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Hi everyone. I have written this OS just for my venting out for the previous non-marriage track on ZKM. This is my way on MehRya getting back together. It isdivided into total 5 parts. I have edited this many times so if any remaining typos or grammatical mistakes are all mine. Enjoy! Hope you like it!
Genre: Humour, Romance, Drama
Rating: +18 future explicit content and for strong language. Will be warned later.
Main Characters: Mehak and Shaurya.
Timeline: After 21st April's Friday Precap.
Disclaimer: The characters and the show are by ZA Productions. I just own this story and wanna borrow these two for sometime just to fulfil my wild imagination.
SCENE I
That noon
She was crying. More like hyperventilating. Her Shaurya was probably burning alive in that car, and here she was, helplessly, watching with the other spectators. No one was coming forward to help. She managed to break off from their grips as she stood by, crying her heart out, the previously pristine white, now black-ashen car which he drove to stop her. She wept for all that she lost, her family, her dreams, most importantly.. Him.
It's all my fault. Only if I would've stopped him from coming after me. This wouldn't have happened he would still be.. She didn't finish her agonizing thought. Her heart ached.
Mehak wailed for the people to help him, help her. Little did she know that they weren't watching the combusted car but they were watching the figure emerging from behind the smoking car. The figure winced in discomfort, for the explosion had thrown him off the balance, except for a few bruises here and there, he was fine. He limped towards Mehak, his hand outstretched, placing it on her shoulder. She turn towards the looming figure.
"You really thought that I would've died without fighting for your love? Even if it's with you?" Shaurya coughed a little, his dark eyes gazing into her tearful ones. "It's going to take a lot more than Death to separate me from you, Mehak"
"Shaurya!" she threw her arms around him, tears of relief flowing from her eyes.
He smiled into her hair, holding her closer to him, in his arms was his top favourite things to do.
Oh Thank God! He's is alive! He is alive and breathing.. He is with me! She could feel his chest, against hers, move with each breath he took.
Suddenly, Mehak pushed him back and started landing him painful smacks and pounding fists to whichever part she could reach and hit him. Her fear of losing him and frustration on their situation were coming out in anger. At him, at herself and at everyone she could think about.
"Oww.. Mehak! What the hell ??.. Stop that.. I'm not your punching bag.. Stop beating me, woman!!.." Shaurya yelled, trying to dodge her attacking hands.
"How-could-you? You-stupid-stubborn-jackass!! You-had-done it-this-time-Shaurya Khanna!" She screamed each words with every hit. "Do you know what would have happened to me if you would've gone forever!? Knowing that I won't see you again. You would've been hurt or worst". He managed to catch her flailing wrists and Mehak broke down, sinking on the ground, taking Shaurya with her. She cried into his chest as she recalled the pain that she went through not just a few minutes back. They felt like a thousand deaths in those moments. She felt his strong arms wrap around her frame, gut-wrenching sobs wracking throughout her body.
"I'm sorry, Mehak" he quietly apologized into her forehead. She felt a couple of drops landing on her cheek. She looks up to find Shaurya watching her with wet, red eyes. "Loosing you again wasn't on my top of thing to do list, I hunted around for you. You know." He wiped his eyes, "I needed you back with me Mehak, unlike your Chachi wanted to. And you were running away from me. Why would you do that?? You don't care enough for me??"
Before Mehak could answer, sirens filled the air, an ambulance, a fire brigade and a police car rounded in view from the corner.
"What happened here?" A police officer asked emerging from the crowd. Ratan Chacha took one glance at the united couple kneeling on the ground and made up his mind. "I'll tell you, Inspector" "And you are?" "I'm a local dhaba owner" he faltering for a moment before adding, "And their uncle" gesturing to the both of them.
After getting a health check with first aid and giving his statement for the accident, Shaurya was let off. Mehak, pale but equally relieved, looks up to see Shaurya approaching the bench she was sitting on. She was still trembling from the events that had occurred earlier. Shaurya sat down besides her. "Leaving Delhi and me behind but you're still wearing my chuddas?" He inquired, nodding to the diamond bangles he had given her, albeit a little forcefully that night but before taking her soft hands in his large callous ones.
"We were interrupted before, now answer me --- Don't you care for me any longer, Ms. Mehak Sharma? Was it all my imagination from the blast or were you calling for me. Maybe I should have stayed in the car, then you--" he couldn't finish his sentence, Mehak's hand was firmly situated on his mouth.
"Don't you dare to even think about that, let alone say it". She hissed at him, eyes wide, emotions battling through them. Mehak quickly look down from Shaurya's enquiring eyes, taking her hand back from his mouth. "I do care for you". She said softly, still looking down. "I just want you to be happy". "My happiness isn't possible without you, Mehak" he said, tucking her hair behind her ear, "You should know it by now".
"Alright then, I'm asking you this for the third and last time" he declared, getting down on his one knee in front of still seated Mehak, whose eyes widen as she saw him remove a platinum diamond ring from his shirt pocket. The ring glinted in the sunlight. It was the same ring she gave him back all those weeks ago; before leaving his home. "And I hope you answer me honestly". He took a deep breath.
"Will you do the honours of marrying a new Shaurya 2.0, making me the happiest, if not, the luckiest man alive on Earth by becoming my wife and future mother of our sweet and beautiful children, taking care and loving us, even if we drive you crazy to the core, in sickness and in health, for better and for even the best, but not worst. You promise to be mine forever and I'll be yours for life. I really really love you, Mehak."
Mehak never heard anything more beautiful than this. Maybe, not at least from him. "Say yes, Mehak puttar" They both turn towards the person. "He is the man who will keep you happy, my dear". Ratan Chacha nodded. "But Chacha --" She began. He raised a finger to quieten her. "I'll talk to your family, it's time that you should lookout for yourself and take decisions for your own life, Mehak puttar".
Turning back to Shaurya, "You know, my knee is numb now but I'm still waiting for your answer Mehak.." "Sorry.. Sorry" "That's not what I want to hear from you, Mehak. Will you marry me?".
She had a damn river flowing from her eyes but she managed to squeak out a watery "Yes!"
He slide the ring on her left hand ring finger, raising her hand and kissing her knuckles. She flung her arms around him, tightly griping his hoodie and crying not from fear or frustration but from happiness that was bursting from her heart. Shaurya broke their hug and rested his forehead against her. He didn't need to open his eyes for he genuinely smiled, after a long time, no doubt her expression would mirror with his.
____________________________
SCENE II
Next morning
Mehak was standing nervously, as she smoothed her hands over her already ironed dress for the millionth time.
"Stop fidgeting, Mehak. Its okay" he muttered under his breath at the fair skinned woman standing besides his lean figure. "It's nothing. I'm just having some marriage butterflies". She whispered. "Why? Didn't you eat your breakfast? Must be some big ass butterflies!" he joked.
"Shut up! Its not funny, I'm nervous, okay?" she snapped at her fiance. "Its not like I haven't married before, but courtrooms makes me anxious. This is different." Shaurya hummed in response.
Mehak, trying to distract herself, started fiddling with his red tie that matched with her dark red designer Anarkali dress. She smoothing her hand over his shoulder clad Charcoal Black tailored Armani suit with a white shirt. It was a long time since she last saw him in one. He looked dapper. "Mehak" Shaurya said taking her hands in his own, her silver bangles clinking on her wrists, raising them to press his lips on the back of her hand.
"It's going to be okay, we will be fine. Please stop worrying and don't make me nervous like you. You're not the only one getting married here, alright?". She nodded mutely, calming down a little and he gave her a reassuring smile. He pulled off a funny face, his cheeks puffed out and his eyes crossed, seeing this Mehak let out a very unladylike snort before dissolving into breathless laughter, leaning her head on his broad chest. He silently chuckled with her. "Better?" He asked grinning. "Much, thank you" she smiled but his silly yet a successful winning streak, to cheer his Mehak, was short-lived; as an after thought, she pulled his cheeks with her hands. "Ouch! Mehak!" He wincing at her action. He rubbed his sore cheeks glaring at her soon-to-be wife, as she grinned at him.
"You're next" the peon said as he emerged from the registrar office, bursting their bubble. Mehak startled at his bored voice. "Relax okay? You ready?" Shaurya asked. "Yes" Mehak said. He took her hand and they walked silently into the office.
"Sign here and here" "Witness sign here" Ratan Chacha and Vicky were the witnesses.
"You can exchange the garlands now" "Then the mangalsutra and vermillion". Clapping noises erupted in the office. Even the sleepy peon joined in, waking from his quick snooze nap.
"Congratulations on your marriage, you're now officially Mr and Mrs Shaurya Khanna" the officer said in a robotic monotone voice. Vicky got a call and he picked up, siding towards the wall.
"I'm liking the sound of that but you can be a bit more cheerful officer, you know?" Shaurya told to the guy sitting in an uncomfortable wooden chair. "You really have no idea what I had to endure through for this girl to marry me again". Pointing to the beautiful woman besides him, Mehak smacked his forearm before shaking her head, blushing and smiling to herself. "Smile at least like this!" Shaurya showed him a huge grin for demonstration. To humour him, officer's lips curled up just a little at the corners. "Thank you! Now that's more like it!" Shaurya said. "Stop bothering the man, Shaurya. Lord knows how many people he got married today!" Mehak admonished him. "You're the 16th pair, more to come later" officer replied. "See? Now leave the poor guy. Thank you officer have a nice day" she added sweetly. The guy smiled in return.
Vicky got off his phone call and placed a hand over his brother's shoulder. "Bhaiyya, it's all ready as you said. They are here too. We should get going". Shaurya nodded in agreement.
" Where are we going now? And who is here?" Mehak inquired. "You'll see, its a surprise". He simply said. I don't like surprises. She thought. As if reading her mind, he added "You will like it, I can promise you that". They left the office and headed for the staircase. Vicky pulled back Shaurya and led him aside. Mehak tried to listen to their hushed conversation without looking obvious. "Come on Mehak puttar, don't worry they will follow us". Ratan Chacha started guiding her downstairs.
"Bhaiyya, everyone is here just like you wanted. But Mom is throwing a fit and Dad is tired of handling her". Vicky whispered to Shaurya, in case Bhabhi overhead them.
"Where is she?"
"Back at the hotel."
"Let's go then, we are getting late and we have lots things to do."
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SCENE III
That evening
Mehak sat in front of the full length mirror, looking at her reflection. She was wearing a heavily embroidered Rose Red Lehenga Choli with all the precious jewellery adorning her face, ears and hands. She closed her eyes as the beautician applied last minute touch-up to her makeup. The door opened and Karuna Khanna walked in wearing a Gold borderline Silk peacock blue saree, looking like a royal queen. She flew in this evening from Delhi to Agra, that's what Shaurya told her, Mehak tried to ask him more but he wouldn't say another word. "It's a surprise!" He repeated.
She cooed over her daughter-in-law. "I better adorn you with a black kajal before any evil eye get spoilt on you". She removes some from eyes and her dabs a spot behind Mehak's ear. "You're looking glorious, my dear. I'm so happy for you two, you're finally getting married again". "We already did marry at the court house" Mehak pointed out.
"Pshh" Karuna scoffs, waving a careless hand, "Sure you did but marrying in front of family and loved ones is a different affair". Mehak immediately felt a pang inside her, she missed her own Sharma family, who were there back at Delhi 6 and not with her to participate in such an auspicious occasion. Sensing her sad daughter-in-law, Karuna said "Cheer up now, my dear. Everything will be alright. Time always helps in healing people and changing situations". Mehak smiled faintly, only a little half-heartedly. But she silently agreed with her mother-in-law's enlightening words.
"Are you guys.. I'm sorry, are you pretty women ready?" Vicky doubled over wheezing by the doorway "Hurry up already!! Shaurya Bhaiyya is smothering me from his threats alone. He said that 'If my Mehak isn't here in 10 minutes then I'm going to get her myself! Even if I have to carry her!'" he imitated Shaurya's deep commanding baritone voice, shaking his finger to no one in particular and failing hilariously all at the same time.
"Bhabhi, we should really get going or else he might think that this time, you ran away leaving Bhaiyya alone at the altar!" Karuna and Mehak laughed at Vicky's words. "Tell your Bhaiyya that the bride will be ready in a few minutes" she smiled "No need to rush" Vicky muttered, "I hope Bhaiyya doesn't tear me up in f**king pieces for that matter" under his breath, leaving the women in the changing room.
Mehak was blindfolded. She had been since the car ride from the hotel they were staying. Karuna walked with her guiding her way at every step. Vicky held her left hand as he too stepped with her.
"Why am I blindfolded?" she asked.
"Bhaiyya's instructions" Vicky simply stated.
After walking a few feet, they stopped.
"We're here" Karuna announced, removing the cloth that covered her eyes. Mehak's eyes widen as they behold the spectacular sight.
Their, simple yet elegant, mandap altar was near the Seventh wonder of the world: Taj Mahal. The river Yamuna flowing besides the monument. It stood magnificent in all its marble glory with sun setting behind the dome, as twilight approached, bringing out small stars twinkling in the orangey purple evening sky. A sweet summer breeze swept through the venue and the people attending the marriage.
"It's so beautiful, Ma" Mehak breathed in awe as her eyes took in the colourful decorations and small lightened lamps "Did you do all this Vicky?" She asked her Devar to her left. "No, it was all Bhaiyya's idea but it was possible with help of few others too, including me!" he puffed his chest with pride. She squeezed his hand in response.
"Thank you Vicky"
"For what Bhabhi?"
"For everything.. For all this.." She gestured to all the works.
"Not only thank me, even they helped us." Motioning towards the people who stood by the altar. It took Mehak a few moments to notice them that they were her family standing there by the mandap, she turned to Karuna and Vicky for confirmation or was it her imagination, that she saw all of them including Kanta Chachi, wearing colourful yet subtle traditional outfits. They nodded to her.
Mehak silently walked towards her family. And stood just a few feet away from them. Nehal and Sonal were first to approach her. "You're looking so beautiful Mehak" as her best friend and Bhabhi fawned upon Mehak's attire. "Finally Di you are really getting married!" Nehal squealed loudly. "Oye! You two.. Let me see her" Mohit scowled at his wife and cousin sister " You are looking awesome Di". Mohit was shoved to the side as Jeevan Chachu came up to her. "Move over, Mohit!"
"Mehak puttar you're very much.. Well you know..looking pretty" Jeevan Chachu nodded, smiling widely. "He's just hungry and tired, my dear that's why he's speaking so slow, ignore him" Ravi Chachu stated, coming in from her right. "You're looking very gorgeous, beta" Mansi Chachi piped up. Ravi Chachu grinned at her,"All the best with that guy" he showed a thumb behind him. Dadaji pushed Ravi Chachu to one side,"Let me see her! Move it!" Mehak immediately touched his feet seeking his blessings, he laid a hand on her head, blessing her "Be happy, dear. That's all I want for you".
Dadaji got elbowed in the stomach with an "Oww, Parjaiji!" as PD made her way in. "Oye khotya! Pare hatt! Don't be such an overgrown baby, its my turn now to see Mehak, stop crowding around her!! Oh my God, I swear on my Yusuf that you're looking very very beautiful girl! Kisiki nazar na lage mere Laddoo ko!" PD waved her hands over Mehak's head before pressing her knuckles to either side of her own head as a custom way to removed an evil black eye from a beautiful bride. "Shaurya is very lucky to have you, my dear!" PD blessed her too, sharing a cheeky grin with her great granddaughter.
"Would you all let her breath? Quit hogging around the poor girl!" Mehak turned to find Kanta Chachi frowning at the family, but her eyes said another story. "Chachi" she breathed softly, tearing up again, "Can you even, being so young, forgive your elder's grave mistake? I'm so sorry, Mehak. I'm such a terrible mother!!" Kanta Chachi said with a shaking voice. Mehak ferociously hugged her, crying over each other's shoulder, "No Chachi, please don't cry". She wiped her aunt's eyes, followed by dabbing at her own ones.
"I'm so sorry my dear, please forgive me, I was so blinded by my ego and anger that I forgot where and with whom your happiness was lying with" Chachi turned to the towering figure at the altar. "If it weren't for his crazed love for you, I probably would have ruined all of our lives because of my wrong decisions". Shaurya smiled at all of them. His eyes travelled over everyone before stopping at Mehak. She now noticed him, standing tall in his Golden Jacquard Silk sherwani with a Red turban to match with her outfit. A sheathed sword hung from his waist as he looked like a regal handsome prince complete with his infamous smirk and twinkling eyes.
"Auspicious time has come, let the bride enter the altar" the priest announced. "Come on Mehak puttar, let's get you married again". Kanta Chachi said as she steered her towards the mandap. Mehak gathered her lehenga in her hands as she climbed the steps to the stage.
DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS
Genre: Humour, Romance, Drama
Rating: +18 future explicit content and for strong language. Will be warned later.
Main Characters: Mehak and Shaurya.
Timeline: After 21st April's Friday Precap.
Disclaimer: The characters and the show are by ZA Productions. I just own this story and wanna borrow these two for sometime just to fulfil my wild imagination.
SCENE I
That noon
She was crying. More like hyperventilating. Her Shaurya was probably burning alive in that car, and here she was, helplessly, watching with the other spectators. No one was coming forward to help. She managed to break off from their grips as she stood by, crying her heart out, the previously pristine white, now black-ashen car which he drove to stop her. She wept for all that she lost, her family, her dreams, most importantly.. Him.
It's all my fault. Only if I would've stopped him from coming after me. This wouldn't have happened he would still be.. She didn't finish her agonizing thought. Her heart ached.
Mehak wailed for the people to help him, help her. Little did she know that they weren't watching the combusted car but they were watching the figure emerging from behind the smoking car. The figure winced in discomfort, for the explosion had thrown him off the balance, except for a few bruises here and there, he was fine. He limped towards Mehak, his hand outstretched, placing it on her shoulder. She turn towards the looming figure.
"You really thought that I would've died without fighting for your love? Even if it's with you?" Shaurya coughed a little, his dark eyes gazing into her tearful ones. "It's going to take a lot more than Death to separate me from you, Mehak"
"Shaurya!" she threw her arms around him, tears of relief flowing from her eyes.
He smiled into her hair, holding her closer to him, in his arms was his top favourite things to do.
Oh Thank God! He's is alive! He is alive and breathing.. He is with me! She could feel his chest, against hers, move with each breath he took.
Suddenly, Mehak pushed him back and started landing him painful smacks and pounding fists to whichever part she could reach and hit him. Her fear of losing him and frustration on their situation were coming out in anger. At him, at herself and at everyone she could think about.
"Oww.. Mehak! What the hell ??.. Stop that.. I'm not your punching bag.. Stop beating me, woman!!.." Shaurya yelled, trying to dodge her attacking hands.
"How-could-you? You-stupid-stubborn-jackass!! You-had-done it-this-time-Shaurya Khanna!" She screamed each words with every hit. "Do you know what would have happened to me if you would've gone forever!? Knowing that I won't see you again. You would've been hurt or worst". He managed to catch her flailing wrists and Mehak broke down, sinking on the ground, taking Shaurya with her. She cried into his chest as she recalled the pain that she went through not just a few minutes back. They felt like a thousand deaths in those moments. She felt his strong arms wrap around her frame, gut-wrenching sobs wracking throughout her body.
"I'm sorry, Mehak" he quietly apologized into her forehead. She felt a couple of drops landing on her cheek. She looks up to find Shaurya watching her with wet, red eyes. "Loosing you again wasn't on my top of thing to do list, I hunted around for you. You know." He wiped his eyes, "I needed you back with me Mehak, unlike your Chachi wanted to. And you were running away from me. Why would you do that?? You don't care enough for me??"
Before Mehak could answer, sirens filled the air, an ambulance, a fire brigade and a police car rounded in view from the corner.
"What happened here?" A police officer asked emerging from the crowd. Ratan Chacha took one glance at the united couple kneeling on the ground and made up his mind. "I'll tell you, Inspector" "And you are?" "I'm a local dhaba owner" he faltering for a moment before adding, "And their uncle" gesturing to the both of them.
After getting a health check with first aid and giving his statement for the accident, Shaurya was let off. Mehak, pale but equally relieved, looks up to see Shaurya approaching the bench she was sitting on. She was still trembling from the events that had occurred earlier. Shaurya sat down besides her. "Leaving Delhi and me behind but you're still wearing my chuddas?" He inquired, nodding to the diamond bangles he had given her, albeit a little forcefully that night but before taking her soft hands in his large callous ones.
"We were interrupted before, now answer me --- Don't you care for me any longer, Ms. Mehak Sharma? Was it all my imagination from the blast or were you calling for me. Maybe I should have stayed in the car, then you--" he couldn't finish his sentence, Mehak's hand was firmly situated on his mouth.
"Don't you dare to even think about that, let alone say it". She hissed at him, eyes wide, emotions battling through them. Mehak quickly look down from Shaurya's enquiring eyes, taking her hand back from his mouth. "I do care for you". She said softly, still looking down. "I just want you to be happy". "My happiness isn't possible without you, Mehak" he said, tucking her hair behind her ear, "You should know it by now".
"Alright then, I'm asking you this for the third and last time" he declared, getting down on his one knee in front of still seated Mehak, whose eyes widen as she saw him remove a platinum diamond ring from his shirt pocket. The ring glinted in the sunlight. It was the same ring she gave him back all those weeks ago; before leaving his home. "And I hope you answer me honestly". He took a deep breath.
"Will you do the honours of marrying a new Shaurya 2.0, making me the happiest, if not, the luckiest man alive on Earth by becoming my wife and future mother of our sweet and beautiful children, taking care and loving us, even if we drive you crazy to the core, in sickness and in health, for better and for even the best, but not worst. You promise to be mine forever and I'll be yours for life. I really really love you, Mehak."
Mehak never heard anything more beautiful than this. Maybe, not at least from him. "Say yes, Mehak puttar" They both turn towards the person. "He is the man who will keep you happy, my dear". Ratan Chacha nodded. "But Chacha --" She began. He raised a finger to quieten her. "I'll talk to your family, it's time that you should lookout for yourself and take decisions for your own life, Mehak puttar".
Turning back to Shaurya, "You know, my knee is numb now but I'm still waiting for your answer Mehak.." "Sorry.. Sorry" "That's not what I want to hear from you, Mehak. Will you marry me?".
She had a damn river flowing from her eyes but she managed to squeak out a watery "Yes!"
He slide the ring on her left hand ring finger, raising her hand and kissing her knuckles. She flung her arms around him, tightly griping his hoodie and crying not from fear or frustration but from happiness that was bursting from her heart. Shaurya broke their hug and rested his forehead against her. He didn't need to open his eyes for he genuinely smiled, after a long time, no doubt her expression would mirror with his.
____________________________
SCENE II
Next morning
Mehak was standing nervously, as she smoothed her hands over her already ironed dress for the millionth time.
"Stop fidgeting, Mehak. Its okay" he muttered under his breath at the fair skinned woman standing besides his lean figure. "It's nothing. I'm just having some marriage butterflies". She whispered. "Why? Didn't you eat your breakfast? Must be some big ass butterflies!" he joked.
"Shut up! Its not funny, I'm nervous, okay?" she snapped at her fiance. "Its not like I haven't married before, but courtrooms makes me anxious. This is different." Shaurya hummed in response.
Mehak, trying to distract herself, started fiddling with his red tie that matched with her dark red designer Anarkali dress. She smoothing her hand over his shoulder clad Charcoal Black tailored Armani suit with a white shirt. It was a long time since she last saw him in one. He looked dapper. "Mehak" Shaurya said taking her hands in his own, her silver bangles clinking on her wrists, raising them to press his lips on the back of her hand.
"It's going to be okay, we will be fine. Please stop worrying and don't make me nervous like you. You're not the only one getting married here, alright?". She nodded mutely, calming down a little and he gave her a reassuring smile. He pulled off a funny face, his cheeks puffed out and his eyes crossed, seeing this Mehak let out a very unladylike snort before dissolving into breathless laughter, leaning her head on his broad chest. He silently chuckled with her. "Better?" He asked grinning. "Much, thank you" she smiled but his silly yet a successful winning streak, to cheer his Mehak, was short-lived; as an after thought, she pulled his cheeks with her hands. "Ouch! Mehak!" He wincing at her action. He rubbed his sore cheeks glaring at her soon-to-be wife, as she grinned at him.
"You're next" the peon said as he emerged from the registrar office, bursting their bubble. Mehak startled at his bored voice. "Relax okay? You ready?" Shaurya asked. "Yes" Mehak said. He took her hand and they walked silently into the office.
"Sign here and here" "Witness sign here" Ratan Chacha and Vicky were the witnesses.
"You can exchange the garlands now" "Then the mangalsutra and vermillion". Clapping noises erupted in the office. Even the sleepy peon joined in, waking from his quick snooze nap.
"Congratulations on your marriage, you're now officially Mr and Mrs Shaurya Khanna" the officer said in a robotic monotone voice. Vicky got a call and he picked up, siding towards the wall.
"I'm liking the sound of that but you can be a bit more cheerful officer, you know?" Shaurya told to the guy sitting in an uncomfortable wooden chair. "You really have no idea what I had to endure through for this girl to marry me again". Pointing to the beautiful woman besides him, Mehak smacked his forearm before shaking her head, blushing and smiling to herself. "Smile at least like this!" Shaurya showed him a huge grin for demonstration. To humour him, officer's lips curled up just a little at the corners. "Thank you! Now that's more like it!" Shaurya said. "Stop bothering the man, Shaurya. Lord knows how many people he got married today!" Mehak admonished him. "You're the 16th pair, more to come later" officer replied. "See? Now leave the poor guy. Thank you officer have a nice day" she added sweetly. The guy smiled in return.
Vicky got off his phone call and placed a hand over his brother's shoulder. "Bhaiyya, it's all ready as you said. They are here too. We should get going". Shaurya nodded in agreement.
" Where are we going now? And who is here?" Mehak inquired. "You'll see, its a surprise". He simply said. I don't like surprises. She thought. As if reading her mind, he added "You will like it, I can promise you that". They left the office and headed for the staircase. Vicky pulled back Shaurya and led him aside. Mehak tried to listen to their hushed conversation without looking obvious. "Come on Mehak puttar, don't worry they will follow us". Ratan Chacha started guiding her downstairs.
"Bhaiyya, everyone is here just like you wanted. But Mom is throwing a fit and Dad is tired of handling her". Vicky whispered to Shaurya, in case Bhabhi overhead them.
"Where is she?"
"Back at the hotel."
"Let's go then, we are getting late and we have lots things to do."
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SCENE III
That evening
Mehak sat in front of the full length mirror, looking at her reflection. She was wearing a heavily embroidered Rose Red Lehenga Choli with all the precious jewellery adorning her face, ears and hands. She closed her eyes as the beautician applied last minute touch-up to her makeup. The door opened and Karuna Khanna walked in wearing a Gold borderline Silk peacock blue saree, looking like a royal queen. She flew in this evening from Delhi to Agra, that's what Shaurya told her, Mehak tried to ask him more but he wouldn't say another word. "It's a surprise!" He repeated.
She cooed over her daughter-in-law. "I better adorn you with a black kajal before any evil eye get spoilt on you". She removes some from eyes and her dabs a spot behind Mehak's ear. "You're looking glorious, my dear. I'm so happy for you two, you're finally getting married again". "We already did marry at the court house" Mehak pointed out.
"Pshh" Karuna scoffs, waving a careless hand, "Sure you did but marrying in front of family and loved ones is a different affair". Mehak immediately felt a pang inside her, she missed her own Sharma family, who were there back at Delhi 6 and not with her to participate in such an auspicious occasion. Sensing her sad daughter-in-law, Karuna said "Cheer up now, my dear. Everything will be alright. Time always helps in healing people and changing situations". Mehak smiled faintly, only a little half-heartedly. But she silently agreed with her mother-in-law's enlightening words.
"Are you guys.. I'm sorry, are you pretty women ready?" Vicky doubled over wheezing by the doorway "Hurry up already!! Shaurya Bhaiyya is smothering me from his threats alone. He said that 'If my Mehak isn't here in 10 minutes then I'm going to get her myself! Even if I have to carry her!'" he imitated Shaurya's deep commanding baritone voice, shaking his finger to no one in particular and failing hilariously all at the same time.
"Bhabhi, we should really get going or else he might think that this time, you ran away leaving Bhaiyya alone at the altar!" Karuna and Mehak laughed at Vicky's words. "Tell your Bhaiyya that the bride will be ready in a few minutes" she smiled "No need to rush" Vicky muttered, "I hope Bhaiyya doesn't tear me up in f**king pieces for that matter" under his breath, leaving the women in the changing room.
Mehak was blindfolded. She had been since the car ride from the hotel they were staying. Karuna walked with her guiding her way at every step. Vicky held her left hand as he too stepped with her.
"Why am I blindfolded?" she asked.
"Bhaiyya's instructions" Vicky simply stated.
After walking a few feet, they stopped.
"We're here" Karuna announced, removing the cloth that covered her eyes. Mehak's eyes widen as they behold the spectacular sight.
Their, simple yet elegant, mandap altar was near the Seventh wonder of the world: Taj Mahal. The river Yamuna flowing besides the monument. It stood magnificent in all its marble glory with sun setting behind the dome, as twilight approached, bringing out small stars twinkling in the orangey purple evening sky. A sweet summer breeze swept through the venue and the people attending the marriage.
"It's so beautiful, Ma" Mehak breathed in awe as her eyes took in the colourful decorations and small lightened lamps "Did you do all this Vicky?" She asked her Devar to her left. "No, it was all Bhaiyya's idea but it was possible with help of few others too, including me!" he puffed his chest with pride. She squeezed his hand in response.
"Thank you Vicky"
"For what Bhabhi?"
"For everything.. For all this.." She gestured to all the works.
"Not only thank me, even they helped us." Motioning towards the people who stood by the altar. It took Mehak a few moments to notice them that they were her family standing there by the mandap, she turned to Karuna and Vicky for confirmation or was it her imagination, that she saw all of them including Kanta Chachi, wearing colourful yet subtle traditional outfits. They nodded to her.
Mehak silently walked towards her family. And stood just a few feet away from them. Nehal and Sonal were first to approach her. "You're looking so beautiful Mehak" as her best friend and Bhabhi fawned upon Mehak's attire. "Finally Di you are really getting married!" Nehal squealed loudly. "Oye! You two.. Let me see her" Mohit scowled at his wife and cousin sister " You are looking awesome Di". Mohit was shoved to the side as Jeevan Chachu came up to her. "Move over, Mohit!"
"Mehak puttar you're very much.. Well you know..looking pretty" Jeevan Chachu nodded, smiling widely. "He's just hungry and tired, my dear that's why he's speaking so slow, ignore him" Ravi Chachu stated, coming in from her right. "You're looking very gorgeous, beta" Mansi Chachi piped up. Ravi Chachu grinned at her,"All the best with that guy" he showed a thumb behind him. Dadaji pushed Ravi Chachu to one side,"Let me see her! Move it!" Mehak immediately touched his feet seeking his blessings, he laid a hand on her head, blessing her "Be happy, dear. That's all I want for you".
Dadaji got elbowed in the stomach with an "Oww, Parjaiji!" as PD made her way in. "Oye khotya! Pare hatt! Don't be such an overgrown baby, its my turn now to see Mehak, stop crowding around her!! Oh my God, I swear on my Yusuf that you're looking very very beautiful girl! Kisiki nazar na lage mere Laddoo ko!" PD waved her hands over Mehak's head before pressing her knuckles to either side of her own head as a custom way to removed an evil black eye from a beautiful bride. "Shaurya is very lucky to have you, my dear!" PD blessed her too, sharing a cheeky grin with her great granddaughter.
"Would you all let her breath? Quit hogging around the poor girl!" Mehak turned to find Kanta Chachi frowning at the family, but her eyes said another story. "Chachi" she breathed softly, tearing up again, "Can you even, being so young, forgive your elder's grave mistake? I'm so sorry, Mehak. I'm such a terrible mother!!" Kanta Chachi said with a shaking voice. Mehak ferociously hugged her, crying over each other's shoulder, "No Chachi, please don't cry". She wiped her aunt's eyes, followed by dabbing at her own ones.
"I'm so sorry my dear, please forgive me, I was so blinded by my ego and anger that I forgot where and with whom your happiness was lying with" Chachi turned to the towering figure at the altar. "If it weren't for his crazed love for you, I probably would have ruined all of our lives because of my wrong decisions". Shaurya smiled at all of them. His eyes travelled over everyone before stopping at Mehak. She now noticed him, standing tall in his Golden Jacquard Silk sherwani with a Red turban to match with her outfit. A sheathed sword hung from his waist as he looked like a regal handsome prince complete with his infamous smirk and twinkling eyes.
"Auspicious time has come, let the bride enter the altar" the priest announced. "Come on Mehak puttar, let's get you married again". Kanta Chachi said as she steered her towards the mandap. Mehak gathered her lehenga in her hands as she climbed the steps to the stage.
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