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~~Kuch Toh Tha Tere Mere Darmiyaan~~
Chapter 2
Mahek arrived at khanna mansion with her belongings. Butlers gave her a hand to carry her luggage to her bedroom. She peeped in the baby's room. He was still sleeping. Mahek smiled and left to her room to unpack. After a while she came down to the kitchen to make baby food for the cutie pie. Butler Awara was there to help her if she needed anything. "Miss sharma,I'm leaving,if you need anything just give me a call.'' Said manager Karan from the kitchens doorway. "Just a second! I do have something to ask you.'' Wiping her hand with a paper towel she hurried towards him. "I am organizing a naming ceremony for the baby which is tomorrow. Can you invite some close friends,families and our neighbours? Please?'' Karan smiled. "That's a brilliant idea miss sharma. It's about time that baby got a name! I will definitely look into the inviting thing.'' Mahek grinned gleefully. "Thank you Karan! And please call me just Mahek.'' Karan nodded and turned to leave then he stopped and twitched his head towards her. "Don't forget to invite the baby's papa!'' Mahek nodded. "I will not forget,he's the very first one on my list. By the way where is he?'' Karan gestured towards the study room. "He's upstairs in the study room.'' Mahek smiled and he took his leave. She looked at the baby monitor on the kitchen counter. Baby was still sound as sleep. Taking the monitor with her,she headed towards the study room.
She tapped on the door few times. "Come in the door is open!'' Shaurya's sultry voice reached her ears. Turning the knob she gently opened the door and stepped in. Mahek glanced across the big oval table. Shaurya was busy typing something on the laptop. "Sorry to disturb you..'' she swallowed. "It's alright! What is it?'' He asked. "I have organized a naming ceremony tomorrow for the baby ..you have to be there.'' She told him. "I can't guarantee you that I will be there but I'll try.'' He returned. "Payal ji would love it and the baby too so please.. .'' At the mention of Payal's name Shaurya shot a glance at her. "What do you know about Payal?'' He stood up and walked towards her. "Hey Bhagwan! Yeh kya kah diya Main ne?'' Mahek swallowed again. "I..I just know that she was your wife and the mother of your child..'' she stammered. He came to a halt some inches from her. His eyes grew hooded as his gaze raked her from top to bottom and then up again.Mahek felt uncomfortable under his piercing gaze and lowered her gaze to her toes. "Look at me miss sharma!'' His powerful voice gave her a jolt as she slowly lifted her head and met with his dark orbs. She gulped to moisten her throat which suddenly went dry on her. "Don't ever take Payal's name again! You hear me?'' His thundering voice echoed in the room. Terrified,she squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. "Good! You may go now.'' Mahek sprinted from there and ended up in the kitchen,huffing badly. "Is everything ok?'' Asked Awara. "I just took her name and he reacted as if pahar toot para,toofan aagaya! Tell me,uska naam lene se qayamat aajayga kya? Don't take her name again! As if it's a crime to take her name.!'' She blabbered. Awara couldn't understand what she was talking about. "Who's name?'' He asked. "Never mind!'' Frustrated,Mahek continued cooking for the cutie pie. Few minutes later there was a movement on the monitor. Cutie pie was up! "Mum-mum..'' Baby was trying to stand up holding the bassinet for support. Mahek hurried towards the stairs. Shaurya was coming down from the stairway,busy talking on the phone he didn't see Mahek rushing upstairs and bumped into her. His files flew everywhere and finally lay scattered on the floor. Mahek realized she was grabbing his hand preventing him from falling. Her eyes met his steely gaze and she wondered if her own eyes could possibly be that penetrating, that frightening. He gazed at her with his lips slightly parted. His eyes darkened abruptly and his jaw tightened. "Tum andhi ho? Can't you see where you are walking to?'' He barked. "Excuse me? It wasn't me it was you who bumped into me! I prevented you from falling otherwise you'll be on the floor hurt or bleeding!'' Snapped Mahek. Shaurya looked at her hand on his,grasping it tightly so that he will not fall. "Pick up my files!'' He ordered. Mahek shoved his hand away. "No thank you! I'm here for the baby and not for the baby's father!'' She walked past him,there was a smile of amusement on his face,as her scented hair brushed his face. He inhaled her fragrance and relaxed right away. Sighing, he gathered his files and left. Standing at the very top stair,Mahek smirked at him. "Tumara akdrupan Main sudhaar kar jaaungi yaha se Mr Khanna!'' Mahek stepped in the baby's room. "Mummum..!'' Baby clapped in happiness when he saw her. "Mera baccha!'' Mahek lifted him off the bassinet and kissed his cheek. Baby hugged her. "Did you sleep well? Hmm?'' Mahek caressed his head lovingly. Baby grinned and nodded continuously. "Good boy! Let's go I'll give you a shower then we'll eat.'' Mahek made him stand on his feet. He was a toddler,still learning to walk with support. He held Mahek's hand and slowly walked to the washroom. Mahek gave him a shower,drying him she applied baby lotion and and dressed him. All the while baby giggled and clapped as Mahek got him dressed. He was feeling fresh and very happy. Mahek carried him to the dinning table and placed him on his high chair. "Time to eat!'' Mahek pulled a chair beside him and fed him his meal. Baby said something in his baby language and started eating. "You are welcome!'' Said Mahek with a laugh and the baby giggled. "Papa..'' Baby's eyes roamed the room in search of his papa. "He went to work baby,he'll be home later ok?'' Baby nodded sadly and finished his meal. When he was done Mahek cleaned his face. Feeding him some liquid she placed on his play pan. Baby started playing with his toys. Mahek felt bad when the baby asked for his papa who was not at all interested in him. Little boy needed his dad but his dad didn't have time for him nor wanted to see his face. "What shall I do? Kayse milaau Tum dono ko?'' Mahek tried to figure out something.
After putting cutie pie to bed Mahek came back to her room. She glanced at Shaurya's room on the way,the door was closed. Mahek couldn't sleep that night. A brilliant moonbeam was slanting through a gap in the curtains. It was shining right on to her pillow. Mahek closed her eyes and lay quite still. She tried very hard to doze off. It was no good. The moonbeam was like a silver blade slicing through the room onto her face.The house was absolutely silent. No voices came up from downstairs. There were no footsteps in the hallway either. The window behind the curtain was wide open, but nobody was walking on the balcony outside,usually a bunny would come and sit there. Tonight was calm. No cars went by on the street. Not the tiniest sound could be heard anywhere. Mahek had never known such a silence. It was terrifying. A dead calm. She was tossing and turning when her phone rang. It was Saya. She answered the call. "Hi..you called so late..are you okay?'' Enquired Mahek. "I'm ok..what about you? What you doing up so late?'' Asked Saya. "Can't sleep yaar..I'm just tossing and turning. Tu bata are you coming tomorrow?'' "Yes I am! I'll be the first one there. Anyway how's the baby's father? Do you guys get along?'' Questioned Saya. "I don't know about him..and I don't want to get along with him..he's so mean you know! He never plays with his baby or even see his face. Aaj pura din that little boy asked for his papa. Mujhey rona aagaya And I cried.'' Mahek started sobbing. "Where is he now?'' Asked Saya. "I don't know..I didn't see him since lunch.'' Retuned Mahek. "Mahek,go to your balcony ..you'll see the biggest moon ever!'' Saya told her. Mahek loved moonlight so she got out of bed and rushed out to her balcony and looked up at the sky. "Wow! Sacchii mein It's the biggest moon ever!'' A smiled appeared on her face as she looked at the moon. "Under the moonlight the environment there must be nice na?'' Asked Saya. Mahek roamed her eyes in the lawn by the swimming pool. Shaurya was drinking badly and talking to no one. Her eyes widened in shock. "Mahek? What happened?'' Asked Saya. "That akdru is drinking by the pool and I guess he's talking to his dead wife! I'm going to sleep,see you tomorrow!'' She was hanging up when Saya stopped her. "Wait a second Mahek! Go bring him inside! If he's drunk he might fall in that pool and drown himself. Please help him I insist.'' "Okay okay calm down I'll see what I can do!'' Mahek hung up and dashed outside. She called for Awara but no answer came. Even the guards were not in sight. "Lagta hai mujhey hii jhelna parega iss paagal ko!'' She hurried towards the pool side. "Shaurya? That's enough with the drinking,please stop and go inside.'' Ordered Mahek. He looked at her with red drunken eyes. "How dare you shout orders at me? Shaurya's face contorted with rage. "Can't you see I'm talking to my wife? Leave us alone!'' He gulped another bottle down. Mahek stood in front of him and snatched the bottle from his hand and tossed it on the ground. "Are you insane? Hosh mein aao Shaurya! Your wife is dead! She's no more! Get that in your thick head for god sakes! Accept the fact and move on!'' Shaurya shoved her away and she fell on the ground with a cry. "For your little boy..come to your senses,accept the reality and move on. Please I beg you...'' Mahek broke down. Shaurya paid no heed to her. He grabbed another bottle and opened the cap. Mahek fumed. She stood up and wiped her tears. "Fine then! Spend the rest of your life talking to your dead wife and raise your child I don't know how! I'm leaving!'' Mahek turned to go when he grabbed her hand. "Leave my hand warna bottle se maarungi!'' He didn't let go of her hand. "Suna nai Tum ne! Bottle se maar ke sar phod dungi!'' Mahek picked a bottle from the ground and threatened to hit him with it. Something crossed his eyes and he softened. "Please don't go..I need you..my child needs you..'' His eyes got really serious and he talked in a low voice. His few words melted her like ice. His hold tightened on her wrist. Something happened inside of her and Her stomach coiled into nervous excitement. Something powerful urged her to say and she said it. "I will not leave you Shaurya ..nor the baby..'' Mahek snaked her arm around his waist,he rested one arm on her shoulder and with the other hand he held her free hand. She walked him inside. For the first time they were this close. His face was so close to hers. The heat of his breath emanated between them. "Take me to my room.'' The whisper sent an electric pulse through her body, raising all the hair on her skin. "His room? She never went to his room before.'' Her mouth went dry and hands felt numb. "Are you drunk?'' She asked softly as they entered his master bedroom. "Little bit.'' The door closed behind them and total darkness descended. "I'll turn on the lamp.'' She said while helping him to his bed. "Moonlight is enough..I'm not a light person.'' Said Shaurya. "Get some sleep,tomorrow is a big day for your little boy. He would love to see you by his side.'' Mahek told him with a smile. "Have you decided a name for him?'' He asked while crawling in bed. Mahek covered him with a comforter. "Not yet..do you have a name in mind?'' Mahek Asked as she walked to the window and moved the curtain aside. "How about Kiaan? Payal wanted to name our baby Kiaan.'' Mahek turned with a smile. "We will name him Kiaan then!'' A smile twitched on his lips. Shaurya smiled for the very first time. And she thought his smile was beautiful. "Come here Mahek.'' Mahek walked to his bed, She sits down and they look hard at each other through the moonlight. It was not a penetrating look, though both meant for it to be. Their eyes searched each other scientifically, drinking up the exquisite surface detail by detail. Her eyes, his mouth, her nose, his shoulders. Mahek turned crimson from embarrassment and looked away. Shaurya came to his senses and took a deep breath. "Can we be friends?'' He extended his hand. Without thinking Mahek took it. "Yes! We can be Friends only if you accept your little boy!'' A smile crept on his lips. "As you wish!'' He sat up holding her hand,he leaned back on the headboard pulling Mahek along with him. She felt his hand on her cheek, his thumb running under her eye, his fingers gliding into her hair. And then His lips brushed against her ear. Shock waves ran through her spine. She pulled away looking embarrassed. "Kya kar rahe ho tum?'' Shaurya let out a deep breath and composed himself. "I'm sorry..'' he apologized quickly. "It's ok..now you sleep..'' she was leaving when he grabbed her again. "Sit down and tell me something about you and your family.'' Mahek sat down and told him everything from Delhi to Mumbai and also about Saya. "A girl named Saya worked for my company long time a go. She quit because of health issues.'' Shaurya told her. "She's coming for the naming ceremony,you can meet her then.'' Just then she thought she saw a figure moving outside the window. "Can I turn the lights on? It's kind of spooky in here.'' She asked. "No I can't sleep with the lights on. I prefer darkness. I Like the way it is quiet and still. The way it could hide a man. Inside and out.'' Mahek thought He was such a man. Hidden. Inside and out. All by himself. But he needed to come out of the darkness. And she was the one to lead him out of darkness and into the light. They talked until he dozed off. Mahek came to know a lot about him that night. "After all you are not so bad Mr khanna!'' She tucked him in properly and came out of his room. Shaurya opened his eyes after the door closed behind her. After Payal,Mahek was the first woman he's felt a connection to deeper than mere attraction. His lonely heart calls for her like no other.
Next day Mahek woke up early,she freshened up and got ready for the day. She checked on the cutie pie on her way down to the kitchen. Baby boy was fast asleep holding his soft toy. Throwing a kiss at him she came downstairs. She started cooking for the ceremony. Awara and few other butlers were there to give her a hand. Mahek was feeling happy about the time and moment she and Shaurya had last night where he opened up to her and she to him. she could hardly wait to share it with saya. The kitchen phone rang and Awara answered it. After saying "ji sir'' he hung up and turned to Mahek. "Shaurya sir wants you to take lemon water to his room.'' "You should remind him I'm his child's nanny and not his.'' Said Mahek as she squeezed a lemon into a glass of water. Awara grinned and got busy with his work. "Finish frying the puri's I'll be right back.'' She told the other butlers and headed towards Shaurya's room with a glass of lemon water. Knocking on the door she waited but no answer came so she gently opened it and entered the room. Shaurya wasn't nowhere in the room. "What a magnificent room!'' Placing the glass on the nightstand she looked around the room in awe. Everything looked so classy and expensive. The furniture and the expensive linen took her breath away. "It's all yours...along with him.'' Mahek thought she heard a voice from somewhere. Sweat broke on her forehead. "Who is it'' she called out loudly. No answer came. "This is freaking weird!'' She Thought and turned to go when Shaurya hollered from the washroom. "Awara is that you? Pass me my towel please! Hurry!'' Mahek's feet came to a halt. Her heart stood still. "Hurry I'm freezing here!'' Swallowing hard,she grabbed his towel from the bed and tapped on the door. The door flung open and she was thrown inside. She collided with his bare chest like a steel. Mahek met his stare, feeling the touch of his gaze deep in her chest, where her heart beat like the thump of a rabbit's foot. "Don't look down Mahek,he's naked!'' Her inner being told her: Without lowering her gaze she wrapped the towel around his waist. "You are not Awara.'' Scoffed Shaurya. "No no i am not!'' Blabbered Mahek. Then something crossed her mind. "You knew it was me didn't you? You asked me to bring lemon water then how on earth were you screaming for Awara?'' She questioned. He smiled at her, the flecks of brown in his dark eyes sparking in the washroom light. Then his expression changed as he glanced away, flashing a dimple at her, which was at once boyish and bashful. "Hold the towel or it will fall!'' She told him. Shaurya held the towel and Mahek moved away turning her back on him. "I'm your child's nanny..you hired me for him..I can't be in your bedroom or your washroom whenever you call me. Get dressed,have your lemon water and come downstairs.'' Mahek fled from there and ended up in the kitchen huffing. "Why are you huffing that badly,what have you seen?'' Saya startled her. "Saya!'' She let out a deep breath of relief. "Let's go to my room I'll tell you everything.'' Saya followed her to her room. Both friends sat on the bed and Mahek told her everything that happened between Shaurya and her since last night. "I like him Saya...he's not a bad guy..he needs help to recover from the grief and the trauma he's going through for the past one year. And he told me he needs me..'' Mahek told her and blushed. "That's wonderful mahek! I'm so happy for you! Next time when we meet, you'll tell me that you have fallen in love with him.'' Said Saya. "I'm too scared to fall in love just yet..his life needs to be sorted first..he seems lost and confused at times and anger sits on his nose.'' Saya caressed her head lovingly. "You are the one for him Mahek,trust me. Only you can sort his life. Now can I see your cutie pie before I go?'' Mahek nodded with a smile and brought her to the baby's room. Little boy was still asleep. Saya caressed him gently. "Take good care of him Mahek,he's yours now.'' She looked at Mahek. "I'm gonna go now..I have doctors appointment ..come home with the baby some day.'' Mahek thought she saw tears in her eyes as she went past her. "Saya listen! Won't you meet Shaurya before going?'' She turned and smiled. "I already met him. Go finish your cooking,guests will be here soon.'' Saying that Saya left. "I don't understand this girl sometimes. I'm sure she knows a lot about shaurya then me.'' Shaking her head,she left towards the stairs.
Few hours later the priest arrived followed by close friends and families. Mahek didn't see Shaurya after the washroom encounter. "Mahek Beta,Sit down with the baby,I will start the prayer.'' Declared the priest. Looking at the stairs for Shaurya she sat down with the cutie pie in her lap. "Are you the baby's mother?'' Asked the priest. "No..I'm just his nanny.'' They were interrupted by the baby. "Noo..she my Mummum!'' The priest smiled at him. "Aww my baccha!'' Mahek kissed his head and the baby cooed and buried his head in her chest. "Where's the baby's father then?'' Mahek looked at Karan for help. "He's attending an important meeting with his clients ..you carry on pandit ji he'll be here soon.'' Said Karan. "No Beta I can't carry on without the baby's father..I'm sorry we have to do this when he's here.'' Returned the priest. Mahek's countenance fell,she felt like crying. "Pandit ji please..just give us few more minutes I insist.'' Pleaded Mahek. "Theek hai I'll wait.'' Mahek sighed in relief. Her gaze was intact on the door. "I hope he comes..he gave me his word.'' Mahek said to Karan. "Waade ka pakka hai I'm sure he'll come.'' Karan assured her. Few minutes turned to an hour. "Call me when he's here.'' The priest stood up with his things. Tears swam in Mahek's eyes. "Ek minute pandit ji! You can't leave without doing your job! Sit down!'' Everyone's gaze moved to the owner of the voice. Shaurya was walking towards them with his hands in his pockets. Mahek's face lit up at once and she quickly wiped her tears. "Papa!'' Cutie pie clapped his hands in joy. Karan sighed and asked him to sit beside Mahek and his child. Shaurya sat beside Mahek and mouthed a sorry. Mahek nodded as if she has forgiven him. The priest started the prayers and read from the script. Mahek transferred the baby into Shaurya's lap. For the first time in one year,Shaurya was holding his baby. "Papa...papa!..Papa!'' Cutie pie snuggled in him and hugged him with his chubby arms. "Mera baccha!'' Shaurya hugged him to his chest and rained kisses all over his face and the baby giggled as his stubble tickled him. "I'm so sorry my baby...please forgive your papa..'' Shaurya apologized with tears escaping the corners of his eyes. Cutie pie wiped his daddy's tears with his chubby hands. Mahek awed...her tears were unstoppable. Someone was watching them from the main door. "What's the baby's name?'' Priest interrupted them. Mahek looked at Shaurya to say the name. "It's Kiaan Shaurya Khanna!'' Everyone applauded and rained flowers on them as the priest Declared the name and sealed it as official. Kiaan laughed and tried to catch the flowers which fell on them with his tiny hands. The priest performed the rest of the rituals and ended the ceremony. Mahek left the baby with Shaurya and helped the butlers serve the food. Shaurya walked around with Kiaan on his lap and met with everyone present there. Kiaan was feeling very proud in his papa's lap. "You have accepted our baby,now it's time to accept her and start a family so that I can go from here to where I belong.'' Payal's voice reached his ears. He turned to find Mahek standing there with a plate full of food and snacks. "I'll feed him,you go and eat.'' Said Mahek. "Bring it to my room if you can. Today father and son will eat together! What say buddy?'' Shaurya tickled him and the cutie pie laughed. They left towards to his room and Mahek followed them with the food. "Just In one day Mahek has changed him! It's a miracle!'' Karan said to Awara. "She's the next Bhabi of the house.'' Added Awara with s smile. "I think so too!'' Agreed Karan.
In the room Shaurya ate and fed his baby with whatever he could eat. "I don't think you need a nanny for the baby anymore. You can take care of him now.'' Said Mahek. "And who said I don't need a nanny for Kiaan?'' Asked Shaurya. "I assumed.'' Muttered Mahek. "You are right! We don't need a nanny! Kiaan needs a mother,I need a companion and a friend whom I can open up to and share my joy and pain...you are important to us and we will not let you go anywhere you understand?'' Mahek blinked back her tears. "Mummum aao!'' Called Kiaan. Mahek joined them on the sofa. Kiaan picked a piece of puri and shoved it in her mouth. "Eat Mummum Eat!'' Mahek ate from his hand. Shaurya handed her his plate. "I'm done! Finish the rest!'' Mahek looked at him and the plate. "He's openly inviting me to fall in love with him.'' She said in her heart as she took his plate. "I'll go check on the guest.'' Saying that Shaurya left from there. "Jutha khane se pyaar badhta hai..isn't it Kiaan?'' As if he knew what she was saying,he grinned gleefully and nodded. "Your dad is asking for trouble.'' She told him and started eating from his plate.
To be continued...
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