||Mile ho Tum Humko|| MehRya FF -LastChptr Pg148 17/Oct/18 - Page 80

CHAPTER 11

Mehek had withdrawn into a corner of shower enclosure. She had tried to wash away aftermath of last night. But soon she realised that even gallons of water cannot cleanse her blemish. She had sinned. She had lost her virtue to a man who was betrothed to another. At morning, when she woke beside Shaurya , she was blissfully glee. But soon she was shocked when she found themselves naked. She quickly pulled away from him and covered herself . She was horrified as she realised their condition and truth dawned to her. She ran to bathroom to hide. She was startled when she saw her reflection in mirror. Her lips were swollen, hair a mess and flesh bruised. Her body pained and was still sore. Her memory was vague still she understood they had crossed their boundaries. She curled herself into fetal position and wept her heart out.

"Mehek", she was terrified when she heard his voice. She grabbed nearby towel and tried to covered herself. She moved further to the corner as if she could escape him. "Mehek, it's me", Shaurya tried to pacify her but she refused. It broke him. He could bear her hatred & anger but her fear was something he could never withstand. "Mehek, please don't be scared of me. I will never hurt you", he plead her. Despite blaming him for taking advantage of her, she still wanted to feel safety of his arms. When he moved forward and hugged her, she fell against his chest and broke into tears.

Shaurya brought Mehek back to the room and made her sit on the bed. He covered her with dry sheets. He slowly explained everything to her. He told how Anjali & Nikki managed to spike their drinks and they consummated their relationship being intoxicated. She squeezed her eyes tight, spilling tears across her cheeks. She could slowly recollect last night. "Mehek, I am sorry. Trust me, I really am sorry", he spoke to her, "But we love eachother. Last night we made love. There is nothing wrong in it though the situation was not ideal". "You slept with me under your fiance's roof. I lost myself to you in a house that belongs to the woman you are engaged to be married. How could you still justify it?", she rebuked him. "Listen to me, Mehek and I hate to repeat myself", he raised his voice, "I am not going to marry Nikki or anyone else. I am married to you. You are my wife. Period". Mehek felt defeated. However hard he tried to convince her, she failed to comprehend it. She took a deep breath and trembled while he gave a frustrated groan, rubbing his temple. He was having a difficult time to manage his emotions. "Please take me away from here", she appealed. Shaurya agreed. It was early morning and they could escape without being caught by any. If he could drive home quickly, they will manage to sneak in to Khanna mansion without suspicion.

Mehek washed herself again, yet she couldn't feel calm. Her body and mind were bruised alike. They had managed to leave Nikki's farm house and arrive Khanna Mansion before anyone woke up. Mehek wore one of her khaftan nightwear and came out. She felt dizzy and Shaurya rushed to her side in time to give her support. "It's after effects of drug, Mehek. Don't worry, it will wear off soon", he consoled her. She smirked, wishing other effects of last night will also fade away. She felt terrible, infact she was miserable. "Have this and sleep", he gave her medicine. Mehek obediently did as he asked and laid down on bed. He covered her properly and sat beside until she fell asleep. He decided to work from home and went to freshened up. Guilt was eating him. He had his share of drugs, booze and s*x in his life. But Mehek was an innocent who got exposed to it all in a wild night. Although he had no regrets, he was well aware of her predicament. She needs time to heal her body & mind. He made few decisions and head out after locking his room from outside. He was greeted by Awara, "All okay, Sharuya Baba? I was going to call Saurabh". "I have given him leave for today. He is...kind of...not well", Shaurya managed to cover. Awara nodded, "Hangover ? I hope those girls didn't trouble Saurabh". Awara explained the ragging he had faced from Nikki and Anjali. Shaurya wished he knew it before else he wouldn't have taken Mehek to the party. He had to end everything with Nikki and announce Mehek as his wife. He didn't want any delay. "Shall I go and check on him?", Awara extended his help. "No need. He needs rest. And don't tell anything to Ma. I will tell her in person", Shaurya told. "She is not home. She and Dollyji have gone to ashram to attend a retreat. They will be back tomorrow. We didn't expect you to return so early. Mansion is almost empty so i gave weekly off to most staff today", Awara informed. Shaurya nodded . He wanted to confront his mother and explain everything. He didn't want to hide Mehek anymore. It was his responsibility to give the respect Mehek deserved. "Awara, the old albums are still in the library, aren't they?", he asked and Awara nodded.

Mehek woke late afternoon. Shaurya was sitting on a arm chair beside her and working on his laptop. When he realised she was awake, he briskly moved to her. He helped her to sit properly and adjust pillow to support her. She was feeling better and his care brought smile to her lips. Yet harsh realities crashed on to her soon and she became sad. "Have some food, Mehek". He kept a food tray on her lap. She ate without further compulsion since she was really hungry. Once she finished eating, he sat near her and side hugged her lovingly. "How are you feeling, Biwi?". She looked away and blinked back her tears, "I am not your wife". She felt something heavy on her lap and found it to be an old album. "Our childhood memories", Shaurya explained. He turned pages and showed their pictures. Few snaps from celebrations, play time, birthday parties and so on. Finally they reached a page full of their wedding pictures. Young Shaurya and herself dressed as groom & bride with their parents. She realised that it was not an illusion but truth. They were indeed married. Shaurya expected it to bring solace to Mehek still she turned away. "We were children, Shaurya. It was nothing more than a doll house party. It was joke for the elders too. Else your mother would have accepted me", she told painfully. "Fine. Deny it and hurt yourself", he left furiously with the album.

"We are leaving. Get ready as Saurabh", he came back in few minutes. She nodded and went ahead to change. Shaurya didn't give Awara chance to meet her. She too meekly followed Shaurya and got into his vehicle. She was lost in thoughts and woke up when the car screeched to halt. He had brought her back to his friend's house. She recalled their days in that house. The way he saved and protected her after she was banished from her home. Their equation were simple and she wished it hadn't end up in mess. "Wear it and come", he gave her a duffle bag and ordered. She opened to find red salwar suit in it. "Meet me in the garden", he left without giving explanation. In sometime, she came out to the garden clad in red. The thick greenery around the garden added beauty and gave privacy to the home. There was tiny temple in the corner of the garden and she found him there. He extended his hand for her and she took it. He grabbed her hand tightly, "We are already married. Yet I am doing this again, just to make you at ease". He led her and walked around the idol seven times, reciting vows to protect, love & cherish her. Mehek was in trance while walking behind him. He took out mangalsutra from his pocket and tied it around her neck. Finally he pinched vermilion and adorned it on her, marking her as his mate. "I know this is not an ideal marriage but trust me our love is stronger than any customs or traditions. I will soon give you all rights & respect you deserve as my wife. We belong to eachother ", he told her. She nodded tearfully, but they were tears of joy. "I love you, Mehek", he professed again. "I love you too, Shaurya", finally she got courage to confess her feelings for him. He was delighted by her words. He embraced and kissed her forehead to seal their wedding.

She sat nervously on bed when he came and lifted her veil. "Relax, Mehek. I know you need rest", he told her. Mehek was relieved yet she felt pang of disappointment too. Though she was not in her senses, she could still reminisce their union. It excited and scared her. He gestured her to lay beside him and he spooned to her when she complied. "I know you did it all to make me happy", she said timid. He chuckled, "Anything for you, Biwi. If it cheers you, I am ready to wed you again & again". They both laughed. " I am blessed to have you as my husband", she said shyly. Shaurya was surprised by her words, he turned her to have a good look at her. She smiled and looked timidly into his eyes. "I love you", she said and kissed him. His resolution of abstinence melted away, the moment she touched his lips. Once again they were drowned in passion and lost themselves in one another. Yet he was in control as he wanted her to pleasure her and heal her. He tasted her slowly, savouring each moment and enjoying every inch of her. He took her gently and drove her to fulfillment.

"Have this, Mehek", he gave her a tablet in the morning. He had surprised her with a yummy breakfast in bed. She felt shy but was delighted by his romantic gesture. Once he ensured she was fed enough, he gave her the medicine. "I don't need it, Shaurya. I am not in pain today. Last night you were...", her words trailed off with a shy smile. He smiled at her naivety, "It is an emergency contraceptive pill. We didn't use protection so it's better to be safe. I should have given it you after our first night. Better late than never". She gulped it with water. She was pleased by his care yet somehow a doubt popped in her mind, "Shaurya, don't you want us to have kids?". He pulled her cheeks, "Ofcourse, sweet heart. But not now. Let's enjoy our honeymoon period". She smiled and embraced him.

A fortnight passed. Mehek had happily settled in Khanna mansion. During day time, she was Saurabh. A servant boy whom all adored. She got closer to Karuna Ma and performed her duties to perfection. Even Dolly grew fond of her. At night, she was Mehek, her Shaurya's Mehek. She spend her nights with her husband, lost in passion & drowning in pleasure. Finally she felt she was home. Her happily ever after finally arrived. She was amidst her family and her joy knew no bound. She patiently waited for the day when Shaurya will put an end to the drama they played before his parents and reveal their relationship.

Alas! Her delicate dream came crashing down when Karuna and Dolly summoned her. "Saurabh, go to this address and collect the package", Karuna told, "Check everything and bring it carefully. They are for Roka ceremony". She nodded and asked cheerfully, "Whose Roka, Karuna Ma?". "What a stupid question?", Dolly humoured, "Shaurya and Nikita' s Roka. Didn't your friend tell you?". Mehek was shocked beyond belief.

PRECAP: "I don't have time for this", he was agitated and glanced his watch repeatedly. She grabbed his collar and shook him. "How could you do this to me?", she cried out loud. "Enough", he pushed her away, "Not another word, if you want to live", he warned her. "I am not going to keep quiet. I will let everyone know about your true colors", she tried to exit the room. He pushed her back and slapped her hard. Mehek fell down clutching her cheek, tears spilled from her eyes.