Chapter 8 Beguile
Mehek felt like being hit by a bag of bricks. The emotional and physical blow she suffered from Ahlawats took a toll on her and her head started to spin. "Mehek!!", Shaurya shouted and rushed to her side. "Leave us alone", Jugraj shouted at his men. Shaurya helped to bed her while Jugraj came beside concerned. When Mehek realised she was in Shaurya's arms, her anger knew no bounds and she was about to lift her hand to hit him. But unfortunately her hands were securely locked in his tight embrace. Sensing her struggle, he whispered into her ears, "Just go with it, if you want to live". The danger adorning his eyes, cautioned her and she remained numb. "Is she okay? ", Jugraj asked earnestly. Though earlier he was out to kill Mehek, Shaurya could clearly find glimpses of a caring human who was genuinely concerned about his grandchild. "I think so, Daddyji. Could you please give us a minute?", he requested. "I will wait outside", he left them alone.
"Leave me",she pushed him away and tried to slap him but he held her hand. "Mehek, listen to me", he tried to reason. "No, I won't. You betrayed me. I will never ever trust you again", she fell on floor and sobbed, with her wrists still locked in his hands. "You are worst of all. I thought my father was bad but atleast he never faked love. You pretended to be in love and snatched away my virtue. You took advantage of me, you f**king ba***rd", she raised her voice. "Lower you voice", he commanded, "Daddyji is near. He could hear us". "Let him hear. I don't care", she was on verge breaking down but still fought bravely. "Think rationally, Mehek. I had to lie about your pregnancy. It was only way to save you", he told the truth. "Why did you save me? You already had your fun with my body. Why bother if your father and his men tore me apart?", she was frantic. "ENOUGH", he roared and pulled down her pony tail, making her whimper in pain. He brought his face close to her and spoke firmly, "You belong to ME. Your body, heart and soul is MINE, only MINE". "I HATE YOU", she spit out venomously. "I don't f**king care. Now be a clever girl and play the part. It will be lot easier if you just keep your mouth shut and let me take care of it", he ordered and released his hold. Mehek fell on her knees and sobbed. "Have you ever loved me? Even for a second?", she asked him painfully. For a moment she became a helpless kid who lost her favourite toy. Shaurya was torn by her broken state and was about to justify himself. But she was quick to regain her footing. "Not that I care a bit", she breathed deeply, "yet it will let me hate you more. And I must admit that you are a wonderful actor. Hats off to your talent", she gave a mock salute to him. He turned away to control his anger & agony. "I will wait for you outside. Don't be late", he warned and egressed.
"In which week is she now?", Jugraj shot at him as soon as Shaurya came to him. Shaurya was well prepared for his father. He knew his father too well to understand he will have his own reservations. "Sixth week", he answered. It's been six weeks since they got married on that fateful night. "When did you know?", he asked again. "A couple of weeks back when she told me. As we planned, I was able to get into her good books. When I gained her trust, she told me", he lied again. "when were you planning to tell me?", it was rebuke rather than a question. "I was about to come home with her and tell you in person", he responded. Both father-son sighed, one in relief and other in frustration. Jurgraj was restless and asked again, "Are you sure...sure that it's yours?". "Daddyji, please", Shaurya shouted. Though it was all a cooked up story, he couldn't bear the thought of anyone tainting his wife's character. "Sorry", Jugraj apologized. Jugraj always wanted to drag Mehek back and punish her before his people. When he knew she ran away from her home , he would have ordered his men to capture Mehek if not for his son. At that time Shaurya had pointed out to his father that bringing Mehek from city will not be easy. Hence when Shaurya volunteered to bring her back tactfully, he reluctantly agreed. But now things have changed. If Mehek is with Shaurya's child, then her safety and well-being became Jugraj's top priority. Yet he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something is not right. He had full faith in his son but was suspicious about Mehek. He doubted whether she lied to trap his son. He understood that Shaurya may not pay heed to his hesitation so decided to deal with it wisely. "Bring her home", he told Shaurya. His son gave an uncertain expression to him. "She needs proper care. It will be better if she stay at our home. Your Dadi and Mother will take good care of her", he reasoned. "It would have been possible if you have not barged in and spoiled everything. She doesn't trust me now and will never agree to return back. I cannot force her and jeopardize her health", Shaurya dodged cleverly. Mehek made her entrance while they were arguing. They stopped and looked at her awkwardly. "Come, Beta", Jugraj addressed her lovingly, much to her shock and despise. She slowly walked to him with her head bowed. "I know situation were not ideal for us but arrival of my grandchild changes everything. You are part of Ahlawat family now. After all, you carry the Heir of our family. No need to be afraid, my child", he tried to coax her. Much to Shaurya's relief, she just nodded her head. Jugraj wanted to make his move tactfully. "You need support in this condition, Beta. Shall I make arrangements to send your mother here?", he asked Mehek. "No. No. No need", she blurted out in fear. She didn't want her mother to be involved in this treachery. "Don't worry, Daddyji. I am here. I will take care of her", Shaurya quickly side hugged her. "I know the way you take care of her, Shaurya. Your principal had called me to enquire about your...", Jugraj left it incomplete and cleared his throat, " I am aware of the video clip". Mehek and Shaurya became beet red while Jugraj continued in serious note, "I know you are young and newly married but she is carrying your child so be careful. Your child should be your top priority now", he patted his son's shoulder. As if on cue, Shaurya bend to take his blessing and pulled Mehek with him. "God bless you", Jugraj blessed them. Jugraj spend some more time with them and bid farewell in a happy note. Shaurya breath sigh of relief when it all ended amicably. He was concerned whether Mehek will ruin everything but she stood beside him eventhough as a mute partner. As soon as Jugraj reached few kms away, he commanded some of his men, "Stay here and keep an eye on them discreetly". Jugraj was still not fully convinced and wanted to keep them under surveillance.
"I am leaving", Mehek had packed her bags. "Mehek, listen. We have to stay together to put up the show. I know my father well enough to understand that we are still under his watch", he explained to her. "I would rather die than spending another minute with you in this hell hole", she was adamant and walked away. "Fine. If getting killed with serve your purpose to provide a better life for your mother then please go ahead", his words hit her hard. Shaurya was well aware of her love for her mother and pure intention to save her. Though he despised, he had to cash on her emotions to make her stay back. She threw her bag in dismay and sat on nearby sofa. She pulled her knees to chest and wept. He wanted to comfort her, but knew she was not ready for him. He haplessly watched her sorrow. After few minutes, she calmed herself and stood up, "I am leaving for practice". "Mehek", he paused before dropping the bomb, "you need to refrain from boxing practice for few weeks to keep up the pretense". "Enough", she screamed and grabbed his collar, "I know your intentions. You had your fun with my body, now you want to ruin my future too. But I am not that gullible, Mr. Shaurya Singh Ahlawat". "Unfortunately, you have to comply to my tactics, Mrs Mehek Shaurya Singh Ahlawat", he pulled her forcefully and locked her in the bedroom. Mehek cursed and wailed but he didn't budge. He was determined to keep her away from prying eyes of his father's spies.
Mehek was tired. It was night and she was still locked up inside. She pondered on the mess her life had turned out in past 24 hrs. She felt betrayed and exploited. Her recklessness and stupidity costed not only her but her loved ones future too. She wept silently when the door opened abruptly. She glared at Shaurya when he walked in with a tray of food. "Leave", she screamed. "I will, after you sign these papers", he extended it to her. Mehek was wide eyed, contemplating what he wanted to snatch away from her now.
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