||Junooniyat hai yehi ||MehRya FF Final Chapter Pg 109 06/May/19 - Page 65

Chapter 13

"Going somewhere?", Shaurya asked Mehek when she came down. She was dressed in slim fit black jeans and white top. "Nehal's party", she replied curtly. Although not happy, he gave a weak smile, "So girl's night out. Where is it?", he asked casually. Her temper rose, assuming he was being inquisitive and possessive, "Why do you need to know? Do I have to get your approval?". Shaurya sighed in dismay, "I was just asking". They both were interrupted by sound of a motorbike at the courtyard. "It's Sandeep, Nehal's boyfriend. He is here to pick me", she informed plainly and walked away. "Hi, Mehek", Sandeep greeted her while climbing steps to enter Khanna Mansion. Mehek smiled at him. She liked Sandeep. So far, he was one of the few decent boyfriends Nehal dated. "How is Shaurya? It's been long since I met him", he asked Mehek. She became nervous by his casual remark. Although Sandeep had met her husband several times, she wasn't sure whether Shaurya will be comfortable. The possessive Shaurya she knew will never be pleased. For obvious reasons, she didn't want him to meet Shaurya. "He is fine. Since we are already late, why don't you meet him later?", she suggested. Sandeep was baffled but agreed. When he gave her spare helmet to wear, Shaurya walked out to meet him, "Hi Sandeep. I am Shaurya, Mehek's husband", he introduced himself. Although confused, Sandeep took his hand, "Dude, what happened? You behave as if we are meeting for first time". Mehek and Shaurya glanced at eachother awkwardly. In quick words, Mehek explained about Shaurya's recovery. "That's great news", Sandeep was happy for them, "Shaurya, why don't you join us?", he invited cheerfully. Mehek stood rigid, unable to react to his invitation. Shaurya smiled and gracefully denied, "May be next time". As Sandeep turned to his motor bike, Mehek sighed and left Shaurya alone.

Party was on full swing. Sandeep literally made Mehek to babysit Nehal who was gulping down drink after drink. She was visibly upset that Sandeep didn't propose her. Yet it didn't surprise Mehek. "Nehal that's enough", Mehek pulled away beer mug from her hand. Nehal didn't budge, causing a tug of war between the sister. When Nehal abruptly let go of the glass, she spilled half of it's content on Mehek. "You stupid, Brat", Mehek rebuked Nehal while she giggled and hugged her, "My sweet Di". "Wow, Nehal is in mood to shower love on her Di", Sandeep came with a tray of food. "Yeah, I do", Nehal pouted and for a moment Mehek forgot her anger and wiped her top with tissues. She tried hard to have a good time and enjoy the party. On Nehal's insistence, she even gulped few sips of her beer also. "See, how much Di loves me? You don't even love me a bit", Nehal whined and Sandeep became embarrassed. Mehek tried to escape the situation by checking her watch, "I guess it's time for me to book my cab". "Relax, Mehek. Have food and then I will drop you", Sandeep offered. Mehek was about to refuse but her phone rang.

She saw Shaurya's number and her cheerful mode vanished. She disconnected the call. She got his call again and she repeated the same. "Di, who is it? Is it from home?", Nehal asked vexing her further. Finally Mehek attended his call, "What do you want?", she asked rudely. "Mehek, where are you? When will you be back?", Shaurya asked in strained voice. "Don't you know I am at Nehal's party. I will be late", she spat at him. "Can you come back home now?", he appealed her. Her temper rose as she thought he was trying to control her life." I won't, Mr Khanna. I am here to enjoy and don't try to poke your nose into my affairs", she raised her voice inviting attention of Sandeep & Nehal. When she turned to face them after disconnecting the call, Sandeep told her timidly, "That was really rude". "Well, he deserves", Mehek tried to act haughty. Sandeep was about to open his mouth but Nehal shushed him. "Di is right. It serves him. He is a cold hearted villain who ruined my sister's life", Nehal blurted out, "then he forced her to marry him and caused an accident that nearly killed my Di". Mehek didn't feel happy with the way Nehal was accusing Shaurya before Sandeep. Sensing her discomfort, Sandeep tried to calm Nehal but she refused. "And he scr*wed up badly. Ending as a I imbecile and troubling my sister again. I wish he had died", she cursed him. "Enough Nehal", Mehek yelled at her, "Not another word about my husband". Sandeep tried to act as a buffer between two sisters. Nehal was fully drunk and Mehek was fuming with anger. "Mehek, relax. Nehal is not in her senses but you are. So I beg you to calm down", he requested her. "I am leaving", Mehek left without waiting for their consent.

She was lost in thoughts while her taxi was moving to her destination. Why did I overreact when Mehek cursed Shaurya? Didn't I too wish him to be dead? Infact I pushed him to his demise, her mind was in turmoil. He was no longer her Shaurie whom she loved dearly. Now he is the same Shaurya who had tormented and disgraced her. An obsessed mad man who treated her like his belonging without care. Mehek recalled her recent event post his recovery. Although she tried hard, it was hard to find a single instance where he hadn't shown his concern for her. She was sure she could never love Shaurya Khanna but now she didn't wish for his death. She glanced at her mobile to check the time. It was past midnight. May be he was genuinely concerned about her safety, she calmed herself. After her dreadful party experience during college days, she was always on guard while going out. Mayhap he is still no aware of the positive change, his heinous act had brought in her life. As the taxi pulled into porch of Khanna mansion, Mehek noticed an expensive sedan parked at their premise. Mehek identified it and the driver who was dozing inside the car. She quickly dashed into the house after paying her taxi.

"Dr Rajeev?", Mehek anxiously called the middle aged man who sat beside Shaurya's bed. Rajeev was a familiar figure for Khanna family. He was the one who treated Shaurya since the accident. Being top of his profession, Rajeev was arrogant, egoist and looked down at people. But Mehek managed to impress him and he always subtly admired her dedication towards her ill husband. "Where were you, Mehek?", he scolded her. Mehek looked down being ashamed. Rajeev studied her attire and smelled stench of alcohol on her. "Partying? At this hour? Leaving Shaurya all alone? What's wrong with you Mehek?", he was visibly disappointed with Mehek. "I am sorry, Doctor. I was with my sister Nehal", Mehek tried to reason but he turned a deaf ear. "I specifically told Harishji and Karunaji to never to leave him unattended. He is still not fully recovered", he turned to quickly check Shaurya, "but I guess you are too eager to enjoy your life". "It's not like that...", she was on verge of tears. "Then explain to me, Mrs Mehek Khanna. Are you done with being nurse of your sick husband? Or have you decided to abandon him now?", his cruel words pierced her. Mehek broke into tears and Rajeev realized he was indeed rude to her. He sighed and wiped his spectacles, "Shaurya experienced severe headache tonight. I don't know whether he tried to reach you or not. But he managed to call me on time and I arrived as soon as possible", he picked up his bag, "I have injected him medicines. He is fine now and will be asleep until it's effect wears off. But don't take it lightly and bring him hospital for further checkup". Rajeev was about to leave but he turned to Mehek, "Do you want me to arrange a nurse for Shaurya?". She shook her head in disagreement.

A day passed away. Shaurya intently looked at Mehek who carefully arranged a bib around his neck and fed him soup. For past 24 hours, she stayed close and took good care of him. He was feeling better but still weak. Yet he didn't complain as he enjoyed every minute of it . "I have kept your clothes in the bathroom. Take a shower and get ready. Dr Rajeev has given appointment for evening", she informed and he nodded. Once she collected the bowl and stood up to leave, he grabbed her wrist. "Thanks for taking care of me", he told earnestly. She didn't respond but pulled herself away from his hold to walk away. "I wish I was ill forever", his mocking words startled her. When her horrifying eyes met his playful ones, he explained her, "If you remain beside to take care of me without hiding your love, then it's a good trade off". Mehek forcefully kept the tray on nearby table and marched to him furiously. "Easy tigress", he feigned fear. She told sternly, "I never loved you and I will not ever love you". "Then why are you here with me, Mehek?", he asked naughtily. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, "Becoz I feel responsible for your condition. I know I am guilty for harming you", she paused to gather courage,"Infact you never loved me either. I am just an obsession for you". His playfulness vanished and his face saddened. "Shaurya, truth is always bitter but it cannot be ignored. We are together for most wrong reasons. Our marriage is a sham based on helplessness, fear and madness". "Then why don't we start all over again?", he asked quickly, "Let's find the apt reasons and try to work it out". She blinked back her tears while he eagerly waited for her response. "A relationship should be built on trust, respect and love. I am afraid we can never have any one of them between us". She walked away without waiting for his response.

"Let's go", she told him when he came down. "Mehek, let it be. You don't have to come. I will manage", he tried to avoid her. She got angry, "Be a bit mature, Shaurya. You asked me a question and I answered it honestly". He grabbed her shoulders gently to pacify her, "And trust me I am really happy that you were open. But right now I need to be alone and trust me you too need to be away from me". Mehek could slowly understand his point. "Don't worry, I am taking the driver with me and will call you once I meet Dr Rajeev", he told her calmly.