CHAPTER 15
Mehek stood up anxiously when he came out of the bathroom but he avoided her. He quickly wore his jacket and told her coldly, "Your clothes are in the dryer". He left without giving her a second glance. Mehek noticed that he didn't wait for her to change or asked to return his shirt. Apparently he wanted to keep away from anything she had used. Society always had misconception about her ailment and she was prepared for the worst. But experiencing it straight from her new husband is a big blow for her. She fell on the bed and cried her heart out.
"Mehek, wake up", Shaurya shook her. Her pillow was wet with tears and Mehek didn't realise when she dozed off. "Haven't you changed yet?', he questioned since she was still wearing his shirt. "I am sorry. I...I..", she stammered while she realised it was almost evening. "Doesn't matter. I got your clothes from home. You can change to them if you want", he gestured to her suitcase. Her heart broke by his calculative cold behaviour. He had packed her stuff and brought it. It was evident that he no more wanted to do anything with her . She had to accept that it was for best. Aarti and Veer are better off without a sick mother like her and she had no future with Shaurya. She took her luggage and went inside to change.
She wore a simple jumpsuit and applied enough makeup to hide her distress. She wished Shaurya would understand her condition and atleast allow her to meet their children occasionally. She carefully folded his shirt and kept it in her bag along with her clothes. When she came out, Shaurya was busy on his phone. She cleared her throat to make her presence known. "Let's go", he commanded and took her suitcase.
They drove in silence. She wanted to talk to him but failed to gather appropriate words. She sighed and gazed outside to blink back her tears. Suddenly she realised that they are not taking apt way to her apartment. "Shaurya, I think you took a wrong turn. This is not the correct route", she told him. "No, it is the correct way", he said firmly.
"Where are we going?", she asked when he led her to private chartered flight. She was unable to understand his actions. "Mauritius", he answered casually while entering the flight. He greeted their attendants who welcomed both. "Why??", she yelled in reflex, earning perplexed look from staff. "I guess I managed to shock her rather than giving a pleasant surprise", he humoured while staff smiled understandingly. Shaurya grabbed Mehek by wrist and led her to their seats. He pushed her into one of them and bend to tie her seat belts. "What is going on? Why are you doing?", she asked softly to avoid further attention from others but he ignored. The flight took off and Mehek ranted again, "If you want me to stay away from Veer & Aarti, I will. I promise I never be a hindrance in your life. You don't have to deport me". "Stop annoying me and keep your mouth shut", he rebuked and turned on his seat beside her. "Shaurya ...", before she could proceed he pulled her by neck and kissed her harshly. She tried to wriggle and push him away. But he didn't withdraw and continued his sweet assault. Soon she yielded and kissed him ardently. They broke apart when flight attendant cleared her throat discreetly. While Mehek looked away in embarrassment, Shaurya smiled sheepishly allowing her to serve their drinks. "I shall tell my colleagues not to disturb you. Though dinner can be expected in few hours we will wait until you summon us", she said coyly,"I will close the partition to ensure your privacy", she added. "No, No, No. It is not required", Mehek said quickly adding to her embarrassment. Shaurya simply smiled at the attendant, "Don't mind my wife. Please go ahead". As they were alone again, he turned to her, "Where were we?", he said suggestively moving closer to her. "Shaurya, please. You know it's improper", Mehek was on verge of tears. "It's my sole right to shower love on my dear wife", he covered her shoulders and let her lean onto his chest. Mehek didn't resist and blinked to let tears to adorn her face. "I am sick, Shaurya", she sobbed. He pecked her forehead yet didn't utter a word. He wanted her to open up and unburden herself. "I am here for you, Mehek", he coaxed her. She wept against his chest.
"I had no other way but to agree to Aarush & Dad to save you", she finally spoke recalling their past, "But I waited for you. I knew you will be back, if not for me but for Aarti. I hoped you will be able to trust my reasons once you know about Veer". "I trust you, Mehek. I know everything", he told her. She was in emotional turmoil and didn't inquire further about his source. "I was always hopeful for a happily ever after but it's all ruined now", she wept. "Nothing is lost, Mehek", he consoled her but she moved away. "We have no future", she sounded furious. "Quit being pessimistic", he implored sadly. "Be practical, Shaurya. I can never again be the woman you wish and satisfy your needs. Neither I can permit you to satiate your desires elsewhere ", her words resonated pain & humiliation she had endured on their wedding night. Shaurya quickly tried to explain his side but she refused. "I am not accusing you. Just making it evident that our marriage is doomed", she reiterated. "Never lose hope, my love", he tried to ease her pain. "I am dying , Shauyra", she spat at him. "Being HIV+ doesn't mean you are dead. Your life span may be reduced but with proper treatment you can live a normal life for many years", he entangled her arms in his and kissed her palm. He tried to lighten the mood when Mehek looked depressed, "We are responsible parents, Mehek. We have to provide a healthy environment for our children. Eventually giving more siblings to them. Possibly when we are back from our honeymoon", he joked but grew serious when she gazed him dubiously , "We will have our happily ever after . We will live together, make love and have many more children", he assured her . "How?", she was irked. " How??? Don't you know how couples make babies ?", he acted surprise to humour her. Mehek hissed in frustration and turned away. "Okay, I am sorry. Don't spoil your mood", he tried to cheer her up but realised she was weeping again. "We will find a way. I promise", he pulled her chin to face him. She rested her head on his shoulders and nodded. She wasn't convinced but wanted to trust in his hope. For a moment, she wanted to forget everything and lose herself in the haven he offered.
When Mehek woke up, the flight had landed. Few hours later, they were being driven to their destination. "It's a getaway home. I often stayed here when I prefer solitude. I am sure you will like it.It is best place for a short vacation", he led her in when servants carried their luggage. It was a fairly sized cottage with 2 big bedrooms, kitchen and hall. He informed her that the view is exquisite and it had easy access to beach. Since it was late night Mehek was unable to see anything in pitch dark. Still she ventured into the garden and rubbed herself when cold breeze touched her. She was startled when he embraced her from behind and nudged into her hair. She felt ticklish and slapped his arm playfully. "Let's have a bath", he told her. Before she could muster her reply, he lifted her into his arms and walked to bathroom. He kept her carefully near the bath tub and tied her hair in messy bun. As he proceeded to unzip her jumpsuit, she held him, "Shaurya, you don't have to". She understood that he was trying his best to make believe in his love and support. But she needn't require any proofs. She always knew his love is pure and genuine. When he realised her discomfort, he decided to give her privacy. He checked the water in tub and splashed few droplets on her. "Join me for dinner", his fingered drummed softly through her arm and reached her fingers. He lifted it upto his lips and said hoarsely, "Don't make me wait longer". Despite her situation, Mehek smiled and agreed. She wished things could have been different for them. A well-deserved second chance. A new life with their little princess and prince. Suddenly she remembered about their children. "Shaurya, our kids? ", she gasped and rebuked herself for her carelessness. "Our kids...", he emphasized on the word OUR, "are my responsibility too. I have made arrangements. Daddyji will manage them along with the additional help I have hired. They are absolutely thrilled that their super mom is taking a break with their uber cool father", he explained.
Regardless of Shaurya's effort to strike conversation and enjoy their dinner, Mehek remained quiet and ate little. Servants had left for the day and house radiated eerie silence. He missed his feisty nymph. In matter of few hours, Mehek turned into a poor version of her lively self. Shaurya could comprehend distress she suffered once her condition was diagnosed. She excused and retired to bed while he stayed back to clear the dishes. She laid on farther end of bed, turning her back to the door. Half of her mind preferred him to stay away whereas latter half didn't want to be left alone. Nevertheless she was happy when she heard him enter the bedroom. She felt the mattress dip on his side and realised he was on the bed. She felt peaceful and closed her eyes for peaceful slumber. Suddenly she felt his arms circling her waist and placed his chin onto her shoulder. Before she could argue, he spoke desperately, "I need this". She couldn't deny the innocent pleasure he sought. Yet she was adamant not to react and decided to call it a night. "Good night, Shaurya", her words resonated her determination. "Love you, Mehek", he too was equally resolute.
Mehek was sleeping comfortably, hugging her warm pillow. She slowly opened her eyes to realise the it was early morning. She peered around to understand why her pillow moved rhythmically. She found herself over Shaurya's well-built chest. She was aghast and murmured in confusion. She tried to moved away but his arms wound around her made it difficult. "It's very early. Lay down and sleep for some more time", he lazily told her in his sleep. Mehek quit twitching and gazed at his face. He looked adorable. She couldn't help stroking his face gently, but taking extra care not to wake him. She laid back on his chest and sighed, Just few more minutes. He will never know as I will be awake before him. She felt so peaceful and safe that she dozed off quickly. Once her breaths were regular, he opened his eyes and pecked her head. He grinned cheerfully.
Precap : Full on Romance until next Twist😉
Mangal Lakshmi
