Fate of Fireflies

Chapter 18

Shaurya was feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. It felt that Mehek presence beside him made a huge difference to his peace of mind. He was beaming when she served him breakfast at dining table. Seeing his son happy, Harish spoke promptly, "Shaurya, Mehek need not work in kitchen anymore. Poor girl had acknowledged her mistake. There is not point continuing the punishment when amends are already made". "Yes father", he agreed, "Mehek you don't have to toil in kitchen". "It's okay as it is not much effort. Besides, it keeps me occupied", she told them. Both father and son were happy to hear it from her. However Mehek was trying her best to steer away from any confrontation.

"Come sit and have breakfast with us", Shaurya tenderly held her wrist, guiding her to the seat beside him. He affectionately watched her after he served food in her plate. He reminisced their past when their day started with her carefree laughter as he fed her, seating her on his lap. They had so little but yet they were so happy. He knew he could never go back however wished they will find happiness soon. While he affectionately watched his wife taking tiny bites his father was observing them both closely. Soon they were announced arrival of Dr. Sai who was also invited by Harish to join them at the table. Although reluctant, she sat at the table because she knew when Harish Khanna asks, then you are expected to just follow.

"Sai, thanks to you Mehek got a lot better", Harish started with a grateful preface, "I guess you will personally accompany her for a full body checkup". Sai nodded. "Take her to a good gynac whom you know well", his suggestion startled all. "We are not planning for a baby", Shaurya swiftly retorted. "After what she had been through, Mehek is not in a condition to conceive, especially mentally she is not ready for a child". 

Mehek was unable to speak but her face said it all. She was too startled to react. Shaurya quickly grabbed her hand, "Remember what I told you last night. You will set the pace, only you". She sighed being relieved as he squeezed her hand in reassurance, "Thanks Shaurya". "You all are over reacting. I wasn't suggesting to rush for a grandchild. I just wanted my dear daughter-in-law to be fit and fine", Harish clarified. He acted to be miffed and pulled away, "Sai, please meet me in the room for my regular check-ups".

In sometime, Sai visited Mehek. As a third person who clearly knew about complications in married life of Mehek and Shaurya,  she was a bit surprised that Mehek had already moved in with Shaurya. "Mehek, do call me if you need me", Sai started with a preface before breaking sad news that her visits will not be so often anymore. She had nearly escaped a break down before Harish Khanna when he threatened to end her life if interferes again. Sai had worked for him for years yet she knew he wouldn't spare a minute if he finds her at fault. She realised it was not safe for her to befriend Mehek.

Mehek was verge of tears. Amidst the chaos, Sai was her only friend. "You are a strong girl", Sai consoled her, "besides if you need me, I am just a call away". She quickly hugged her and told everything about Harish's recent threats. Sai wasn't surprised as she knew her employer pretty well. However she still had hope with Shaurya. "Mehek, Shaurya cares about you. Make him your confidante. You need to learn to survive". " I can't live with him like before. He is not the man I had loved", tears streaked her cheeks, uttering the truth. Sai could sympathize, "I understand that he may not be the honest and innocent man you chose to spend your life with. But amongst this pack of wolves, he is the only one whom you can rely", she tried to make her understand her situation.

"Are you afraid that you will fall for him again?", Sai taunted Mehek. "Never", she denied vehemently, "I can never have feelings for a man like him. A criminal, a mercyless killer. I would rather die than love him once again. "Why should you lose your life? What is your fault for a dire sentence on your life? You are innocent", she paused before uttering , "just like your baby". Mehek broken down in her arms. Sai caressed her to console her wounded soul. "You need to live, Mehek. Learn to survive. Eventually, you will find a way out of the misery he had dragged you", she pulled Mehek out of her embraced and made her faced herself, "Until then, use him for your own benefit. Wrap him around your fingers and make him dance to your tunes. This is the best way to get back at him while waiting for your chance to escape".

Mehek was lost in solitude while gazing at colorful flowers in the garden. She knew Shaurya had reached behind her but she acted to be ignorant. Yet she failed to contain her wince of hatred when he placed his hand on her shoulder. "I will leave if you want me to", he spoke apologetically. She shook her head. "Please don't pay attention to my father. I wish I could say he means well but I cannot. He was always inconsiderate and selfish. I have left any hope for him to change", he told as he seated himself beside her. She nodded, causing a tdrop to escape from her tearful eye. "Mehek, I know I have given enough reasons to mistrust me. But I want you know that I will never force you. If situation was not adverse, I would have even allowed you to leave", he sounded honest. "But you won't", she spoke in dismay. "I can't see you hurt, Mehek", he reasoned.

"So my fate is sealed with you", Mehek looked away in sorrow as Shaurya nodded. "Then I have no choice other than play along", she replied. "Please give me a chance, my Sweet. I won't disappoint you again", he implore. "You shouldn't have failed me in the first place", she taunted him to which he readily accepted his guilt. She knew if she acted rigid soon they will find ways to bend her. It's better to play along, setting rules accordingly to her benefits. "Will you accompany me when I visit the hospital?", she asked him timidly. "Ofcourse, I will", as she expected he readily expected. "I am ready to look over our past", she spoke decisively, "But it will take time. Evidently it will be a new start. You are definitely not Artho from my past. Neither will I be the same Mehek whom you knew. So never expect things to be same as before. We cannot bring back what we had", her words hurt him however he was hopeful.

As a dutiful husband, Shaurya remained beside Mehek during her hospital visit. Although she was physical sound in health, it was clear that she needed time to heal her mind. He wished they could go for couple's therapy to salvage their marriage. But he knew well that they both were not at liberty to speak honestly before a therapist. It will be fruitless to hide truth, making it an hollow effort. He wanted to spend quality time with her, making most of the chance his wife had bestowed upon. He needed to show that he is same person who loves her ardently. Even if his name has changed, his feelings for her never did.