MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 15

Chapter#4

For reference, the version of the MehRya Diwali dance that features in this FF is the one detailed in my OS Dance with Me. In case anyone hasn't read it already, here is the link: Dance With Me

Shaurya swallowed and waited.

The ball was in her court now, and he absolutely: without question, refused to press the issue and force some reaction from her. It would be of her own volition whether she would choose to respond or not. And if in the wait, his soul splintered a fraction, then that would just have been a risk par for the course of taking the decision to divulge who he actually was. He had no alternative now, but to trust that the friendship they had established could withstand what, evidenced by her lack of response, had been a shocking admission.

"Come on MS Jaan: talk to me..." he muttered as the time ticked away with no further communication from her.

...My flight is going to be boarding soon

...Goodbye.

He had barely enough time to register the incoming message and ponder the finality of it before he noticed that she had signed off Facebook. Now, even should he send a rejoinder to her clear dismissal, MS would not be in a position to access it: not for another three hours at least. And she knew that he would have realized this.

"Goodbye," he repeated softly to himself.

Was that it then - the end?

**********

...If this your idea of a joke, then it's a pretty sick one...

...You asshole, why don't you just stay away from me...

...Shaurya Khanna: Mehek Sharma... so now what...

In hindsight, the comebacks she could have replied with, were coming fast and furious. And none of them resembled the timid reply his last message had prompted, before: like a frightened rabbit she had scampered away, disconnecting fully, well before she had needed to.

She had first escaped to the lavatory, when her stomach had roiled and she had instantly felt sick at the prospect that this situation could be playing out as it was. How could this be remotely possible, that she be caught unawares like this? This seemed just the sort of setup that Shaurya Khanna would go for: wheedling back into her life again for no other reason than to torture her some more. And she had suspected nothing and walked blindly into his trap.

"Oh God," she whispered inside the cubicle, questioning if this meant that he knew everything already, that he had somehow soused out her plans... "Nahi," she thought, knowing that Rajiv Sir would remain true to his word to both her and her family and not disclose anything to his business partner of her plans. The kind man would never have betrayed her like that, which could only mean that it was solely Shaurya Khanna behind this scheme. Numb now, she had gone to the closest sink and after washing her hands splashed some cold water on her heated cheeks. In the background, she heard an announcement, and realized that she had taken far more time in the restroom than she had thought and that so much time had actually passed, that there was now truth behind the message she had sent. If not already, then very soon they would be boarding her flight.

************

"This view is amazing isn't it Chef Mehek? Barring the occasional fireworks display, it will be a peaceful backdrop after a long day of work," Chef Malik offered as he led the young woman to the picture window of the accommodations that she would be housed in for the next four months. "And even then, the spectacular light display you will be privy to is something to behold as well."

Mehek smiled at her counterpart and murmured her agreement. Behind her the bell-staff were busy taking her baggage into the sleeping quarters of the one bedroom villa of the Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Although subdued, the beauty of the modern hotel was not lost on the young woman. On the contrary, her silence belied her excitement, as she snapped a few photos of the amazing view she would have for the next few months.

Figuring, by her subdued demeanor that she was somewhat tired from her travel, Chef Malik thought it best to wrap things up so that Mehek could get the needed rest, so he quickly brought her attention to the fully equipped kitchen he knew would be paramount to someone like her. Opening the refrigerator, and then the few cabinets, he smiled. "I took the liberty of gathering some staples for you to get you through the next few days. After that I or one of the other staff, will show you around to some of our favorite places to shop for groceries, sundries and the like, okay? So, if there is nothing else I can help you with, I will leave you to get settled and see you tomorrow morning for our initial meeting with the festival coordinators. The car will be by at 8:00 AM."

"Thik hai, and thank you so much Chef Malik," Mehek replied with a smiled, grateful for his consideration, but particularly for his proactiveness in the kitchen. If there was ever a need for her to be there, then it was now, when she was so troubled. She saw him out, and then returned to the oversized glass panel that offered the tranquility of the water view which in the late afternoon would be calming to most. She snapped one more picture of the serene view, wishing that it would work for her now.

Hours ago, she would have expected to immediately have posted that photo, in her eagerness to share this detail with her KK, and to finally disclose what had really brought her to destination. Smiling ruefully she thought how despite his contstant prodding she had only hinted about the job opportunity she had been granted. Instead of a grand reveal, she was now left grieving for her present circumstances, and the loss of her friend.

At a distance, she caught a glance of world famous Disney Monorail that ran through the resort and transported guests to the nearby Magic Kingdom, which she hopefully would get the opportunity to visit soon. For the near future, she fully expected the bulk of her time to be at another resort prepping for her participation in the Food Festival, but she definitely had the Kingdom on her priority list for when she had some spare time. Now, however it would be best if she unpacked, so that after she prepared something for herself to eat, she would have the time to contact everyone at home. All that was, but one.

***************

What should have been an easy task was made all the more difficult because of her racing thoughts. Mehek's emotions had run the gamut throughout her unpacking; swaying back and forth from skepticism that Karela King - her KK- and Shaurya Khanna were one in the same. It made no sense. What would it accomplish: practically stalking her? What would the end goal be, and stranger yet, what the point of revealing himself now have been? Filling the drawers and the small closet with her belongings, Mehek contemplated this, and could find no definitive answer to this maddening riddle.

But then she had reached for the one item that would forever remind of her how calculative: how manipulative, how truly wicked the man was. In handling the item, she had no doubt of his capabilities to trick her like this.

Some would have loved the black dress, but to Mehek it remained a symbol of her exploitation: of how the ruthless man had no qualms in using a woman to achieve his own goals. To this day, she would never understand what twisted satisfaction he had fulfilled in the demands associated with this piece of clothing that she loathed above all others. She had kept it only to remember that never would she allow herself be at anyone's mercy again, lest of all Shaurya Khanna. Her lips tightened as she recalled how tawdry he had made her feel that night, a woman used, knowing in that moment that she would have done anything to secure her Uncles' release from their baseless imprisonment.

She hung the dress up, delegating it a prominent space in the closet, somewhere she would constantly come across it, just so that she would always keep in mind how far she had come, and how she would never allow herself to be placed in a similar position, by anyone. In fact, by the time she completed her task, it was this same determination that had her at last leaning in the direction she would take. Mehek Sharma was no-one's coward. But she also understood that she needed to get into the kitchen: and fast. If not only to sate her hunger, but also settle her thoughts a bit to assure that her plan was well thought out. She doubted if it was the right thing to do, and she would completely dismiss her choice as sensible, as there was no way that what she was contemplating could be considered such. All she knew was that it needed to be done.

***************

"I don't want to talk about it Mom; please just leave well enough alone."

Taken aback, Karuna ignored her son's preemptive greeting when she ran into him heading towards the front door. How could he expect her to abide by this, when his agony was plain for anyone to see this morning. He looked as if he hadn't slept a wink, and yet here he was up and ready to go to the office, when for all appearances, it looked as if it would be better for him not to at all.

"Shaurya, beta, at least have breakfast before you go," she said indicating the dishes that the staff were busy laying on the dining table.

"I'm not hungry, Mom. I haven't the appetite this morning."

Karuna held her son's arm, preventing his departure. "Did things go that badly, Shaury," she asked gently, immediately comprehending and sympathetic to her son's plight.

"I guess that would depend on how one should interpret a final message of goodbye, Mom," he answered wretchedly, a bitter smile plastered on his face.

"And this is an answer that the icon of a man known as Shaurya Khanna is willing to accept?"

He didn't answer her, not when he suspected that it could in fact be his stature and reputation that had caused the issue he saw no resolution to. If MS truly wanted nothing to do with him, then he would stomach her wish. He would not go where he was not wanted.

"At least have a cup of chai, Beta," his mother implored. "At least until I can rouse the driver," she continued, pushing the mandate that he would not drive so early this morning, when he was not functioning at full capacity.

"Mom..."

"Nahi Shaury, you will listen to me in this regard."

*Ping*

*Ping*

Grateful that he had been spared anyone's company as he drank the tea his mother had instructed be brought to him before she had left, Shaurya had no witness to his reaction of when his mobile sounded. Twice no less. "Let it be her," he prayed aloud.

MS had sent him two images: the first being a plated dish, and the second, a panoramic sunset view of a large body of water.

Shaurya closed his eyes in relief that she had come back online; hoping that by making this overture, that MS was indicating her willingness to carry on their friendship. For now, he chose not to respond, admittedly scared that he would inadvertently misstep if he initiated any conversation right now, when he had no clue what she may be thinking.

*Ping*

... These are the first two photos I would have shared with my friend KK: my first dish prepared in my new place, and the beautiful view I have from my verandah where I will most likely dine each day. I would like to think that Karela King at least, would be both happy and excited for me.

... Dost, the only thing that has changed is my name; I can be Shaurya Khanna and be just as excited and happy for you MS.

... So it's true then? This is not the joke I've been desperately hoping it was?

Well, Shaurya thought, that basically sums up how she feels. He quickly typed his response

...Haan: I am really Shaurya Khanna, but nothing else has changed. Our friendship...my feelings.

...And if I don't want either from Shaurya Khanna, then what KK?

...Then I would ask you to reconsider, that you should get to know the real me. That you should think about what we have shared; the friendship we have developed, and then let me know if you have absolutely no issue walking away from it. After that, the choice is completely up to you MS. I just know that I will miss you if you do decide to go away from me.

...And I am supposed to believe you? I am supposed to have faith in the man who played fast and loose with a young woman's reputation, for the sake of a television show?

Reading these words, Shaurya's clenched his jaw.

...That's not exactly how I would put it.

...Bolo Shaurya Khanna, how else could it be viewed then? Tell me what other way one could perceive the torment you put that chef through on your show? And then explain why any young lady would want to risk the possibility of you doing the same to her?

...I think you're judging me without knowing all the facts, and the extenuating circumstances behind what was aired. I would like to think that the MS that I know wouldn't judge me without knowing the truth.

...But that's it Shaurya Khanna, you don't know me do you? Just as I had no clue of your true character, neither do you. I could be very well be her and then what Shaurya Khanna? Would you be offering the same platitudes if I was? I doubt it.

Her message brought him pause, and then almost immediately he dismissed the probability of that being the case. The two women were nothing alike. Still, Shaurya sensed the direction this was taking. MS had made her choice already, and it wasn't one he wanted. Her contact hadn't been some sort of outreach. She was setting him up for her dismissal, and letting him know exactly why she would be cutting ties with him. He couldn't let her, not when she was had only recently come back in his life.

...Give me the chance to prove you wrong then. For the sake of our friendship, at least give me this.

... My friendship was with KK; not Shaurya Khanna. And frankly I see nothing in him that I want anything to do with.

...One chance...please.

He was too late...she was gone again.

Mehek set her mobile down on the table, and picked up the glass of juice off the table where she sat. The setting truly was spectacular, and she knew would be a source of solace to her while she was here. Slowly sipping the chilled liquid, she briefly wondered the course she was setting in motion. Foolhardy: most likely, but someone needed to teach that man a lesson. This looked to be the perfect opportunity for her to do so.

For a little while longer, she admired the view in front of her, as she finished her beverage. The lake had taken on an even more tranquil air as darkness had fallen, but having been warned about the potential dangers that lurked beneath the peaceful waters after dusk, Mehek looked in it a bit more warily. Similarly, she understood the peril of what she was about to do, knowing the character of the man she was dealing with. Taking a deep breath, she took up her mobile again.

... I'm not a pushover, so don't dare to think you have won me over in any shape or form. If you think you are capable of showing yourself in a better light than prove it Mr. Shaurya Khanna. However...

... Yes?

That one word betrayed his desperation, and Mehek smiled.

...Until such time, I will only be MS to you: nothing more. That means no seeking me out. You can only accept me at face value for now. Only after I am convinced of your sincerity, will I consider revealing my identity to you. I expect that as a man of action this will be hard for you, so can you accept this?

...And you would trust me in this regard MS?

...Isn't this what you are asking me to do? Is this your way of letting me know already I am right not to trust you? If that's the case we may as well end this conversation now.

Seated behind his driver, the hotelier recognized that he had been maneuvered into a position of inaction as it related to discovering her identity. He couldn't squander the single chance he had been given, especially if doing so would prove her right all along. Even if he was the only one in the know, it would still be wrong, and he meant to go precisely as he had said, in all of his dealings with her.

...I agree. Now tell me what need I do to prove myself to you, MS?

Mehek read his message, and smiled to herself.

...Aacha, and here I thought you were the man with all the answers, Shaurya Khanna. Perhaps you should use the stratagem you are known for and figure out what exactly must be done. Fortunately for you I am off to bed now, so you won't have me to interrupt your thought process.

... Good Night Shaurya Khanna.

Chapter5