||Junooniyat hai yehi ||MehRya FF Final Chapter Pg 109 06/May/19 - Page 21

CHAPTER 4

"So when are going to burst bubble to her?", Shauraya asked him, "Is it after the wedding night or honeymoon?". Arjun gripped his mug firmly and gulped remaining contents swiftly. Shaurya was aware of Arjun's wrath towards the girl who dared to reject and shame him. Arjun had meticulously planned to pursue Noor and make her fall head over heels for him. His aim was to break her heart mercilessly. "Arjun? Are you there Bro?", Shaurya's words woke Arjun still he didn't response. "I guess you are yet to be satisfied with your pretty prey", Shaurya mocked him. Arjun walked beside Shaurya and kept his hand on his shoulder, "Shaurya, my friend. Being a villain, I deserved to be insulted by you. But if another disrespectful word came from your mouth for Noor, I won't mind smashing your jaw". Shaurya was aghast. Arjun walked away unable to meet his probing eyes, "Past few months, we got busy in our lives and were unable to communicate properly. So I want you to know that I have changed. Noor changed me. I am...I am in love with her". Shocked expression of Shaurya changed to humour and he laughed out loud. "Love?...You fell in love?", he made fun of Arjun. Sensing Arjun's irritation, he controlled himself and tried to speak steadily, "I can understand you lust her.. Or probably feel a sense of belongingness. Bit don't try to fool me using 'L' word". Arjun sighed, "I know it is difficult for you to believe, even I couldn't either. Yet over the time, I have come to realize that I have no life without Noor. Her happiness and companionship means the world to me. If this is not Love then I don't know what Love is". It was tough for Shaurya to comprehend yet he didnt want to annoy Arjun. "I guess I am expected to congratulate you", he felicitated Arjun. "Thanks Bro", he hugged Shaurya. But before they part, Arjun advised Shaurya, "I know you may chide my words. Give Love a chance. Trust me, it's a beautiful feeling. Please don't turn you back when it knocks at your door". Shaurya move his head in dismay

Noor & Arjun's wedding ceremony was simple yet elegant. The bride and groom held hands and promised their love & loyalty for one another. Mehek found that the true vows they uttered were more meaningful than any tradition or custom. They were already legally wed yet by the end of ceremony they proclaimed themselves as man & wife. Crowd cherished for them and celebrations started. Being Bestman and Bridesmaid, Shaurya & Mehek remained close to the newlyweds. Now & then Mehek searched for Nehal and she was found cheerfully enjoying it all regardless being away from her sister. Inspite of her situation, Mehek too had a nice time. She saw a different side of Shaurya which was not scary or bossy. Towards the end of party, Shaurya handed over an envelope to Arjun & Noor. "A gift from me and Mehek. Honeymoon trip to Greece", he explained. Arjun was about refuse it, "Shauraya, you have already done so much. This was never part of the plan". "I know it is abrupt. But few facts revealed to me just few hours back. So I really want you both to accept it", he insisted, " You don't worry about your parents. I will ask my Dad to talk to Uncle. I assure that Uncle & Aunty will accept you both once you are back from honeymoon". Arjun embraced him emotionally. "Your chariot awaits you", Shaurya told them dramatically and led them to SUV which was arranged to take them till airport. Noor hugged Mehek and they had an emotional farewell.

Mehek felt tired and wanted to hit the bed. She realised she didn't have even a minute of rest once she entered the resort. Still she was happy to be part of her new friend's wedding. She wondered where her room and took her phone to call Nehal. But unfortunately it's battery was drained. She approached one of the staffs and inquired about her room. They checked and informed that her about her accommodation and provided access card. When the buggy dropped her before the exquisite presidential villa, she was in awe. Even the minute thing in the room screamed luxury and she was amazed. She expected Nehal to be present inside, enjoying to the core but was disappointed not to find her. She charged her phone and soon received Nehal's message that she is going out with few friends she newly met. Mehek wanted to scold her but was interrupted. Noor called her from airport and they had a nice chat until it was time for her to board her plane. Once they ended the call, Mehek though about Noor & Arjun. A match made in heaven and they truly loved eachother. Soon her thoughts hopped to her and Shaurya. Her spirits dampened. She decided to take a hot bath to cheer her. She tied up her hair in a messy bun and removed her dupatta. The lehenga choli she wore is a master piece which she adored but found it too difficult to be removed on her own. She managed to remove the heavy lehenga and folded it neatly to be kept inside the wardrobe. She noticed an unfamiliar suitcase but was too busy dealing with her antique neckpiece and other accessories to further investigate. While she stood before the dimly lit mirror struggling to remove her choli, she sensed the door being opened. She expected Nehal. "Finally you arrived. Thank goodness. I was going to give up on this complicated piece of clothing. Can you help to get rid of it?", Mehek wailed. "Always at your service, Ma'am", his hoarse voice startled Mehek.

Shauraya was standing behind her. She wondered how he managed to reach her so rapidly. She froze gazing at their image on mirror. She was just clad in her mermaid shapewear underskirt with a backless choli. For anyone it may look like an enticing invitation and she cannot blame if he gets wrong vibes. His hot breath with faint stench of beer fanned her nape whereas his fingers prowled on her bare skin. Before she could make amends, he undid her dori. She clung to her choli which was all set to leave her upper body. She trembled when he dipped his head to her neck and took in her fragrance, "Even a saint cannot withstand you, Mehek". In a fraction of a second, he scoped her into his arms and trod towards bed. The soft bed was adorned with flower petals and soothing aroma filled in the room. She trembled when he placed her on heart shaped bed. He stroked her face gently. "Only you can play innocent and temptress in same frame", he praised her. She remained passive while he pecked her forehead, cheeks and lips. He started placing feathery kisses on her neck while his fingers moved to her stomach after grazing through valley of her breasts. She curled her toes in anticipation when he drew light patterns on her belly. She had to admit that he knew to lure his prey. Her treacherous body was delighted by his touch but her mind was disgusted that it came from him. A part of her convinced her to yield since there was no point in fighting. Her fate was sealed to be spend in her captor's bed. Yet from the dark corner of her mind, her ego urged her to resist. Fear and helpless had marred her self-respect but it was not dead yet. "Stop", she cried out and pushed him away. Shaurya was visibly shocked by her outburst, "What the hell?", he got angry. Mehek covered herself with her arms and turned away, "I cannot do it". " You crazy witch! Then why did lead me on?", he accused her. Mehek shivered in fear, "I am sorry. But it was a mistake. Please don't force me". She didn't wait for his response and dashed to the bathroom. She fought for oxygen and splashed water on her face repeatedly.

She didn't how long it was. But she stood there staring at her own reflection. 'Who are you?', she asked herself. 'I am pathetic left over of a good women', she got her response. She wept but her image spoke to her again, 'Fight back, Mehek. Only you can save yourself'. She extended her hand to comfort the weeping figure in mirror but she was shaken from her reverie by his harsh voice. "Are you sleeping in there? Come out. I need to use the bathroom", he barked at her. She cleaned herself and wore a bathrob. She opened the door and stood aside nervously. He glared and pushed her away before entering the bathroom. He banged door at her face. Mehek stood still, trying to know to his movements. Once she was convinced he was in shower she quickly changed into her pajama suit and briskly moved to the hall. She turned on the television and laid down on the couch. She wanted to pretend to be asleep on couch but didn't know when fatigue took over and she dozed off.

Mehek felt herself being lifted off the couch. She moaned softly and leaned on to the strong wall. Later she blinked her eyes to realise that it was not a wall but a human body. Shaurya,she panicked and looked around. It was pitch dark but she could make out that she was on bed with him. "Sleep", he said drowsily but she contemplated her escape. Absence of her warmth forced him to open his eyes. He saw her sitting on bed like a scared bunny. He got irritated and pulled her wrist forcefully, making her crash on his chest. "Sleep", this time he commanded firmly. Mehek shivered when she found herself over his naked chest. "What's your problem now?", he yelled at her. "You are not wearing shirt", she fumbled. "I sleep like this. Get used to it", he spoke with irritation and wound his strong arm around her. Mehek was unable to control her tears and wept silently. Her tears vexed him further, "I haven't given any reason to spill your tears. Yet if you choose to pursue, I may give ample cause for it. You don't want it, do you?", he threatened. She shook her head vigorously and wiped her face. She felt miserable in his arms. Sleep was long gone as she was petrified of the beast in whose arms she laid helplessly.

Sun rays played hide and seek. He tried to block light using his hand and picked his mobile to check time. Soon he felt weight on his chest and turned his attention to sleeping figure. Mehek was sleeping like a child in his arms. She looked so innocent and peaceful although he could see faint tear strains on her face. He pecked her head but she remained oblivious. He couldn't resist temptation and held her closer. He felt complete and delighted to have her beside him. He took his mobile and captured this sweet moment in a selfie. Then he shook her slightly to wake her. "Good morning, Mehek", he wished as she blinked her eyes open. She averted her gaze to avoid him but he held her chin forcing her to look into his eyes. "I cannot wait to spend my life with you, Mehek. I hope these few days will pass soon and you will be mine forever", he smiled and pecked her forehead. Mehek was left alone while he went to freshen up. Forever...bound to him forever, a shiver ran down her spine. She couldn't accept to spend rest of her life with a man whom she detested. Her skin crawled when she thought of sleeping with him and waking up in his arms.

She quickly wrapped around a shawl and went in search of Nehal. Although she had made peace with her fate, last night flamed her inner spirit. It was clear that she cannot be tied up with Shaurya Khanna, in any kind of relationship. She decided to open up to Nehal. While she knocked impatiently at her door, a sleepy Nehal peeked from inside. Immediately she turned nervous and didn't allow Mehek inside. "Nehal, I need to talk to you", Mehek tried to walk inside but Nehal forbid. "Di, why don't you wait at restaurant? We will talk over breakfast", she tried to avoid her. Mehek shook her head in disagreement and pushed the door but Nehal held it firmly. "Di, Not now", Nehal firmly denied again while Mehek was puzzled, "I am with...with someone. So give us some privacy", she told her clearly. "Nehal, are you out of your mind?", Mehak rebuked but Nehal held her hand stopping Mehek. "Di, I don't want any lecture. This is my life. Let me live it on my terms. I never judged you so please return favour", Nehal was irritated. Mehek was taken aback and became sad. Nehal felt bad for her and tried to handle her, "I will join you for breakfast. We will talk then", she closed the door leaving Mehek at door. She turned away to leave and found Shaurya looking at her intently.