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~~Khamoshiyan~~
Chapter 6
It was 7 am,Shaurya woke up with a jerk. Rubbing his eyes he sat up. Sunlight was spreading its silvery light through the holes in the hut. Mahek's side of the mat was empty. Her bag was also missing. "Shit! His eyes fell on the door left ajar. Putting on his shirt,he rushed outside. "Mahek! He screamed. But Mahek was nowhere in sight. The entire jungle was calm and quite. "Where are you Mahek? He shouted,his voice echoed in the jungle. He switched on his phone. Battery was fully charged but no reception. He climbed a tree thinking he might get network up there and it worked. By Turning on the gps he came to know they were far far away from sultans kingdom. There was no way they could have kidnaped Mahek again. He sighed and got down. "Where would she go? He left towards the jungle in search of her.
Meanwhile Mahek had found a river,she had freshened up and had changed into fresh clothing. Wrapping her wet hair with a towel,she sat on the rock and tossed stones in the river. Her mind was in conflict with her heart. Sonal had told her last night that Shaurya and her relationship was more then just friendship. "If it's more than friendship then why would he agree for the engagement? She thought. And when he had said about the rights, she had felt a little flutter of butterflies in her tummy. "What was that for? I mean why would I feel butterflies? And she thought about the Pet name he gave her...pet names are only given by people when they feel an overwhelming surge of affection towards the opposite sex. And "cupcakes was rather personal and very affectionate for her. "Friends don't give each other pet names, friends who love each other do! Her inner being told her. Shaurya has always done something out of the ordinary just to go out of his way to be with her and spend time together. "There you are! Shaurya came huffing from behind and sat on the rock beside her. Mahek jerked out of her reverie at once. "I have been looking for you all over the jungle! You made me Tarzan for a day you know that! Phew! He let out a deep breath. He then leaned in close and touched her cheeks. "Why didn't you wake me up? do you have any idea how worried I was? She looked at him with teary eyes. His touch lingered and his thumb rubbed back and forth on her soft milky skin. Their eye contact was a little more intense then before. "Don't do this to me ever again! Samjhi tum?His other arm came around her and pulled her on him. Mahek blinked her tears away. According to him,that afternoon was his engagement. She was hurting just thinking about the engagement. "Can we hug? He asked. "This will be our last hug Shaurya. She said in heart and went in his embrace. His arms came around her. A sob escaped her lips. He heard it and quickly broke the hug. "Cupcakes,you are crying again? You don't seem to be ok,what is it? He palmed her cheeks. Mahek realized he was always there for her and if she was upset,he was there to wipe away the tears just as he was doing at that moment. "Don't wanna talk? Fine then! Just give me your towel and watch me bath alright? He pulled the towel off her head,hanging it over his shoulder he removed his shirt. He stood up and removed his belt. In the process he watched her eyes pop out. He smirked and pulled the zipper down. Mahek sucked in her breath,grabbed her bag and sprint from there! "Oye take it easy! Shaurya chuckled.
"Besharam Kahi ka!'' Huffing badly she entered the little hut and tossed her bag on the floor. "Doesn't have any shame at all!'' She said in her heart. "I better get out before he comes and dresses in front of me!'' Quickly tying her hair in a bun,she applied face cream and a little body lotion and ran out. "No need to run when you liked what he did at the river!'' Her conscience told her. She stopped. "And by the way from whom are you running? Shaurya or yourself? Mahek closed her eyes and covered her ears to ignore the inner voice. The voice mocked her. "Accept the fact that he loves you and you also have fallen for him! Tears swam in her eyes once again. "All I know is that he's getting engaged tonight! She stood her ground. The voice laughed. "Will you be happy seeing him with another girl? Going for walks hand in hand,hugging and spending time together? Tears rolled down her cheeks. "Please leave me alone! "Oh I will! But Shaurya will freak out if he doesn't find you in the hut! So go back! And the voice was gone. Mahek dried her tears and took a deep breath in and out. "Cupcakes! Mahek turned at his deep voice. He was standing there wrapped in Maheks towel with colourful fruits and berries in a handmade leafy basket. "What a beautiful sight!'' She thought and her stomach turned. "I managed to find us some breakfast,come eat! Mahek forced a smile and left towards the hut. He waited for her until they were standing inches away. He handed her the basket. "I washed it already,there's a knife in my bag you can use it. I'll go get dressed.'' Mahek kept her eyes lowered as she was very uncomfortable seeing him like that. Shaurya left but halted by the door when he didn't hear her footsteps. "Invitation chahiye andar aane ke liye? (Do you need invitation to come in?) Mahek nodded in no with a pout and followed him quietly. He closed the door once she was inside. "Oh God,don't let him dress in front of me..I'll die out of embarrassment. She prayed in her heart. Finding the knife she quickly went to a tiny table at the corner of the hut and started working on the fruits. "Don't have to go there,come this side in the light..I'll go dress outside.'' He grabbed his bag and left. Her hand reached out to stop him. "What you doing? You want him to dress around you,don't you? Her inner being was back. "Shut up and go away!'' Inner voice laughed and left. Shaurya knew Mahek was uncomfortable when he was dressing undressing in front of her that's why he had left. Mahek thought that was so sweet of him. Something hissed over her head. Her eyes widened in total shock when she saw a big fat snake all ready to charge at her. The knife fell from her hand and landed on the hardwood floor. Sweat broke on her forehead. Outside,Shaurya heard something falling on the floor. Leaving the few buttons of the shirt open,he ran inside. He was stilled when he saw the scenario in front of his eyes. Mahek was trembling out of fear. She heard Shaurya behind her. "Don't move,I got this. He tiptoed towards her. Just as the snake leaped,Shaurya caught it by the neck and rushed outside. Frightened Mahek followed behind him. He flung the snake in the jungle. When he turned towards Mahek he looked angry. His expression had changed instantly. Mahek gulped when he neared her. "Why didn't you scream miss sharma? What if I haven't reached you on time? That poisonous snake would have bitten you! Isn't it?'' His raised tone brought tears to her eyes. "Stop crying and try to say something for god sake!'' He held her shoulders. "I know you can talk,you have to try Mahek! I'm doing what not to make you talk but you don't seem to take initiative in trying.'' He tilted her chin up. "I'm not tired of you or giving up on you alright? I'm worried and concerned about you,what if something major happens and I'm not there with you..what will you do?'' He let go of her shoulders. "I can't afford to lose you Mahek...you are my..'' He stopped halfway. "What's the use of saying anything when you don't take it seriously? Let's not waste any more time,we should get going..I have to be home before dark.'' He grabbed her hand and brought her inside. He Handed her the fruit basket. "Have it on the way.'' Hanging both of their backpacks on his shoulder he came outside,in a dazed state Mahek followed him.
Mahek felt bad. Because of her,he didn't eat the fruits which was suppose to be their breakfast. And he was pissed. He had done so much for her,learnt sign language,saw doctors for her treatment and saved her from the heartless sultan. And the list could go on if she starts counting the little and big things he did for her. And in return He only asked her to try to talk and that too she couldn't do. She failed him! More tears formed in her eyes. "Have the fruits,before it goes bad.'' He told her while checking for network on his phone. "I will only eat if you eat.'' She said in her heart. The jungle was deep and dark,they had to go through plants and brushes and what not. He made way for her and she followed after him. "I have to pacify him somehow and lighten his mood.'' Thought Mahek. They came to a high area. A train was heard horning somewhere in the distance. "We are not very far from the highway I suppose.'' Said Shaurya. He sat down on a fallen tree trunk and checked for connection. And to His surprise his phone was finally working! "It's freaking working!'' Mahek smiled at him but the anger didn't leave his face. He quickly dialled Vicky's number. He picked it up right away. "Hello bhai! Are you ok? Did you find Mahek? Is she ok? Are you guys on the way?'' He asked all in one breath. "Slow down mere bhai! I have found my Mahek and we both are ok. It looks like we are not very far from the highway,trace my number,find our location and send help,do it fast!'' "Ok bhai,help will be there soon!'' Vicky assured him and both brothers hung up after few more minutes of chatting. "We'll be home soon Cupcakes.'' He told her and got busy with his phone again. He had said "my Mahek'' that really made her stomach flip. Her feet took her to him and she sat beside him. He looked at her when she shifted more towards him. Their arms touched,a shiver ran down both of their spine. "What?'' He asked. Mahek offered him the fruits and pleaded with her eyes to eat. "Haven't you eaten? She nodded in no. "Eating without you is no fun.'' She signed. "I'm not hungry. He said coldly and looked away. "Please don't be mad...it hurts when you are mad at me...'' She signed. Shaurya stood up without a word. Mahek left the basket on the ground and stood in front of him holding her ears. "I'm sorry,from today I'll try to speak on my own please maaf kardo na.''(forgive me) She signed. Shaurya wanted her voice to return that very day and he was figuring out how to bring her voice back. He caressed her cheeks lovingly and tucked her hair strands behind her ears. "Ok I forgive you,l'll see how much trying you can do today Cupcakes.'' Mahek didn't quite understand what he meant by that. She grabbed his hand and made him sit on the fallen tree. They finished the fruits together. Train was nearing them so he assumed the tracks would be close by. "Stay right here I'll just come.'' Saying that he went out searching for the tracks and luckily he found it. He came back and grabbed the bags and her hand. "Let's go,I have found what I was looking for.
He found a area close by the railway track. The train could be heard very clearly and loudly from there. "You trust me don't you miss sharma?'' He asked while drawing a rope from his bag. Mahek nodded her head but her eyes widened when she saw the rope in his hand. "Are you gonna tie my hands and legs with that thing and throw me in the river?'' She signed. He chuckled. "Nothing of that sort ..you said you will try talking on your own..I wanna see you doing that now.'' He tied her hands and tied it to a tree. "I'm doing this for you,for us,the people around you that love you and for your family.'' Mahek was terrified of what he had in mind. "I'm gonna go sit on the railway track and enjoy the leftover fruits,as you can see the train is approaching us speedily..and if you want to save me from getting hit by the train then all you have to do is scream,shout or talk. When I hear your voice then I'll get up from there otherwise I'll see you in heaven.'' Shaurya left her in total shock. "Please don't do this! It's too risky! What if my voice doesn't come back...'' her heart cried as tears made its way down her cheeks. "I don't wanna lose you Shaurya!'' Her heart cried. She twisted and turned to break loose but the rope was too tight. "Sorry Cupcakes,this was the only option and I know I will succeed! You will speak before the train reaches me.'' Shaurya sat in the middle of the track and began eating. Mahek was crying her heart out. She could see the train very clearly as it was very close. "Try Mahek Try! Save your best friend!'' Suddenly the scenario of the car accident flashed before her eyes. The accident in which she lost her Di and her voice. Today her best friends life was in danger whom she loved with her heart and soul,she couldn't save her Di but she will have to save her Shaurya. The train was few minutes away from him and he knew his end was near. He looked at Mahek and threw her a flying kiss for the last time. "I love you miss sharma!!'' Tears swam in his eyes as he closed them. "No!'' Blood drained from her face when she saw the train so close to him. She gathered all her strength and screamed! "Shaurya!!!!!'' Her sweet voice reached his ears and he shot his eyes open! "Move from there now!!'' She cried. Just as the train was about to run him over,he leaped from the track and landed on the grass. The train went past him at a deadly speed. "Shaurya!'' She cried again. He wanted to memorize the sound of her voice as he heard her calling his name one more time. He got up and walked towards her. He loved and wanted to hear her speak and call his name over and over again. The way her lips, tongue, and mouth formed letters and words. Both were in tears as he untied her hands. Once freed,she ran into his arms and examined his face,his hands,arm and legs. "You ok na? Are you hurt?'' She punched him when he didn't answer. "Ouch!'' Shaurya held his tummy and winced in pain. "What do you think were you doing? You almost got killed Shaurya! Tell me,Who goes sitting in the middle of the railway track risking lives? Stupid! God forbid if something had happened I would have lost you..'' she sobbed. Shaurya was lost in the movement of her mouth and lips as she kept on blabbering. "Will you say something or just stare at me?'' She saw laughter in his eyes. "I beg you to continue speaking to me for I have never heard a sweeter tone! You have a very beautiful voice Cupcakes!'' Colour rose to her cheeks as he pulled her in his arms. "Congrats! You have your voice now!'' Both were in for a tight hug. "Thank you! It wouldn't be possible without you!'' She murmured. Shaurya cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead. "I'm happy for you Mahek! I was waiting for this moment since I don't know when...finally you did it Cupcakes!'' Mahek cupped his cheeks with tears as well. "We did it together Shaurya! And I'm so happy we met and became friends.'' Shaurya took her in his arms and both stood like that for some minutes. "Let's go home and surprise the rest.'' He said. Hand in hand they made their way out of the jungle. Mahek kept on blabbering all the way and Shaurya enjoyed her talking.
It was in the evening when they arrived home. Vicky had arranged security guards for the sharma house. "Did you do that?'' Asked Mahek when she saw guards by her house. "Yes I did! I don't want anymore trouble for you.'' Mahek pulled his cheeks. "That is so sweet of you! Now No sultans men can come near me,if they do I'll scream for you! My knight in shining armour!'' Shaurya smiled. "Let's go!'' He was taking her to his place when she stopped him. "I can't come there Shaurya.'' "And why is that?'' He asked. "Your Ajji doesn't like me,I will stay back at my place...Simmi can come sleep over till mom dad comes back.'' "We'll talk about that after engagement tonight.'' He said and her countenance fell at once recalling his engagement. "Go now,I'll send Simmi right away,and see you tonight.'' He gave her a side hug and left towards his place. "How can he get engaged when he...I mean I...never mind!'' Tears formed in her eyes and she ran towards her house.
Later,after shower Mahek was on her balcony drying her hair when her gaze fell on the trio standing and talking on Shaurya's balcony. Mahek stilled when she saw Alisha getting comfy with Shaurya. "So she is Shaurya's fiancee?'' She blabbered. Vicky left in few minutes leaving Alisha and Shaurya to talk. Shaurya saw her standing there watching them. Mahek waved but he ignored her deliberately. "Haww! How mean!'' She stomped her feet in dismay. Alisha left after a while. "Miss sharma! How's my fiancee? He howled. "Just a second!'' She went inside and brought her dad's paintball gun. Shaurya's eyes widened when she loaded it. "what the hell you doing?'' Before he could finish,she fired at him. He ducked and dogged as the paint bullets flew everywhere painting his balcony in yellow! "What the hell! Stop it miss sharma warna...!'' But Mahek kept on shooting. "Mom help!!'' He called loudly. "From today you'll never ask me questions on your so called fiancee!! Mommy's boy!'' She fired again. "Bloody hell!'' He held his head and ran inside. Mahek burst out laughing.
Mahek decided not to go to khanna house that night as she couldn't see her best friend getting engaged. She was jealous and going through mixed feelings which she couldn't quite understand. She cried knowing that her best friend will no longer be her best friend but somebody's husband. "I just can't see him getting engaged or married to someone else! I know what I'll do! I'll go away from here and live somewhere alone!'' She sobbed. She could hardly sit still. She kept fidgeting, crossing one leg and then the other. "I feel like I could throw off sparks, or break a window! Or maybe rearrange all the furniture!'' She was mad. It was already dark outside. "Even though I'm scared of the dark,I'll remain in my house.'' She peeked through the blinds,the guards were all around the house. "Thank God!'' Sighing in relief She came back to the kitchen to make herself a nice hot latte when her phone beeped. It was Simmi. "When are you coming? We all are waiting come fast!'' "Simmi,I'm not needed there baby,you guys enjoy.'' She replied. Another text appeared on her screen. This time it was Shaurya. "Mom has sent you a lahenga suit,wear that and come. I'm giving you half an hour! If you don't show up within the time frame I have given you,then i have to carry you here! Your time starts now!'' Just then the door bell rang. She peeped through the blinds. It was Awara with a gift bag. Mahek knew it was from Shaurya. She opened the door and took the bag. Awara left as she closed the door. The lahenga was beautiful! "Why is he forcing me to go there when I don't feel like going?'' Tossing the bag on her bed she sat down with a thud. "Don't waste time Mahek ..he came to get you from sultans grasp,coming to get you from his neighbouring house won't be tough for him...and on top of that he will carry you on his shoulders and the rest of the neighbourhood will watch.'' Mahek thought.
Shaurya was pacing the hall in khanna house in wait of Mahek. The house was jam packed. His business partners,families and friends were all gathered. "Bhai,relax! I'll go bring her.'' Said vicky. "Nai vicky! Alisha needs you here,you stay,I'll go see what's taking her so long.'' Just then the main door opened. Everyone's gaze shifted to the door. Mahek entered looking like a princess in red and green lahenga. Shaurya's heart stopped at the beautiful sight in front of his eyes. "Congratulations Mahek!'' The families and friends who knew her screamed in unison. Mahek stopped in her tracks,surprised. Her eyes roamed around the hall. Everywhere it was written "congratulations Mahek!'' "But this is suppose to be Shaurya's engagement party.'' She thought. Simmi came running to her. "I'm so happy you got your voice back! Bhaiya told me all about it.'' Both friends hugged. "Simmi beta bring her inside,the rest would love to meet her too!'' Howled Karuna. "Let's go!'' Simmi grabbed her hand and brought her in. Shaurya was totally lost in her beauty. He even forgot to talk. Karuna ma and Harish met her and bestowed all their blessings upon her. "Isn't she looking gorgeous mom?'' Asked Simmi. "Yes she is!'' Karuna kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry about what Ajji did to you beta,please forgive us.'' Karuna apologized. Mahek held her hands. "It's ok aunty ..I'm fine now.'' "Ladies and gentleman! May I have your attention please!'' Everybody turned towards Shaurya. "This party is dedicated to someone very special and very close to my heart,and she's none other then Mahek my best friend who has just received her voice after so many years. So guys let's celebrate with her.'' Everyone looked at Mahek with big round of applause. Sweat broke on her forehead. "What is he saying,this is suppose to be his engagement night.'' Mahek thought. "Miss sharma,can we have you here so that everyone can see how beautiful you are?'' Shaurya's deep voice broke her trance. Forcing a smile she went and stood by him. "They look perfect together just like husband and wife.'' Simmi wasn't able to keep quite due to the excitement that Mahek had her voice back,and that there wont be any hinderance in her bhai's marriage. "Why are you dedicating this party to me when it's your engagement?'' Mahek asked him softly. "Will you be happy if I get engaged? Hmm? Tell me!'' Mahek looked away not knowing what to say. Shaurya smirked. "Guys,lets carry on with what we gathered here for,the engagement ceremony!'' Mahek gave him a sullen look. "Alisha come forward please.'' Said Shaurya. Maheks stomach coiled. She felt sick suddenly. Alisha came and stood by Shaurya. Mahek grimaced and turned to go when Shaurya grabbed her hand. "Where are you going Cupcakes? You should be here after all it's your best friends engagement.'' Her eyes turned red with tears. "What's wrong? Aren't you happy?'' He asked. She freed her hand. "Don't worry I'm not leaving,I'm going to get something to drink. Aur Haan I'm very happy for you,please continue.'' Saying that she left towards the kitchen. Shaurya smirked. "Yeah I can see very well how happy you are.'' "Vicky won't you join your fiance? Or do you want me to do the ring ceremony with her? Mahek swiftly turned when she heard Shaurya say that. He winked at her when he saw her gawking at him. She shot him her deadliest glare. Shaurya laughed. "Stupid! Idiot! Angrily she ran to the kitchen,away from everyone. Once alone,she sighed in relief. "He fooled me! Stupid Kahi ka! She shook her head in disbelief and then smiled. "Thank God we are still friends and no one snatched him from me.'' She composed herself when Simmi called for her. "You are here and bhai is looking for you all over the place! Come let's go!'' Simmi brought her out in the hall. Vicky and Alisha were engaged. Everyone else were drinking and dancing. Some were talking,some eating. Shaurya smiled at Mahek,expecting her to smile back but instead she made an ugly face and teased him. When Shaurya chuckled she stepped on his foot. He winced in pain. "How dare you fool me like that? For a second I thought I lost you forever...I was dying a million death in one minute...do you have any idea what I went through when you said it's your engagement today? don't ever do this again Shaurya! I will not spare you!'' Tears swam in her eyes. Shaurya pulled her in his arms. A whimper escaped her lips. "Then marry me Miss sharma!'' He said softly. Just then the lights went off. Thanks to Simmi. Everyone took their cell phones out while Awara and the other staffs lit some scented candles. Mahek was silent and she could feel the blood rushing to her head. Did he just propose to me? "Mahek,I said something!'' He sounded damn serious. His breath was hot on her cheeks. Mahek swallowed as she was having hard time believing her ears. "I...I can't...we are friends remember?'' She managed to say. "We are more than friends damn it! Don't you see it? Don't you feel it?'' His hand went on her hips and she sucked in her breath. Butterflies fluttered in her tummy and foreign sensation ran down her spine. With one hand he placed her hand on his fiercely beating heart. "Don't you feel anything? Cant you hear what my heart is saying?'' She looked at him in the faint light. Her eyes were so stern, so insistent so Beautiful. "Yes I feel it...'' Suddenly she looked pale and small, but her eyes made him think of wide open skies that he had never actually seen, only dreamed of. "I'm scared Shaurya...'' she murmured. "Hey what's wrong?'' He cupped her cheeks. "Hug me please...'' Shaurya buried her in his chest. His strong arms came around her. Shaurya felt her body trembling. "Sshh! It's ok Cupcakes...I'm not forcing you Mahek...I said whatever is in my heart. I honestly had started to doubt I could feel this way about anyone. You make me feel alive. I can't even explain it to you. Since the day I met you, You are on my mind constantly and sometimes I'm just recalling somethings you said or the way you looked at a certain moment makes me smile, and I truly want to be with you always...not just like friends but as a couple. You are different from any other girl I know. The way we talk and the way we connect emotionally and physically just blows me away. He titled her chin up and looked in her teary eyes. "I'm in love with you Mahek sharma! I love you,and I will love you until I die,and if there's a life after that,I'll love you then." She caught her breath as her tears rolled down. He wiped them away. He touched her cheek, gently turned her face to his.. "I will wait until you will fall in love with me.'' The emotion swept through her, filling her soul with heat. He pulled her into his arms, held her so tightly, she couldn't breathe. She felt his hands on her, stroking her hair, her back, her hips. At last he drew back and stared down at her. There was an intensity in his eyes that stole her breath, made her heart beat wildly. "Please never leave me because I won't be able to survive without you... Tears squeezed past his eyelashes and he started to wipe them away. She stopped his hand and wiped it herself. "I can't see you cry ...please, she whispered. He gave her a trembling smile. In that instant she understood so much about him, about the way he was. He went about swaggering and acting like the rebel, but on the inside he was just like her. A child.
To be continued with cute romance,stay tuned.
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