Severed in Haste

Final Chapter

"Welcome, Mehek Madam", Josh addressed her respectfully. Mehek smiled at him while getting used to being the owner of her dream place. She wasn't aware until Ajay transferred his shares to her name. It was too late to decline. She was still dumbfounded how the couple will manage their wedding and life ahead after putting a huge dent in their savings for her. After much deliberation, she convinced Ajay to accept her condition to pay him back with interest in due time.

"Hope you find it upto your standards", Josh explained professionally while taking her through her new office. "It is", she replied being satisfied, "Your boss knows my taste". He just smiled softly asserting her remark. "Tell him that I appreciate his efforts and thoughtfulness to spare you as my assistant", she told Josh. "Perhaps you can tell him yourself", he gestured to the window from where they both could catch a glimpse of the parking lot. "I am sure his car will be parked their until he knows you are settled here", he added.

"You can come in if you want" Shaurya was jolted by sudden voice of Mehek. He had specifically instructed Josh to reach out to him in case she needed anything but asked him not to tell her about his presence. "You still have your stake at the restaurant even if it is small", she added. "It's just a minute bit", he didn't want her to be upset that they were still partners. 

When Sandeep insisted Shaurya to stay back, he had brought few shares from Ajay. "I may not be business wizard but not foolish enough to miss your share here", she spoke, "In a way, I am happy that Ajay & Sandeep could still have their dream home with your money". She was sure that Ajay would have quoted a high price to keep Shaurya at bay or to test his intentions however it turned to be  a boon for them. "I don't intend to trouble you", he explained himself, "I will stay out of your way as much as possible". "Now why would you do that?", she asked sarcastically and walked away.

"So you don't mind if we meet often?", Shaurya clarified trotting behind Mehek. "Your business acumen will help our restaurant to grow. So I don't see why you should stay away", she replied casually. "Thanks Mehek", he happily walked beside her recalling how she mentioned the restaurant as 'ours', "You are welcome", she replied with a genuine smile. 

"Once you are done here for the day, can I...", Shauray hesitated before going ahead, "invite you to join me for dinner?". "No", Mehek refused on his face. May be it was too early to ask her out, he scolded himself. "I am busy today so won't think it is feasible to spare time for dinner", she spoke plainly  but she stopped in few steps to face him, "but we can have lunch together. Nothing fancy but I can whip something from the kitchen. Hope it is okay for you?". "Ofcourse", he grinned ear to ear, "That will be great".

"Josh", she called her assistant once they were inside, "I had send Pranchi to run few errands. Can you pick her up from the address? She is unable to find a ride". "No problem. I will be back in a jiffy", he took car keys. "no need to rush. Mr. Khanna will be here to help me out", she told casually before entering her office. "Take your time and drive back slowly", Shaurya patted his shoulder, following her. It was nothing much but definitely a nice start

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In few months, Mehek was able to re-inaugurate her restaurant with novel theme and apt menu. Soon her endeavour turned to be a huge success. Her hard work & talent played a major role along with Shaurya's accurate strategy. She was able to pay back Ajay earlier than expected. Although he was hesitant he knew she will not be at ease unless he accepts her money. Ajay and Sandeep were set to travel the world before arriving back to visit her restaurant.

"We make a good team", Shaurya beamed while accessing their growth charts. Mehek nodded while thinking their equation. She was able to end her resentment long back. Yet fear of heartbreak prevailed. She realised now that she was finally able to move ahead of their past. She was glad that they were able to communicate and understand one another. They were professional when it came to work however their heart ruled them above all. She was not able to give him a second chance but gathered enough courage to let her find her lost love and happiness. There were no longer hot headed amateurs who messed up their relationships. They have matured enough to understand and respect each side of the boat.

"Shaurya, Movers will be done by tomorrow", Mehek informed him once they finished their work at office. They had decided to move in together as a step towards next stage of their relationship. They were able to find a place suitable for their tastes and lease was taken on both their names. "I can't wait", he sounded excited while pecking her lips. "Are you sure we are not rushing?", she asked him keeping calm. She didn't want him to take any measure for her sake. This time she didn't want him  to take any step caving to pressure. 

"Absolutely", Shaurya wrapped his arms around her, "one hundred percent sure". Mehek laughed softly, "It will be difficult to turn back. Don't you think you need to explore better options and then make a decision". Sensing where their conversation is heading, he tried to hush but she didn't allow. "I will always love you, Shaurya. You don't have to be tied down with me. Won't you want to be someone who can give you a family with children?". "I just want you. You are my family. Without you, I will be alone even when I have whole world beside me. These past few months have been best days of my life. None can make me happy and feel complete other than you". "Really?", she asked with a tint of mischief. "Yes, I have experienced it. Nothing is worth risking what we share", he replied assertively. "Okay", she embraced him lovingly, "then I shall be with you". "That's all I need", he basked in her arms

While Mehek was waiting for Shaurya to bring his car, she opened the recent mail from her phone. On insistence of Ajay & Sandeep, she had undergone few tests and initial treatments. Report clearly mentioned that her health had improved considerably her chances of conceiving a child has significantly increased. Although unintentionally, she had not revealed it to Shaurya yet. But tonight she wanted to surprise him with her reports as a house warming gift. His recent assurance cemented her belief that it was worth giving themselves another chance.

Time has healed them; physically and emotionally. It's now turn for their severed hearts to heal and beat as one.