||Aadha Ishq|| MehRya SS- last chapter Pg63 30/Sep/18 - Page 43

Chapter 9 Confederate

"What's this?", Mehek questioned Shaurya. "Application form", he informed, "to participate in inter college boxing championship. It will be conducted in Goa. You have four weeks to prepare yourself. If you could make your mark there, you may even get nominated to national team". Mehek was astonished and took the papers from him. She scrutinized it well and acknowledged that he was telling the truth. "I have volunteered to be your coach. I will train you here, at our home. So we can keep it under wraps", he explained his plan. "What about your practice?", she was skeptical. "I am not enrolling. Boxing was never my passion but yours. I don't want to spoil your dreams and future", he said plainly while serving food for her. "What's the catch?", she spewed while pulling plate from his hand. "Nothing. Just small effort from my side to compensate the mess I made out of your life", he sounded earnest. "I will never trust you", she spit venomously. "I know", he sighed and walked out of the room. "Eat well and sleep early. We will train from early morning", he told her before closing the door behind him.

Weeks passed away. Although they were under radar for initial weeks, eventually his father's men retreated. Apparently his father got convinced. True to his words, Shaurya trained her well and she was all set for the big break. They kept appearances of happy couple in college but all their interaction were strictly professional. Shaurya stayed away from her and slept in hall, giving Mehek ample space and privacy. Although her anger slowly faded, she too prefered to keep him at bay.

Finally her big day came. Their class mates and faculty wished them success when it was time to leave for Goa. Mehek was excited and nervous at the same. Shauyra stood beside and gave her confidence. She almost forgot her animosity towards him and leaned to his shoulder to feel warmth of his comfort. The bus was about to start but they were startled by Jugraj's voice, "Shauray!!".

In a moment, Mehek realised that all her dreams will be shattered again. She was back to square one, at the mercy of patriarch named Jugraj. In fear, she hid behind Shaurya. "You betrayed me again, Son. That too for a mere chit like her", he accused Shaurya. "I am sorry, Daddyji. But I have realised that Mehek is innocent. Her intentions were pure when she helped Swati to elope. She had to flee her home, fearing her father. She need not be punished", he reasoned with his father. "Shaurya!!", he wanted to yell but composed himself, "You are bewitched by her. I can understand your obsession. I can even agree to let her have in your life. But she has to give up her dreams. She had to settle as a mere woman behind her successful husband", Jugraj proposed. "I don't want to", Mehek panicked. "We don't require your permission. If Shaurya agrees, we shall take you now itself to our home", he turned to Shaurya,"She will not have much choice but to remain by your side as your spouse. What do you say, my son?", Jugraj asked him. Mehek was exasperated. She despised that fact that her life has turned to a game according to whims and fancies of this father-son duo. "I don't need a slave, Daddyji. Mehek is my Wife and I love her. She will live her life as per her wishes and fulfill her dreams", Shauraya's words astonished Jugraj and Mehek. "Then you leave me no choice but to finish her off", he commanded his men to kill Mehek. Shaurya stood like a shield before her, ready to defend her with his life but he was outnumbered. Mehek had accepted her fate and was ready to die. "Stop it!!", a female voice shocked them all.

It was Reshmi Ahlawat, Shaurya's mother. A meek woman who never raised any objections her entire life yet today she had decided to stand up for her son. "Let them live their life", she plead before Jugraj. He was about to admonish Reshmi but she went on, "You were always unfair to Shaurya. You wanted him to live your dreams and dotted on him forgetting your other children. His siblings hated him and he was lonely from childhood. Shaurya had to bear it all and still he always give up his aspirations for you. Have mercy on him. Let him for once live his life". Jugraj was moved by her words still he was not ready to yield. "Jugraji, please. If you ever loved me, please listen to my pleas", she begged again. He was absolutely shaken by her appeal, he held her close to his arms, "For you my dear. Just for you". He faced Shaurya and declared, "You are dead to me. If not for the woman whom I love dearly, I would have killed you both". He marched away with his men while Shaurya stood broken. Mehek was lost of words to console him. Reshmi cupped his tear ridden face, "Don't worry my child. He will come around. Sooner or later, he will understand. I will make him understand". Shaurya quickly hid himself in comfort of his mother's embrace. She pecked his forehead, "I am proud of you and my upbringing. Go ahead and support your wife". She turned to Mehek, "Take good care of him, Mehek. May God be with you, always". Reshmi too left, following her husband.

Shaurya was quiet throughout the entire journey and Mehek couldn't dare to break the ice. She was deeply touched by the way he defended her and stood by her side. She was aware that he could have taken Jugraj's offer and kept her as his petty spouse but he chose not to. She realised that he truly loved her. In this new light, when she retrospected past events, she knew that his love always acted as her armour. Next day, they reached the venue and were assigned accommodation in nearby hotel. They were assigned same room since they were husband and wife. Once they reached their room, Mehek waited for him while he went to freshen up. "Shauraya...", she was cut in. "Mehek, please save it. I don't want to talk about anything now. Our entire focus should be on this championship and I need you to win it at any cost. Period". He took out the pillow and moved to nearby couch to sleep. Mehek was irked by this attitude but decided to comply.

The next few days was none less than an action packed movie. It was difficult but Mehek won each round and finally emerged as winner. She was definitely noticed by senior coaches & sports institutions and definite to make name in national team. Shaurya felt really proud of her. When she was awarded with gold medal and asked to speak few words, she thanked her mother and coaches who had trained her. "Last but not the least, I want to thank my husband who stood by my side and led me to this victory", Mehek's words were pleasant surprise for him. She walked to him and gave the medal to him. She embraced him and whispered into his ears, "I love you, Shaurya". He pulled her away to look at her and asked , "What...what did you just say?". "I love you, Shaurya", she told again. He couldn't believe his ears but pulled her back into his arms. "I love you too, Mehek. I love you so much", he squeezed her tight. The press and media were enthusiastic to cover smitten power couple. They smiled & posed for them and Shaurya softly pecked her cheek. Suddenly Mehek felt dizzy and she held onto his arms for support.

By night Mehek fell fully sick. She was puking her guts out while Shaurya rubbed her back to comfort her. He carried her and settled her on bed. "I shouldn't have hogged on to those samosas", she felt guilty. For past few weeks, Shaurya was strictly monitoring her diet but foodie inside Mehek rebelled when she saw samosas at venue. "It's okay, Love. Just take rest. May be it's just the stress", he wiped her forehead and asked her timidly, "I hope your monthly cycles are normal". Mehek glared at him in confusion but soon realization dawned on her and swiftly grabbed mobile to check her dates.

PRECAP : Pregnancy test