MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 108

Chapter #26

"So tell: what is she like? Do you suspect that Uncle gets the worst of his traits from her?"

With Shaurya steadily getting the lay of the land, he was hardly surprised when Mel posed this question. Hers was a clear case of the lady protesting too much as it related to her complaints about Malik. That alone should have given him pause as to what her actual motives in helping him were, but his gut led him to believe that her actions weren't spurred on by jealousy in any shape or form. In fact, that she was essentially working in opposition to the chef let Shaurya know that Mehek's workmate was completely genuine despite a rather dubious taste in men.

"I think I will be in a better position to answer that at the end of the evening, but one thing is certain; she is not merely a fan of India's Super Cook and Mehek Sharma. The best-case scenario will be that Aunty is one of those MehRya Shippers that grew out of season one."

"MehRya...Shipper? Arrey, Handsome, that is just wrong on so many levels. Please, don't ever... like ever use either term again, thik hai? It doesn't gel with your image at all. Anyway, you must almost be there now, so I will let you go. Enjoy your dinner Handsome. Oh, and try not to rough up Uncle too much okay... unless he really deserves it that is."

In the back of the town-car, Shaurya chuckled as he hung up. His and Mel's telephone conversation was yet another positive of the day. Aside from coming away with a new moniker, which he had to agree made sense if one used the logic that Mel couldn't risk anyone overhearing her referring to him by his given name, something far more important had come to his attention. Learning that Mehek had taken the time to try to locate him, was an indication that he hadn't left her thoughts in the past few days. Armed with this knowledge, and the feeling that he would have a ready ally there, he felt he could at least attempt a proper face-to-face with Mehek this evening. And even if that should fail, then there was always what tomorrow would have in store for them.

His driver made a right turn to take them to the gated estate that Malik called home. Although not far from the major theme parks, on passing through the security manned gates, it was as if they had entered a completely different locality. As they crossed rows of well-appointed homes, close enough to give a community feel, yet still provide privacy from one's immediate neighbors, unconsciously Shaurya nodded his approval. Most of the homes, his chauffer advised, backed on to a nature reserve and Shaurya couldn't help but admire the chef's choice to make his home here, in an oasis smack in the middle of the American tourist mecca. He was even more impressed when they finally pulled up to the designated residence.

********

"Beta, welcome; come in please."

Met with the tantalizing aromas that reminded him of home, and the pleasant surprise that he hadn't met with the less than enthusiastic greeting from the homeowner he had anticipated, Shaurya smiled as he presented Mrs. Varma the mixed floral bouquet he had purchased especially for her. He followed her as she led him through the foyer down a small hall into the sizeable kitchen which itself was incorporated to the spacious open plan of the home's ground floor. The kitchen, Shaurya observed, made perfect sense with every high-end appliance that a professional chef would want, but he couldn't help but feel surprised with the remainder of it. Although presented in a contemporary mien, it was far homier than one would expect for a single man. Standing at the kitchen's granite counter-topped island and contemplating the square footage of what he could see, Shaurya guessed that there had to be at a minimum of four bedrooms upstairs, and that was possibly conservative.

"That's odd expression you have beta," Malik's mother called from where she had begun arranging her flowers into a vase.

"Just a bit surprised; this isn't exactly the bachelor pad, that I have envisioned for Malik".

"Aacha, beta? I wasn't aware that you knew Malik prior to today," she quipped, her eyes seeking his for a minute. "I think it is a lovely home, don't you?"

"Yes, definitely."

"But not what you would expect for a single man?"

Shaurya nodded.

"Is this from personal preference, Shaurya?"

"Nahi, actually I and my family..."

"That is wonderful, Beta; idyllic by my opinion. But as it is, since Malik has decided that Orlando is where he will be putting down roots, I find his choice of a home quite encouraging. It's not the sort of home that one purchases if they intend on remaining single and alone. This is a home for a family. I have reason to be very optimistic that my son is finally of a mind to consider settling down. In fact...nahi perhaps I better not...," the older woman deferred.

A sick feeling settled in Shaurya's stomach at hearing this news, along with the realization that neither Malik or Mehek had yet to make an appearance. Up until now, he hadn't factored with much seriousness in Malik's equation with Mehek, but he couldn't dismiss the man's mother's words. His eyes drifted to the staircase which lead to the upper story and the home's bedrooms. The thought of the two of them sequestered together in the private spaces of the home, infuriated him like nothing-else had.

Her eyes like a hawk, Indira Varma watched the turmoil playing out on her guest's face with interest. "Incidentally, dinner will be a little late, beta. Quite unexpectedly, Malik was called back to Saana due to some emergency thirty minutes ago. Hopefully, whatever it is won't take too much longer. The strangest thing about the situation, though, was my son's belief that somehow you had orchestrated this call-out; he was utterly convinced, and quite vocal about it. Why would that be the case, beta?"

Shaurya shrugged and attempted to keep his face as blank as possible. If only, he thought, he had the foresight for such, but at least the explained the duo's absences.

"I can only presume that Malik has taken my tv persona to heart. However, such machinations are quite out of the realm of my abilities, I'm afraid, Aunty," Shaurya stated, bothered by Malik's potential influence in matters that he had no right to. "So, no clue as to when they will return?"

"He: not they, beta. Although he was quite persistent that Mehek come with him, I insisted that Malik allow her some peace and quiet. She seemed a little tense. His assertions were not helping the situation either." Satisfied with her work in staging the flowers, she stepped back to admire them, before abruptly turning away to wash her hands at the sink. "Actually, just before you came, Beta, I was about to join Mehek beside the pool with a cool drink". She prepared a tray with two glasses and a small pitcher of juice. "How about you take my place while I go set my flowers in my bedroom, and message my daughter with details on how I not only met the handsome Shaurya Khanna today, but impressed the man enough that he has gifted me with such a beautiful bouquet," she teased as she passed the tray to Shaurya who nodded back at her grateful for her consideration. "Just through the French doors off the living room, Beta."

*********

Lounging in one of the reclining chairs beside the home's private pool, Mehek finally appreciated why Malik had suggested that she look for somewhere offsite, and especially as far away from the College Program housing complex as alternative accommodations once her full time employment began. She knew that she would have never found the peace she needed this evening in such active atmosphere. This was perfect, she thought gratefully: not that she could even consider somewhere like this as an option. Nahi, she would have to look further down the realty ladder to find something in her budget. At least she would benefit from the fact that she had a friend whose hospitality she could count if needed. She reached up and unbuttoned the very top fastening of her kurti. It was still warm, and had it not been for the fact that this was her first visit here, not to mention so soon after her introduction to Aunty, she may have considered something more suitable for poolside, but that was neither here or now that from the sounds of heavier footsteps, and the setting of the tray on the nearby table she heard. She didn't face the newcomer, assuming Malik had retuned and had come with the drinks his mother had promised. Dinner would be served soon after, so she wouldn't need to worry about overheating poolside any longer.

"Is everything okay now," Mehek asked as she listened to the sound of a beverage being poured. "Your mother was right, by the way. I can definitely get used to relaxing like this at the end of a hard day." Her glass was set beside her before a response finally came.

" Haan Mehek. You do look good in this setting. I can see this in your future; although definitely not at this home; something of your own would be my preference."

Mehek swiveled in her chair so fast, that she practically fell out of her seat. Given its closeness to the pool, Shaurya automatically reacted, reaching out to her, lest she have a mishap. "Be careful," he admonished.

"Shaurya, what are you doing here," she demanded to know as she stood.

"Dinner remember; I was invited."

"I know that, I meant out here. Never mind, I'll just leave."

"Wait Mehek..."

She was already shaking her head, but as she went to pass him, he placed himself solidly in front of her, preventing her passage. "Excuse me, I'd like get through. Aunty probably needs my help." She backed up a step when he came forward.

"Nahi, she doesn't, she has gone to her room. Malik hasn't returned yet." He took another step towards her. "It's the perfect time for us to have a conversation in private."

"I have nothing to say to you, Shaurya."

A sudden thought hit her.

"My God, you really planned this; all of it. Deny it all you want Shaurya Khanna, but I know you and how far..."

Her breath caught in her throat when he reached for her and toyed with a single tendril that had fallen forward into her face during her animated protests. She had nowhere to go, now that she had retreated against the wall, and Shaurya had shadowed her every step. He had left mere inches between then and was close enough to ensure the physical reaction she knew he wanted from her, yet far away to make her want more. One more step was all that was needed to close the gap between them; one slight movement to bring his lips back into proximity of hers, allowing her to relive the kiss that she couldn't forget. And then...

"You are assigning me powers best reserved to God, Mehek. If I could manage everything you think I have, then surely, I would have recognized you for who you are: not MS, not Mehek, but the part of me that has been missing all my life and without a doubt, I would have been able to stop you from leaving me in the first place. If I could do so much, why would I instead choose a few minutes alone with you in another man's home over having you by my side forever?"

"Is the conquest all to you, Shaurya, that you would say anything," Mehek asked desperately. "Will it take my complete surrender in order for you to finally be satisfied?"

He leaned forward and rest his forehead against hers, exhaling as he did.

"I guaranteed you full truthfulness when we began, Jaan. Do you want me to lie and say that I don't want you? Because I can't. But trust me, Mehek Sharma, had this been all about the conquest, the game would have been over weeks ago. If your surrender was all I needed then you would have been in my bed that night and not tormenting me in my dreams. Trust me Dost, that will all come in time, but heed my words when I tell you that I'm playing for keeps now: all or nothing."

He stilled, letting what he had said sink in, and then raised his head from hers. He smiled. Her eyes were closed now, as if not to see him would protect her from him and his advances. With the hand that had toyed with her hair, he now cupped her cheek and with his thumb, grazed perilously close to her bottom lip. He felt his body awaken, when unwittingly responding to his touch, Mehek's lips parted, emitting a soft gasp in doing so. "You have me behind the eight ball in both knowledge and time, Dost. I am catching up, but not fast enough since I can only get so far without you to fill in the missing pieces. Sooner or later I will have to leave to address what has been done against us, and I would rather it be knowing that I have done everything to give us the chance we deserve, Mehek. I won't let an outsider finish what lies between us."

She shook her head, confused. He was talking in circles, referring to things she had no clue about, but there were two things she could speak to. One, the latent panic she had felt when he had talked of leaving, she didn't dare broach. So that just left the other, "How do you think you even deserve..."

Shaurya cut off whatever else she meant to say, when he stepped in and gently brushed his lips against hers, just to halt her train of thought. What was meant to be the mere meeting of their lips evolved when her tongue darted out of its own accord seeking his. He hesitated at first, in case she had second thoughts, but then obliged her initiative; tempting fate that he would be able to stop before things got out of hand, or her testy friend returned home, which ever came first. Either way if this didn't convince her of the need to follow through then nothing would.

**********

"Auntie, I can honestly say that this dinner ranks amongst the best I've eaten since arriving in America. Thank you for giving me a slice of home whilst I'm here. The inability to acquire some good home-cooking is a constant bane to the business traveler."

Indira Varma beamed with pleasure, but before she could think to respond, she was prevented by her son.

"Aacha, Shaurya, well in this case there's a sure-fire way to alleviate your problem: just go home." He paused to take a sip of his beverage. "Or just do everyone the favor and get the hell out of Orlando."

Beside Malik, Mehek's fork clanked on to her plate when she dropped it. Across the table Shaurya's eyes narrowed. For the sake of Mehek and Malik's friendship, he had ignored Malik's veiled comments that had interspersed their dinner conversation before now, but no more. That fact that the chef's openly aggressive comment had affected her, meant that he had no choice but to answer the man back now. He sat up straighter in his chair.

"Bas: enough, both of you!"

The two men turned in the direction of their elder. Although they were past the point civility with each other, they knew better than to disrespect her.

"Mehek, beta, why don't you go into the kitchen and get that marvelous dessert you brought plated."

The trio waited while an ashen faced Mehek removed the empty dishes and walked the distance to the kitchen. Only then did Indira stand and directed the two sullen men to follow her. Less than a minute later, she stood at the living-room doors setting the lock to the egress that led to the enclosed swimming pool. She would give the two hotheads she had left there fifteen minutes to blow off steam and regain their sanity. "Bloody idiots, she mumbled as she headed to the kitchen when she was certain a distressed Mehek remained.

********

Cognizant not to show any weakness in front of his adversary, Shaurya didn't flinch when Malik threw him against the wall and then punched him in the stomach, before grabbing him by the collar again. He hurt like hell - the man's workout regime not the fodder he had previously mocked him for obviously- but considering what the man had done for Mehek when she had left India, it was far from unexpected.

"You f**king bas***d, you have some damn nerve coming here to trouble her. You aren't worthy of standing in her shadow you piece of shit, and you think it's okay to come and try to get close to her?"

"Whatever is between Mehek and me has nothing to do with you, Malik, and the sooner you realize this the better it will be for the both of us."

"It has everything to do with me, after seeing the condition dealing with you left her in. As long as I'm around you will never..."

"And did she tell you exactly the cause of her condition," Shaurya spat. He pounced on Malik's inability to answer. "Exactly, you don't know...you are in the dark as much as we all are...she hasn't told anyone, not her family, not her friends what exactly happened. She just left destroyed by something only she is privy to. And I can tell you unconditionally, that I did nothing to harm her. I couldn't...I wouldn't, not now: not ever."

"What a load of bullshit. You think I don't know men like you Shaurya Khanna? You think your false platitudes will sway me? I'm no innocent woman that you can charm. I know exactly what you are about, and I tell you, you won't get anywhere near her as long as I'm around. I will always stand in between you and her."

Shaurya shrugged the man and his opinions off at once. At least he hadn't professed any greater feelings for Mehek than a deep friendship. That: Shaurya thought, he would not have tolerated under any circumstance.

"You needn't worry about keeping me away Malik. Trust me she will come to me of her own volition. I guarantee you", he goaded the man. He saw the closed fist coming and turned in time, deflecting the worst of the blow in time. He didn't need a full-blown injury to get his point across, just enough evidence that would have Mehek concerned enough about him to want to put a little distance herself and her co-worker and his influence.

Shaurya estimated they had another twelve minutes of their enforced time-out. He would have to see how truly thick Mehek's friend was, although he couldn't fault the man for his loyalty. As long as the man stayed within his limits, it would be good to know that he would leave her with someone capable of watching out for her when he did eventually have to leave the country. But damn the man could pack a wallop.

The things one did for love, Shaurya thought rubbing his chin, as he continued listening to the other man's ramblings.

Chapter27