MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 54

Chapter #14

The murmurs of appreciation began almost immediately as the audience began filtering into the test kitchen, where they were met with the most tantalizing mixture of aromas that had fully permeated the studio. One by one, as they settled into the preassigned seats that they, as the first live audience of ISC season 2, had been fortunate to secure, did they realize the real treat that was in store for them in a unscheduled pre-shooting portion of the show. One gasp followed another until the room was completely abuzz with excitement as the unsuspecting live viewers realized who exactly was busy at her task in the front of the room.

"Mehek Sharma."

"Oh my God!"

"Did you know..."

When the last of the group finally settled, a production assistant approached Mehek, and fastened a tiny mic to her collar. As soon as he was done the cook looked up and met the audience with genial smile. "Namaste, everyone, welcome to the set of India's Super Cook. Are you ready to watch a new batch of contestants vie for the championship?"

As expected, the crowd responded with peals of enthusiasm. Mehek grinned as a couple waved their ready-made placards for contestants they knew and were there to support. She applauded their efforts in return, and then after letting the group settle down a little, moved to address them again.

"Mehek, I love you! I can't believe you're here," a lone male voice called out.

The cook laughed and waved in the direction of the speaker.

"Well I for one, am so glad that all of you are here: especially right now. You see I am in a bit of a tight spot, here." She took the opportunity to come around to the front of the work station to explain her situation.

"Someone - and for propriety's sake we won't name who- did a great thing in inviting all of you here: your encouragement will be so welcomed by the contestants. But back to the issue. The invitation was sent and then in the most epic of failures; this certain someone, completely overlooked the need to offer you the level of hospitality that should be afforded to one's guests." She shook her head in mock disgust. "He, Mr. Shaur..." she stopped, theatrically covering her mouth, to the hearty laughter her comment received. "Pardon me, I mean the person in question, on having realized his grave error, began doing what he does best: hemming and hawing like a total drama queen, to the point that I had no choice but to step in and take over. As you see by the way I'm dressed, obviously, I didn't come here today with the intention of working in the kitchen, but alas here I am. Thankfully I am just about done, but I could use a little help so I can be assured that I finish on time. I think four volunteers would work. So, any takers out there?"

Who was this woman, Shaurya pondered as he sat in the back watching Mehek Sharma working the audience like a complete professional. He had been sure that she would have balked at the last-minute suggestion that she allow some pre-shooting with the live audience when it had been proposed, yet not only had she agreed, but she had offered her own suggestion on how she could integrate the taping with the script of the first episode. Taking the lead, she had set the production team on a quest to procure a list of ingredients, and then gotten ready well in advance of the show's live shoot. Once ready, she had straight away covered the fetching sky-blue and cream churidar suit she wore today with an ISC apron, and, with her only concession being of keeping a flat pair of sandals hidden on the set, she had headed directly to the kitchen and began her work.

Now they were witness to the results of her efforts. Beside him, the Uday nodded appreciatively at her totally ad-libbed performance.

"This is brilliant," the director who also stood there, added unnecessarily.

Mehek greeted each of the four selected persons: a random grouping of males and females, old and young, and offered each of them their own ISC season 2 apron for their use and as a keepsake. She made time for all of them, answering their questions and posing for selfies and the like, before ushering them behind the main work station.

"Now, I am going to let you on a little secret," Mehek said conspiratorially to the audience. "The very first challenge of the competition is a play on the saying: You are what you eat. However instead of a literal translation extolling the benefits of healthy eating, we are going to ask the competitors to prepare the dish best describes them personally. Now with that in mind, I decided to tackle our original problem of having no refreshments to offer all of you with a similar spin." She held up a tray of already completed confections.

"Laddoos: the perfect welcome gift, and coincidently the name my paradadi, my PD, calls me by. In effect, this would probably be my dish if I was competing today. But then I thought let's have a bit of fun, so, just for kicks, I have whipped up four different varieties to represent each one of us on today's judging panel. A little later, after we have all had our fair share, and watched the competition, we will try to match the appropriate flavor with the judge it best suits. But, to get to that point, first we have to finish."

*********

As enthralled as her audience, Shaurya watched Mehek as she guided her volunteers to the complete the task in front of them, all the while fielding questions from those seated afar. He noticed that while she shied away from any query too personal, she did so in such a way that as not to offend the asker; instead leading them in the direction she wished them to go with her responses. He would never have imagined that the insecure woman he had dealt with last season was now handling an almost one hundred-strong crowd as if they were a gathering of a few close friends. Naturally he couldn't help but wonder what had shaped the change in her. He sensed a movement beside him, and turned his head to see Rajeev wearing the expression of a proud parent; openly finding joy in his protegee's performance.

"Aacha bhai, spill the beans. Who is this and where is the real Mehek Sharma?"

Rajeev chortled. "I would think the better question Shaurya, is why were you so blind not to see her true potential in the first place?" He looked at his watch and then back at his partner. "Personally, if I were you, I would be more concerned of the very real possibility that ISC may turn into the Mehek Sharma show if you aren't careful. Thank goodness she's only here for a week."

"Like hell," Shaurya uttered, but without any real malice. Still bhai had a point, and since it was his show; he had all rights to do what just popped into his mind.

The last of the laddoos were just completed, and Mehek in the middle of explaining that the preparation of so many was actually one of the easier things she had done of late, when Shaurya arrogantly came onto the set and up behind her. Even if the excited tittering hadn't forewarned her, the uncanny feeling telling her that he was near, did. Thus, when the man stepped in line with her, and haughtily asked if she was done wasting time, she could barely hold in her laughter at his antics when she looked at him. He glared a little harder in reaction to her obvious dismissal.

"Ms. Sharma, I asked you a question. Is it okay if I begin filming my show now?" He watched her, increduously as she turned away briefly, ignoring him completely.

"Ms. Sharma..."

He had to stop when the cheeky woman took advantage of his open mouth to pop one of the sweets into it. He was left with no alternative but to chew, unless he wanted to choke. Quickly, he discerned the carrot and coconut flavors in the velvety goodness of the laddoo she had so abruptly offered. It was divine, so much that he could kiss her for creating such bite-sized pieces of heaven. Even if he couldn't speak, his blissful expression spoke volumes for him.

"And for nothing else, ladies and gentlemen that is the ultimate benefit of a good ladoo: it's better than a mute button, don't you think?"

At least, that's what Shaurya thought he heard her say just before she waved goodbye to the laughing audience, offering her hopes that everyone enjoyed the competition as she walked out of view. Damn if she hadn't upstaged him yet again, he thought, as he finished the treat in his mouth.

He flashed a captivating smile at the audience once he finished. "Well, I have to admit that was worth it for sure," he stated as he indicated for the waiting staff to pass around the bountiful trays of sweets Mehek had somehow managed to push out in record time. "Welcome to ISC everyone. Please enjoy the samplings, and we will be back in a few minutes to begin the competition." He would have make sure that some extras were left at the judges' table he thought as he left the stage.

**********

The contestants had settled at their assigned work stations after their individual introductions, and were now waiting keenly for their instructions.

Finally, in charge of his show, Shaurya took the opportunity to greet them on live television.

"Welcome again to India's Super Cook. As is tradition one should partake of something sweet before starting a new task, so before we have some of I have to say, the finest offerings for you should you wish to indulge, provided by none other than our guest judge for the week and current ISC champion, Mehek Sharma. Hopefully they will serve as inspiration for the first task we have ahead for you."

It was interesting, Mehek had to admit being on this side of the competition, as she observed the cooks hard at work. The new dynamic of integrating professionals into the mix, certainly added interest to competition. Already a few were zipping about in the fashion of those used to the fast paced kitchens of the highly ranked establishments they were used to, which made the slower more methodical measures of the home cooks seem infantile by comparison. Still Mehek knew that haste did not necessarily equate to the best tasting meals, therefore she reserved judgment for now.

Mid-way through the timed event, she watched Shaurya stand up to approach the contestants. Instantly Mehek became uneasy, this is exactly how it had begun with her, and she couldn't help but feel wary that she could be watching history repeat itself.

******

Her name was Esha, another chef from Delhi itself, and she had trouble written all over her. A young woman of privilege she was used to getting her way, by any means possible. Incorrigible would be a kind description and worse yet, Shaurya thought, she was far too young to be behaving the way she did. She had been the wildcard of the entrants, but despite her youth and the suspect behavior patterns, they had opted to give her the chance, because of how incredibly talented she was. Perhaps the competition would have her arriving at the conclusion that she was worth more than what she believed. Still, Shaurya knew of all the contestants, she was the one he needed to handle with kids' gloves.

"How are you making out Esha, will you be offering something tasty for us?"

"Positively decadent, Shaurya Sir," she answered aloud, before muttering lower for his ears alone, "You will be dying for more I promise."

He made a point of not reacting. Definite trouble Shaurya thought as he met her blatantly flirty look, before he purposively moved on to the next cook.

Soon enough, time ran out and the four judges were being presented with a variety of plates: every meal was represented from a simple aloo paratha to the very decadent eggless chocolate lava cake prepared young Esha. It took some time after they conferred to come up with a definitive winner, but in the end, they did. Incredibly though it was decided not to announce them. Instead Shaurya, dramatically folded the score card and placed in his suit jacket pocket.

"Let's start with the good news, shall we? Today at least: you are all winners. That's right, There will be no elimination today. No one's dreams will be ruthlessly dashed in this first episode. On the whole, we were all pleased; all of you are indeed great talents. But before your get too excited: just as there is good news, there is bad. The reprieve today will mean twice the heartache next time. The next challenge will bring about a double elimination. And we would like all of you to be prepared for any eventuality. However, you can rest assured that this bad news also extends to us as judges, as if the scoring today is any indication, then it is sure to be very difficult for us to make that choice. For now, I will just say well done, rest up and be prepared for the next round because it will be the miniscule mistakes that may very well result in your elimination. But for today: well done, all of you."

The contestants looked duly relieved, although dubious over what was to come next. As they made to leave Shaurya stood once more.

"However, before we break, I understand there is to be some judging to be done after all, curtesy of Ms. Sharma." He briefly explained to the contestants what they had missed in the preshow taping, and allowed them to discuss amongst themselves, so that they could join in with the crowd in voicing their views. As they did he welcomed Mehek to come from behind the judging desk

"First off, thank you Ms. Sharma for showing me the error of my ways. I was certainly remiss..."

"Nothing to it Shaurya, it's not the first, and unlikely to be the last time you mess up. Mind you, I want you to remember that it was you not I who named you as the culprit."

She stunned him into momentary silence. This new side of her, that allowed her to banter with him so easily, would take some getting used to.

"At, any rate we have four choices: traditional laddoo, a halwa coconut, a sesame nut, and if I'm not mistaken a chili chocolate? I thought the halwa to be my favorite until I sampled that one in particular. Who exactly inspired that sinful creation Ms. Sharma?"

"You would be surprised," Mehek responded wryly, as she turned to address the audience "but, before you get any weird thoughts Shaurya, how about we leave it up to our guests to determine. Have you all made you decisions?"

********

He didn't know what to make of her, Shaurya thought as he entered his home. As enthusiastic as she was on set, she had beat a hasty retreat post production, with the excuse that she needed to spend some time with her family. He would see her tomorrow, but still he could not help the disquiet that being with her was causing. Undoubtedly, it was advantageous to have her back, and thankfully they had been no trouble from Uday's direction, but something was plaguing him this evening that he could not let go.

"Congratulations Shaury, the first episode was just amazing; season two is sure to be a success," his mother offered by way of greeting. She hugged her handsome son. "Actually, I am surprised that you are here. I thought that you would all be toasting such a wonderful showing."

"Nahi Maa, we are actually saving that for a week or so. The network thought it would be better that way."

"Hmm I see." Karuna observed her unusually quiet child, before she spoke again. "Mehek did very well, the both of you actually made quite the tag team. I think I may visit the set next time to visit her. You wouldn't object to that would you, Shaury?"

He turned his attention fully on his mother. "As if I could deny you anything Mom. I'm sure she will be really, very happy to see you. Um, I'll think Ill just freshen up a bit; excuse me."

Back in Old Delhi, Mehek slammed her bedroom door behind her. It reopened seconds later when Nehal slipped in. She was grinning. "Someone has grown a backbone while she's been away."

"Is Chachi angry," Mehek asked her love for her aunty overriding their recent discord.

"Nahi, Mehek, just a little worried. And even though I understand, a couple of times it did appear that there was some harmless flirtation between the two of you. Still, this has been the first time I have seen you defend yourself Di. I'm proud of you even if no one else appreciates it. And deep down I know Kanta Chachi is too. It wasn't all doom and gloom when we watched the show. She was very proud. She just doesn't want a repeat of, well you know."

Mehek, smiled gratefully. "So, it was good then?"

"More than good, Di. You were fabulous."

They pair looked up when the door was thrown open and Sonal charged in. "Have you set your cap at Shaurya Khanna, Mehek, because that man is falling under your spell like a rock thrown in the ocean!"

Mehek laughed nervously as she rushed to close the door that her impulsive friend hadn't. She prayed none of the family had overheard Sonal's absurd declaration. "Don't be ridiculous, Sonal."

"Aacha," her friend answered waving her smartphone in the air. "Well I dare you to watch what all of India has seen this evening. They've uploaded the epi already. It's an all- time record for the network, I think. I wonder why?"

Chapter15