Fate of Fireflies

Chapter 21

"Look at you", mocking voice of Harish, grabbed Mehek's attention, "few days with Shaurya and you are already handling his business. Can anyone imagined that you are the same girl who tried to run away few days back?".  His taunts were not in vain as it made her uneasy. "I will bring some tea", she was able to read the room and know that she is expected to leave. Shaurya remained silent as she exited. "Isn't she a darling?", he continued to mock but failed to extract any reaction from his son.

"There were many others who could have handled the position other than Anjali", Harish didn't beat around the bush.  "You may not see it but she is capable enough", Shaurya retorted. "But she is a woman", his father countered. "A fact that doesn't affect her capabilities", Shaurya acted as if he doesn't care about his father's opinion, "besides I trust her more than any of them". "Just like you trust Mehek", he gestured to her seat, "giving her full access to your most confidential information", he glared at his son, "even those which are restricted to me". 

Shaurya finally realised the real intention of his father's visit. He was complaining about his lack of trust in his own father, the former king. "It's my way of working, father", he emphasised, "if you have a problem then I am happy to leave the throne back to you and walk away. Neither Mehek nor me wishes to live here". 

Losing his son was not an option for Harish. He required Shaurya to run his empire. Knowing that his life's work will crumble without him, he swiftly acted to make amends, "All I am asking of you is to be careful. You are too trusting, especially with women". "You made you point. Now please leave as I am a little busy", he politely asked his father to leave. 

In a moment, Harish changed his tactics. "You need to take a break, Son", he spoke cleverly, "All work and no play will make you dull Soon it will be tough for Mehek also. Think about the poor girl". When his son remained indecisive, he added, "I can take care of things for a short while if you need a holiday with your lovely wife". 

Shaurya understood that his father still wanted to maintain control over their business. However he didn't comeback to be a puppet, dancing to his father's tunes. He desperately missed Aryan. If he had been beside him, then he would have entrusted him blindly. "I am okay", with a fake smile he told his father, "rest assured as Mehek understands me well. We are fine. Since she is working with me, we already spent ample time together". Harish decided to retreat but Shaurya knew he hadn't given up completely.

"Tell your husband nothing had changed amidst us", Anjali taunted when Mehek left kitchen with tea tray. "I am happy that he recognised my worth but I am sure he has his selfish motives behind it. Afterall he profits from everything", Anjali spoke haughtily. Mehek had expected Anjali to be salty with her as she lead to death of her extended family. But Anjali seemed not to care of loss of their lives. She was here to remind Shaurya that he is not in her good books yet. 

"Why don't you tell him yourself? He is your brother", Mehek replied giving emphasis to word brother. "Just tell him that I only owe him a favour . That's all. Nothing more", Anjali dragged out her words. "Acknowledged your response, dear sister. Infact I didn't expect anything else from you", Shaurya's voice taunted her back. His sudden appearance made it awkward for Anjali but she didn't give in. So he made it easy for her,  "now if you done disturbing us, then leave.  Else if you want to join us for tea, please feel free to sit". To hide her embarrassment, Anjali stomped her feet and left angrily.

"A read handful of half-sister you got", Mehek had a humorous smile on her while pouring him tea, "Makes me wonder why you chose her to take over". "She is capable enough", he replied taking his cup from her, "besides she once offered to help me to escape with you. She had her reasons for sure but still it counts for me". In few words, he explained how Anjali had earlier offered him to settle abroad under his pseudo name. "We could have lived our life happily if I was able to reach her before misfortune struck us", he sighed. Unspoken words of their lost life hung between them. 

"How long would you have played the role of Atharv?", Mehek asked ruefully. "As long as possible", he accepted with guilt. To live a happy life with Mehek and their children, he would have given up his true identity without another thought. "So a life full of lies and betrayal was written in my fate as a punishment for loving you", to hide her tears, she tried to walk away quickly. But he grabbed her wrist, "Mehek, I know you are still in pain while struggling to accept me. You are unable to forget Atharv and love me for who I am. But trust me, I am the same person. Atharv or Shaurya; name doesn't matter", he kept her hand over his chest, "my heart beats only for you" "I know Shaurya but it is so hard for me to...", she broke into tears. 

Shaurya quickly hide her in his warm embrace. He didn't console her but wanted tears to wash away her sadness and frustration. May be once she let out her pent up emotions, she will be able to think about giving him a chance. They remained lost in themselves for long until her tears dried out. "I am sorry to have ruined your shirt", Mehek apologised feebly although she knew he won't mind. "It's okay silly", he patted her nose with his forefinger.

From afar, Harish watched them like a hawk. He grinned widely sensing that the estranged couple are slowly coming closer. Although he didn't approve letting Mehek work with Shaurya, he understood that his son played his cards wisely. He contemplated that soon Mehek will be fall for Shaurya and be his loyal wife. She may be dear to his son but once she gives him an heir and perhaps few spares, she is disposable. Until then her life was precious. Harish was forced to accommodate her despite his reservations

Time passed. While working with him, Mehek realised the Shaurya was turning many of his business to legal ones. But it was impossible to wash years of dirty laundry in limited time. Besides, he had been part of many criminal activities to protect them from the dangerous world he had been plunged into. She often wondered when he will break his last shred of patience that he could bring change in his empire.

"Mehek, something urgent came up", Shaurya apologised, "I won't be able to accompany you to the temple". Her face fell. It was her parents death anniversary. She wished to visit temple with him and offer prayers for the departed souls. "It's okay, Shaurya we will go some other time", she got up to return to her room. He felt guilty to have disappointed her. He had expected her to be angry on him and fight with him. But her meek acceptance showed the extent she had adjusted to his world. Her fear was more than her wish to pray for her parents. "Anjali can come with you", he suggested. "I am busy", Anjali refused blatantly, "even if I was free, I have better things to do than baby sit your wife".

Mehek looked down in embarrassment. She was no longer the independent woman who used to live her life freely. Shaurya cut in quickly, "you take my security men along with my car and go to temple. I will reach there as soon as possible". "Are you sure?", she asked timidly. "Ofcourse, my sweet. They are the best assigned to protect me but you are more precious. They will protect you with their life. You need no fear ". She nodded in agreement but was not confident to leave without him. "Bye, Shaurya", she waved at him once he assured her into the car. Tear brimmed in her eyes as if fear got better of her. "I will be with you even before you know it", he vowed with a soft kiss on her cheek, "I promise".

Late afternoon, Harish was waiting for Mehek and Shaurya to return. He had waited patiently so far. But today he was determined to forced them both take their marriage seriously. He already had Mehek in his reins threatening her with safety of her family & friends. Perhaps he had to device a snare to puppet his son. His dear wife will be the perfect bait to make him dance to his tunes. 

As Harish mused his plans, Awara ran to his side. "What's the matter?", Harish asked without paying much attention to his state. "A bomb was planted in one of our cars", he gasped for air, "Mehek took it to temple". "What?", Harish was shocked. "It exploded near the temple and none seemed to have survived", Awara informed in panic.