Chapter 18

Chapter 17

 

Aarush impatiently checked the digital clock kept on his table. He wondered whether time ceased to move. He was worried sick for Mehek. She just disappeared from the restaurant on that night when they were supposed to meet for dinner. He searched for her frantically but failed. Being desperate he tried to reach Shaurya and even he was not reachable. Finally Jugraji informed him that Shaurya has taken Mehek to Mauritius to introduce her to his business partners and employees. It's been two weeks since she flew away with Shaurya and Aarush was disturbed. Eventually Mehek called him to inform that she will return soon and proposed to meet at office. "Can I come in?", Mehek's sweet voice broke train of his thoughts and he rushed to her. "Mehek, I am so happy to see you. I was so worried", he expressed his concern. Mehek smiled at him and sat down on the couch in his cabin. Aarush could notice a visible change in Mehek. She looked vibrant and gleeful. "You look wonderful. You had a well needed break, I guess", he couldn't stop admiring her. She laughed, a hearty one. Aarush smiled bcoz he had missed her laughter. But he quickly remembered, "Mehek, I hope Shaurya didn't cause any trouble. Especially in your condition...", he trailed off. Mehek sighed , "Aarush, I want to share something really important with you. Infact you are the first person I wanted to tell it", he nodded for her to continue, "I am not HIV+".

 

"What?? How did you...I mean how could you say that? Those results. Then...then.. The symptoms...", Arush fumbled while Mehek gave him time to settle. Then she explained  him the situation which led to her to Mauritius and subsequent visit to Dr Vivaan for her treatment. "Even I was shocked initially. Tests were done multiple times to ensure the results", Mehek explained to puzzled Aarush, "Probably my earlier tests from that fateful day were incorrect or got messed up", she concluded. Aarush blinked grasping the truth she told him. "Aren't you happy for me, Aarush?", Mehek was disappointed. "Ofcourse I am, Mehek. How could you even thing like that?", he was saddened by her question, "Its just...like a huge revelation". Mehek nodded understanding his dilemma and grabbed his palms, " I came directly here from airport. I wanted you tell it to you at the earliest. Despite knowing about my condition, you stood beside me and supported me". Aarush smiled and sighed, "I always cared about you, Mehek. You may never believe me but I always wanted to keep you happy. I could never love anyone else the way I love you, not even Swati". Mehek quickly withdrew her hands to break physical contact, "I am sorry Aarush. I could never reciprocate your feelings". He shrugged his shoulders, "No need, Mehek. Even my methods to pull you to into my life, were far from perfect". "You will always be my good friend", she told him. "Always", he touched her cheek affectionately.

A cursory knock made them turn. Mehek smiled at Shaurya who stood at the door. Aarush bowed slightly to greet him. Shaurya entered and looped his arms around her waist, "Shall we, Mehek? Our kids are waiting eagerly for us at home". Mehek agreed and said bye to Aarush. "Mehek. Shaurya", Aarush called them. "Will you allow me to visit Aarti?", he asked timidly. Mehek knitted her brows in confusion. Aarush never took any interest in Aarti. His sudden change of heart made her anxious. "Don't worry. I will never intrude into you family. She will always be your daughter. It will be really kind of you if I could meet her like a family friend", he explained. Mehek was still not convinced but before she could open her mouth, Shaurya pitched in , "Sure, Aarush". He looked at Mehek to reassure her and exited the cabin after curt nod.

 

Aarti and Veer beaming with joy when their parents returned. Jugraj noticed change in couple's equation and was happy for them. As Aarti was still enjoying warmth of her mother's embrace, Veer jumped to Shaurya lap and demanded, "Pa, what about your promise? Did you bring it for me?". Shaurya cleared his throat , "Well, I am working on it my boy. It will take some time". Mehek turned crimson while Shaurya gave her a wicked smile. "But why would it take so much time to get me a remote controlled racing car?", Veer pouted. "Oh, you meant a toy car. It is already there in my suitcase", Shaurya tried hard to hide his folly as Mehek laughed and placed a warm kiss on Aarti.

 

Mehek finally managed to put Veer to sleep. Aarti turned in her bed, murmuring softly. Mehek patted her forehead and lulled her back to sleep. They had missed her and were super excited to have their parents back after a short break. Fatigue hit her and she just wanted to hit bed. She tied her hair into a messy bun and stood before vanity mirror removing her bangles and other accessories. Shuarya embraced her from behind and kept his chin on her shoulder. "Feels so good to be back home, doesn't it?", she asked him. "Hmm", he replied carelessly while nuzzling into her nape. Mehek giggled, "What are you doing?". "Something that you are not doing", he humoured and gently bit her neck. "Shaurya", she turned to face him, "I am so tired today. Your brats sapped my energy". "You should give some attention to their father too. Save some energy for me also", he tried to be romantic. She pushed him slightly, making distance between them, "You are always on same track". He twirled her to his arms again, "Bcoz you never come to that track on your own". She looked down being shy and he lifted her chin to capture her lips. The gentle gesture of affection soon progressed to passionate one. He pushed her to bed and gazed at her lustfully. When he hovered over her, she caressed his cheek and he leaned to her softness. "I am scared, Shaurya", tears brimmed on her eyes. "Don't be Mehek. Fate had tested us severely. I am sure we will have only good times ahead", he pecked her forehead and wiped away a lone tear from her eye. She nodded yet fear lingered. He touched and teased her flesh, making her dizzy with pleasure and she gave herself to passion. She forgot everything else and chose to lose herself in him.

 

"Wake up, Love", his words awake Mehek. She smiled at him, "Good morning, Honey". "Get ready. I have a surprise visitor for you", he informed and pushed her to bathroom, "Come to my study". Mehek was curious and got ready quickly. "So where is the visitor?", she asked eagerly while she entered his Study.  "In time, you will meet our guest", he came near her and intertwined their fingers, "Meanwhile, we need to talk". She became a bit anxious and sat nervously on the sofa beside him. "We shouldn't carry baggages of our past Mehek. For a better future, we should try to forgive and forget", he paused for her attention and asked, "Why did you send Kanta Chachi away?". Mehek was taken aback by his query and tore her gaze away from him, "I...we had a fight. She was too dominant...and trying to control me". She stood up and moved away. He knew she was lying. It was evident from her body language that she didn't want to pursue the topic. "I see. Even if she was not with you still you managed to help her family and provided financial support. Why?", he asked again. "I owe her", Mehek replied firmly, "She was there for me when I needed her the most. Like a mother she took care of me and my children. We were a happy family...until...until...", she fumbled. "Until you realised that she was responsible for our ill fate", Shaurya filled in. Mehek gasped in shock. "I know it, Mehek. You don't have to hide it to save my relationship with Chachi. I know that it was she who informed Police and betrayed us on our wedding day", he told her. Mehek covered her face and wept. Shaurya dashed to her side and hid her in his arms. "I couldn't believe it when Aarush told me the truth. But when Chachi didn't deny it, I was shattered", she sobbed. She quickly composed herself, "How did you know?". "Chachi told me", he informed me, "it was unbearable for me too. She was too blind to recognize your truth and destroyed our future. But she repented and protected you, Veer & Aarti. It was enough for me to forgive her".

Few minutes later Kanta entered the study. Shaurya was still not sure about Mehek's reaction. He wanted her to let go off every bitter memory and embrace happiness yet he couldn't force her. "Mehek, meri bachi", Kanta called her. Mehek ran to her and hugged her tightly, "I missed you so much", Mehek wept. "Don't weep, my child. It's all over", Kanta consoled her. Shuaurya smiled at the duo and left them alone to sort out their problems.

 

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months. Its been 3 months since MehRya got married. Mehek was planning to throw a surprise party for Shaurya's birthday. She looked at their family portrait kept on bedside table. Kanta chachi had moved into their home and resumed her role of motherly figure in Mehek and Shaurya' life. Chachi, Jugraj Uncle, Shaurya and their children; Mehek couldn't ask for a better life. Aarush too had changed. He didn't pursue Mehek further and decided to move on. He tried to remain amicable with Aarti and spend quality time with her. He kept his promise and never tried to impose as father figure for her. Aarti belonged to Shaurya and Mehek. Aarush never tried to contest it. yet he tried to make his special place in Aarti's life. Mehek came down and found her family in the hall. They were eagerly waiting for Shaurya. Mehek looked at her watch and became restless. "Aarush, where is he?", she complained. "Mehek, we were planning to leave office together. But last minute an important deal came up and Shaurya had to stay back. But I checked in office and he had left few minutes back. He will be here soon", Aarush told her. She didn't want to spoil the surprise but she got impatient with every minute. She tried his phone, it was ringing but Shaurya didn't attend. "May be he is driving", Jugraj pacified her. She gave a nervous smile and beat down uneasiness rising in her mind. 

 

Constant ringing of phone disturbed him. Shaurya slowly opened his eyes. His head hurt and eyes felt heavy. He glanced at his phone which was left carelessly on ground. 'Mehek', the screen displayed her name. He wanted to pick it up but felt too weak to move a muscle. Few minutes later, it displayed , 'Daddyji' and then 'Arush'. His near and dear ones were trying to reach him while he lay there helpless, unable to even lift a finger.

 

Arush disconnected the call and faced a visibly tensed Mehek. "Don't worry, Mehek. May be he is stuck in the road. I will go and check", he reassured her. Mehek tried to calm herself while Kanta gave her a glass of water. Aarush moved to Jugraj and spoke softly, "I feel something is wrong, Uncle. Shaurya should have arrived here much early.  May be we should inform Police. Meanwhile, I will go and check". Jurgraj agreed. "Where is Pa?", Aarti held his hand,asking him innocently. "Your Pa will be home soon, Aarti. I promise", Aarush comforted her and walked away determinedly

 

[NOCOPY]