Chapter 3
Mehek was alarmed, she never felt so helpless and unsafe. She knew if she disagree, this monster will let her starve to death. "I didn't get your response", Shaurya asked again mischievously . Tears welled in her eyes but she knew however vile it may be, she had to agree to survive. She felt weak when tears made way through her cheeks. He bend down to her and stroke it away, "It's not what you think, Baby. But I know you would have complied if I demanded for it". Mehek broke down and shouted, "What do you want from me?". "I want you to suffer but for the time being just massage your master's feet", he ordered, stretching himself on armchair. Mehek dragged herself to him. She sat at his feet and removed his dirty boots. She slowly took his feet in her hands and pressed it mildly. "Lesson 2, Ms Mehek. Desperation drives you unthinkable deeds". He leaned back in the chair, enjoying her soft hands on him. But soon he kicked her away angrily, "Don't you even know how to press feet?". Mehek fell on ground and sobbed, "I never did it before so I don't know". He grabbed her chin and brought her face close to him, "Feeling helpless, huh? And humiliated too. This is nothing compared to what I felt when I couldn't bring justice to my sister or the shame I felt when you branded me as her pimp". He pulled her back to his feet and roared, "Do it properly, else no food for you". Mehek kept his foot on her lap and massaged while shedding tears. After a while he dismissed her and threw a packet of food at her. She hardly noticed what was in it yet devoured it's content . It was most delicious meal she ever had. Shaurya couldn't help but gaze at her adorably when she nibbled her fingers. He quickly averted his gaze and ordered her to go back to her room in basement.
Mehek was too tired and slept till evening. When she came up, Shaurya was relaxing in his armchair. She sat at his feet, "Master, may I speak?". Shaurya raised his eyebrow as he knew she was on to something. "Please let me go back. I won't tell anyone and if you want, I will ensure your compensation", she appealed with puppy eyes. He smiled and touched her chin, "Sweet heart, I am already reaping my benefits. Your suffering is more than enough for me". She was furious, "It will not end up good for you, Shaurya". "Don't you dare call me by name. I am your master", he roared and pushed her down. When he walked passed her, she asked weakly, "How long are you planning to keep me here?". He sighed, "Until I break your spirit or I get tired of you, whichever comes first". Mehek remained on floor when he threw some grocery bags before her. "tomorrow onwards, along with cleaning start cooking".
Next day when Shauray was away, Mehek found a window near kitchen with a weak grill. She used the utensils provided for cooking to break the grill. With extreme difficulty she squeezed out of the tiny window and escaped. She ran with all her might to get out of the place but found herself lost amidst thick plantation. She realised she was imprisoned in a cottage in heart of a coffee plantation. She dashed through it until she was too tired to take another step. She panted and looked around. She shouted for help and was delighted to find a lone man. She rushed to his side and requested for help. The man was flabbergasted to find Mehek and was unable to make sense of anything she said. He gestured her to calm down, "Master, will help". Mehek looked at the direction he pointed and was astonished to find Shaurya charging at her. She hid behind the man and pointed at Shaurya, "Save me, save me". "Master, can you help her? She seems to be in trouble", the poor man addressed Shaurya in local dialect. Shaurya's eyes burned with wrath but he masked it quickly, "It's okay, Shankar. She is with me. She may have got scared when I left alone in the cottage", he lied to Shankar. "Are you having guests here? Why didn't you tell me, Master? I would send my girl to help you", he was taken back. "No . No. No need. Errr... you know Shankar, she is...she is...", he fumbled. "Oh...your girlfriend", Shankar suggested with a sly smile. "Yes, she is ", Shauray pulled Mehek closer, "You know, we wanted to spend some lone time so didn't want any disturbance", Shaurya filled in. Mehek tried to wiggle from his grip and talk but Shaurya quickly grabbed face by chin. "I missed you so much, Baby. You shouldn't have ventured out alone. It is so easy to get lost in this area. You are lucky coz you have been running in circles and still near the cottage.", he coyed. Mehek realised her stupidity and tried to raise her voice. He swiftly slammed his lips on her, silencing her desperate attempt. Shankar got embarrassed and turned away. He chuckled, "Don't worry, master. I will ensure that none disturbs you and Ma'am". Much to Mehek's chagrin, he walked away without throwing another glance at them. Before she could yell again, Shaurya closed her mouth with his palm and dragged her back to the cottage. She pushed her into basement and shouted, "Do you think you can escape? This is my kingdom and they are my people. Though poor, they are extremely loyal and respectful to me. They won't spare a moment to think, even if I ask them to murder you". "Then kill me", she wailed. "Not so quick, Mehek. This is just the beginning", he warned her and stormed away.
By late evening, Mehek peeped out of basement and found him sipping whiskey. "Shaurya", she gently called him. "I don't want to hear your rants", he showed his disinterest. "Please listen to me", she knelt beside him to touch his hand, "I request you to think rationally. Even though you don't believe my innocence, you cannot keep me here forever. It's better if you let me leave before this situation spirals. I promise I won't tell anyone". But he smirked and shook his head. "I know you are good human and not a criminal. You cannot hurt me beyond a point. You are not evil. You care...even for me",Mehek kept her palm over his chest and leaned to him,"Bcoz you are good at heart.". "And how did you arrive to such conclusion?", he was tipsy. "When you...I mean when we kissed", she blushed. "Really?", he mocked her. "Yes. If you are unsure, then may be we should try again", she offered. Shaurya was taken aback but was tempted, the alcohol he consumed had clouded his senses. When Mehek rose to meet his lips, he stayed still rather than pushing her away. Softly she sucked his lips, giving him ample time to respond. Soon he kissed her and it became blazing while he pulled her closer. He could feel the genuine want she projected as he felt her curves against his body. He closed his eyes being lost in her. Hence he failed to notice it when Mehek extended her hand to reach bottle beside them. In split second, she hit it on his head, grabbed the keys and ran towards the front door. She tried keys to open the door but it remained locked. "Do you think I am an idiot?", his voice beamed behind sending shivers down her spine. He appeared, holding his head from which blood oozed. "Those are just my car keys", he smirked. Mehek walked backwards when he approached. Blood dripped from his head but he seemed to be unmoved by the pain. "Let me show you the most evil side of a man", he grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder.
He carried her to basement and threw her on bed. "You tried to seduce me, didn't you? Let me return the favour", he removed his belt and pulled out his shirt. Mehek tried to get up and run away but she was pushed down to bed. He tied her wrists to bed using his belt and ripped open her shirt. Blood dripped from his head and smeared her bare skin. She constantly screamed for help and begged Shaurya to stop but it fell on deaf ears. When he pulled down her pants, Mehek was terrified anticipating the horror she will be subjected to. Yet she kept up her fight by writhing beneath himand kicking him in defense. He stilled her with his strong legs and came over him while she screamed till her voice failed. Mehek finally accepted defeat and closed her eyes for tears to flow freely, still whimpering her appeal to spare her. She held her breath when he came over her, just a hairline gap away. A drop of blood fell on her face and she shut her eyes tight in horror. But he went near her ear and said hoarsely, "I would rather f**k a cheap wh**e than touch your filthy body". He retrieved to grab a sheet and threw it on her. Mehek covered herself and withdrew to farther corner of bed. "This exquisite flesh of yours, on which you are extremely proud , doesn't entice me. My rejection is worst slap on your dignity. Tonight you have suffered height of your humiliation. My denial is your worst shame ", he spewed at her and walked away leaving her alone. Mehek curled herself and wept her heart out. She got petrified and sprang to her feet when she heard him approach again. She held on the sheet as if it was an armour. But he didn't come near. He simple tossed some cloths to bed and went away. Mehek switfly closed the door and sat near it , extremely afraid whether he will change his mind and choose to go ahead his unfinished business. But he never returned.
Mangal Lakshmi
