Long Shadows of Old Sins

Chapter 12

                      Mehek was sitting in the passenger seat , waiting with the driver for Shaurya to arrive. She was asked to return with him rather than spending any more time with Drishti. She was sad but helpless to obey him. Still she was glad that Drishti looked happier than ever. Shaurya brought many gifts & toys for Drishti . Mehek recalled that her daughter's face radiated with joy while hugging Sharurya. For the first time, anyone other than her mother, gave her presents. Even though Mehek knew Shaurya is dangerous, she was happy for her daughter. 

"You can take the remaining a day off", he ordered the driver. After dismissing his driver, Shaurya sat on the driver's seat. He drove off and they both were comfortably silent. Nevertheless Mehek knew it will be short lived. She gasped when he suddenly applied brakes bring the car to halt. 

"How was he?", he asked swiftly, leaving her baffled as usual. "Did you enjoy spreading your legs for him? Did he make you scream when he spilled his seed into you?", he shot questions angrily and she shut her eyes tight to curb her pain. Regardless she remained tight lipped unable to share her predicament. 

"How did you feel when you realised you were carrying his child? Did he kiss your belly every single day, whispering goodnight to his baby ? Was he with you holding your hand when you gave birth to his child?", his questions became more emotional and Mehek realised along with her he was also getting hurt. "Shaurya please stop it", she begged him tearfully. She wanted to tell him that Rishab was nothing but a monster.

"I won't", he hit the steering wheel in agony. "You were mine and I was supposed to be with you for those moments. It was meant to be my family. You ruined it all for me", he fell on to the steering feel. Although his face was covered, she could perceive his sadness. She was petrified by his outburst, still she softly kept a hand on his shoulder and spoke honesty, "I am sorry, Shaurya. I am really sorry". 

When he didn't move, she went on, "I ruined you but there is not even a single day when I haven't regretted my mistake. The happy life that you narrated never happened to me. Rishabh was gone after leaving bitter memories. I was scarred and left alone to fend for myself and a sick child". 

She heard him sigh. When he lifted his face, she could see it was tear strained. "I am sorry that I ruined us. But please trust me when I say I too have suffered a lot", she softly kept her palm on his cheek and whispered, "Please forgive me". He looked intently into her eyes.He couldn't fathom his action. But without another thought, he cupped her face and kissed her. 

Mehek was shocked at first but soon responded to him. He had missed those plump lips of hers. He sucked them like he was thirsty for decades. Soon he sought entrance to her mouth and she yielded. She tasted like honey, just like he had remembered. Her scent, her touch and her lips took him to another realm where her betrayal and his vengeance didn't matter. He wanted to ravish her and lose himself in her luscious curves. He would have done it if not for a vehicle that honked loudly while passing them. The abrupt interruption brought both of them back to earth.They both jerked back to their respective seats.

Mehek quickly adjusted her attire and looked away from him. When Shaurya restarted the car, she pretended as if she was enjoying the scenery. It was a quick moment when she found the man who once ardently loved her. The cold hearted villain was pushed back for his loving personality. But she knew that it was just momentary. However she wished her Shaurya may come back to her forever.

He stopped at the nearby junction and unlocked the doors, "You will get a bus or hire a rickshaw from here. The orphanage is not far. Go and spend time with that child sired by your lover". Mehek was frozen by his crassness. "Get out of my car", he shouted and threw some money at her side, "Hire a cab and get out of my sight". 

Mehek looked at him sadly and got out of his car without taking the money. Shaurya waited until she took a rickshaw and left. He looked down at his soldier who was hard and up for action. He sighed unable to decide whether he should be embarrassed or enthusiastic.

Shaurya's side of flashback

Swati walked in to Shaurya's bedroom and glared at the escort. She walked away haughtily while scoffing at Swati, "Something is really wrong with your friend. Is he gay ? Or some other issue? Anyway, it's a pity. Such a waste of good flesh". Swait gestured her to stop her blabbering and escort shrugged her shoulder, "I told earlier itself  No Refunds". "OUT", Swati spat at her. 

Swati sighed and went to Shaurya. "I couldn't Swati. I told you not to try. Apart from embarrassment, there is nothing", he turned his face from her. "There is nothing to be shameful. May be hiring a pr*stitute for a night was not a good idea. You need to meet apt woman and spend a little time with her before jumping into bed. Let's go to club and find your catch", Swati tried to cheer him. 

"As if I didn't try before", he scoffed at her, "Why don't you come in terms with it, Swati? I am impotent. I can't take any woman". "That's because you don't want any other woman. It's all in your mind. You still only want her, don't you? For God's sake, Shaurya. It's been so many years. When will you be over her", Swati sneered at him. 

"Yes, you are right. I am stuck in the past with a bloody sl*t who broke my heart. Pathetic loser. Brand me as Impotent too", he snapped and punched on the wall. "Oh, Shaurie", Swati held his bruised hand and caressed it, "please let me help you", she begged him."You have done enough, Swati. It's finally time for you to give up on me", he tried to push her away. "We are best buds. So I can never leave you", she hugged him tight until  he gave up and cried on her shoulder.

End of flashback

Shaurya gulped down another shot of whiskey and poured again. He wondered how did his body betray him for her. Swati was right. He never wanted anyone else but Mehek. None before her and none after her. She is his cure and his curse. And fate had brought her to your doorstop. As poor and helpless Mehek. Don't you want to play the same game to her, his wickedness urged. 

Shaurya looked at Swati's portrait. Somehow he could sense her presence. She was asking him not to let his dark side dominate him. You are better than that Shaurya, he could hear Swati's feeble voice. "But she doesn't deserve any pity, Swati. I will take revenge in the most ruthless way. I will break her irreparably", he spoke to the portrait.