||Aadha Ishq|| MehRya SS- last chapter Pg63 30/Sep/18 - Page 10

Chapter 1 - The Wedding

Mehek briskly walked into haveli of Ahlawat family. Hostile eyes were cast on her the moment she stepped in. "Aye Chori, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at your home, helping your sister & mother? ", Shaurya's father questioned her angrily. Mehek stood frozen, lost of words before the powerful man. "Papa, she is my guest", Shaurya's voice came to aid her. He came beside her and smiled warmly, "She is my friend first and then only my bride's sister. I have invited her from my side and she proved her friendship by coming here. And please keep orthodox principles to yourself. We belong to new generation who prefers friendship above all". Mehek couldn't help but admire Shaurya. He had modern outlook yet respected his roots. He is a promising leader for tomorrow who could bring a positive change to their society . Shaurya was always amicable to all, despite their family backgrounds. They all studied in same college and were friends. Mehek's family though not very prominent, gave strong support for rivals of Ahlawats and so was considered as enemy. Mekek's father -Vikram Maan may not be a rich person but he had control over a large number of people in his side. An alliance between Mehek's sister, Swati and Shaurya was proposed by Mr.Ahawat himself to gain more control over people on other side. Her greedy father didn't think twice before pushing her Di as a mere pawn into his power game. Vikram Maan was ambitious and had zilch loyalty, neither to his master nor to his family. "Come, Mehek", her reverie was broken by Shaurya. His father was not very happy but gave in to his son. Shaurya was apple of his eye and his weak spot. He didn't approve that Mehek came to attend their functions rather than staying at her home with her family. He wished Shaurya would demand more respect from her future sister-in-law. "When are you leaving to city? I think college is going to start soon", he asked. "Next week", she replied. Mehek had got into an elite college in city on sports quota. She is an ace boxer and both Shaurya & Mehek were in neck to neck competition for the same scholarship. Finally Mehek was chosen and Shaurya was truly happy for her. "I am sorry for my father's attitude", he apologized but Mehek brushed it aside."Shaurya, I need to talk to you", Mehek didn't beat around the bush. "Mehek, if it is about Rohit and Swati then I am not interested to hear", he was firm. "But Shaurya how can you go ahead when you know my sister is in love with someone else?", she was astonished. He gave a weak smile, "At times you have to compromise, especially for your family. I didn't know about her & Rohit earlier. If I knew I would have stepped back from this proposal. Now it is too late. My family's respect will be tarnished. I cannot do anything now. I am sorry, Mehek". Mehek sighed. "It's your life, Buddy. Will you still prefer prestige over it?", she was unable to understand him. "I will always choose family over anything. My loved ones are my top priority, everything else is secondary". She felt sad for Rohit and her Di but above all she felt bad for Shaurya. They had confided in Mehek only after Swati's engagement ceremony. Mehek was quick to inform Shaurya but it was too late. Their marriage was fixed and it was known to society. "Will you be staying for dinner? Ma will be happy to see you", he asked her. "No, I cannot. It will be late and my mother may get worried", she replied. "All the best, Shaurya", she extended her hand and wished him weakly. He smiled and slapped her hand away only to gather her in a friendly embrace, "Thanks Buddy".

Rohit waited impatiently for Mehek. When she came out of haveli and met him in the nearby part, he shot questions at her, "Did you talk to him? What did he say? Will he stop the marriage?". Mehek just shook her head in response. Rohit covered his face in his palms and sobbed. "Rohit, control yourself", she tried to pacify him. "I cannot. In this power war between families, Swati will be sacrificed", he told her. "May be it is for the best. Let's hope Di finds happiness in this marriage", Mehek told. Mehek was extremely practical and no nonsense type. She wondered why elders were hell bend to spoil life of their offsprings by forcing them to marry at an early age. They all were too young to settle down. It was their time to study and work on their career. She was sure that Shaurya was a better option for her sister than Rohit. Shaurya was educated, good looking and rich. Whereas Mohit was a college dropout who was pushed to handle his father's business. Few months back, Rohit would have been a fine match for her sister. But honestly she couldn't blame her father for choosing Shaurya over him, even though Vikram Maan had his devious intentions. "It won't Mehek. She had told me clearly that she will kill herself if she is forced to wed him", he wailed. Mehek rolled her eyes and sighed. She was irritated to be caught between the star crossed lovers. "I won't wait till then. I will end my life before she does", Rohit was determined. Mehek realized that he was adamant. "RELAX", she was angry at him and had a tough time to control her urge to punch Rohit.

Mehek sped her scooty to their family temple. She managed to sneak out with Swati without much difficulty. Their family & guests didn't suspect her a bit when she managed to steal the bride under their nose. Mehek knew it was wrong , she was betraying her upbringing, her mother and above all Shaurya's trust. Still she forced herself to consider the bigger picture. She convinced herself that a life with a women in love with another man would have been difficult for Shaurya too. She hoped that eventually Shaurya will understand and forgive her. Rohit and Swati got married in a quick ceremony with Mehek as sole witness. They planned to elope to city and stay there until things cool down. Mehek rushed them to railway station. But once they reached, Mehek acknowledged presence of goons and realised they were cornered by a couple of them. With her martial arts skill, she managed to fight them off, giving some time to Rohit and Swati to escape. But soon Mehek was outnumbered and along with Swati she was captured while Rohit managed to get on the train and escape.

Mehek felt like being hit by brick when Mr. Ahlawat's hand flew to her cheek. He grabbed her hair and pulled her to his face,"Sali Kameeni! Did you think you can escape betraying us? I am going to skin you alive". Mehek fought to free herself but didn't budge. He gave a fierce look to Swati who shivered like a leaf. When he raised his hand again to strike Mehek, they heard Shaurya's roar, "ENOUGH. They are my culprit. I am going deal with them my way". Mehek and Seati were shocked to see Shaurya fierce avatar. Shaurya's mother came to courtyard, "Shaurie, leave them. Swati is married and you cannot change this truth. Don't be swayed by your father. Punishing them will never bring you peace or justice to you". "Neither will leaving them", he told firmly to his mother and ordered guards to lock the sisters in cellar.

Mehek was on her knees with hands folded against her chest. She is a headstrong and strong willed lady but not without brains. Though she hated being helpless, she was wise enough to know that it will be vain now to show attitude to Shaurya Singh Ahlawat. She knew him for long to be well aware of his benevolent nature despite being egoistic. "Show mercy. Please forgive", she was hopeful but he shook his head in denial. "You crossed the line this time, Mehek", he said plainly. "A marriage is not solution here", she said strongly. "I agree. Hence I am not forcing you to marry", he said, "I am just asking you to choose". He held his pistol comfortably in his hand, "Either marry me or", he move weapon to bounded & gagged figure in the corner, "or let me kill her". Swati whimpered and moved her head in protest. Mehek looked sympathetically at her sister , "You cannot change the truth ", she tried to reason. "I know. I wish I could", he sighed, " You were a good friend. I trusted you but you chose to betray me. Now I am helpless. Honour of my family is at stake. I cannot leave you scot free. An example had to be set here", he tried to explain himself. "This is not a choice", Mehek's eyes burned with fury. "Ofcourse it is. May be not a fair one", he smirked, "You didn't play fair with me either". "I don't love you. It will be unjust for you too to be trapped in a loveless marriage", she told him compassionately. He pulled her by shoulder and peered into her eyes, "After what I have been through, do you think I f**king care?". She shook her head in dismay. "I need an answer, Mehek. I need it NOW", he roared pushing her back to floor. "I cannot marry you", she spoke vehemently. "Good. You made your decision", he aimed his pistol at Swati, "Good bye, Swati". "No!", Mehek screamed and grabbed his arm, "Don't kill her. I am ready to marry you". He lowered his pistol and sighed. "But I have a condition", Mehek told. "You are in no position to bargain, Mehek. Yet tell me", he said. "You will let her go. No harm shall befall on my Di", she asked bravely. He laughed softly, partly admiring her courage and partly mocking her stupidity. "Mehek, I assure you, once all rituals of our marriage are over you both will be send to your home respectfully", he informed. "Can I have your word?", Mehek was skeptical. "I give you my word. Unlike you, I never cheat", he turned to leave.

Shaurya and Mehek got married the same night. Pandit was summoned in haste and in presence of his family, relatives, few guests and Swati, they were united in matrimony. Mehek was in trance and wanted to get it over with so that she can escape with Swati. "Vivah Sampanh huva", Pandit proclaimed. The newlyweds took blessing from elders. His father glared at them while his mother stood tearful. Yet they blessed them for a happy married life. Shaurya ordered his men, "Ensure that my sister-in-law is escorted safely and respectfully to her home". Swati folded her hands and thanked him. When Mehek walked ahead to accompany her, Shaurya pulled her back, "Where do you think you are going?". "But you promised. You gave your word", Mehek was bewildered. "I remember it, Biwi. I promised that once all rituals of our marriage are over you can leave for home. One main ritual is still left to be fulfilled", he paused while she looked at him in confusion. "Humari Suhaag Raat. Our wedding night", he uttered wickedly giving her the ultimate blow.