MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 74

Chapter#19

"Let it go, Shaurya. You were overreacting last night, and more-so today. No real harm was or will been done to Esha's reputation in keeping the film intact. Remember, Esha herself refused to stop filming. If anything, she has been shown in a completely positive light, for the poise she displayed in the situation. As terrible as it was, I doubt what she experienced is any worse than what young females are exposed to in and around the city," the director concluded.

"And that is all the more reason why I do not wish for such behavior to be glorified by airing it in the show," Shaurya retorted.

Uday jumped into the discussion, "But that is where you are mistaken, Shaurya. The insult is suitably answered by Esha's response as well as the passionate defense your Mehek provided to her fellow woman."

Shaurya schooled his reaction at the emphasis Uday had placed on his words, knowing that even now the man was non-stop in seeking some path to create some controversy. Now that they were down one final shooting involving Mehek, it was even more imperative than ever to avoid such. "Noted, however..."

"Nahi, if you think on it, you will know that we are right here; no editing is necessary. Both Esha and Ms. Sharma will be highlighted as the epitome of womanhood. The only fallibility on display will be that of Chef Kamal; any fallout be on him alone."

They had gone back and forth on the subject for some time, and now, with no real leg to stand on; with his opinion clearly shown to be the minority, Shaurya had no choice but to accept defeat. "Thik hai, we will let it stand as is. Ideally it will be the first and last time we are confronted with such a situation." He nodded stoically, as he began preparing to leave. He checked his watch; he had much to go over concerning his other businesses. However, about to leave, he was confronted again with the position the director was not ready to let go of just yet.

"So Shaurya, are you absolutely sure we can't get you to budge in agreeing to having Mehek back later; perhaps for the finale?"

"No chance. Three episodes are more than enough, unless the intention was to make her a permanent fixture on the judging panel. Plus, I'm certain that, Ms. Sharma's commitments won't allow her the time." He watched the man steal a glance at Uday before shaking his head in acknowledgment. Shaurya knew that his abrupt comment could be misinterpreted as irritation; some could even say, an intemperate resentment of the overwhelming publicity Mehek Sharma, had received after the airing of the first episode, and could certainly be expected in the coming week. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This was all about self-preservation; the sooner he could get some real distance between himself and Ms. Sharma, the better it would be for the both of them. However, there was no way he could explain that to either man; not that it was any of their business anyway. "Until tomorrow's taping, gentlemen," he said in farewell.

He had taken maybe half a dozen steps before he heard the ruckus at the reception area, which lent credence to every concern he had expressed in his recently concluded meeting.

"I know he is here. Please I just need to speak to him for five seconds. Can you please just call Shaurya out of his meeting. Dammit, it's important!"

Shaurya came upon scene that had garnered quite the audience from both the workers and those visitors who were presently in the television studio's waiting area. "Chef Esha, is there a problem?"

An abject, almost tearful look of relief came to the young woman's face at the sound of his voice, and before he could properly react, Shaurya found himself confronted by the overly emotional, who had thrown herself at him, blubbering that she had to speak to him now, becoming more vocal as she continued her incoherent ramblings. Mindful of the scene being created, he hastily set her aside, and attempted to calmly reason with the young woman.

"I have no choice, I have to quit the show. After last night..."

Bloody Hell, Shaurya thought immediately perceiving everyone around them perking up with the drama unfolding in front of them. "Chef Esha, at least let us speak in private on whatever it is that is bothering you," he admonished, turning around and taking the young woman in the direction he had just left. She came willingly at first until they came face to face with Uday and their director who by this time had exited the near-by conference room.

"What is the meaning of this Chef Esha," the producer demanded, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

This reaction immediately got Shaurya's attention. If there was anyone who should have thrived on this upheaval, it would be the producer, and yet when it looked as if he was finally getting his wish for some theatrics associated with ISC, he was anything but happy. And then there was the matter of Esha having fallen completely silent; in total contrast to her prior angst. He stared at the young woman realizing only then that her reaction had been specific to the producer. His opinion was reinforced when Uday suggested that he accompany the pair back to the office to discuss what was bothering the young contestant, and the woman's face turned ashen, and unwttiingly she took a retreating step, away from the other man. A small suspicion raised that Uday was to blame for the young woman's condition, Shaurya sent a frosty smile in the direction of his co-hort. "Completely unnecessary, but thank you Uday. I will just have a quick word with Esha. Feel free to carry on with your day," he added as he escorted Esha into the room they had just vacated.

Shaurya raked his hand through his hair, as he watched the young chef depart twenty minutes later. She had owned up to nothing he suspected; not that Uday had bothered her in any way, only that her acute embarrassment over the previous day's events had her second guessing her capabilities entirely. He hadn't believed it for a minute. Of all her foibles, this overly emotional behavior would not be what Shaurya would have expected of Esha, but she wouldn't not budge when pressed for any additional explanation. It had resulted in a wasting of precious minutes of his time, spent reassuring the young woman, but at least he had calmed her down to the point that she could leave with the dignity that she did not have when she had arrived. This day, Shaurya thought was getting if not worse, than stranger as it progressed; who knew what would come next.

**Ping**

He checked his watch, unnecessarily, when he heard the alert of an incoming message. There was no way, given the time of day that this could be MS.

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

"Have you seen Shaurya today, Mehek," the makeup artist queried, her voice barely containing her humor.

Grateful that her eyes were closed at the time, Mehek responded as calmly as her racing heart and the butterflies in her stomach, just the mention of his name had caused. "Nahi; why?"

The young woman continued with her work, applying the eyeshadow so that it would show under the harsh studio lighting.

"You'll understand," she answered cryptically. She paused to admire the progress of her work. "Just a bit more," she mumbled.

Mehek barely heard her; her mind already drawn back to her chat of yesterday. The penultimate communication before she would reveal all that was left to, to Shaurya, later tonight. The chat would be one she would recall with fondness for the almost calamity it was.

... Shaurya, I've made a decision, and it's that I think this online friendship has run its course.

Admittedly not the wisest choice of words to make her case, she couldn't blame Shaurya for totally rebuking her comment, unwilling to let what he had interpreted to be her wish to terminate their association to gain any footing. He had responded in an atypical acerbic manner.

...Go to bed MS. My day has been challenging enough thus far, without having to deal with the ramblings an over-tired woman.

Another mistake on her part, but once she had made her decision, nothing; not even a perceived time difference could deny her, her say.

...I'm hardly tired, and believe it or not Shaurya Khanna, you are not the only one to have faced challenges today. But I am more than certain of what I am saying.

...But before we get to that, tell me what's wrong. Perhaps you will feel better in the sharing of your troubles.

... For God's sake MS, you can't state you want to end things, and then in the next minute pretend to care.

...You're misunderstanding me Shaurya.

...Look if you're insistent on having this conversation at this ungodly hour, at least go back and read what you have written before you continue. Otherwise just stop before we both end up saying things we will later regret.

...There is nothing untrue in what I've said. What more is to be attained by restricting our friendship to this medium? Am I wrong to wish for what comes next? Wrong for having understood that we are shortchanging each other by not at least contemplating something more? That even though I'm certain that things are about to become pretty complicated, that I will kick myself if I don't take a chance on us?

... Or is this your way of saying now, that you need more time to make up your mind about me Shaurya?

...us?

...Haan Shaurya: us. I would be a fool not to say that I'm more nervous than I've ever been, because I am. But obviously unless I start stalking you, this isn't a decision I can make alone. It must be mutual or not at all, don't you think?

...Be warned, I am saving this chat MS. You won't be able to recant any this after you've had some rest.

...Just this one? I would have thought that you would have kept them all...I have, after all.

...The hole you are digging for yourself is getting bigger with every sentence, Jaan. You know my temperament, and what it entails. It isn't wise to encourage a man like me if you don't mean it.

...And now it sounds as if you are really trying to dissuade me from doing this, Shaurya. I'm not, nor will I take any of this back. I know what and who I want.

... I just need a day or so to sort out a few things.

...And then what, Dost?

...And then you will understand everything.

...And then we decide what happens next.

...That's easy enough Jaan. You've been there long enough now so you can provide the restaurant name and address, and what time our reservation is taking into consideration my travel time of course.

...A date, just like that, Shaurya?

...I'm a man of action, Dost

...And I like that too. Look out for my next message okay?

...Hopefully you'll find it worth it.

"Okay, I'm done now," the makeup girl announced. She removed the lightweight cloak she had covered Mehek's saree with, letting her see the completed look.

"This is perfect thank you, and in record time, no less" Mehek quipped, with a smile. As she waited for the artiste to collect her things, she contemplated whether she would have time to seek out Shaurya to see what the young woman had been hinting at. Probably not, she thought, which wasn't exactly a bad thing. She waved the young woman, and then stole a quick glance at her hands. They were shaking, indicative of how truly nervous she was today. "Better to stick the plan you have, Mehek," she muttered to herself, which meant as little contact with the man beyond their time on the set. Tonight, at the launch party would be soon enough to have a one and one with the man that she had no qualms in admitting had captured her affections. "Just breathe Mehek," she spoke to her reflection in the mirror she sat at, before closing her eyes.

"I've never seen anyone more in need of a drink, than you Mehek. May I offer you a sip?"

Mehek came back to herself, and focused on the reflection of the man standing behind her, who had unbeknownst to her, had entered the small dressing room she shared with Rekha, and where she now sat alone. The last thing she wished was to be isolated with him anywhere, but rather than make a scene she turned and smiled at Uday, and politely declined the offer.

"Are you sure Mehek," the producer asked as she stood and made to move around him with the clear intent of exiting the room. He blocked her, all the while smiling at the woman in front of him, reaching around her to place the flask on the vanity that she was trapped against. "Just in case you change your mind Mahek Sharma. Or is it just MS nowadays?" he took one more step closer and leaned toward her ear. "But perhaps that endearment is reserved for Shaurya alone."

Her head shot up, and Uday grinned victoriously knowing that he now had her full attention. He sighed with regret, as he boldly tucked a stray tendril behind her ear. "It's ironic really, especially since I know that Shaurya Khanna has been telling tales that I am the bad guy on set and warning you away from me. And all the while he has been behind the scenes pulling off the ultimate sting, or what is that they call it? Oh yes: catfishing. Such a nasty business, but there is no denying the manner of the man."

"Excuse me, I need to go," Mehek said, pushing past the man and heading towards the door

Uday turned, and followed her direction, smiling in response. "Without doubt, you are perfect MS. You don't believe a word that I'm saying do you? What an asset you will be to a man who actually deserves you, with such loyalty. Unfortunately, you seem to be looking in all the wrong places for such a man, my dear. However, since it's obvious that you are the type that needs proof: solid, tangible evidence, I've come fully prepared and can provide that as well."

He reached her where she stood hesitating at the door, her shoulders heaving with every breath she took. She heard everything: when he approached and when he unfolded the paper he must have extracted from one of his pockets.

"Chalo Mehek have a look. Explain this away that he; that Shaurya Khanna who keeps his finger on every aspect of his business, would not be aware of your every move? How with every chat he wormed his way a little bit more into your heart, until you had no choice but to return and see for yourself right if he has actually changed."

Mehek took the sheet of paper from him. It was the disbursement documentation covering the expense of her roundtrip flight from Orlando. The details were written as plain as day, so there was no question what the intent of the funds that Shaurya Khanna had signed off on. An original document even, so she couldn't even excuse the man's signature on it away as being a copy. But there had to be a reason, some excuse. Surely, Rajiv Sir would be able to clarify that it was anything but what it looked like. Hiding her panic, she shrugged nonchalantly. "This proves nothing."

"You can't be that gullible Mehek, unless working in that fantasy land has removed any semblance of reality from your brain. For f**ks sake, Mehek: do you really think you're the only one he's playing," Uday groused, as he practically shoved the her mobile in the still skeptical woman's face.

She gasped.

**********

Shaurya checked his watch and stole another glance towards the door. Across the room, he could see that his actions were being copied by Bhai. If he had cause for concern, then clearly something was wrong. He excused himself from one of the sponsors and walked across the room. En-route he was grabbed by Esha, who visibly boosted by her overwhelming success in today's taping, was posturing for the gathered press. He took the obligatory photograph, and then gallantly replaced her dupatta that was in danger of slipping and revealing far more than he was sure the young woman wished to have exposed. Momentarily he wondered what on earth she could have been up to in the short spate of time between the taping and the party to have earned the love bite he had noticed underneath the scarf. But that was none of his business especially, when there were more pressing matters at hand. Waving off the questions of the inquisitive reporters, Shaurya turned away, to carry on to his original destination. Consequently, neither did he see the smirking man across the room raising his glass at the young woman nor when Esha, with a wink, responded in kind back to the producer.

"Before you ask, I don't know. I've tried calling her and everything is going straight to voicemail. I've even called home, and they've said she had left for the party. They didn't seem worried, so I really don't know what to say."

"She didn't seem herself at all today," Shaurya conceded. "Is it possible she has taken ill?"

Rajiv shook his head. "It's possible, but that just increases my worry. I would hate to think that she's taken ill on her way, and nobody is aware of it. Are you sure she didn't give any indication that she would not attending, Shaurya?"

Shaurya had no clue what to think. At first, he had taken her detachment as Mehek's way to avoid the uncomfortable aftermath of what had occurred between them two nights ago. He had been grateful, particularly when, at first sight his weak flesh had instinctively responded to her beauty. It was wrong but entirely unavoidable, and he had no clue why his body was betraying him now when his heart had all but been claimed by another. He had inconsiderately ignored her, for his own sake, not knowing, what could have been wrong with her. And now she was a no show to an event she had been looking forward to for the past few days. It made no sense, and he couldn't deny the worry that had seeped into his mind. "Try her home again, Bhai. Go there if you have to," Shaurya uttered before he steeled himself for another round of questioning on the very subject by the press group who were about to descend on him.

***********

"Did you book a hotel Mehek to overnight before your next flight?"

"Nahi Chachi, I'll do that when I land or if not, just stay at the airport."

"But..."

Mehek swallowed and hugged her aunt. She wouldn't cry anymore in front of her. "I have to go Chachi, or I'll miss the flight. I'll call as soon as I clear immigration in New York."

Fifteen hours had been a long time to contemplate the worse mistake you have made in your life; to realize that you could be so wrong about someone. Or more to the point, that someone could be so devious as to fool so many. And still, if she considered her situation, Mehek knew that she was the lucky one. She had only lost her heart, and not her honor in the name of the deceit that Shaurya Khanna spread like a blanket.

She had kept her faith in him: in the man, she had come to know and care for, until the bitter end. Until she had the undeniable proof in front of her own eyes when soon after taping, she had sought Shaurya out in his dressing room needing an explanation for what Uday had presented her with. Hard on the heels of the Esha's miraculous comeback, that Uday had predicted would happen, something she would never attest to being true since everything had tasted bitter to her, she had still been shocked to have come across the young chef there in the dimly lit space. However, no matter how much she wished for it to be false, there was no repudiating the sight of the young woman gyrating on the lap of the man she had straddled whose face was buried in her neck. And even as inexperienced as she was, even Mehek knew that no man would tolerate his lover calling out another's name in the height of passion. No, she didn't need to see any more than she had; not when Esha punctuated every sigh and moan with his name.

It would haunt her forever.

Now in the baggage hall awaiting her luggage, Mehek didn't think it possible to be so numb.

Her vision blurred, she thought she caught sight of her luggage as it rounded the conveyor, and worked her way to the front in order to retrieve it. It seemed heavier than she recalled when she reached for it, and then she wondered if she was mistaken entirely, when a man's hand covered hers to pull the case off the moving belt. She spoke as the man took her hand along with the case she had no strength to bear.

"I'm sorry, I thought it was..." She raised her head only for her voice to fail her, leaving her only the ability to mouth his name when she recognized the man who had appeared in her time of need to aid her, and who now stared down at her, concern etched on his face. This could only be Kanta Chachi's doing, but when she was captured in what felt like a life-saving hug her aunt's interference didn't matter one iota to Mehek. "Malik," she sobbed as she crumbled inside knowing that she no longer had to hold it together. Here, with him she knew that she would be okay.

Chapter20