MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 113

Chapter #27

"I think that on this point we will just have to agree to disagree, Chef Malik. I would like to note however," James continued stoically, "that the idea has been fully sanctioned by the department heads who also see the merit of it." The man encompassed Mehek in a smile to affirm the confidence he had in the young woman, contrary to the surprisingly disinclination of her colleague. "The higher aspects of the business discussions will obviously be left to those more knowledgeable, however your particular position of being able to offer a personal reflection of the company to Mr. Khanna can prove invaluable to our efforts. Unless, Ms. Sharma, there is any reason that you would be averse to undertaking such a task, we would like to give you this mandate."

She didn't dare glance sideways, knowing to do so would give Malik the opening to pounce on her hesitation and once again denounce the idea, and in particular, her inability to carry out the job. She supposed that she should give thanks that thus far he hadn't disclosed everything he was privy to, considering the position he maintained, Mehek thought disdainfully. Given that in the mood the man was still in, she couldn't be sure that such a disclosure wasn't quite out of the realm of possibility, she knew that she would have to firmly take a stand.

"If you believe that this will seal the deal with Mr. Khanna, then I definitely want to help. What exactly will it entail, James?"

A broader smile: one of complete relief, settled on the face of the man seated across the desk from two culinary professionals. Knowing of the rapport the chefs shared, compounded by the high degree of respect that the junior cook held for her well-established counterpart, he had believed for a minute that Mehek would have deferred to Malik's concern over her ability to accomplish what would be asked of her. However, it appeared that the young woman was ready and very willing to step out of the shadow of her self-appointed mentor, and to make her own mark on behalf of her employers. He ignored the look of exasperation that came to chef Malik's face, and launched immediately into the proposal.

She would have four days, Mehek thought. Well actually eight days in total, if she included the time that Shaurya had made available to meet with the competition, to decide what would be done. After that Shaurya Khanna would leave America and possibly her life for good. A worst case scenario meant that he would leave her in the same state, and having to adjust to life post-him. At best...

She looked up, torn from her thoughts, when the vehicle pulled alongside the Cast Member transportation hub where she was standing.

"Why didn't you wait; I told you I would drop you off to Epcot."

"I'm fine on my own, thank you."

"Sure you are. And you are almost guaranteed to be late for work in the process. Come along Mehek; get in the car."

She hesitated briefly knowing that he was right, she would be late. Wordlessly, she opened the door and got into the passenger seat, automatically turning her head away from him and looking out the window, after she had buckled herself in. Malik pulled the car out of the layby and drove about one hundred feet to the intersection ahead. As they waited for the traffic light to turn green, he began speaking.

"You've made a mistake, you know. He probably had all of this in mind to happen, right down to us disagreeing."

Mehek closed her eyes in frustration. Counting to ten would make no difference now.

"The only mistake I have made was believing that I had true friend in you Malik. In the last day, you have proven anything but. I guess it wasn't enough for you to totally humiliate me last night in front of your mother, so let's throw in undermining Mehek at work today in for good measure." She raised her hand to stop him when he would object. "Nahi Malik, I do not want to hear anything you have to say, so unless you want me to get out, just don't..."

******

Shaurya checked his watch, unashamedly taking note of how long it would be now until he next meet Mehek: nineteen hours. Time that would feel insurmountable now that he finished everything he had scheduled for the last three days. Mostly meetings, but they had been enough to keep his thoughts occupied enough during the self-imposed separation he had initiated. Along with his legal representatives, he had gone back to Universal for another round of talks. They had been intense yet very productive. With nothing a secret in the ever-developing tourist destination, the upcoming second round of negotiations he had scheduled with Disney, had gone far in encouraging their competitors to press forward and sweeten the deal they had for him far more than the norm. Or so the lawyer had indicated at first glance anyway. Still a fine-tooth comb's analysis of the contract that had been presented was needed. The lawyers would earn their money now, leaving him to his own devices, and straight away thoughts of her came flooding to his mind, in the first bit of real down time he had had in the last 72 hours.

~~~~~~~~

Mehek hadn't been happy at all when he had taken his leave from Malik's home.

She had been standing at the table busying herself placing dessert plates at each setting when they had come back in. Her mortified expression had given way to confusion when she had noticed Malik flexing one hand as he approached, and then walk past her heading for the kitchen. Bringing up the rear, Shaurya watched this and immediately got Aunty's attention, unnecessarily seeking directions to the restroom. Knowing that he also had Mehek's interest, Shaurya had openly reached for his cheek; prodding it while tentatively flexing his jaw before heading for the toilet. The loud gasp he heard as he retreated brought a small smile to his face. She had put two and two together and come with the exact conclusion he wanted her to. And on his return, her mood had turned completely to something more to his liking.

"I think it may best for me to say my goodnights now. Thank you, Aunty for a wonderful dinner."

His statement had cut through the hushed, yet tense conversation the trio was having.

"Nahi Beta, at least have dessert while you wait for your driver."

"Actually, he is not that far away, so I will just wait for him outside. Mehek?"

She had faced him, her eyes huge in her flushed face.

"Perhaps I can give you a ride back?"

She swallowed nervously. "No...thank you for the offer, but..."

"She doesn't need you, thik hai?"

Shaurya nodded. The man who could not contain his emotions had no clue that he was doing himself no favors.

It was not unexpected the next day that he would receive a message from Mel detailing the arrival of an incensed Mehek after a morning meeting she had attended with Chef Malik, who by all accounts, was still in her bad books. Thus, when he received a tentative schedule of his Disney meetings mid-day, it was with great deal of satisfaction, but very little surprise to learn that first order in four days' time would be a personal tour of the Food and Wine Festival guided by none other than Mehek Sharma. That decision probably hadn't gone down well between the two chefs at all. He could live with that, Shaurya thought with a smile as he scanned the remainder of the proposed schedule. As an indication of how well regarded within the corporation he was, Malik too had been recruited to participate ad hoc, and briefly Shaurya wondered if the man would use the opportunity to further attempt to influence Mehek against him. That could prove problematic, but he would approach that, if and when, any issue arose. For the interim he would concentrate on the business he had for the next few days and hope that during the time away from each other that she would pine for him as much as he knew he would for her.

~~~~~~

That had been seventy two hours: seventy two long hours ago. Now it was just this final wait time to get through, Shaurya thought. Eighteen Hours, forty- seven minutes more...

**Ping**

...I would like to see you tonight. Let me know if you are free.

His heart immediately began thumping a rapid drumbeat in his chest. Or maybe less...

********

"Mel you done already, we're starving out here!"

"Well you are just going to have to wait aren't you...now get!"

She had gotten herself in a tight spot for sure this time, Mel thought as she wiped her brow with a paper towel. "A real pickle, she muttered aloud before remembering. "Pickle...Oh God: the pickle. After all the effort, she had put into it, she would have kicked herself if she had forgotten it. "A traditional meal for the next viewing party: sure...with all the fixings: of course. Oh, you invited five more people: no problem. One day, Melissa you will learn to keep your mouth shut and avoid the trouble you consistently bring on yourself." She went to the refrigerator and pulled out the jar that held what was to be the jewel in the crown of tonight's meal.

"Oy Mel, someone to see you!"

She squealed as the precious commodity she held almost slipped out of her hands. Hastily, she placed the jar on the counter, and put her hands on her hips. "Well, unless they are tall, super good looking and can help me finish off this food, then tell them I'm busy," she complained not even bothering to turn around. "And close the door behind you when you leave."

The din from the next room subsided when the door was shut, and the frazzled young woman sighed. Even though they were a demanding boisterous group, she really wanted the meal to go well, and for that she needed peace and quiet to finish everything, if not the angel she had demanded seconds ago. She sniffed and then turned to go back to the stove, gasping when she did. Having met the criteria, she had insisted on her visitor had come in after all.

"Uncle, tum?"

"I'm looking for Mehek, and figured this to be as good as a place to find her," Malik gruffly stated without preamble.

Mel turned away, at once irritated at the man's rude attitude, before deciding that if he wanted to forever act like a stodgy old man then he better be prepared for the consequences. "I'm so sorry, I completely forgot my manners in my haste. Namaste Uncle..."

"I don't have time for this, Mel. Is Mehek coming to your viewing..."

"She didn't say either way earlier. Why don't you just call her and ask? I'm sure you have her on speed dial."

The man fell silent for a minute. "She isn't answering my calls: not for the last three days, he finally admitted, running a hand through his hair."

"I can't imagine why not," Mel responded sarcastically. She sighed, aware of the fact that Mehek was due to meet Shaurya to give him a tour of the Food & Wine Festival tomorrow, and this was clearly why the man was so desperate to speak to her. "Hold on let me get her on the phone. But first..."

Malik looked on in confusion as this baffling woman, who he couldn't begin to understand, turned from him to get something; seconds later returning to him, spoon in hand. With one hand below preventing any spillage, she raised the other to his mouth. "Jalapeno-Lime pickle. Can you tell me how it tastes; an honest assessment please," she asked earnestly.

Trying not to notice how appealing she was when she wasn't being so antagonistic, Malik concentrated on the sample he had been fed. It was good really very good - to be exact. He reached up and lowered the spoon she still held up. "You made this," he asked a bit skeptically. He waited for the inevitable blow up his comment would bring, but instead was startled by her exclamation, and more so by the fact she was now grasping his hand and expressing real distress over his still bruised knuckles. "Oh Malik, what have you done to yourself? Have you had this checked? Oh God..."

"Calm down," he urged; strangely touched by her concern. "It's nothing to fret over. This is actually an improvement."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?"

He was prevented from answering when the kitchen door swung open and the missing chef entered the room with another person, both carrying trays.

"I hope you don't mind me deciding to come at the last minute, Mel", Mehek called out. "I've got cupcakes, and someone you may wish..."

Everyone came to a stand-still each taking in the scene from their own perspective. Following Mehek's direction, Shaurya placed his tray down and approached the pair they had found there. He threw back the hoodie and removed his sunglasses Mehek had insisted on, so that he could get through the building without the most rabid of ISC fans being aware of his identity.

"Sh-Shaurya...Shaurya Khanna. You're here...with Mehek...in our kitchen...at our ISC viewing party"

He smiled charmingly at the woman glued to Malik's side. "I am: to all of the above. Mel is it? I hope you don't mind the intrusion." He then specifically directed his scrutiny to the chef who had yet to respond to his arrival, nor extract himself from Mel's grip. "But didn't you mention that, this was the accommodations for the College Program participants, Ms. Sharma? Babysitting tonight, Chef Malik?"

******

Shaurya realized that he had crossed the line when his comment had Malik callously extracting his hand from Mel's, and stepping away from her, seemingly without a care for the young woman whose hurt read loud and clear on her face. He affected a warm smile on his face, and took the young woman's hand in both of his. "So Mel...?"

"Melissa...actually," she answered.

"Aacha, Melissa. I like it. I think that suits you better; more substance to it. Well Melissa, I understand from Ms. Sharma that you are a star amongst stars of your group here. Someone to definitely look out for now that you are on the home stretch of the student program. Do you have an up to date CV that I take with me to peruse?"

She flushed, whether with pleasure of from nerves, it didn't matter. Only what happened next would.

"Mel, weren't you asking for help to get this food out for your friends," Malik interrupted from much closer than he was before, ready to defend another hapless damsel from the villain before her.

A quick squeeze of her hand and Shaurya released it and the young woman to the keeping of the now very attentive Chef. He figured his partner-in-crime should be prepared for the inevitable lecture sometime later, but for now he had gone as far as correcting his faux pas as he could.

"You enjoy doing that don't you Shaurya," Mehek asked him as the pair watched from the side, as the food was being conveyed to the next room.

"That being what exactly, Mehek?"

"Let's get things straight. I did not bring you here to bother or cause trouble for any of my friends, Shaurya."

"Bolo Mehek, then why are we here," he queried. He honestly wanted to know how what he imagined; had in fact hoped would finally be a meeting that would signify a new beginning for them, had led them instead to a noisy complex that was only slightly elevated from a typical university hostel.

She didn't have the opportunity to answer, when Mel came to stand in front of them. "The show is just starting and they've started eating already, so at least you stand less chance of a raucous reception, since their mouths will be full." She stared at Shaurya directly. "But don't hold me to that, they are going to absolutely freak out knowing you are here."

"Could we get something to go instead", Mel, Mehek asked. "I want to show Shaurya something, but we will be back before the show ends. It's only fair I think that Mr. Khanna gets the chance to have his dinner in peace before he gets bombarded by his fans. Unless you wish to face the gauntlet now Shaurya?"

As if he had a choice, he thought. She had him on the backfoot, and she knew that he wouldn't deny her anything. If not the intrigue of the situation, the opportunity for the two of them finally being alone would have him agreeing with almost anything she suggested. Besides, it was far past the time for the heart-to-heart talk that they had to have, and this could be ideal.

One building over and up one flight up, Mehek led the way to a corner flat and reached into her purse for a key once they got there. Unlocking the door, she stood aside and allowed Shaurya entrance in the bright space that was in a decidedly quieter area of the sprawling property. She took the food he carried. "Go ahead, have a look around, " she requested, already heading to the kitchen for the necessities she would find there while he took the tour of the two bedroom furnished place. It didn't take him long, and by the time Shaurya had finished, Mehek had set the small dining table for the two of them. "Sit...please...eat."

Their eyes met when he did, and expectantly, Shaurya waited for her to enlighten him why they were there. He had pretty much guessed the reason already, but wanted to hear it from her; anything to get the ball rolling on resolving their issues. When it looked that he would be left waiting until he followed her directive, he picked up his fork.

"I've had a lot of time to think over the past few days," she began. "About everything that has happened between us, and what the next couple of days will bring and thought it best to lay down some ground rules. I intend on doing what is asked of me, but nothing more. I want this to be a completely professional arrangement, but since I've been asked to show you Disney from my perspective, I figured there would be no better time to start than tonight and no better place. This is my new place. I will be moving here in the next day or so since I've decided that I'm not returning to Delhi after the Food & Wine Festival ends. I've actually signed off on a three-year employment contract with Disney."

Shaurya swallowed and then wiped his mouth.

"I see. I guess it is good my new venture will have me returning on a regular basis, don't you think?" He grimaced when trill laughter followed by a loud exchange of young voices reached their ears from outside. "Perhaps after a while we can look at alternative accommodations for you though; somewhere a little more restful, provided you haven't signed too long of a lease." He reached across the table for her hand "We will manage, I promise Mehek."

She tried to pull her hand away. "Manage..." she replied incredulously, "Shaurya I didn't bring you hear to tell you that I wanted to be with you...that's not what I meant at all."

"Aacha? Let me hazard a guess. You've brought me here to give me proof that you are done with me and are happily moving on?" He smiled when she didn't deny it. "Oh Dost, I thought you were so much smarter than that. How can you possibly find any happiness here when the first act that occurs in your new home is an attempt to walk away from the man you love? At the end of the day will you truly be able to rest where you have purposely broken your own heart? When you are alone at night will you so easily forget that rather than accept the love of a man who near worships you; you refused even to speak on what happened to make you turn from him in the first place?" He turned her hand over, and began to slowly caress her palm. "I love you Mehek; with everything I am and I am ready to battle the world to make you mine: even you. We belong and the sooner you come to grips with this the better it will be."

"We? There is no we Shaurya, there never was, and there will never be. It: everything was all a game to you...While I was busy falling in love, you were just toying with me the whole time... and now you're doing it again telling me that anything is possible; offering things that you are not capable of giving."

He couldn't answer at first, not when he was still stuck on the part of her speech where she declared that she had fallen in love with him, but slowly realization that she had gone silent in her wait for an answer from him, and when he did notice, she looked ready to faint.

"Mehek..."

"You betrayed me Shaurya. You made me believe in the possibility of us knowing full well there was no hope of you changing your ways. Why? Do you hate me that much Shaurya as to want to continuously cause me pain?"

Shaurya sighed and pulled his hand from hers, busying himself with his mobile. He found the clip that he had had Rajiv Bhai send to him and pressed play before resting the phone on the table where she could see it. "I don't know what to say anymore, Mehek. I just don't understand how you can attribute so much to me, and not even acknowledge the source that led you to think so badly of me could be false." He watched as she focused on the looping footage captured by the studio camera that revealed the secret she had kept to herself for so long. "I told you to be wary of him, but somehow in mere minutes he swayed you to his side without me having any chance to defend myself. Why is that Mehek? How could the fearless woman who had managed to have me so tied in knots all week not even approach me demanding an explanation for the wrongdoings you believed me of, Mehek?"

She kept her head down when she answered, hoping that she was hiding her tears. "I didn't believe him Shaurya. I absolutely refused to. I was so sure that you loved your MS. I knew that everything he said was a lie and that you would have a logical explanation for everything that Uday had shown and told me that day. I did exactly what you expected of me Shaurya. Right after we wrapped up for the day I grabbed my things and I went looking for you. I was going to hear you out:\; let you explain how you had known my identity the whole time, and demand to know if it was all a game to you, but just like Uday said the only thing I confirmed was that I wasn't the only player you had engaged at the time." She finally raised her face to his and he saw, at last the absolute turmoil she was feeling. "I can't un-see what I saw, I can't unhear your name on her lips. I hated you for giving her the right over you that I had already thought of as mine. I hated that you chose her over me. So, I don't think that you need worry about my flat being the origin of my heartache, Shaurya. I'm sure that I will cry my eyes out on more than one occasion here, but trust me when I tell you that my heart shut down weeks ago, the day I discovered you and Esha in your dressing-room."

Chapter 28