Long Shadows of Old Sins

Chapter 37

                            Mehek walked towards the crib kept next to the bed. She checked on Diya who was sleeping peacefully in her crib and then laid beside Drishti. Mehek told her bedtime stories and Drishti soonfell asleep. Mehek was also drifting into sleep when an arm wound around her waist. She gasped to realise that it was Shaurya.

 "What are you doing?", she sneered him. "Trying to sleep with my family", he told playfully and  pushed her softly so that he will get enough space to lay beside her. "I won't allow you to get physical with me", Mehek denied him vehemently. He winced as she misunderstood his intention but didn't show it. "I am not here for s*x, Mehek. So please calm down else you will wake our girls", he told and closed his eyes,"Let me cuddle".

Before Mehek could rebuke him, he appeared to have dozed off. She didn't want to create a scene and disrupt sleep of Dristhi & Diya so she stayed quiet but remained awake. It made her restless but in a way comforted her also. She mused their situation. It would have been wonderful , if it was all real. How fortunate it would have been, if she was sleeping beside her loving husband and daughters. A tear fell from her eyes and she blinked it out. In reflex, she kept her hand over his arm on her waist and then tried to sleep.

Next day went in similar manner. They spend time like a family and Mehek tried to forget her worries for time being. Night too passed away with Shaurya cuddled closer to her. While she was in deep sleep, a promise was made to her as a whisper. It vowed to protect her forever. She didn't know whether it was Shaurya or her dream. Her sleep got disturbed and she woke during wee hours for night. She turned to find Shaurya's side empty and cold. Mehek felt wary as he was missing but tried to be calm and go back to sleep. She couldn't until he returned early morning.

Shaurya was sweaty and his clothes were soiled. "What happened? Where were you?", she asked out of concern. He was taken aback that Mehek was awake. He smiled sheepishly, "I went for a drive and lost my way. Then had a flat tire and have to change it all by myself", he explained, pointing at his messy attire. "Shall I make coffee?", she offered. "No, go back to bed. I will take a quick shower and join you", he told and she didn't argue. Mehek was relieved when he came back unharmed. As promised, he came to their bed after cleaning himself. He held her closely. "Sleep, my love", he told her softly. She didn't counter as fatigue took over her.

By the time Mehek woke up, Shaurya had made breakfast and fed both kids. He asked her to get ready and come for breakfast. When Mehek came down, she was surprised to see Awara and the new nanny who was hired for Diya. She wasn't happy to have their company still didn't question Shaurya. He served her eat breakfast and informed Awara & Nanny to take care of kids during their absence. 

"We need to leave now, Mehek. It's urgent", Shaurya told her once she had finished her food. "Diya and Drishti?", Mehek was concerned. "Awara and the Nanny will be here until we are back", Shaurya assured her. 

Once they started to drive away, Mehek perceived that Shaurya was tensed. "Is everything okay?", she asked. He thought for a second and replied, "Police will be searching the house where Rishabh had kept you captive. They got an anonymous tip about Rishabh's murder", he informed. Mehek took a deep breath. She was afraid but knew it was bound to happen. Eventually the day came when her crime will be punished.

"Stay silent if Police questions you. Tell them that you won't speak until your lawyer arrives", he adviced her. "I wish I had bid farewell to Diya & Drishti", she told sadly. "You will be back home even before they know you were gone", he sounded determined. Mehek smirked at him but stayed silent.

Shaurya drove through different roads and finally reached the house. Mehek's heart rammed against her rib cage when she recognised the remotely located house. She never had an opportunity to see it properly from outside. Indeed, it appeared isolated and creepy. No wonder Rishabh had chosen it to hide Kumud and later capture Mehek in it. It was perfect for his crimes.

"Mr Ahlawat, do you own this house?", Inspector Madaar asked him. "It was leased against my father's name. After his death, it came to me. But I didn't know about it until recently", Shaurya replied. "We have reasons to believe that Mr Rishabh Ahlawat used to stay here", Mandaar looked at Mehek suspiciously, "And he was murdered in it". 

Shaurya intertwined his fingers with Mehek as he sensed she was trembling. "Does your maid has to say anything about it?", Mandaar questioned lookign at Mehek. "She is my girlfriend", Shaurya told assertively, "And no she doesn't have anything to say". Mandaar still looked at her so Mehek concurred, "I have nothing to say". Shaurya was relieved hearing her words.

"I am sorry Mr Ahlawat as I am helpless. We had a deal but I have pressure from top. Someone had tipped the senior officials", Mandaar spoke softly to Shaurya, "Hope you have hired a good lawyer for her". With those words, his team went inside to search the house. Unknowingly, Mehek held on to Shaurya's hand. She knew it was just matter of time that they will find Rishabh's dead body in the basement and she will be taken into custody. "Stay calm. Nothing is going to happen to you", he whispered to her.

Soon Vivaan arrived with lawyer and rushed to Mehek's side. She was happy to see him. Out of all these chaos, she found a good friend in Vivaan. "Mehek, I came as soon as possible", he quickly acknowledged Shaurya, "We have enough proofs to corroborate that Mehek was tortured by Rishabh and it will be easy to prove that it was an act of Self-defense. You will be sentenced leniently". Mehek nodded. Nevertheless it was clear that prison was awaiting her.

After an hour or so, Mandaar and his team came empty handed. "Sorry for the trouble, Mr Ahlawat", he apologized, "We couldn't find anything but the case is still open so I may call you both for questioning". "We will be happy to help", Shaurya extended his hand to Mandaar. After a curt handshake, Mandaar left along with his team. Mehek was so shocked that she was unable to utter a word.

Vivaan was shocked and baffled. "Where is the body?", he blurted out as soon as cops were out of the scene. Mehek too looked at Shaurya since she had same question resonating in her mind. "May be it was never there", Shaurya smirked at Vivaan and looked reassuringly at Mehek, "Rishabh's chapter is closed Mehek. He is not going to trouble you anymore".

"This was never part of the plan, Mr Ahlawat", Vivaan nearly shouted at Shaurya. He felt betrayed. Vivaan had helped Shaurya to locate the house and gain access to security footage. Together they had found the decayed body of Rishabh in the basement of the house. Owing to his experience, Vivaan had asked Shaurya not to tamper with body or surrounding. He was afraid to destroy any evidence that could help Mehek's case. So they left it as it was.

Once they knew Mehek's plight and her crime of self-defense, a plan was devised with lawyers to protect Mehek. Vivaan was integral part of everything but Shaurya took him out for the final move. He destroyed Rishabh's body without involving Vivaan. "Why did you hide it from me? I would have helped you without a word of protest", Vivaan was hurt. Shaurya was aware of it yet deep down it was true that Vivaan was once an honest Police officer.

Mehek looked at both of them but refrained to talk. "You are a good man, Vivaan. And I am sorry for not confiding to you about my last move. It's for your own good. If any repercussions occur in future, then I will be only one to be blamed", Shaurya clarified his part and hugged Vivaan. 

Once he was close enough to Vivaan, he whispered into his ear, "Besides, I am really possessive when it comes to Mehek".