I have really tried to write the end of this but I couldn't.
I need to think of it.
Before all of you start fighting with me for not completing my other stories.
This is a short story.
I am not going to extend it much.
So, enjoy.
Story summary:
Shaurya needs a wife, fast. Someone who, is not a gold digger, who has a heart of gold, someone who will look after his family, obeys him and will insure his Nani chooses him over his idiotic cousin Vicky to take over Khanna industries...
Contract
It was unbearably hot, Mehek could still not understand Nehal's dressing choice, she was wearing a tiny skirt and a blouse that barely covered her breasts, Mehek felt uncomfortable as she was the only girl in the entire line, dressed fully covered. As she stood with Nehal who was in line waiting for her turn to be interviewed for the illustrious job of being the CEO's personal assistant.
Mehek hardly ever left home, but both of her chachus were not in to take Nehal to her interview, and Both chachi's had already committed to helping at the temple. So Mehek had been forced to go with her.
"Go get me a chocolate Mehek Nehal said handing her some coins, Nehal was next to go inside, why did she not want her with her was beyond Mehek. Perhaps it was her dressed in a salwar kameez she stuck out like a soar thumb. And would probably embarrass her.
She took the money and went to a vacant vending machine. She did not look up but felt a shadow fall over her. She picked the sugarless candy bar. And waited for it to come out.
"Since when do girls like this come to the office? She looked over her shoulder, and almost jumped out of her skin, as she took in the man behind her. He was strikingly handsome. Mehek hit the glass of the vending machine like an idiot. And held her head and rubbed it with her hand.
"Should we gift her a pair of gloves as well in this heat she is wearing long sleeves He quipped sarcastically.
Next to him was an older man. Who was also well dressed in a suit.
Then his words registered to her. Her peach salwar suit, was baggy and she had tiny bell silver earrings on. It was one of her best suits, as it always made her skin look much more translucent.
The chocolate was out and Mehek picked it up.
"Don't be rude Shaurya she can hear you The man said, as if she could not hear him. The handsome one, who wore a beautiful expensive three piece suit, all but pushed her aside and pushed a note into the machine.
Which it immediately rejected.
He shrugged as if he had not heard him.
"These machines don't take notes Mehek said, she put in a coin. She was one of those people, who despite knowing their place liked to go the extra mile to help someone else.
"I usually have someone do these things for me, go make me a cup of coffee, you look like you can make a good cup of coffee, your types always are good in the kitchen He said selecting the same sugarless candy bar arrogantly.
"Shaurya you don't even know her... The man next to him protested.
"Of course I do He said leaning in to her, and picking the card around her head.
"Mehek He said her name, slowly. He let go of it, and Mehek stared at him with wide eyes.
"She has one of those badges they gave to all the interviewees today, I am tired of all the skin coming in take her, she is like a present all covered up much more interesting He told the man.
He pushed a large note into her palm far more than what the chocolate was worth.
"Listen I am not... Mehek always had a hard time explaining things to people he ignored her and pointed to the coffee maker.
Mehek heard the other man dismissing Nehal and the rest of the girls.
"What the hell, I have been waiting here for 3 hours Nehal complained.
"Sir has chosen his new assistant
"God Mehek what rubbish is this, let's go home Nehal said walking towards her, Mehek wanted to give him his money back.
"Just a minute Mehek told her, going towards the fancy office the older man frowned.
"Where is sirs coffee
"I...
"Go make it fast he doesn't like to be left waiting
He pushed her towards a little room. Mehek cringed.
"I never came for an interview Mehek said, he stared at her, weirdly before closing his mouth.
"I know but just go make him the coffee, and tell him yourself He said looking scared, Mehek looked at the machine, not knowing in the slightest how to use it.
She noticed a kettle and relaxed. She quickly poured some water inside and made old fashioned coffee. Nehal was probably throwing a fit outside she needed to be quick.
She noticed a biscuit and placed it on the saucer.
She found the older man waiting for her when she was done. he ushered her to fancy glass door. He pushed her inside.
It was ice cold inside, he had the air conditioning turned up, his office was almost as big as her entire house. He noticed her and looked up from his computer.
Mehek placed the coffee on his table.
"Look I am sorry, but I did not apply here for a job... She noticed in bold gold letters his name on his desk Shaurya Khanna.
He ignored her, he pulled out his phone and was looking at something. And suddenly his hand came down on his desk.
"MOTHERf**kER He shouted loudly. He picked up his phone and held it high up, Mehek went to his side to stop him. His phone looked really expensive and she was sure he would regret it later.
"Don't She said, trying pushed her away and Mehek stumbled having realised what he had done, his arm snaked around her waist, and fell backwards into his chair with her sprawled against his chest. Mehek cherry lip balm, brushed against his snow white shirt leaving a lips stain on it. Her eyes grew wide as saucers.
His suit was far softer than she had imagined but there was nothing remotely soft about him. He had a sharp nose and an angular face. His anger in his eyes, had evaporated and in place he looked confused.
Mehek tried to pull herself off his lap, and his office door swung open. Mehek got off him and felt sick. This did not look good at all.
"Well Shaurya, looks like you have a little surprise for me just like your cousin Vicky An older woman said, with a straight face. She was dressed in modern western clothing and her grey hair was tied back in a low bun. By her poise it was easy to tell she was a lady who held a lot of power, she briefly glanced at her then back at Shaurya. Mehek looked at the door, wondering if she ran what would happen.
"I won't say I did not expect it, but this fast? She said, Mehek took barely a side step when, she felt him stand up, his arm anchored her by her waist to his side. Mehek looked up at him. While his jaw locked in place. He was angry. That anger from 2 minutes earlier graced his eyes again. His fingers dug into her side.
"Well Nanz, I was planning on telling you on your birthday about us... He said, his tone was polite. But Mehek could feel his anger radiating off him. "But you surprised me, why are even giving Vicky a chance, he never worked hard a day in his life. I have given this company my everything. We both know how bad business was before I took over...
"As I told you on your last birthday Shaurya whoever marries first, will get the company She said, looking away, her lips turned upwards almost as if she were enjoying making him livid.
"This one looks different from the usual lot you bring in Shaurya, she is actually wearing clothing that covers her She said, fully looking at Mehek. Mehek half wanted hide behind him.
"What is your name my love? She asked her.
"M-Mehek this... Mehek tried to explain to her, his hand tightened around her.
"Mehek is a little overwhelmed, Nanz, she was not expecting to meet family so soon He said, leaning in to her.
"Oh, don't be afraid Mehek, I never see whatever it was you were doing on my grandsons lap She said to her, Mehek's cheeks turned red.
"If you two wish to continue I can leave
"I fell it wasn't like that Mehek said embarrassed.
The older woman laughed at her mortification.
"There is nothing to be ashamed of being in love you know She told her.
"Mehek, is not like other girls Nans, she is different He said, guiding her forward.
"Why don't you go, I will see you later He said to her, he let her go. Mehek wobbled slightly.
Mehek slowly walked past the older woman, who watched her with smiling eyes. And left without saying another word.
What on earth?
<><><>
Nehal stood outside, looking mildly annoyed.
"What did you go back in for?
"Nothing Mehek said shaking her head.
"What a waste of time I should have just listened to Ajay and not come here at all Nehal said whining. Ajay was her creepy boyfriend that Mehek preferred to avoid. Nehal saw the sun and moon and all the stars in Ajay but Mehek could not understand the attraction.
Mehek treaded carefully next to Nehal, unable to stop herself from turning around and staring at the tall building she had just exited. It was magnificent in its opulence. It was like him, and his kind. They had their own worlds and people like her had their own.
She was unworthy of someone like him, she shook her head as she remembered Shaurya Khanna's arm around her and absentmindedly touched her side which his hand had brushed. Despite being clothed her skin tingled.
Mehek only half listened to Nehal as they went home.
The more she thought about it the weirder she found it. She had been presented as his fianc by him. Someone he had met 10 minutes ago...at the time. Who did something like that. Kanta chachi had been right, rich people were weird. They were nothing like the stories she had read as a child. Where she had once dreamed of being a princess.
<><><><>
A week past.
Mehek was at work in the dabba, the lunch crowed were always when they were busiest because of the nearby collage. Students would come by in large groups and linger on for hours at a time.
Mehek wore one of her older grey suits to work, it was on its last lapse, as the material was quiet worn out by frequent washing.
Her long black hair was in a bun at the top of her head, as she worked diligently. Ratan Chacha was outside boasting about how well she cooked. A small smile graced her lips as she heard him. That was his way of welcoming new customers.
"Mehek didi there is someone here to meet you Chotu, the bus boy told her, Perhaps it was someone from her family, She put the gas off and she went outside and was taken aback by the sight that graced her. Shaurya Khanna, stood there in the middle of all the tables, looking like a sore thumb amongst everyone else.
Ratan chacha was looking at him in awe, he was wearing a perfectly tailored black suit with deep maroon trimmings, he had his handkerchief over his mouth and nose, and his forehead had wrinkled up with lines. Yet still he was undoubtedly handsome, all of the female students were looking at him adoringly. He was the type of presence that commanded attention from all lesser mortals.
"God this is worse than I thought He said looking around, his eyes settled over her and narrowed over her unkept appearance, a thin layer of sweat covered her forehead.
Mehek was unsure of what to say so she remained silent.
"Is there somewhere we can talk? He looked at Ratan chacha and then back at her "Alone He emphasized.
"Ofcourse Ratan Chacha answered he looked at Mehek excitedly. Mehek cringed as he led them to a table in the corner, with only two seats. Ratan chacha wiped the chair with a cloth and pulled the chair out for Shaurya, who sat down elegantly.
Mehek stood there awkwardly starring at him.
"Sit He ordered, He leaned away from the table almost as if he touched it he would be burned. He was unused to such environments.
Mehek sat down cautiously.
"I will have to burn this suit when I go home Mehek heard him say under his breath.
"Why are you here? She asked him when he remained quiet and his eyes skittered over everything in the dabba rather than speaking. His eyes fell back onto her, they were dark fathomless.
Ratan chacha clumsily came over with a jug of water and two stainless steel cups. He placed it on the table, spilling a little onto it. He pulled out his old cleaning rag and mopped the water of the table.
"What would you like to eat sir? He asked Shaurya, who was staring at Ratan chacha's cleaning rag as if it offended him.
"No thank you He said in voiced that sounded controlled.
"Sir how can you come here to see our Mehek and not eat anything. Everyone who comes to my dabba never leaves without eating. Mehek is like my own daughter you have to have something... He said, excitedly, "You just wait here I will bring some food for you, you are not allowed to leave without eating
"How much do you earn here a day? Shaurya asked her once Ratan chacha left.
"Wha-t
"It cannot be much He pressed. "That job as my PA you would have probably been paid 100 times more than whatever it is you were getting here
He was offering her a job? Again?
Why? Rich people never gave jobs to people like her. Uneducated, middle class and well her.
"You want me to work for you?
"No He said, Ratan chacha came with a silver plate, of food.
"Enjoy He said, slapping Shaurya's back. He moved forward to try and avoid the contact.
Shaurya looked appalled at the food.
"Do you marinate your food in just oil? He asked, Mehek blinked.
"What?
"Nothing He said shaking his head, and pushing the plate away from him with the tip of his finger.
"I don't understand why you are here? Mehek said to him politely. "You don't seem to want to be here for the food, or to give me a job...
"I want to marry you Mehek Sharma Mehek would have choked if she had been drinking something.
"You are joking right Mehek said, looking around for any signs.
"Afraid not, there comes a time in a man's life when he needs a wife. He said it in an almost bored voice. "But I have still not found that exact moment. Nor did I ever delude myself to think something like that would happen. I have worked hard to own all of the things I have. I have put my blood, sweat and tears into the family business and I will not sit back and watch my grandmother give it to that imbecile Vicky. That piece of shit doesn't deserve a cent from me. This moment is different, this is not a romantic proposal Mehek Sharma, I don't love you and I will never pretend to love you because I am not someone capable of emoting that emotion, in reality and even if I pretended at some point you would realise that I was lying and I don't want you to waste your time or any romantic notions on me, I am in a position to give you a lot of money, money a poor middle class family like your own needs, all you would have to do is marry me
Mehek stared at him with wide eyes. And he just continued speaking.
"I will give enough money that you will never have to work at a place like this
It was evident he thought he was bestowing upon her one of the greatest gifts possible. To him that it is.
"As nice as it sounds I don't think so Mehek said, he did not seem to hear her.
"Great so on... Then he paused. And stared at her with wide eyes. "What?
"I am happy here, money would be nice but my life is good I don't need anything more
"Anything more? He looked flabbergasted. It was almost as if this was the first time in his life he was hearing the word no. Well no as politely as she could put it.
"Yes, I am comfortable here, I would not fit into your life, maybe you should look for someone more... Mehek wondered what word would best describe a girl for him. Someone rich? Someone with perfect manners? Someone elegant like a model...Someone that was not her...
"Take a few days, think about it He said, standing up he dusted his jacket. And then surveyed the area again with distaste.
"Call me, its my personal number, I always answer He held out a white card. Mehek stared at it. "People like you always need money... Mehek opened her mouth to protest but he held up a hand.
"I am not insulting you, Its nature, survival of the fittest He said slowly walking away.
"Think about the proposal Mehek, being my bride will benefit you more than cooking everyday in places like this...
Mehek looked at his card running her finger over the silver font of his name, that was slightly indented. She crumpled the card and threw it away.
"Mehek, that boy wants to marry you? Ratan chacha said from behind her.
"No... She was unsure how to justify what had just happened.
"Do you know how happy all of your garvalle will be He said excitedly.
"Ratan chacha, I don't want to marry him Mehek said, shaking her head. Trying to brush the topic off. And hoping that for once he would not go tell her family.
<><><>
Thankfully he had said nothing. And Mehek continued with her life. She often saw articles in the paper about Vicky's wedding. And how grand it was going to be.
><><><>
2 days later.
Mehek's skin felt clammy as she waited for Nehal in the middle of the airfield mall, little children played happily near the fountain opposite her. Nehal had asked her to come pick her up, it was not unusual for Nehal to call her out like this. But she never usually asked her to come to a mall as Nehal never wanted her friends to see how old fashioned Mehek was. She never wore clothing like them or make up. She was an outcast despite being the same age as them.
She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around slowly.
And felt a hand touch her waist, she immediately pushed it away and took a step back.
"You are always so jumpy around me Ajay muttered reaching out and grabbing her wrist. Mehek tried to break away from his hold.
"Let me go She said, he let her go and she fell backwards onto the floor and his dark eyes leered over her as he hovered over her.
"No Mehek protested, as he tried to help her up. Where was Nehal?
Ajay made her skin crawl. And his behaviour just seemed to get worse and worse lately.
"Where is Nehal? She asked him.
"She is at home
"You called me here Mehek realised, she turned towards the exit and felt his hand on her elbow.
"Wait Mehek, I called you here to spend time with you
Mehek pulled away from him. And rushed towards the glass rotating doors of the mall, she quickly went outside. She could feel him behind her.
She ran down the grand steps, straight onto the road. She heard a loud screeching, and her heart almost escaped her chest as her eyes felt heavy and her world went black.
>???>>>
Mehek woke up hearing the sound of a monitor next to her. Her arms felt heavy, the room was so clean and smelled like medicine. She was at a hospital it dawned to her after a few minutes.
What happened? Ajay...
Ajay had tricked her into going to that mall...
Her hospital room door swung open. And that woman...Shaurya's grandmother walked in.
"You are awake She said, smiling. Mehek felt her touch her hand.
"Don't be scared now my little dove She said soothingly, "I am so sorry earlier you had fainted in front of my car, you hit your head, so I brought you here, and the doctor has said you are perfectly ok as soon as your drip finishes you will be good to go. I guess it is destiny I have found you, when Shaurya mentioned that you two had, had a fight. I knew it was probably his fault. He has always been to hard to people, one mistake and they are never forgiven...blabla...but I have a request little dove, forgive my stubborn mule of a grandson, I assure you deep down... She paused for a second and grimaced before continuing, "He has some goodness inside She finished shuddering.
"Everyone has goodness inside them Mehek reassured her. Trying not to commit to her promise, Shaurya would find someone one day and she would be perfect...
For him, his family and the world.
Someone that was not her...
To be continue...
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