Chapter 10

CHAPTER 9

AFTER 5 YEARS

Mehek glanced at her father's portrait. She had to admit that the talented artist did full justice in capturing her father's image. She replaced old flower garland with a new one and poured oil into the tiny lamp kept before his portrait. She closed her eyes are prayed to him for strength. She missed him. Vikram Maan may not have been a great father but he was good business man, one of the best. Though he had ignored Mehek for whole of her life, during last few months of his life, he tried his best to compensate it.  Hence it was huge shock for her to lose her father suddenly in a car crash. Maan's empire suffered severely at hands of his untimely death. "You look beautiful, Mehek", Aarush complemented her and broke her train of thoughts. She looked elegant in saree. With age comes wisdom and maturity. Mehek and Aarush too benefited the same with time. Aarush tried his best to save their company but it was not enough. Mehek never had any interest or knack in business but today she had to step in to appease investors. She is still the face of Maan family and have to represent their legacy. She gave a weak smile to Aarush. "I know you are nervous, Mehek. I wouldn't have forced you to join the board meeting unless it was required", he explained, "Most of our shares are bought by foreign companies and we need to show our power by being together. Else I will lose control over the board". "I understand", she told him. Maan's and Aggarwal's if stood together, it would still make a huge difference to investors. "I wish Swati was here with us. She would have known how to handle them", Mehek blinked back her tears. "I miss her too", Aarush sighed. He led her outside when her phone rang. "Mehek Ma'am, I am hostel warden from school. Aarti wants to talk to you. I think she is really home sick. Would it be possible for you to come and visit her?", the warden asked Mehek. She took a deep breath to control herself, "I am sorry, it won't be possible as I am extremely busy this week. Tell her I will come later". She disconnected without giving another thought. Mehek took deep breaths to relax.

A board full of bookish snobs made her nervous. They were prejudiced to declare she didn't belong there. May be they were correct as it was not her turf. But Maan legacy, name and money do belong to her family. Her father had worked hard to leave it for her and now it is her turn to preserve & pass it on to next generations. "Mr Agarwal, it was good move to bring Ms Maan to your side. Still this new guy should not be underestimated. Be on your guard", a well-wisher advised him. Aarush looked at the person he referred. He is an NRI. Probably in his mid-fifties , yet fit, handsome and active. "Hi, I am Jugraj Singh from Jugraj group" , he came forward and introduced himself to Mehek and Aarush. They exchanged pleasantries and meeting began. Mehek had very less to contribute and felt being zoned out. When she pulled back her attention, she realised that Aarush was not successful in steering the meeting to his benefits. Jugraj group were given equal in prominence and power. In short their company cannot be run without consent and partnership with Jugraj. Mehek kept a consoling had on Aarush and he gave a short laugh. "Atleast you were not kicked out of the board. You still have a fair stake", she showed him the silver lining.  He nodded and gave a slight laugh. They got up when Jugraj came to meet them. "Congrats Jugrajji", they felicitated him, "looking forward to work with you". "I would have enjoyed it too. But I am retired and my son handles everything now. He got caught up in an urgent work so I came on his behalf", Jugraj filled in. "Hope we will see him soon", Aarush said politely. "Think of the devil and there he comes", Jugraj announced and entire room shifted attention to man near the door," Friends, meet my son. Mr Shaurya Singh Ahlawat". All applauded to welcome him. Mehek was shocked and her eyes pop-out of sockets when she saw him walking towards her. Aarush was equally astounded. Shaurya entered, flashing his million dollar smile at them. 

"I am so glad to meet you both", Shaurya greeted them and extended his hand. Although Aarush reluctantly shook his hands, Mehek stood still. When remaining crowd in board room started to murmur their confusion, Shaurya pitched in,"We are old friends". Further to appease them, he swiftly pulled Mehek into a bear hug. They all smiled misunderstanding it was rendezvous of old friends while Aarush sneered at him helplessly. Mehek stood still, trying to come in terms with the situation. "Stop gawking at me, Sweet heart. Even though I am gorgeous and breathtaking", Shaurya whispered into her ears, breaking her reverie. He kissed her cheek, very near to corner of her mouth.  Mehek didn't fail to notice that he lingered on her skin more than required. He left Mehek and went near Aarush, "Good to see you again, Aarush". Aarush nodded and tried to maintain poker face. "Please excuse us for a minute", Aarush grabbed Mehek and left board room discreetly. As they reached a safe distance, he told Mehek, " I had no idea about this sh*t. Trust me, I am as shocked as you. I never imagine a connection between Mr Singh and Shaurya".  "I need to be alone", Mehek finally spoke. "Mehek we need to be here. It won't look good if you leave abruptly", Aarush told her. "F**k you, Aarush. Stay here and clean up this mess", she commanded and briskly walked away.

By the time she reached back her apartment,she was hyperventilating . She still couldn't believe that Shaurya was back. But the man she saw today was not the Shaurya she knew. He appeared as Mr Cool but the menacing power emanated from him was scary. His eyes were amicable yet she could feel contempt when he touched her. She wasn't ready to confront him or fight him. She needs to run. She grabbed her suitcase and started to pack but soon ceased. 'For how long? I cannot keep running away from him forever . Better to think and have my own game plan', she decided. Her head was pounding and restlessness crept into her. She searched for her purse and pulled out a vial from it. Reluctantly she gulped content from it. It relaxed her and she could think clearly. 

Jugraj gave Shaurya a glass of champagne and they clinked it, "Cheers for your success , son. However I must warn you that this is a sinking ship". "I know Daddyji. I have no high hopes from it on professional level", he took a sip of champagne, "But on personal front I will make it worthy of each penny I had spent". "See you at the party", Jugraj finished his drink and left him alone. Shaurya played with flute enjoying bubbles in his drink. 'I am back, Mehek.  I am here to finish our little game',  he mused.

Shaurya party was held at his new house. It was a more like a private resort. Luxury glimmered in every corner of it and he had no humility to hide it. Maan's mansion seemed to be mediocre version compared to it. Svetlana gaped her mouth when she entered the venue with Aarush. "Are you sure he is the same Shaurya? How did he manage to gather so much wealth?", she was in awe. "Aarush, learn something from people like him. Get inspired from him rather than mourning over lost causes", she added much to his chagrin.  "Welcome, Mrs Agarwal", Jugraj addressed and Shaurya stood beside cheerfully. "Please Jugrajji, call me Svetlana", she extended her palm to Jugraj. He placed a quick kiss on it and smiled devilishly. Though he was old, he was well versed in rules of flirting and still a good player. Aarush was growing uncomfortable every minute. He wondered whether Mehek will consider his pleas and grace the occasion. Though he desperately wanted her to make her appearance, he wished to have kept her hidden away from Shuarya. But he was helpless and kept on glancing at the entrance. "We should all have dinner at Mann's mansion, shouldn't we Arush?", Svetlana nudged Aarush and he agreed absent mindedly . "Do you stay with Maans?", Jugraj asked innocently while Shaurya keenly listened. "Well, none of the Maans lives there anymore. Vikramji gave Maan's mansion as wedding gift for Swati and Aarush. Vikramji considered Swati just like his own daughter.", Svetlana explained. "I am sorry to hear about your wife. I recently came to know that she was killed along with Vikram Maan in the same accident. Heartfelt condolences",Shaurya offered his sympathy. Aarush sighed and nodded his head. "So where does Ms Maan lives?", Jugraj tried to probe discreetly. Aarush suddenly became uneasy since he was well aware for whom Jugraj had raised the query. Before he could dodge it, Svetlana replied, "She is settled in outskirts of the city. Mehek is always welcome to the mansion but she stays at  a rented apartment whenever she visits city. She is loner, an absolute gone case. Rather than her, Swati was perfect torch bearer of Maan legacy. Vikramji knew it and acted accordingly", Svetlana went on. "Apparently, the main reason why your son chose Swati over Mehek, eventhough he was dating Mehek for quite some period", Shaurya stabbed them with his sharp words. Svetlana became nervous while Aarush got angry. He would have spat at Shaurya, had not Jugraj announced entry of a much awaited guest. "Finally, there she is. Ms Maan arrives", Jugraj exclaimed.

Mehek entered the venue cladded in a simple yet elegant salwar suit. The colour went well with her skin tone and the cut of her suit accentuated her curves. She gracefully avoided press but photographers managed to capture few snaps of her. She appeared to be in sharp contrast to the grandeur of the function yet unique and adorable. Aarush and Shaurya were just few among many men who were lost in her beauty. Aarush walked to her and graciously took her hand. A pang of jealousy hit Shaurya when he saw Aarush pull it to his lips. Mehek quickly tugged back her hand, smiled nervously while he led her to rest of the group. Mehek gave a slight nod to all to greet them. She took utmost care to avoid Shaurya. "Mehek, this is a cocktail party not some mehendi or sangeet function. You should have asked me if you didn't have proper outfit", Svetlana taunted her. "I do agree with you, Svetlanaji", Jugraj pitched in quickly, "but I must say you are looking lovely, my dear. Dress code can go to hell for a pretty girl like you", he complemented Mehek. She smiled heartily hearing his kind words. "Jugragji, Mehek runs her own designer boutique. I bet this is one of her own creations". "Then I must say you are an artist", Jugraj praised her. "Thank you, Mr Singh", Mehek couldn't help grinning at the old man. "C'mon Mehek. We are all friends. No need to be formal. You can call me Jugraj Uncle", he told Mehek. She nodded still keeping her smile. Her smile, her innocent smile. I missed it, Shaurya's heart sang but he quickly recalled the venom she hid behind her sweet face. By reflex Mehek gazed him and momentarily they shared an intense eyelock. "Shaurya why don't you take Mehek to the dance floor?", Jugraj suggested. Mehek looked at Aarush for help but before he could protect her, Jurgraj pulled away the mother-son duo with an excuse to introduce them to someone very important. "Shall we?', he extended his hand but she refused politely, "May be another time". She briskly walked among the other guests, putting as much as distance possible between them.

Cool fresh air calmed her senses. She stood alone in the balcony while party was still on high notch. "Waiting for someone?", his voice broke her solitude. She sighed and faced him, "What do you want, Shaurya?". He laughed at her, "Isn't it obvious, Mehek?", his kept her eyes on her, "I want you", he told firmly after checking her out. Mehek held on to her position while he menacingly tread towards her. "I am here to gain back everything that you snatched away from me. My dignity, my virtue, my family...my Aarti", his voice trembled when mentioned his niece. "Don't you think you are awfully delayed. It took you five years...five f***ing years to reappear" , she retorted. For a moment, he couldn't decipher whether she was taunting him or complaining about his late comeback. But her next words cleared the air, "There was time I expected your return for redemption. I guarded myself 24X7. Then time passed and I forgot about you completely. Now when I am relaxed and things are falling into place why the hell are you back?". Her eyes shone with anger while his was filled with contempt. "Revenge tastes best when served cold", he recited the well-known quote making her roll her eyes. "Speaking of taste. I wonder do you still taste the same?", he abruptly changed the topic. Before Mehek could make sense out of his words, he pulled her by neck and slammed on to her lips. Though she was shocked, she didn't resist. When started to suck her lips, she gave in to the blissful sensation. He grabbed her waist and drew her closer while deepening their kiss. When he plunged his tongue into her mouth, she welcomed him and grasped his neck to seek better access. She moaned in delight while he felt his blood rushing southside. Their tryst was interrupted when her phone rang. Reality crashed to them and Mehek fled from the scene as soon as they broke apart. Shaurya was not fortunate to return back immediately to the crowd. He need to cool down else the bulge in his trousers will embarrass him. He cursed his flesh to be still plaint to her. Yet he couldn't deny that it felt good, infact it was amazing. After many years, he felt alive. She managed to awaken his dead self.