MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 45

Chapter #12

One last scan of her bedroom assured her that she had everything. In her hand, she held the very last thing she needed to pack in her carry-on: the newly drafted employment contract that had been presented for her consideration yesterday afternoon by the Food and Beverage Director. She stowed it, still dazed over the fact that, not quite halfway through her engagement, that the company had chosen to do such. However, determined as they were, not to lose the talent of young woman who already had made her mark in the very short time she had been with them, her superiors had not only approved her the week she had cautiously requested, but had in fact added an additional three days to her sojourn, with the provision that she take along the contract, so that she would have the opportunity to discuss with her family. The long and short of it was the company's hope that on Mehek's return that they would have secured the able chef, and could push forward to secure an extension of her visa, so that by the end of her four month stint her permanent position could commence without delay. The fact that they were even willing to allow her this unplanned jaunt home, demonstrated how far they would go to court her. In response, she was more than appreciative, and had spent the two weeks before her departure hard at work to ensure that her absence would barely cause a blip on the radar.

Thus, began a stint of extended work hours with Chef Malik, independent of her normal schedule and later on, overseeing him as he imparted the newly grasped understanding of her recipes, with a couple of his most earnest junior chefs: the three, to whom she would entrust to lead the preparations of her signature dishes during her absence. It had been an intense couple of weeks, but finally the time had come where she felt that she could put her concerns aside and focus on her trip home, which on looking at her watch, would need to commence in a minute or so.

As if she had wished it into existence, the doorbell rang. Mehek smiled as she gathered her belongings and hurried to the door to meet her visitor. Her first thought after she flung the door open was that Mel would have fainted on sight this morning. Clad in a long sleeve compression workout shirt and tapered training pants, both which melded to the prime physique that was usually camouflaged by his chef's attire, and with those dimples at their full wattage, Malik was a sight to behold for any young woman at 4 o'clock in the morning.

"Hey Dost," Mehek greeted him with a newfound affection. "Come in."

***********

"Passport?"

"Haan"

"Wallet?"

"Haan"

"Mobile: charged and your charger?"

Mehek pulled out her phone, and then shuffled through another compartment of her shoulder bag. "Yes...and... yes."

"Discarded all the perishables from the kitchen?"

Mehek looked up from checking her hand-bag. "Really, Malik, come on now, how helpless do you think I am?"

He had the grace to look sheepish. "Okay perhaps that was uncalled for, but I'm certain you are overlooking one thing."

Mehek stared back at him in confusion, when he relieved her of her cellphone. Deftly, his fingers flew over the touch screen, and then he handed back the device. She looked down to study the new number her had saved on her mobile

"Anytime: day or night, thik hai Mehek?"

"But I already have..."

"That's my private number."

"Oh...I see. Thank you, Malik, that's very sweet of you." It was, as had been his offer of the very early morning ride to the airport, when he didn't have to. He had truly become a good friend, she thought as she looked up at him gratefully.

He nodded and grabbed the suitcases that rest at her side, and nodded in the direction of the door. "Chalo Mehek, or you will be late your flight, and me, later for the gym than I want to be." He hoisted the smaller suitcase up in an impromptu bicep curl.

Mehek shook her head and sent him an a-okay hand signal. "I would say you are pretty impressive already."

He shook his head, "Ah, but sometimes you need more than just the appearance of strength. Sometimes you need real power behind the muscle: just in case."

Closing the door behind them, Mehek paused, wondering what he was speaking of. He offered his explanation.

"In the event, that Shaurya Khanna thinks to pick up where he left off: you just let the man know that in addition to your family, that you have some real muscle in your corner now. Tell him to watch himself."

Mehek lowered her head to hide the warmth that had come to her cheeks. Under the pretext of making sure that she had her keycard for the door - an absolute inane reason, as if she had left it inside she would not have access to retrieve it anyway- she took a few deep breaths, before raising her head and addressing Malik.

"I doubt if that will be an issue; but I will certainly keep that in mind."

They didn't speak anymore on that subject until they reached the departure area of the Orlando International Airport.

"Have a great trip, Mehek, but remember you are doing them the favor. Don't let them think they can railroad you in anyway in the name of ratings. ISC may have brought you to the public fore, but your value is immeasurable."

Mehek couldn't help but appreciate his words, and spontaneously hugged him. "You are a master at pre-dawn pep talks, Malik. Thank you."

She grabbed her bags, and headed for the sliding doors, stopping when she was hailed one final time. On turning she burst out laughing on seeing her co-worker flexing one arm, while simultaneously pointing from his eyes to her direction: reiterating his message meant for one Shaurya Khanna.

"I'll be sure to pass on the warning," she called out before waving goodbye.

*********

The shoot had been set up at the closest outside market, for both authenticity as well as expediency of not having to recreate the scene themselves. The P.R. opportunity, augmented by the fees that had been offered, had been enough to convince the business collective to shut down the area for a couple hours in order to quickly film the promo that the station had demanded at the last minute. The stall owners had been asked to do what they do best: to assertively push their wares to the contestants, denoted by the ISC aprons they each wore, who were strategically positioned among the extras. Against this background, the show's judges would weave their way through the crowd offering the scripted commentary on why the public should tune into the new season of India's Super Cook.

In one of his signature bespoke suits, navy blue today, Shaurya went through a few practice-runs, until both he and the crew were satisfied with what was to be filmed. Now approaching the end of the day, he was aiming for one shoot so that they could wrap up for the day. He would quite happily leave the post-production team to their own devices, once he had done his part. Especially today: when he was out of sorts, he would gladly see this day behind him.

He hadn't heard from MS in the last 36 hours now. Her prior note that she may be offline due to some technical issues she was having, should have satisfied him, but he still hadn't been able to shake the bereft condition, the lack of contact with her had put him in. The panacea that their dialogues had become was undeniable, and he especially wanted to converse with her, and share these new misgivings with her. Perhaps she would be able to lead him to understanding why he felt the way he did. She was good at that. Soon, he thought, as he took his mark and waited for the Director to call action.

Cameras panned the crowd, briefly touching on each of the new contestants, offering the audience a glimpse of the group that would vying for this season's title of the cooking show.

Rajiv Bhai, suddenly entered the set from the left, "You heard right folks, India's Super Cook is back for another season with a new batch of cooks, but this time we've come up with a twist."

"You see this time around, we have decided to mix it up a bit by pitting a couple of professionals against the gifted home-cooks that we've sourced from all corners of the country."

Mentally, Shaurya smiled. Rekha was on point with her monologue, as she entered the scene from the opposite side. All that would be needed, was his entrance: straight down the middle, where the trio of judges would meet. One cue, he smiled his trademark half-smile and began his trek.

As per the script, the crowd parted, very much like the sea, as the host of the show made his theatrical entrance in the natural swaggering way that personified the man, and had the public so enamored of him.

"Professionalism or Passion, which will win out? Is the better cook, one who has studied, or the one with the most passion? And which one has the better temperament to handle all that India's Super Cook has to throw at them?"

As soon as he reached his destination and folded his arms, Shaurya knew they were in for at least one more re-shoot. Of all people, Bhai was not in the correct spot. Somehow, he had missed his mark, and now there was too great of a gap between the two of them.

He didn't even bother to give the last of his script.

A light touch, accompanied by the soft scent of lavender assailing him, proved the only indicator that there was more to meet the eye in this filming.

His scripted words were finished for him and then a more telling text added.

"Because, one thing's for sure: when it comes to India's Super Cook, you never know what you are up against. Or, for that matter: just who may show up unexpectedly."

Shaurya's head had swiveled to the speaker: unadorned shock clearly showing on his face.

By contrast, her profile couldn't hide the serene smile on hers.

"And Cut...that's a wrap."

With that indication, Mehek slipped her arm from where she had looped it in Shaurya's and addressed the director who had approached them.

"How did I do, Sir?"

"That was the perfect entrance, Mehek, and the improvisation: just brilliant."

"Thank you."

The man then turned his attention then to the show's creator, pulling him away so that he could view the playback of the ad, that had transformed from adequate to sublime with the unexpected walk-on.

The only thought running through Shaurya's mind, as he was led away, was that she wasn't due on the set for another two days. And yet, not only had she returned early, but Mehek Sharma, in her usual style had done so with a bang, and with a clear intention of tipping his world on its side.

***************

In the background waiting for her turn, Mehek had reflected on the conversation that had prompted her to take the steps she had embarked on.

"How does Shaurya feel about the possibility of me returning?"

Rajiv Sir's email had prompted a telephone call, and as she had waited for an answer this all-important question, Mehek wondered if the man she held in such high regard, would be honest with her.

"He recognizes the value of it, Mehek."

She couldn't help but feel a degree of disappointment, "Of course he would," she answered softly.

"But he isn't pushing for it. My email was sent only to say that we had put forth the request. He: Shaurya would rather not repeat the missteps of our first season," Rajiv continued.

His statement had her wondering how badly Shaurya Khanna actually thought of her, but in the next sentences Rajiv had her less antsy.

"A lot has changed, with the station having a more vested interest in the series, he is not alone in calling the shots. That has been a challenge, but it is not the only shift. Shaurya himself, has undergone some change as well: personally. I cannot speak to it in its entirety, but what I've seen, it has been for the better. I can assure you Mehek that it would be a completely different experience for you: not perfect, I'm sure, but better. However, it is entirely up to you."

It was these words that she had prevailed upon her entire journey, and which had buoyed her to take that first critical step.

And now that she had made what surely Shaurya Khanna would see as the first strike, she waited to see what his response would be.

**********

While they waited for the production team to ready the tape, Shaurya took the opportunity to study her. As to be expected, Bhai had immediately approached Mehek Sharma, and from the expression he wore, was firmly back under her spell. Likewise, Rekha had warmly greeted the young cook, exclaiming to her how well she looked. Shaurya had no reluctance in agreeing with his co-judge: she looked damned good.

Since he had last seen her, Mehek Sharma had upped the ante when it came to her fashion choices. Although still conservative, the crisp thigh-length black kurti, trimmed with a trendy light blue sequin border over the slim bootcut blue jeans was far more modern than the gaudy traditional garb he remembered her for. The sequin sash that slung low on her hips elongated her unlike any of the voluminous blouses she normally wore, or maybe she had dropped a few pounds. The accented dcolletage neckline, while still modest, was certainly one he had never seen her in, and the deeper than usual vee immediately drew his attention to the area before her travelling back up to her face. Mesmerized, he watched as the young woman flicked her long hair over her shoulder and then, looking past Rekha's shoulder, turn her gaze in his direction, just in time to catch him staring at her.

"Shit," he muttered to himself, averting his gaze wondering what the hell had come over him.

"Okay, we're ready. Have a look Shaurya."

The director was clearly over the moon with what had been captured. He ran through the forty- five second ad once, before rewinding it to the entry that had raised the bar for the promo.

"Right here: this is pure gold. First off, there was no way that you can feign that reaction, Shaurya, and for that, the public is going to eat it up. It humanizes you my friend and makes you more relatable." He had an assistant rewind a few frames more so that they could focus on the moment when Mehek had casually looped her arm through Shaurya's "But this: for nothing else, you owe Mehek Sharma big-time. That simple act will be interpreted by the viewers that she has forgiven you, and that could sway those you offended in the first season back to viewing the show. Instant good-will that is. Mehek was brilliant to have thought of that, when it never even occurred to us to suggest it."

*********

She was running on empty. Now, all Mehek wanted, was to go home and get in her bed. Although she didn't regret coming here straight from the airport, whatever pick-me-up she had obtained in getting access to the shower facilities at the nearby television station, was waning big time. Yet she knew that she would be making the biggest mistake in leaving now before acknowledging and greeting Shaurya properly. If her appearance hadn't already, then a quick exit would assuredly start them off on the wrong foot; something she didn't want. And so, she waited. Thankfully she had enough to distract her as quite a few of the new participants had chosen to take the opportunity to greet her. Still, she hoped it wouldn't take long before she could finally beat a retreat.

Across the room Shaurya nodded. As much as he hated to admit it, the commercial was brilliant, and he was excited as much as the others to see the reaction it would get from the viewing public once it aired. The plan was to put it into the rotation straight away. The collective agreement of all those concerned meant that nothing else was required of him, which suggested that he could get the needful over in greeting her. Of course, he thought she wouldn't have been so kind to have left while he had been busy. Instead, it appeared that the young woman was basking in the adoration of the new group of cooks. Well not all of them, he realized when he saw that away from the congregated bunch, a couple of the professional chefs had kept their distance; probably thinking the inaugural champion to be beneath them.

Shaurya scoffed at the derision he saw on one man's face in particular. Shaurya had pegged this man straight away, as a tool: talented beyond measure, but not without his own deficiencies. But that was neither here nor there right now, he thought as he headed back to the assembled group surrounding Mehek.

When Mehek raised her fingers to the bridge of her nose, and closed her eyes, Rajiv instantly came to her side.

"Mehek, are you okay," he asked, his voice full of concern, as he noticed her swaying a bit.

"I honestly don't think I can hold out much longer actually, Sir. I'm ready to drop." She smiled wanly. "I don't think we want the scandal of me fainting on my first day back. Can you imagine the gossip that would spread at that news? Tell Shaurya that I couldn't wait any longer."

Rajiv nodded in agreement, thinking how gracious she was being in her attempt to conduct herself in a way that would bring no further controversy to the show. They had asked much of her today, but then again, none, but him had realized that her arrival back hadn't been on a domestic flight, let alone the almost 24 hours of travel she had endured to get here. "Chalo, Mehek, let's get you home."

He led her all of two steps before their path was blocked.

"The incomparable Mehek Sharma; not leaving so soon are you?"

Mehek's cheeks turned rosy, when the man who stopped her brazenly looked her over. She blinked rapidly, a combination of her fatigue and her affront of this stranger's actions.

"Forgive me such bad manners. I'm Uday, ISC's new producer." He boldly reached for one of her hands, and raised it. "It is a pleasure to meet the lovely rose that bloomed in season one of India's Super Cook."

Horrified, when this dreadful man looked about to plant a kiss on her hand, Mehek wrenched her arm away from him sharply: too sharp, when the momentum had her connecting with someone who had come up behind her. She turned, her apology dying on her lips when she realized who she had almost struck.

Her wrist in his grip, inches from his face, Shaurya at first glared past her, before focusing on the mortified woman in front of him. He lowered her hand, at the same time as discreetly pulling her away from the Producer "And as they say Uday, There's no rose without a thorn. Welcome back to ISC Ms. Sharma. Picking right up where we left off are we?"

If not kindness, there was something more benign in Shaurya's greeting, versus her encounter with the oily man seconds before. Perhaps she was imagining things in her extreme exhaustion, but she knew relief in knowing the nature of the man in front of her. He was definitely the lessor of two evils here. Further his greeting had instantly reminded her of Malik's warning. And that had her laughing right in his face. "Not if you value your health, Shaurya Khanna. However, as per your request: one thorn in your side, reporting for duty."

Chapter13