Fate of Fireflies

Chapter 24

"Wake up", Aryan patted her cheeks softly.  As soon as Mehek passed out, he brought her inside and laid her on bed. A couple of hours had passed since then. He assumed that Mehek will be a better frame of mind. Time was not in his favour. He was unable to squander even minutes so she has to wake up from her drunken stupor.

Mehek moaned in protest while Aryan persistently tried to bring her out of her slumber. He helped her to sit comfortably on her bed, setting pillows behind her back. He handed her a glass of water. Once gaining sense of her surroundings, she knew Aryan's visit will not be just casual. "Are you here to finish me off?", she asked without even an ounce of fear. He smiled shaking his head. She laughed with him, mocking herself. 

Mehek didn't fear for her life. Despite hiding from attack on her life, she felt hollow. It seemed like she had lost her purpose to live. When her head hurt, she grabbed her temples in reflex. "You will feel better after having it", a hand brought her a handover medicine. She took it before realising that it was not from Aryan but immediately she turned to get a good look at the man. 

"I am not a ghost", Shaurya told her upfront. As tears made way to her cheeks, he added, "And I not here to kill you". Being astounded that he is still alive, Mehek failed to react. "It is not poison", he gestured to the medicine bottle in her hand, "I can take few sips if you doubt". When he forwarded to take it from her, she withdrew back and gulped entire content. A hiss escaped her as she consumed bitter liquid. "I will leave you two", Aryan excused himself, giving them privacy to talk. .

"How did you...", Mehek was still at lose to express her concerns. "Long story", Shaurya eased her difficulty, "just know that some people helped me". "Why are you here?", she asked him quickly. She wondered what he needed if he didn't wish to take her life. Although sad, she acted to be feisty, "I won't apologise for framing you. I don't feel guilty for betraying you. You deserved it". "I understand", he hummed, "Aren't we even now, Mehek? I betrayed you hiding my identity and you double crossed me with your hidden agenda". She looked away to avoid crying before him. "What do you want?", her voice quivered. "I want you to give us a chance", he pled her. Her eyes widened in shock.

"I am leaving to settle abroad. Somewhere far away from toxicity of my past", he explained to her. "Once you said you cannot escape your legacy", she shot back. "Now I can. SK is dead to the world. My father will be spending his last days in prison. Anjali who has taken over the rule will never seek me out", he told her. "Can you come with me?", he requested her, "A life without lies and pretexts. I promise to fill your world with happiness. Just like we had dreamed earlier". She sobbed hearing his imploring words. "You destroyed us. We don't have any future", she complained in tears. "Please give me a chance to restore us", he begged her. But she remained adamant.

"Unlike last time, I won't force you, Mehek. It will be your choice", Shaurya told her decisively, "But if you have even have tiny spark of love in a corner of your heart then please come with me. I promise you will not regret". She looked away unable to reply promptly. She was standing at crossroads. Her future remained bleak either ways, irrespective of her decision.  Her monotonous life had no purpose if she stayed back. May be with time she will find her way. Whereas choosing to take his hand could be an uncertain path leading to dangerous hell with equal chance of a happily ever after. "What if I say no?", she asked boldly. He took deep breath before replying, "Then I will respect your decision".

"Shaurya, it's not safe to stay here longer", Aryan reminded him while barging in the room. He nodded,  agreeing with his friend and looked at Mehek hopefully.

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Once they reached airport, Shaurya collected his new passport & ticket from Aryan. He was leaving everything behind; his rightful riches & worries, his identity with dark legacy but above all his Mehek. Even when he knew he had no right to expect, he yearned to start a new life with her. He gave her a choice to refuse but deep down he had believed that she will take the leap of faith. So he was devastated when she chose not to accompany him. She was clear in her decision. 

"Mehek has every right to make the choice, Shaurya. I don't find her unreasonable. She had suffered enough and her wounds are still fresh", Aryan justified her but patted his shoulder, "I am proud of you, Shaurya. You could have easily forced her to comply still you let her take the call. Now stick to your word, respecting her decision". "But it hurts", he was tearful. 

Aryan tried to show him the silver lining, "you are lucky to have a chance to restart. A life away from shadows of your father's crime and his manipulations. Be grateful and make most of it. Live well, my friend". "Is it worth without, Mehek?", Shaurya asked him. "Let time decide. Atleast Mehek won't hate you now."

Shaurya sighed, bottling his emotions. Only Aryan had never given up on him. Perhaps because they were always truthful to one another. Earlier, Shaurya was too angry at him when Mehek has suffered owing to his negligence. He banished Aryan, fearing he may kill him in anger. But he stayed, refusing to leave his best friend. When he reached out to Shaurya through Anjali, enough time had passed and Shaurya had cooled off. He was regretting his decision of returning to save his father. He was so overwhelmed with his new life that he desperately needed help from his trusted man. It wasn't just Mehek who was suffocated and wanted to escape the dark world, but Shaurya too.

Soon the trio made efforts to steer direction of their business, making it more and more legit. Keeping their plan hidden from prying eyes of Harish Khanna was most difficult. Shaurya trusted Mehek enough to give her a glimpse of his plan however fearing her safety he didn't reveal the entire picture to her. Anjali and Shaurya disliked their father enough to want him to be removed although not killed. Death would have been an easy exit for Harish Khanna. It was already decided that Shaurya will act as a pawn giving away their father while Anjali stayed to rule. The half siblings had to trust each other to free themselves from clutches of their manipulative father.

However Mehek' s betrayal was an unexpected catalyst that upset the apple cart. Shaurya was devastated but he acted wisely. Although ahead of time, he decided to act as planned. His phone call to Anjali signalled her and Aryan to take actions. They ensured Mehek's safety once Harish was taken into custody. Finally with smoke screen of his death, it was time for him to start his new life.

Anjali was never in favour to seek out Mehek. In her eyes, she was a cunning spy who was still dangerous to them. Nevertheless Aryan understood that Shaurya needed a closure. Unlike his friend, Aryan contemplated that Mehek may find it difficult to give Shaurya another chance. He expected his friend to move on once he faced her rejection. Although he wanted to accompany Shaurya, his hands were tied. Anjali had just made only one demand. She needed Aryan beside her until situation were fully under control. It was a non-negotiable demand to which all three have to agree.

Finally Shaurya bid farewell to start his new journey, alone.  Not all love stories are supposed to have a happy ending. Perhaps his was one of those.