MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 110

"Uncle, tum?

"I'm looking for Mehek, and figured this to be as good as a place to find her, Malik gruffly stated without preamble.

Mel turned away, at once irritated at the man's surly attitude, before deciding that if he wanted to forever act like a stodgy old man then he better be prepared for the consequences. "I'm so sorry, I completely forgot my manners in my haste. Namaste Uncle...

"I don't have time for this, Mel. Is Mehek coming to your viewing...

"She didn't say either way earlier. Why don't you just call her and ask? I'm sure you have her on speed dial.

The man fell silent for a minute. "She isn't answering my calls: not for the last three days, he finally admitted, running a hand through his hair

"I can't imagine why not, Mel responded sarcastically. She sighed, aware of the fact that Mehek was due to meet Shaurya to give him a tour of the Food & Wine Festival tomorrow. "Hold on let me get her on the phone. But first...

Malik looked on in confusion as this baffling woman, who he couldn't begin to understand, turned from him to get something; seconds later returning to him, spoon in hand. With one hand below preventing any spillage, she raised the other to his mouth. "Jalapeno Lime pickle. Can you tell me how it tastes; an honest assessment please she asked earnestly.

Trying not to notice how appealing she was when she wasn't being so antagonistic, Malik concentrated on the sample he had been fed. It was good really good to be exact. He reached up and lowered the spoon she still held up. "You made this, he asked a bit skeptically. He waited for the inevitable blow up his comment would bring, but instead was startled by her exclamation, and more so by the fact she was now grasping his hand and expressing real distress over his still bruised knuckles. "Oh Malik, what have you done to yourself? Have you had this checked? Oh God...

"Calm down, he urged; touched by her concern. "This is actually an improvement.

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?

He was prevented from answering when the kitchen door swung open and the missing chef entered the room with another person, both carrying trays.

"I hope you don't mind me deciding to come at the last minute, Mel, Mehek called out. "I've got Masala Chai cupcakes, and someone you may wish...

Everyone came to a stand-still each taking in the scene from their own perspective. Following Mehek's direction, Shaurya placed his tray down and approached the pair they had found there. He threw back the hoodie and removed his sunglasses Mehek had insisted on, so that he could get through the building without the most rabid of ISC fans being aware of his identity.

"Sh-Shaurya...Shaurya Khanna. You're here...with Mehek...in our kitchen...at our ISC viewing party?

He smiled charmingly at the woman glued to Malik's side. "I am: to all of the above. Mel is it? I hope you don't mind the intrusion. He then specifically directed his scrutiny to the chef who had yet to respond to his arrival, nor extract himself from Mel's grip. "But didn't you mention that, this was the accommodations for the College Program participants, Ms. Sharma?