Sorry I am late in most of my updates. Been busy. I am yet to catch up with ZKM episodes too.
Just bear it for another week; then all my updates will be regular and frequent.
CHAPTER 3 - College Days.
A month had passed since college started. Shaurya had already become heart-throb of college. He was popular among students and faculty. Unlike Mehek, he was good in studies and sports. Mehek's talent was limited to boxing ring bcoz she was just an average student. Considering her hot temper and hostile nature , she made very few friends. Day by day, she found it more and more difficult to cope with new environment. It was difficult for her to manage studies, boxing practice and part-time job. She missed her mother and Swati. She missed her friends. Despite hating Shaurya, she couldn't help to wish that he was amicable to her. But true to his words, he stayed away from her and ignored her completely.
Mehek was working on her project between the breaks she took from job. Hotel manager came and shouted at her to take orders from table. Mehek bit back her sorrow when he called her a slacker. "Be careful at table 9", another waitress advised her, "A bunch of spoiled brats have come. They are regulars so manager won't take any complaints about them. So be on your guard but smile nicely. If it's of any console, those jerks tip nicely at the end of the ordeal". "Order for booth 12", chef announced. The girl was about to take it but Mehek volunteered to help. It looked like she was a kind girl who could take a break. "Thanks", she smiled at Mehek, "don't feel awkward if you find couple getting intimate. Booth 12 is infamous among love sick pups", she winked and Mehek giggled. Mehek straightened her skirt that barely reached her knees. She hated wearing it but had to comply as it was uniform. Booth 12 was in corner and Mehek chose to ignore the couple who was closer than appropriate. She softly placed dishes on table and looked up to find a girl licking up her new husband's neck. Mehek was astonished to find Shuarya in a compromising state with a random chick. He was not that kind of guy, or atleast she had thought so. Shaurya too realised it was Mehek who served at their table. When she tried to flee, he called out, "Excuse me, would you mind serving the dish to us?". Mehek had to stay and serve the dish to their plates. While she was at it, he roughly pulled the chick and started to make out with her. Mehek's insides churned while she quickly escaped and went to face morons at table 9. "Sir, can I take your order?", she asked politely. "It about time. Have you just arrived from some far away land? ", a guy rebuked her. "It's worth the wait, Bro. Look at her hot a** and those fine legs", another told wickedly. Mehek was furious but she smiled widely to hide it and asked again about their order. "How about having you? We will pay you well for every hour", they had no intention to leave her. "No thank you, Sir", she still maintained her smile, "Can I take you order?". "Your loss", he finally had to give up and told their order. Mehek was relieved and was happy that she could handle situation properly. She made a mental note to thank her new friend in kitchen for her advice. She repeated their order and turned to leave when one of them slapped her a** cheek. "Sorry about that. My hand has mind of its own", he gave a fake apology and hi-fied with his friends. Mehek fumed and involuntarily shot a look at Shaurya who was watching everything silently. He saw everything but chose not to act and got busy with the girl. She felt sad by his attitude. Mehek briskly walked to the kitchen and took deep breaths. She could have beaten them black & blue but her job was at stake. For the time being, it was the most convenient job for her with reasonable pay. Until she finds another suitable job, she has to endure it all. Those guys were really drunk by the time she served food and didn't trouble her further. While they paid the bill, one of them kept few currencies on her palm, "A little extra for that pretty a** of yours". It was a hefty tip and had enough money to provide her for a week. She hated that she had to accept it as compensation for their misbehavior yet she placed it in her apron pocket. The guy asked again in soft voice, "My offer still holds good. A good time for just both of us. You will be paid well too". "No thank you, Sir", she said with a plastered smile, "I wish you a good night". He shrugged his shoulders, "Night would have been better. See you next time, Babe"
Shaurya have had a tough time in city. He never preferred city life but it was his way of escape. He feared that he would have lost himself in hatred and retribution, if had stayed back with his father. He knew he had to encounter Mehek at college. He tried his best to ignore her but she kept on popping up in his sight and mind, now & then. He channeled all his energy to studies and boxing. He wanted to forget her but was not successful. So when one of his friends suggested him for a blind date , he agreed reluctantly. The girl was attractive but he was not interested in her. She had chosen the restaurant and lonely booth at corner to get cozy. Though he wasn't interested, she managed to arouse him skillfully. Unfortunately, flashes of Mehek and their wedding night came to his mind. Their first kiss, which he had forced upon her. He felt guilty but wished to taste her again. While he sat there fighting his inner turmoil, Mehek walked in to serve food. He was taken aback as she found him with another women. Soon guilt gave way to fury and he kissed the girl passionately to hurt Mehek. He made her stay back, forcing her to watch them getting intimate. But he didn't enjoy it a bit as she was not Mehek. The girl tried her luck on him again yet his focus was on Mehek. His blood boiled when those men misbehaved with her but was shocked at Mehek's easy nature. The Mehek he knew would have fought back and saved her dignity. Is she trying to make me jealous? , he fumed. He pitied her when he saw her accepting money and flashing her teeth at those offenders.
Mehek was happy to be back in her jeans and sweatshirt. She was determined to find another job or else she was sure to break someone's neck soon. As she passed dark corner of parking lot, she heard him, "So much for your self-respect and virtue". She turned to see Shaurya emerging between vehicles. "The fiesty girl I once knew would have broken that guy's nose", he told her. "People change", she smirked, "look at you, the respectable gentle boy of Ahlawat family is out for a one night hook-up". Shaurya stood there and glared at her. She spoke again, "Besides, those guys were harmless. They are regulars and tip nicely". "So now you are fine if they misbehave and pay you well ", he was furious. "Ofcourse not", she replied. "You gave away similar vibes to them, Mehek. Don't be surprised if next time they make a bolder move on you ", he advised . "I will handle it", she spoke vehemently. "For sure. Just the way you handle everything. You are only good at messing things up", he accused her. Mehek wanted to reply but bit her tongue. She didn't want to argue with him further. "I will drop you home", he offered after a short silence. "No need. I will manage", she was adamant. "Suit yourself", he drove away in his bike, without a care.
Mehek walked on the empty roads. She chose not to hire a rick or taxi to save money. Besides she needed time to cool off. She was taken aback when a jeep slow down beside her with few drunken men. "Hey Babe. Need a ride? " they offered. She shook her head and walked away but they kept on following her. She was a strong girl but knew it is better to avoid them than fight. But they kept on pestering her with lecherous comments. At that juncture few meters away, she saw Shaurya speeding his bike towards her. He saw them and barked at her, "Mehek, Come with me". She ran to him and hopped on his bike. He glared at those scoundrels and accelerated his bike. Mehek had to cling on to him for the fear of falling off the bike. "Thanks", she said softly when he dropped her near hostel. "I would have done the same for any girl", he said firmly. She was infuriated, "Ofcourse, you would have. You will misbehave to women unless they are utterly under your mercy, helplessly captured in your den. Extremely macho". He pulled her by her arm and crushed her to his chest. He locked her hands behind while she struggled to free herself. "Big mistake, Mehek. You always cross your boundaries. You need to be reprimanded", he said menacingly. Mehek looked at him with wide eyes as he switched between his chivalrous and violent personalities. He crashed his lips on to her and kissed her rough & hard. Mehek was shocked. She couldn't believe how she again fell victim for his dominance. He had stolen her first kiss, now snatched the second one too. Shaurya oblivious to her her turmoil, tried to enjoy her taste. He couldn't deny that he craved for her. She fitted perfectly to him but something was missing to complete his joy. Her resistance was disturbing him. He longed for her submission but she was not a weak soul and fought back like a tigress. She bit hard on his lower lip and forced to break their kiss. He hissed and sucked his bleeding lip. "Bloody Pervert", she yelled and ran away.
Mehek locked the door and slumped down. She hated to be weak but tears spilled out. She was happy to be in safety of her hostel room. She was extremely shaken by Shaurya's behaviour. Reminiscences of their wedding night flashed before her eyes. "Why did I trust him again? He is a beast", she wailed. She quickly wiped herself and vowed never to break again. She reminded herself to be strong and focus on her goal. She had to study and succeed being independent. Else she will fall prey to men like Shaurya and her father. 'I need to be strong. I am strong', she chanted in her mind.
'I am strong. I don't have any weakness. She means nothing to me' he told himself again and again. He stood beneath cold shower to drenching himself. He hated the control she possessed over his senses. He was angry on himself to lose his cool around her. He was unable to calm himself and did something which always gave him solace. He dressed up. marched to the kitchen and started to cook his favorite dessert, Kheer
Shiv Shakti
