MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 22

Chapter #6

...Thank you so much.

That was all she could manage, and that too, only because good manners dictated that she did: nothing more, nothing less. Bully for him, should he think that there was anything else beyond the four-word acknowledgment of his effort. Never mind that what he done had unnerved her; that wasn't even a factor to be considered.

Grateful that the call from the lobby to advise that her ride had arrived, had coincided with her hitting send, Mehek was saved from further contemplation on the how's and why's of Shaurya Khanna's message, or her response to it, as she quickly placed the small bouquet she had received from Rajiv Sir on the coffee table. She then carried the room service tray in one hand, after gathering her things, and left her suite.

Outside her door, she had just set the platter aside, when she had to suddenly press her back against her door to prevent being barreled over by a group of rambunctious youngsters dashing down the hall. She nodded with a smile when bringing up the rear, their harried parents apologized to her for their offspring's enthusiasm. They weren't to be alone, as the busy halls were already filled with a flurry of vacationers excited for their stay here in the magical surroundings. It was hard for Mehek not to get caught up in the happy atmosphere, even if her sojourn here was for other reasons. By the time, she exited the lift; filing out behind the grouping she had accompanied, a bright smile was plastered on her face. Across the lobby, she quickly located Chef Malik, and their cursory greeting, finally was on her way.

One thing she hadn't expected was their first stop would actually be the theme park itself. Assuring her that the fun sidetrack was indeed a part of the process, Mehek had excitedly fallen into line. The F&B department had declared that there would be no better way for the new participants to anticipate the needs of the event by experiencing the environment that EPCOT offered for themselves. For her part, Mehek didn't even pretend to hide her awe at the uniqueness of the place, that prior to today, had only been something she had viewed online or in the publications the company had provided her. By the time they had circumnavigated the World Showcase, Mehek definitely had a feel for what would be expected. She smiled, finding the concept of the 40+ kiosks more similar to the roadside dhabas at home: casual stops offering comforting and delicious foods. Clearly the festival would be offering more refined tappas sized portions, but that appeared the main difference.

"This will be India's first full representation at the festival, and while we can say with a degree of certainty that we have just about shored up the non-veg options, it's the vegetarian selections that we are hoping for you to take care of for us," Chef Malik indicated.

Mehek nodded, mentally running through what she thought would be fitting menu items that would highlight the best of Indian cuisine, as wide and varied as it was. It was an awesome responsibility, but she was certain that she would eventually come up with something that would be representative of the flavors of her home. Inwardly, she sighed. This was exactly the sort of thing that she would have expected to run by KK; not so much seeking his guidance, but more like being able to bounce ideas off her Karela King. She doubted if she would even attempt such now though. It had been hard enough to answer with the few words she had this morning. Anything more seemed unfathomable right now.

"Karela King..."

"I beg your pardon, what did you say?"

Some shock must have shown on her face, when she looked up at her companion, as Chef Malik immediately sought to give an explanation of what he had uttered.

"Karela... Karela Rings: or some variation of the recipe might be a possibility as one of the snacks. Merely a suggestion, Mehek, but after watching you in action, I figured if anyone could temper that bitterness and make it so palatable that the public would be raving about it would be you." He smiled affably at the young woman, who now had a slightly sheepish expression on her face, but at least some color had come back to her cheeks.

She hesitated for a while longer before speaking.

"I'm sorry, my mind was adrift, and I thought I had heard something else. Karela Rings: I will most definitely keep that in mind though... So how many hours would I be able to work at the kiosk?"

It was the professional's turn to be taken aback. "Mehek," he began gently, "You do realize that you were contracted to be more than a simple line cook, don't you?"

"Haan Chef, but I'm not ready to, nor do I want to lose the connection to my customer either. The connection is just as important, not just the pushing out the food: delicious as it may be. Do you think it will a problem for me to do so?"

The Chef felt humbled by the young woman's attitude. Her simplicity, no, not just that: she truly was very special. It would be a real joy getting to know her a lot better during her stay here. She was certain to be a success, and for sure a crowd favorite. There was unquestionably something about her. Hardly a couple hours in her company, and already, she had him hoping that she would decide to extend her tenure after her initial contract finished.

*******

Rajiv barged into Shaurya's office, waving the dossier in his hand.

"Shaurya, have you seen this? It's totally unacceptable. We need to address this now; and nip it in the bud before the idea gains a proper footing with the network." He stopped, realizing that the man, who he expected to already be on top of the potential complication was preoccupied to the extent that he hadn't even been aware of his entry, let alone cognizant of the updated information that had been relayed by the executive producer assigned to the next season of India's Super Cook. Instead, the man in question remained engrossed in his mobile, his fingers systematically scrolling, unmindful to anything going on around him.

The folder, slammed unceremoniously onto his desk, and the resulting documents that spilled from it, at last gained the attention Rajiv sought. Still, it was with clear reluctance that Shaurya set aside his mobile to redress the issue that had his partner up in arms. Bringing some semblance of order to the disturbed sheets, he gathered the folder and set it in front of him; motioning Rajiv to take a seat across from him.

"Bolo, Bhai," he queried flipping open the cover of the folder, to study the contents. "What exactly..."

Rajiv took the opportunity of the younger man's puzzlement, to upbraid the man for the disaster that would befall them if he didn't give this matter its due attention. " What's wrong with you Shaurya? Hina advised me as soon as I came in that you had asked her not to disturb you; and to pass this off to me to handle. Without even looking at it. Do you realize..."

Incensed, more at himself than anything else, Shaurya raised his hand and reached over for the intercom connecting to his PA, requesting Hina to contact the new producer who had overstepped his boundaries by changing the final contestant lineup: despite the careful vetting they had gone through to select season two's participants. Barring that the man had not taken it upon himself to advise the newly selected women of their change of fortunes; a task that Shaurya had expressly refused to relinquish responsibility of, there would be no problem. But considering the brash man's impudence to even consider doing what he had, Shaurya would put nothing past the overzealous man. He would need to be put in his place, and realize that it was he, Shaurya Khanna who was the real principal of this operation.

***********

It had been four days and she had ignored him completely: it had been easy, actually. Too easy if she was honest. However, when she scanned the series of messages: some concise, others lengthy, Mehek realized that perhaps she wasn't being fair. Sure, it would be no big deal to let the man suffer in some small measure for just being who he was, but then that wouldn't make her any better than him, would it? Cruelty is cruelty no matter what form it was in. But it definitely would be simpler, she thought with a sigh. It didn't help that she was almost convinced that this would be for the best: that for both their sakes, she should just disappear, and chalk everything up to experience- a life lesson that both could learn and grow from. He would be none the wiser as to her identity and probably not affected at all, she imagined. And all it would take was for her to block him or better yet, delete her account. With things going so well, she couldn't describe how very tempting just moving on was.

... I could really use someone to talk to if you have the time, MS.

She had thought twice when she had come to this final message. Whereas the others had barely moved her, it was hard to dismiss the desperate tone in the simple plea. Despite the inner warning to remember exactly whom she was dealing with, her compassionate nature had her wanting; no- needing to check what could be wrong to have necessitated this specific message.

*Ping*

*Ping*

...KK

...KK, are you there? Are you okay?

Bewildered, to hear from her in the first instance; when it had looked that she was making every effort to distance herself, Shaurya sat stunned. After reconfirming the time, he was left dwelling on his growing confusion, that MS would even be available to contact him at all. Added to the fact that with the unexpected contact, MS had reverted to his pseudonym, he was at a total lost. He could only interpret this as, somewhere deep down she still considered him a friend, and that she was a friend answering another's call for help. After her days of silence, he couldn't afford to look a gift horse in the face, and understanding this could be his one chance, he ventured straight to the heart of his worry.

...MS... I thought you gone for good.

...To tell the truth, I almost was.

Mehek, waited wondering how he would respond to her brutal honesty, and if his response would make a difference in the way she felt about everything going on between them.

He had guessed right, Shaurya thought.

...That may have been for the best: hell, it probably still is, so before we make that call, tell me: how have things been for you? I had hoped to have heard by now, and assured myself that you were okay, but that choice seems to have been taken from me.

... It has been really good. Actually, better than that, KK. I still can't wrap my head around what a wonderful opportunity this is. It's true that I have been unbelievably busy these first few days, but with the aid of a great colleague, I have accomplished so much. I'm so ahead of the game that I have been able to take the day off, well sort of. I am actually meeting up with him for a working lunch in a little while. He is incredible; a real god-send.

...He?

Unable to help himself, Shaurya had hit send before thinking better of what he was doing.

Out of everything she had disclosed, it was evident what he had taken from her message. Nothing, like adding more confusion to her already troubled mind, Mehek thought.

...Chef Malik

...I see. Indian-American?

... Haan KK. KK, is something wrong?

Wrestling with the thoughts running through his mind, and that he had no right over her that would permit him to warn her away from this newcomer, Shaurya dragged one hand through his hair.

... Your message seemed desperate.

He raised his head on notification of her response. Desperate, probably was overkill, but not too far off.

...In need of a friend is more like it, MS.

...And out of all of the people in your circle, Shaurya Khanna, I was your choice? I find that highly improbable.

The iciness of her response filtered through the screen, even as he noted that she had used his given name for the first time. It was a clear indication of her underlying doubt of him and his intentions. She probably suspected that he was attempting to manipulate her, and honestly who could blame her. Particularly after what had precipitated his last PM to her, he could understand her attitude entirely.

*********

"Uday Saab, what is the meaning of this," Shaurya had demanded to know when the producer had been patched through to the conference phone in his office. Slowly Shaurya flipped through the applicant profiles noting that four of them who had previously been set aside, had now been added to the roster, displacing other candidates who had been preferred. "The Season 2 contestants have already been selected, and also notified. Non-disclosure agreements have been signed off, there is no way that we can switch any of them out."

"We can and we will, Shaurya. For the sake of the show we will do exactly that. Have you actually studied their profiles Shaurya Khanna. I'm thinking not, because there is no way as beautiful as they are you could so easily dismiss them."

"Lest I remind you ISC is a show based on skill; on talent," Shaurya countered. Across the table, Rajiv who had been a silent participant nodded in agreement.

"Haan Shaurya, I get it, but nothing brings the ratings in like a little sexual tension. I know that you know that, man," the voice on the other end of the phone guffawed. "It's my job to ensure the ratings for ISC hit the roof for the next five years and beyond that. I get it, the show is your baby and you did well enough, but now you are in the game for real Shaurya. Look at what you managed to achieve with the behenji last season. Now imagine that attention tripled with the hot babes I've selected for you. The TRP you got by giving that frump a little of your attention and seeing her to victory, will be nothing by comparison with the change up I've implemented. In fact, I am already envisioning what we can get if we get Mehek back for an episode or two next season, and letting her see how she compares with one or more of our new ladies. The old fling vs the new improved versions: it will be gold for us...Woah man, what going on there, you fall out of your seat or what..."

The sound heard was the toppling of Rajiv's chair when he shot up out of it, irate at the producer's debasing talk of young cook he had taken under his wing. In response, Shaurya stood himself, motioning his partner to calm down, letting him know by his actions, that he would address the issue.

Sternly, he voiced his opposition.

"First Uday, let it be known that you know nothing of what you speak of. Secondly, and I really need you to hear and understand this, Mehek Sharma has natural talent, and that and only that was the only reason she succeeded. No matter what may have been aired, first and foremost ISC is a talent..."

The producer laughed unconvincingly. "Chill Man I get it, don't go protesting too much. You're a good guy: I get it, you don't kiss and tell. And for reference, these girls, they have talent too, but are a hell lot easier on the eye. It will just make your job and mine a little easier. A little more natural than having to cater to these homely types. Man, personally I don't know how you managed. Even though they say her sort make for an easy lay, that Mehek..."

Sensing Rajiv about to go apoplectic, Shaurya picked up the headset, so that whatever it was the ignorant man on the other end would disclose, would be for his ears only.

"Bas Uday, enough. I am telling you once and for all. The contestants have been selected, the list will not deviate. They have been selected on their merit because that is was India Super Cook is, a showcase of talent. Deal with it, or better yet I will just let the top brass set you straight, Okay?"

He slammed down the phone, and sat hard down in his chair, scowling his displeasure.

Rajiv still stood, glaring at him.

"So, you would defend her now that the integrity of your show is in question," Rajiv shouted in disgust. "Do you understand now Shaurya, the ramifications of your actions: not just to the show, but to you and to her. As a man, you can weather the storm easily, and come out of it fine, but do you see how she is being perceived, all because of what you thought you could get away with?"

"He's just one man, bhai. His opinion means nothing, "Shaurya grumbled, still not wanting to consider anything of the sort.

"Haan, he is, and you too, are just one man Shaurya Khanna, and you are still attempting to disavow yourself from any responsibility in this matter. I can't believe you don't see: now I think you just don't want to. Thik hai, maybe this will help you. Your new friend: your someone special, the one that has you so preoccupied that you have lost all focus...put her in Mehek's place, and tell me if you would have no issue with everything you've done to Mehek Sharma, being done to her... That some man uses her for their own personal gain. Just think about it Shaurya. Perhaps that will open your eyes finally."

**********

...So what is wrong then?

Me...Everything, Shaurya thought. But not the answer he felt he could give, and not risk severing the tenuous thread connecting them.

...It had to do with the next Season of India's Super Cook. Just something needing to be squared away with the Producer. A power struggle that needed to be addressed

...Aacha. It sounds as if your show is not entirely your own now and you cannot handle the loss of control, Shaurya Khanna.

...No, I can't. That can never be an option for me. It tends to bring out the worst in me.

Mehek read, and then re-read those twenty words. For some reason, she deemed that this was the closest thing to the raw truth that she; that possibly anyone had ever gotten the hard man to disclose. Undoubtedly something about his recent confrontation had brokered some sort of epiphany in him, if it had him making what was tantamount to an admission of what made him tick.

...So you are off to a lunch date, you said?

...a working lunch to be exact.

...Well from one friend to another, do me the favor and be on your guard, thik hai? Not everything, not every person is what they appear to be.

...That is rich coming from you, Shaurya Khanna; the height of irony.

...All the more why you should heed the advice don't you think, MS? After all, who would know better than I? But I will let you go and get on to it. Thanks for contacting me. It's at least, good to know you are getting on so well.

She was left momentarily unable to come up with a suitable retort to the moroseness that permeated his words. She was frightened, scared out of her mind of what she was considering, but there had to be some reason for everything to have come together as it had today.

...Wait. I mean if you have the time, I may be able to stay online to chat.

...If you want.

Chapter7