Chapter 15
Chapter #41
"Tell us exactly when you came to the realization that Mehek Sharma was the one...the one you needed to take ISC to even greater heights that is."
Doing nothing more to show his annoyance at the blatant innuendo posed as a question, Shaurya merely smiled back at the delighted show hostess who had to believe that she had caught him off guard. And she had. Right then, as he pondered his best response, Shaurya understood that in the future, he would need to be more careful with the sort of media he exposed Mehek to; not because of any doubt of her being able to handle herself, but because he could not trust his own reaction. Particularly if, when situations like this arose, he would be able to maintain his distance from her when every protective instinct in him was raised so easily. The state of things was pretty bad if, as ridiculous of a threat that this question was, it had sowed a need in him to reach out to Mehek where she sat beside him to physically reassure her of his protection in all things. Or was it him who sought reassurance? As it was, he had to conciously remove his arm from the chair rest where his hand lay periously close to hers lest he give in to the real temptation of glasping hers, which he absolutely coul not do here. However tempted he was may be to do that; not until she gave word that she wished to go public with their relationship would he breed any more speculation on his and Mehek's equation than absolutely necessary.
Folding his hands, he finally responded "I suppose I could answer in the manner that the audience wishes to hear. That it was just like being struck by lightning: that as soon as Ms. Sharma looped her hand through mine on the set of our initial commercial, that I just knew..."
"Are you saying that wasn't the moment Shaurya? If so, you are definitely made of sterner stuff than I, as I know that it would have all but sealed it for me."
The comment from the other side of her had been one she considered a bit too far; and had now made Mehek uncomfortable Shaurya noticed. Her barely perceptible shift in his direction and away from the rakish actor confirmed this and did little to improve his mood. Was the man dense to not realize that she was already spoken for? Fighting his true reaction to the taunting words that emerged from the other side of Mehek, Shaurya cocked an amused eyebrow at the actor who shared the stage with them; one that imperiously dismissed the man. "If one is impetuous and shallow, then yes, I suppose a moment such as that could make quite an impression. However not enough to automatically exalt Ms Sharma in the position she has since earned. Indeed, I've learned that the best business parternerships come only when the two parties involved know enough about each other and what the other person can bring to the table. That both are able to see clearly the benefit of their mutual association. So, yes, while Ms. Sharma's ability to throw a curveball was discovered on the day she surprised me on our set, it was certainly not the sole reason for her elevation in the ISC franchise." He felt Mehek's eyes on him and dared to look down at her. "That is not to say," he issued as he smiled while unabashedly staring into her beatuful dark eyes. "That her appearance did not make the best of impressions." He looked back out at the audience who held on to his every word. "After all, I don't think I would be wrong in saying that it compelled more than a few of you to tune into the show, correct?"
The crowd broke out in boisterous cheering, and Shaurya rewarded them the charismatic smile he was known for; swaying them easily to accept his answer. Consequently, it took a moment for the hostess to bring her audience back under control. Still she wasn't going to allow her guest to ignore the hypothesis she had put out. Her instincts were hardly ever wrong; and there was undeniably something between these two guests. She smiled collectively at the pair before turning her attention back to the infamous hotelier.On his guard, Shaurya turned his attention to her when she began speaking again, well aware that she would not give up her agenda so easily.
"Not being as business savvy as you, Shaurya Ji, perhaps you will forgive me. To my simple mind, what you have described sounds far more involved than a business arrangement ...this need to get to know each other...I don't know, to me it sounds as if there was an exploration of something far more relevant... more personal."
"And you are absolutely right, Di; from my perspective it was, and I am glad for it."
Shaurya blinked. Never in his wildest dream would he have expected Mehek to interject just then; in fact, he was momentarily stunned into silence when she did. But he was wise enough not to interrupt her. That had the potential to make things far worse than anything the young chef would disclose. He hoped, at least.
Effectively taking the spotlight away from Shaurya when she earnestly leaned forward towards the hostess taking the spotlight away from Shaurya, Mehek added her two cents to the conversation. "Like you Di, my ways are simple as well, but I have been taught since young to appreciate others for what lies inside them and not necessarily the image they present to the outside world." She smiled genuinely at her chachi and continued. "I have my mother and after she was gone... my Chachi to thank for these lessons. Granted, some people prove harder to crack than others so it may take a second or third round to truly understand them beyond their circumstances," Mehek continued grining at the expense of Shaurya as the audience immediately understood her inference, "but trust me, when you make the effort to really to get to know someone, then you stand the chance of discovering enough to satisfy you. I can confirm that my dealings with Shaurya beyond the first season of India's Super Cook made my decision to participate in the show's expansion plans quite easy. Besides, someone has to keep a rein on this one. Can you imagine how out of control he would become without someone to temper that ego of his," she added humorously.
Barring one: a sea of satisfied faces met hers at the conclusion of her declaration, and Shaurya wondered if Mehek realized what she had basically disclosed for not only the live audience, but for anyone who was or would watch the aired episode. Well perhaps not fully announced, but strongly insinuated. That she had chosen him for more than professional reasons: a fact that would only only spur further speculation. As if to confirm just that, the hostess cast a smug look back at him. And damn if his hand hadn't somehow ended back up on the chair rest centimeters away from hers... and not even the steely glare from Mehek's relative in the front row would make him move it from where it belonged.
The hostess beamed with satisfaction when Mehek finished. "It sounds as your contemplation was very thorough."
"It was necessary," Mehek replied.
"Of course," the other woman agreed. "And from the sounds of it you are very contented with your decision. With that in mind and before we move on, is there anything; any other comment you wish to add Shaurya?"
Shaurya shrugged nonchalantly, refusing to rise to the bait. "What more is there to add other than I think ISC will reach even greater heights with Ms. Sharma on board. I and the entire organization are very proud of the strides she has made, and frankly the viewing public would be mad not to consider tuning in to the show now both and in the future."
*****
Some twenty minutes later, behind the stage, and away from the eager eyes of the departing audience, Shaurya and Mehek stood together, watching as their hostess shared final words with her third guest afar from them. In the precious time they had before invariably Kanta Chachi made her way backstage, Mehek made the first move and placed a hand on his arm. A small smile came to his face, but Shaurya did not face her: not yet. Instead, in a low voice, gravelly with emotion he spoke to her. "So, what now Mehek Sharma? Now that you have basically declared an affection for me to all and sundry, do I do the right thing and stay a respectable distance from you, or do I give in to the longing that has me wanting to pull you into my arms: right here...right now."
"The latter of course," came the soft reply that finally had him turning his regard fully to her. "It's no less than I deserve. However, I suspect that will be a step too far for today. My words: my declaration will have to suffice for now." Uncaring, her arm travelled up his. "Still, I do not believe that whatever I said was as significant to anyone but you, because you know how much I care for you. If anything, Dost, I think my contribution probably had you coming across as a bit more likeable than before." She stopped for a just a second to admire him, knowing that their time together today, although rapidly drawing to an end, was yet another moment that she would treasure. "Just being with you gives me courage, Shaurya, and to be honest I did not like the approach our hostess took with you today. I confess that it made be a bit protective of you. As long as I am with you..."
"Mehek if you are finished with your business, there is somewhere we need to be shortly."
As much as they had been on the watch for her arrival, neither of them heard the approach of Kanta who in all ikelihood had heard the ending if not a fair bit more of their conversation. The older woman paused to stare at where her niece willingly held on to Shaurya. It rankled that even under her glare that her niece was slow to remove her hand from her companion. However, before she could voice her displeasure, the group was joined by the pair who had concluded their own conversation.
"Did you enjoy the show Chachi?"
"Your shows are always gratifying," Kanta stated generously to the television emcee. "If nothing else today's episode was very enlightening," Kanta added, encompassing the couple in front of her, as she spoke.
"Your niece is a delight; a true asset to the Sharma family. You must be very proud of her and her accomplishments, Chachi," the television actor who had come as well offered kindly.
Kanta smiled her thanks. "Thank you, and for the record, let me say that you really have been a favorite of Mehek's for many years. Her admiration knows no bounds."
The handsome actor stared at the young woman who was being so candidly referred to and smiled to himself. Perhaps once he was the apple of the beautiful Mehek's eyes, but no more. Alas, he had assuredly moved down the totem pole in her regard, that was made perfectly clear, he thought. Taking advantage of probably the only opportunity he would ever have to come close to her, the man stealthily clutched her closest hand and raised it to his lips. "It was wonderful to meet you Mehek Sharma. I look forward to following your ISC adventures here and in America." He then saluted the man beside her when he let go of her hand and grabbed Shaurya Khanna's to shake it. The actor conceeded to the hotelier's show of strength which confirmed everything he wished to know. This was mututal understanding between the pair: as much as Mehek had confessed her partiality for him; so was Shaurya Khanna's affection for his former contestant. "I wish you well Shaurya Khanna; in all matters."
*****
Reflecting as he made his way back through the heavy traffic, Shaurya's only regret was making the driver available to Mehek and her aunt after the show. Had he not, there was the possibility that he could have spent more time with the two women on their drive back home. Unfortunately, it was a mistake he could not take back, so it would make no sense dwelling on it. All in all, the time spent hadn't been as bad as it could have been. Although it could have been solely due to being in mixed company, Kanta Chachi had been far more conciliatory in her response and agreed that Mehek's appearance on the show was a success and that her upcoming contribution to ISC was a testament to her hard work and the veneration that the public had for the Darling of Dehli.' There was no way for Kanta Chachi not to feel pride in her child's accomplishments. In the end, and again more to do that it was done so in the company of outsiders, their parting had been almost cordial. Shaurya was sure that it pained Kanta to nod when he reminded them of the family dinner that his mother had arranged for them on the eve of Mehek rejoining the taping of ISC, but she had done so and even allowed Mehek one final minute to say goodbye to him in private.
Baby steps he thought, as he drove. Sure, it was most likely a great drama on Kanta Chachi's part, to save but he would accept even this today. "Baby steps, he repeated aloud to himself, just as he had to Mehek before she left, with a smile.
*****
"I don't want to hide anymore, Chachi," Mehek said as the disembarked from the vehicle, in their neighbourhood. "Nothing that has happened, nor my feelings," she continued as mindlessly she followed her aunt down the crowded lane. During the ride home, Kanta Chachi had seemed changed somwhow: calmer and more receptive to having a civil conversation. She had asked Mehek about her work since she had returned to America, and precisely what the expectations were for her now that she would be co-hosting the American version of the cooking show that had jumpstarted her career. When she mentioned that she looked forward to the opportunity of meeting Malik again, when he joined the ISC team in the future, Mehek experienced a hint of panic at the thought her aunt may still be harboring some scret wish to pair her and her co-worker again. Putting that notion to rest, Mehek quickly advised her aunt that Malik had his eyes on someone special and then thought it the perfect Segway to what she herself needed to disclose. "My feelings for Shaurya," she began before her eyes suddenly narrowed upon realization that her aunt's path had taken them away from their home, and to the courtyard of their neighbor's.
"Chachi?"
"I am willing to talk to you, Mehek; tonight, with the family, after we conclude our visit."
"Visit?"
"Pammi ji's invitation to tea, beta. It is today. Don't you remember?"
Mehek closed her mouth. One could not remember something one has never been informed of, but before she could voice her concern, the door to the home was thrown open by an exuberant Pammi herself, who had to have been looking out for them.
"Kanta, Mehek beta; you're here! Do come in. We were just discussing the show, and how lovely you looked Mehek beta."
Before they could get a word in edgewise, both she and Kanta where escorted into the home proper, where a throng of relatives awaited the pair. Her head spinning, Mehek was introduced to a bevy of aunties who had congregated with the singular reason of meeting Mehek. For her part, as she politely interected with the seniors who had gathered, Mehek had no clue why Chachi would allow their neighbor to raise her status amongst her kin through her association and knew that Jeevan Chachu would be furious when heard about it. Still if it kept the peace with Kanta, then she would see it through, so that she would be amiable to their conversation this evening.
Baby steps, just like Shaurya had said. Things would surely come together soon, Mehek thought with a smile.
[NOCOPY]
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