Chapter 17

Chapter#43

“Is it just me, or do you feel like we entered a Mills and Boon novel the minute we arrived? Perhaps, The Hotelier and his Chef, or how about Her Reality ShowRomance?”

“Nahi Sonal,the way Jiju is staring at her, the story would be a lot more adult rated than one of those. It would be a story that involves some tongue and a lot of touching that inevitably leads to some major skin-on-skin action,” Nehal answered in an overly-loud whisper that she fully intended her sister to overhear.

Of course, Mehek did, and when her flushed face turned in the direction to hush the two precocious females who should have been standing respectfully as their elders were being formally greeted by Shaurya’s parents, they could barely contain their laughter.

“You look a little overheated; do you need something cool to drink, Didi?”

“A dip inthe pool may be better, but then again the last time she went for a swim with Shaurya things got a bit steamy…”

“Bas,” Mehek hissed to the two of them. “Please,” she insisted. “I’m nervous enough as it is. I really don’t want anything to go wrong, not after yesterday.”

Guilt over their treatment of the panicky girl, had both Sonal and Nehal reaching for their ears, just as Mohit, who was pulling up the rear of the group prompted them to go forward as their parents had now entered the home. Looking forward, Mehek noticed that PD and her Aunts and Uncle were currently standing in front of Shaurya and Vicky who were greeting the Sharma elders. She exhaled when that seemed to have gone off without a hitch: with even Kanta Chachi sparing a tiny smile for the young men, before Vicky escorted them all towards the lounge. Shaurya for his part remained while the younger members of the Sharma family met with his parents and then followed them into his home. He greeted Mehek’s cousins and friend cordially, before, finally focusing on the woman whose presence precipitated the visit.

“Namaste, meri dost,” he murmured in his rich, smoky voice that set her cheeks aflame once more. She looked away out of sheer fear of what she may expose to everyone there. “The hours away from you have felt like an eternity, Mehek.”

“Shaurya, please,” she begged. “I will never be able to face my family if you keep on…”

“Telling the truth,” he finished, his voice betraying the devilish smile that she could not see with her face downturned; but had no doubt he wore. “That I love you and you in fact hold some measure of affection for me too? In that case, Mehek, perhaps it may just be best to cut to the chase, forgo our meal, and confess our feelings for each other and get down to the business of negotiating this alliance once and for all. My mother would be thrilled if I…”

Mehek gasped and looked up at him, to find him smirking at her expense.

“Relax Jaan, it will be okay, if you just stop having wicked thoughts about me.”

Her eyes narrowed and she shook her head at him menacingly. “Wicked…You are  the wicked man, Shaurya Khanna, what would you say if I call your bluff, and let you get saddled with me sooner than you would like,” she sassily responded before pushing him away, and heading in the direction the others had gone.

Shaurya laughed to himself.  “If only,” he mumbled under his breath. His mother had the right of it. He could not wait until the time when Mehek came home for good….

“Is it my fault that I haven’t the patience lesser men have grown up with.”

“That’s a lame excuse; and you know that. Even it was valid, there is nothing preventing you from learning the virtue of patience now. Unless,” she sneered at him. “You are too old to learn. You know like they say dogs can be.”

Shaurya laughed out loud at that, drawing everyone’s attention to them.

“Is everything okay, Beta,” his mother called out.

“Just Ms .Sharma delivering one her classic set-downs, Ma. One I, in all likelihood,deserved.”

“As is just right, if it was deserved” Karuna replied with a smile. “Will you please escort Mehek the rest of the way in now, Beta?”

Offering his arm to the lady in question, Shaurya smiled down at her. “Ms. Mehek Sharma, will you give me the pleasure?”

She nodded graciously and allowed him to lead her to lounge where everyone waited.

There, Awara waited with a tray holding two wine glasses containing juice. After collecting them, Shaurya handed Mehek hers and then began addressing their families. “Thank you for your patience. To reiterate my parents’ greetings, I would like to welcome all of you: PD, Chachis, Chachas; dosts to Khanna Mansion. It is my hope that this will be the first of many get-togethers between our families. For now, though, I hope you will indulge me.  When she was last here, unfortunate circumstances prevented me congratulating Mehek personally on her success in her new position in America. Thankfully, fate intervened, and during my recent travels I was able to witness for myself how she much she has flourished. She was simply put wonderful, an asset to her family, her country and now that she has returned, to her company and by virtue of that to India’s Super Cook.” He took his glass and raised it towards the woman in question. “A toast to Ms. Mehek Sharma, congratulations, and once again welcome home.”

After the two families whole-heartedly appreciated the young chef, Mehek separated herself to speak to Shaurya’s mother, while Shaurya was beckoned by the most senior of the company who sat adjacent to her family in the most comfortable armchair.

“While very solicitous, you spoke as of my Laddoo almost as a commodity Shaurya Khanna. I would’ve hoped that your recognition of her being more than a benefit to your business interests would have been a bit more evident in your little speech Shaurya,” the senior citizen murmured, when the tall hotelier bent down to her.

“Aacha PD, should I have confessed my love for your granddaughter on the spot,” he asked gently.  “Are you officially giving me your blessing on behalf of the entire Sharma family, PD? I’m ready if you are.”

A look of regret passed over her face. “If only it was that easy, Beta,” PD responded glancing at her bahu.

*******

With all of the focus on Mehek’s recent successes, the dinner went rather well, as the beautiful woman beside him regaled both of their families with tales of her experiences in America. Even the usually unimpressionable Harish Sharma had nodded appreciatively from time to time during Mehek’s oration.

“And amidst all of the plans you have, Shaurya, what safeguards do you have in place to protect Mehek?’

Shaurya wiped his mouth with his white linen napkin before he faced his questioner. He was not alone. It was the first time Kanta Ji had offered anything beyond her muted agreement to the conversation this evening, so it was natural when all of the chatter between the gathered group ceased.

That too that older woman's first thought was of Mehek’s protection was telling.

“Whatever is required of me,” Shaurya replied without hesitation. “Admittedly, I have learnt the hard way that all of the production crew should have been properly vetted before we started shooting, however I have weeded out those who sought make trouble. For the duration, ISC will be operating on a closed set with the exception of the finale which will have a live audience, and even then, arrangements can be made for whatever additional security detail you deem necessary Chachi. I will gladly procure as many as I have to. Besides, our obligation is not only to Mehek, but also to her employers.”

“Kanta Chachi, I really doubt any of that…”

Mehek stopped talking when her aunt raised her hand.

“Excuse me Mehek, I don’t believe Shaurya had finished.”

Across the table Shaurya appeared completely at ease. “In the meantime, I do expect there will be a few press engagements, predominately in Delhi, but perhaps one or two outside of the city. Should the need to travel occur, naturally I will ensure that your family is aware of our exact itinerary. And should your family insist, a chaperone of your choosing may accompany us. As I indicated, the network is contractually bound to assuring her safety.”

“It sounds as if you have everything worked out.”

“Mehek’s wellbeing is of paramount importance, not just to her employers, but also to me,”Shaurya asserted.

“As it is to her family.”

Shaurya nodded, “And rightly it should be.”

“That being said,” Kanta continued, “I am honest enough to confess that some of my decisions, while with the very best of intentions have  been based on fear of the unknown and have proven not to be appropriate nor in the best interests of my daughter. Decisions made as recent as the last few days.”

Shaurya frowned at Kanta, unclear exactly what was being disclosed, but realizing there was relevance to what was said. His suspicions were further verified when Mehek unconsciously cradled one arm, when he chanced a questioning glance at her.

“Fortunately,” Kanta continued, “I recognized the grievous mistake before irreparable damage had been done. Consequently, I have determined that rather risk another error borne out worry for Mehek, I will take the opportunity to voice my concerns openly, so that everyone who matters are on the same page before Mehek commits to this grand plan everyone has laid out for her. So, Mr. Khanna, I would ask  you plainly: beyond all of the contractual obligations you’ve spoken of, precisely what steps will you take to protect Mehek’s reputation this time, after you purposely made a mockery of it the first go-around? As a family, we barely survived your actions then,” Kanta insisted.

Shaurya immediately opened his mouth to answer, however Kanta’s raised hand prevented him from beginning.

“And just to be absolutely clear, we do not wish to hear any more legal speak on partnerships and contract clauses and the like. We have heard enough from you Shaurya Khanna, the tycoon. I, we,” she corrected, encompassing the entire Sharma family, “would prefer to have our answer from the man we have been told was a true friend before anything-else. What exactly are Karela King’s intentions for Mehek Sharma, his MS ,while she is here?”

Shaurya’s gaze swung to the woman sat beside him, an expression akin to awe settling on his face. He was momentarily distracted from what had been asked of him when under the table she clasped the hand closest and squeezed it. He blinked, sure he was imagining what was happening, but the resolve he saw there on Mehek’s face buoyed him more than anything could. He faced the expectant faces whose attention rested squarely on him.

“Simply put, his intention is to prove himself the man worthy of her; no more, no less,” Shaurya answered with no artifice. “And once that has been accomplished…”

 Karuna Khanna suddenly rose from her seat at the head of the table. “Shaurya Beta perhaps now would be an opportune time for you and Vicky to give Mehek and her siblings a tour of the grounds. While you do so, we will enjoy some chai in the lounge,” she added. Her tone made it clear that she had not wanted her son to continue with conversation, not at least without her intervention.

Shaurya immediatly acquiesced and stood, bringing Mehek up along with him due to the fact that she was still holding his hand.

“Chalo, Meri Dost,” he whispered, leaving his brother and Mehek’s siblings to follow them.

********  

Mehek watched as Nehal’s and Vicky’s heads came together, and then listened when the pair vociferously announced their intention to take another turn around the expansive grounds. There was something, Vicky suddenly thought utterly critical that Nehal, Mohit and Sonal see right then and there. Watching the quartet leave, Mehek grinned. Very much like her younger sister, subtlety, was neither Shaurya’s brother’s strong suit. She stood up from the patio chair she had been sitting and walked over to the shallow edge of the up-lit swimming pool. Gingerly sitting at the edge, she swished her fingers in the water, smiling at the unexpected warmth.

“Do you think they will be long?”

Shaurya came and crouched down close to her. “Knowing my brother, he won’t be far away, nor will he reemerge until he sees with own eyes that I have taken advantage of us being alone and at least stolen a kiss or two. Somehow, despite an unhappymarriage Vicky remains a hopeless romantic.”

“Hmm Nehal and Sonal are the same…romantics, I mean. But you know that is not whom I was referring to, Shaurya.”

He sat on the ledge, positioning himself so he was facing her. She was undone by the intensity of his expression, and the questions that lie in his eyes. Turning her attention back to the pool, she allowed the rippling liquid to help still her racing heart.

“After what happened, I had no choice but to tell them everything at breakfast. Not just Chachi, my uncles and my grandfather as well.”

“So,” Shaurya responded. “It was only my father who was in the dark as to what was going on then?”

Recalling the senior Khanna demanding an answer as to who the hell  this Karela King and MS everyone was talking about was, as the younger group had quit the room, Mehek nodded. “Haan, Shaurya. Do you think that will pose a problem?

“My father may be the head of the house-hold he does not rule my life, and in this particular matter my mother will be leading the charge to get the bahu of her choosing. Even if he were to protest, he wouldn’t have a chance against such a formidable woman.” One hand rose up to smooth the ebony length of hair backover Mehek’s shoulder, and then lingered there: softly endearing. “It seems my lot in life is to be surrounded by such headstrong women,” he gently said when her face was exposed to him. “That being said, I would really love to know what Kanta and you were referring to, presuming some recent misstep of hers was what precipitated you opening up about our friendship without giving me the slightest heads-up.”

He moved back from Mehek when she straightened up and turned her back to the pool. Before he could warn her to be careful, he was waylaid when she slipped the voluminous sleeve of her blouse up to reveal the nasty bruising on her forearm. His own forceful grip when he took hold of her was worst than her injury, but she didn’t dare cry out lest he become even more angry than he was. Anyway, he released her soon enough when it occurred to him that he may be doing her more harm.

“Bolo, Mehek,” he seethed.

“Not my family,” Mehek rushed to explain, “Never would they…never,” she reiterated as she grabbed his face in her hands.

“Bolo Mehek! You were fine when parted yesterday at the studio.”

“It’s not her fault; she could not help but be wary, but this was in no way Kanta Chachi’s fault. She had no clue…”

“Mehek, will you get to the point, or I should go inside and demand an answer from your aunt who should have been protecting you, not allowing harm to come to you.”

“My refusal of a marriage proposal led to this, and Aunt Kanta was livid that one of our own neighbors would act so cruelly towards a potential bahu.”

“Yet it was she who put you in this position, just to keep you away from me,” Shaurya groused, putting two and two together.

“And she still came here today knowing that your anger would know no bounds when you learned of this. And she knew as well that I would not keep this from you. None of it matters though, because had it not, I cannot say for sure that I would have had the courage to tell the truth of us this morning.”

Shaurya scoffed. “Do you think that absolves your aunt or this woman I notice you have not named yet. And do not dare to think that I will let this go. I will not tolerate anyone…”

She kissedhim.

It was the only way she could think to stop him in his tracks, and even then, it took a moment before he was receptive to her actions. But then the quivering of her lips registered somewhere in his mind, and the inherent need to comfort the woman he loved superseded his anger. He drew her to him and held her tight responding at last with his own kiss.

When he finally released Mehek, it was to her solemn visage, belied by the tears he saw pooling in her eyes.

“You know I had every intention of telling my family the truth of us, but If this hurt I’ve suffered was the only route by which Chachi would hear me out with an open-mind that would in turn allow our family’s to discussing the possibility of us being together, then I would suffer it again and again.”

“Mehek.”

“I’ve learnt from you Dost to utilize any advantage at my disposal, to achieve my goal, which I can say after this morning, is way closer than even I would have expected yesterday when we parted ways. Now, I need you to do the same Shaurya, and take a page out of my book and put this slight out of your mind. At the least I need you to forgive if you cannot forget…please don’t hold this against Chachi. If you retaliate, all of it will have been for naught.” She sent a rueful smile in his direction and continued. “You know one day we may very well have a daughter of our own and be living all that my Chachi is now.”

“Aacha, a daughter, Mehek? You do know that you will have to marry me before that could even be a consideration? Should I consider the fact that you are speaking of our future child as an indication that you would say yes, should I ask?”

“Why? Are you asking, Shaurya?”

[NOCOPY]