, "Because now I know for sure that she is your home. You need to earn your second chance". 

"What if I fail ?", finally Shaurya spoke his outmost fear, "What if I realize that Mehek will be happier with another man". Raghav sighed. Although he believed that Shaurya is best for Mehek, there is a possibility for him to be wrong. "If so then let her be happy in her new life and put an end to your misery", he spoke out loud but muttered to himself, "perhaps you may also be able to move on".

"Now if you are convinced, let's make a plan to win Mehek", Raghav seemed to be determined. "I don't need your help", Shaurya scoffed however he knew he was desperate for it . "My son, trust me. You need all the help", Raghav said before he called in Josh, "And we all are happy to help you". Josh nodded in agreement, "Time is short so we need to make most it". "How?", Shaurya asked being baffled. "I have a plan", Josh started to explain with a cunning grin.