||Junooniyat hai yehi ||MehRya FF Final Chapter Pg 109 06/May/19 - Page 17

CHAPTER 3

15 days. In just 15 days, her life to be condemned to misery. Mehek sighed as she stirred evening tea. She glanced at the pendent which dangled across her chest. A bribe paid as compensation of his cruelty. Though it was extremely pretty and precious, it added a huge weight to her conscious. That night she was too terrified to defy him but later she realized it was a huge mistake. Her acceptance may have cemented his belief that forgiveness shall be bought with an apt price. Later he has overwhelmed her with gifts. Latest laptop, branded cloths & accessories and exquisite culinary books were just few to be named. Yet she tried to remain amicable with Shaurya since he never tried to meet her personally. Apart from his frequent calls and messages, he gave her space. Kanta chachi was extremely happy for Mehek whereas Mansi & even Nehal felt pang of jealousy. They all never spared a moment to boast to their neighbours & relatives about Mehek's fortune. In return,they all praised Kanta for her prim upbringing and set her as example for perfect matriarch. Hence it was not an overstatement that the entire neighbourhood was at the door of Sharma Nivas when Karuna came to fix date for marriage. The family astrologer of Sharma family was already seated prominently in theri courtyard. While he greeted Karunaji, Mehek could easily make out his greed masked behind a sheepish grin. It was not a surprise when he announced that Mehek and Shaurya are a match made in heaven. He went ahead throwing flattering remarks about the couple. Yet he declared that for such perfect couple, the auspicious time is also rare. Hence to Mehek's delight he announced that they have to wait atleast for an year to be married. But apart from Mehek, everyone else were disappointed. A huge courtship period was not desirable for Sharmas and Karuna. "Can't we do any remedy here, Panditji", Karuna asked expectedly. He closed his eyes, checked books again and did some calculations with his fingers pretending to contemplate. "Well, another shub muharat is available but it is just 15 days away", he declared and all gasped. "That's too early, Panditji", Kanta was quick to react. "Then I must say, you have to go for next year's date. Shall I fix it for you?", he took his pen to jot it down. " Wait for a second, Panditji", Mansi stopped them and poked her husband to speak. "Bhaiya, Bhabhi. A year will be too long. Why don't we let Mehek go to her home sooner? I believe if we plan properly then all can be managed", Ravi Chachu coaxed. Mehek was devastated. Her family was in hurry to wed her bcoz they feared to lose an elite proposal. Jeevan Chachu and Kanta Chachi were less convinced yet they turned to Karuna. "Karunaji, what do you suggest?", Kanta asked her. Karuna thought for a second. She was sure that even Shaurya wouldn't be happy to wait for long. Her son was besotted with Mehek. She too was scared of Harish trying to play villain to break their engagement if the wedding was delayed. "I am fine with it", Karuna declared and Mehek's fate was sealed.

Mehek remained numb while the most important decision of her life was taken without her assent. Her heart squeezed as she realised her family didn't even care to ask her opinion. She could only blame herself. From childhood, she had given them the sole right to decide anything and everything for her. She never had any complains, until now. Today she felt shattered. "Congratulations, Di", Nehal squealed hugging her. Mehek quickly hid her tears which strained her eyes. Giving a luke warm response, she escaped with excuse to make tea. Nehal was irritated, 'Di has become so strange nowadays. Mayhap she considers herself too good for us. Ma is right. Money changes people'. She smirked ruefully. Karuna noticed it and discreetly followed Mehek.

"A penny for your thoughts", Karuna humoured breaking Mehek's train of thoughts. She smiled weakly at Karuna and tried to serve her tea. Karuna glanced at Mehek's pendant and caressed it. "Shaurya never cared to buy gifts for others. Not even for his father whom he is very close. He either gives money or asks his staff to buy it. But for first time in his life, he personally got this pendant. I knew it was meant for you", she spoke while latter kept her head low. Karuna kept her finger below her chin to lift her face, "You are precious for him. I am sure he will go to moon and back to make you happy". Mehek laughed softly despite her situation. "I know your marriage is happening in haste. But at least this is not a typical arranged marriage. You both know each other and are in love. So no need to be anxious", she tried to ease the tension. "Besides, I am always there for you", she pecked her forehead and helped her to arrange tray.

Next day, Nehal was waiting for autorickshaw at the gate of her tuition center. Her parents had taken painstaking efforts to put her in the elite coaching center with high hopes that it will benefit her. Little did they know that she has zilch interest in studies. She endured the boring sessions and disapproving looks of high class bi**hs studying with her, just to meet good looking boys. "Hey, Nehal", Nehal turned her to find Shaurya. Nehal waved at Shaurya, admiring his car. "Wow, so cool", a girl praised from behind and Nehal threw a proud glare at her. It was first time something better than a rickshaw or a scooter came to pick Nehal. She walked towards him and immediately accepted his offer of lift till college. She approached the passenger seat taking royal stance but not before waving at the burning hearts of her batch mates. She beamed beside Shaurya as she knew that her status quotient will have an instant boost.

Nehal soon became nervous once they started their ride. The dominance radiating from Shaurya was strangely disturbing.. She plastered an awkward smile on her face while he focused on road. He slowed down that vehicle as they approached her college and passed a package to her. "Another gift for Mehek Di?", she humoured hiding her annoyance but was quickly joyful when he corrected it was for her. "Wow, Jiju", she exclaimed to find brand new phone in it, "Thank you. But you shouldn't have", she tried to act modest but stuffed it quickly into her bag. "It's a pleasure, Nehal", he brushed it off, "Actually I wanted to take you and Mehek to Goa for couple of days". Nehal burrowed her eyebrows. "Well, my close friend is getting married. It's kind of a destination wedding without hullabaloo of functions with families & relatives. A simple court wedding followed by grand bash at a private resort", he explained. The proposal was pretty enticing but Nehal was not confident to be third wheel again. It tired Nehal to be confused between a benevolent sister or a free thinking modern girl. "I am not sure, Jiju. Why don't you just take Di alone?", she suggested. Yet they both knew it was impossible. Infact it was highly unlikely that Kanta chachi will even allow both girls to go so far without a chaperone. Shaurya leaned to Nehals side and spoke just a bit more than a whisper, "What if I allow you to invite a close friend of yours to join us? Then I am sure you won't feel left out, will you?". His eyes gleamed wickedly while she was tempted. He again moved closer to her ear and spoke naughtily, "You don't have to share a room with Mehek and be bored. You will have your own exclusive suite room and enjoy your time". Nehal contemplated his offer and mentally scanned many faces of her girlfriends whom she wanted to show that she none less than those fake bimbos. But suddenly a cute face flashed before her eyes. "Even if my friend is a boy?", she asked him timidly. So little Nehal has a boyfriend, he thought. "Ofcourse Nehal", he agreed. She jumped with excitement. While she bid farewell to Shaurya, she again requested to him gently, "Jiju, please don't tell Di or anyone about my Friend". He smiled inwardly but kept a serious face, "I prefer not to hide anything from Mehek", he studied her worried face, "But in this case, I will make an exception". She thanked him gleefully and ran to her class. She couldn't wait to share the news with her new crush.

Mehek gazed at the clouds drifting through her window. The business class flight to Goa was superbly luxurious for her taste. Shaurya had booked their tickets but chose to drive down to the location with Groom and friends. Since it was a wedding function, Mehek was less anxious compared to their previous outing. Despite her grumpiness, she enjoyed it yet time to time she felt embarrassed and guilty. Her conscious reminded that it all came for a price; her life. Yet she could do nothing to fight it. She was losing her precious time , 2 days & a night that were meant to be spent with her family so it was best to make most of it. She turned and smiled at Nehal who was enjoying it like a fairytale. After many days, Mehek felt light and happy. Resort taxi awaited at airport to pick them and they arrived at their destination comfortably. She found Shaurya waiting for them at the lounge. Before Mehek could reach front desk to finish formalities, he pulled her away urgently. Nehal winked at him and gave a thumbs up. "Nehal will be able to manage it all. Resort staff will carry your luggage to rooms", he informed while walking away briskly. "Where are you taking me?", she asked exasperatedly. "I want you to meet someone", he told and jumped into a buggy and gave villa number to its driver. They soon reached and found an good looking man at the door. He was indeed nervous but smiled at them. "Mehek, this is Arjun, the groom. You can meet him later but I need you to handle someone else", he swiftly told and opened door after a cursory knock. They found a worried looking young girl in bridal wear. She looked as old as Nehal. "Mehek, this is Noor. The bride. She really needs a friend now", Shaurya told affectionately. The girl tried to smile through her sad face, "Shaurya Bhai, You are teasing me. I believe this is my Mehek Bhabhi", Noor greeted Mehek pleasantly.

Noor quickly warmed upto Mehek. May be becoz similar to Mehek, she too was new to her fiance's friend circle. Mehek understood that Noor's parents severely opposed her marriage to Arjun. Although Arjun's family reluctantly agreed to their union, it was far from perfect. In short they only had support from friends. Noor was having a tough time to come into terms that her parents refused to be present for her wedding day. Mehek was amazed to know that Shaurya owned the resort and had gone out of the way to make their day extra special. He had only one condition that Mehek should be the bridesmaid. Noor was happy that she had agreed to it. Soon the room was crowded with beauticians who got busy to work on bride and bridesmaid. Shaurya and Arjun were pushed out with strict command not be delayed.

Arjun and Shaurya lazed away in another room, relaxing with their mug of beer. "Thanks for the support, Bro. I know it must have cost you a fortune. Still you managed even after knowing I may not even have a penny to repay you", Arjun miffed. He wasn't happy with the fact that his family had practically disowned him. "Our friendship is priceless. I won't think twice before punching you if you ever bring money between us", Shaurya told him angrily. Arjun raised his hands gesturing his defeat, "Forgive me". They were more than childhood friends, they were comrades and partners in crimes. While Shaurya had divorced parents, Arjun was brought up in a volatile environment. Mr & Mrs Hooda tried to salvage their disrupting marriage for the sake of their children. Yet their constant outbursts and fights caused more damage to Arjun as a child. Both Shaurya & Arjun were thick as thieves until their choice of career made them part ways for college. Arjun was supposed to take over his dad's law firm so he pursued law and Shaurya went for Business management. Shaurya moved towards window and looked over the garden from the room. It was all set for wedding. His staff was instructed to keep it as magnificent as possible. He turned back to Arjun and smirked, "I cannot believe all these efforts are taken to delight a girl whom you are going to dump". Arjun looked at him intently. "I am not complaining Buddy. After all, I got to spend some quality time with Mehek in pretense of your wedding", Shaurya quickly added. Arjun sipped his beer, recalling the night when he first met Noor. She had slapped him before entire crowd for his unruly behaviour thereby humiliating him in the worst possible way. "So when are going to burst bubble to her?", Shauraya asked him viley, "Is it after the wedding night or honeymoon?".