MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 3

Chapter #9

Malik knew exactly when his companion became mindful of her surroundings when Mehek stopped suddenly, as soon as she entered the eatery. Prior to their arrival, her private thoughts had transcended most of his attempts to make small talk with the young woman. Plainly, the distractions of her day had not left her. Unlike earlier, though, when her plight had emboldened her creativity, this evening the results were not as ideal. If he had his druthers, their shared ride to the restaurant would not have been punctuated with as many of the conversation lapses there had been. Nor would she have fiddled with her mobile as much as she had: expectantly... definitely: hopefully. He had been keen to note all the same, that while it was plain that she was anxious to commune with someone; she was not willing to take the first step to do so herself. The notion of a lover's spat had come to his mind immediately. Considering his own burgeoning interest in her, it would be worth discovery if this was the case, but first would be the need to get her full attention.

"Oh...Wow."

Malik took the opportunity to step closer and usher Mehek further into the teahouse whose colorful interior had claimed another victim. Juxtaposed against the building's staid exterior, the hip space had been designed to whisk its patrons, into an artsy environment that immediately spoke to a noteworthy dining experience in store for them.

"It's amazing isn't it," he asked as they approached the small dais.

He was greeted by name, and with a quick hug from the bubbly hostess, who straight away offered what looked to be a favored corner table to the chef.

Once seated, Malik deferred the offer of the menu for the moment and addressed his companion. "Would you be offended if I ordered for you, Mehek?"

She turned a full wattage smile on him, having been pulled out her doldrums on viewing the display of eclectic art that covered every vertical space of the restaurant. "Nahi, if I can't trust a fellow chef to select something good than who can I? Plus, it will give me more time to explore everything."

Malik shook his head and then turned around and spoke in hushed tones to the waitress who had arrived. When he finished he turned back to see that Mehek had moved a few tables down and was now studying one piece of artwork close-up. Just as he was about to hail her, she pivoted and met his gaze with a happy countenance that had him responding in kind.

"I really like this place," she said as she slipped back into her seat. "If the food is half as good as the decor..."

"Trust me, it is. Mike, the owner, would have it no other way."

"Aacha, so not only are you a frequent customer, you are also on a first name with the proprietor."

"Actually, we are quite good friends. We got to know each other at work. He was a colleague, until he left Disney to explore other options."

"Really? I can't imagine why anyone would want to leave; the chance to work with them seems a dream itself."

Malik knew a moment of satisfaction; this had to be the best news he would gather this evening, and best of all it had taken very little prodding to get it out of her. That already, she had this view of her work would definitely be advantageous in the company's pursuit of the talented woman on a permanent basis. And, of course that would be A-Okay with him. He smiled a silly grin at her.

"Well, I for one, am very glad you are enjoying your time here, Mehek."

She hadn't realized until then, when that genuine smile crossed his face, how handsome her co-chef was, or how deep his dimples were. Nor their capability to render her speechless for a moment. She knew she was staring, and realized after a second that so was he in return. it was a little awkward to be honest. Blushing, she averted her gaze from his unexpected scrutiny. Thankfully she was saved from having to explain the growing lapse by the return of their waitress carrying a tray holding two large steamy mugs. She looked down in surprise when the cup was placed before her and then back up.

"Enjoy... your food will be up momentarily," the server specified.

About to exclaim her delight at the surprise of what looked to be an authentic cup of chai, Mehek was interrupted by her companion.

"Before we get to enjoying this I wonder if we can agree to do one thing." He took his mobile out of its holder, and switched it to vibrate before placing in on the table. He nodded in her direction in hopes that she would follow suit. "Being so far from home, I can imagine how much of a lifeline your phone is, but considering the time difference, I think it's safe to say that neither of your family or friends, unless they are total insomniacs are awake now." He watched with interest as she dawdled despite the logic he had presented her. Unquestionably, if not wanting to reach someone, she wanted to ensure her availability should whoever it was, attempted to contact her. He continued, hoping to get her undivided attention.

"Too often, we let ourselves remain tuned into these devices, so much that we often lose out on the simple pleasures life has to offer by being so inattentive: like another's company."

He was right, Mehek thought, and she had wasted enough time today hoping that Shaurya would at least come back online, so that she could respond to his unjust indictment of her plans. But he hadn't, and fool that she was, she had allowed the offence to take root and fester, to the point that she was running the risk of being unfair to someone who had been so kind to her from the get-go.

"You are so right, Malik," she said, placing her phone next to his, and then raised her mug for her first taste of the spice laden tea. It was just as good as the aroma had suggested. She closed her eyes in bliss at the comforting beverage.

"Now that's settled, tell me how this place could have one of the best chai brews I have had in goodness knows how long," she asked.

"Well rumor has it that the owner is great friends with one who would be able to guide him on such matters."

**********

...Shaurya?

...Home already, MS?

...That's not important, what is, is why you are up so early this morning when you should be still resting?

Shaurya smiled over her apparent worry over him; that and the fact that she was back where she should be. Home and far away from that man.

... I'm sorry your date fell through.

He suspected that his words read as insincere as they were, however he needed to bridge the gap somehow after he had been so abrupt with her earlier in the day. He was just so glad that she had reached out to him at all after his obstinacy to retract anything he had said. He was about to add to his chat, when she sent her own

...It didn't. Why would you think it had? I'm - we're actually here still having our meal. It's a great little place; the food is simple, but really, very good. And I have had the best two cups of chai I've had in days.

...So if not the meal, it's the company that is so awful. Are you hiding from him in the washroom stall then?

... Not that it's any of your concern, but Malik has stepped away...

...Aacha: like I said his company is so lacking that you resorted to reaching out to me at the first opportunity.

...Maybe

...Or Maybe I just wanted to rub it in what an amazing time I'm having with a good-looking guy who has treated me with nothing but respect the entire time and not as shabbily as supposed friend who acted like I was some characterless woman for deciding to have a meal with a co-worker.

For the first time, it occurred to him how she could have taken his comments, and may have been offended by them.

...I never, ever said that, MS.

... Nahi, but it was inferred. And it wasn't appreciated. I'm sure if the situation was reversed, Malik wouldn't have had an issue with it. He would probably have given me that cute smile that shows his dimples, and sent me on my way wishing me a good time.

"Only if he was a fool," Shaurya muttered to himself, as he switched back to the images his search had brought up. Unbeknownst to MS, her chat was giving him just the sort of specific detail he was lacking. Who knew there would be more than one Chef Malik in the area? But only one, Shaurya thought with dimples. Correct that he thought, his irritation rising: a good-looking guy with a cute smile and dimples. Women, he thought, rolling his eyes at thought of her description of the man. Still it had eliminated the alternative. He supposed the man left could be classified as appealing to an impressionable young woman. He decided there and then, that he detested the photogenic man he had determined to be his rival.

...Probably because he would have trusted me, you know, just as he had asked me to give him the benefit of the doubt and trust him. I probably wouldn't even have had to ask him this favor, because hopefully in the course of our previous dealings with each other, he would have gotten a hunch of the type of person I was, and treated me accordingly. And that no matter how handsome my dinner date was, that I wouldn't be so easily swayed by anything as superficial a guy's dimples. Haan, he would definitely trusted me.

...I just wonder why you didn't, Shaurya?

And just as suddenly as he had, she logged off.

That did not bode well, Shaurya thought. She was angry, and rightfully so.

*********

"Mehek Sharma, you broke the rules."

Flushed, Mehek stared up at Malik. She hadn't been able to resist when the opportunity had arisen. The resulting discovery of her quarry being online had been the reward, so it made no sense to do anything but hold on to phone now that she had been caught red-handed. She nodded instead. And then she smiled.

"Ji, but now that I have gotten what I needed to say off my chest, I feel so much better."

"Now, that has a certain bloodthirsty tone to it. I admit to being extremely curious. A sibling spat, or something a little more interesting? I cannot imagine that it could be anyone but a beau that you would feel the need to set straight at this time of day."

"I'd rather not say," Mehek deferred, not knowing how she would define her relation with the man who had infuriated her so.

"Ah now, Mehek, where is the fun in that," the grinning man retorted as he took his seat across from her.

Embarrassed now, Mehek went on the defense.

"Thik hai, if you want to find fun in our conversation Malik, how about you tell me why I am here having dinner with you? What I mean to say is that you are sweet and caring, and not at all like..." she stopped suddenly, and after a moment's pause cleared her throat. "Long story short, Malik, someone should have snatched you up a long time ago."

He didn't take offense, and instead burst out laughing. "Are you sure my mother didn't call while I was away, Mehek," indicating that his single status may be a bone of contention for his parent. "So," he continued, "are you thinking that I am too old, or just unappealing" he teasingly questioned. "I don't know, I would like to hope that some might find something likeable in the aged creature I am."

Mehek didn't doubt it: kindness and a sense a humor were definite plusses in her eyes.

"Nahi, that's not it at all. Never mind; forget everything I've said. Let me just say thank you for now, I needed this outing more than I ever thought I would."

"Entirely my pleasure, Mehek. Perhaps if my old bones recover sufficiently from this outing, we can do this again. Without the need to grocery shop being the impetus, that is."

***********

Malik Varma

Occupation: Executive Chef

Born: 1985

Looking over from the quick facts of the chef's bio, to again study the image of the man who right now, was most likely in the throes of a major charm offensive, Shaurya frowned. At 32 the chef was too old: far too experienced for MS. Well versed with the sort who perpetually targeted on and preyed on younger, unworldly females, Shaurya's jaw tightened. Not to say that Malik in particular, was of this ilk, but in her message, it was clear that MS had seen something she liked in the man. At the very least the man's appearance held some appeal to her.

And with his surly disposition, he had given her enough ammunition for her opinion to sway in the direction of a more affable candidate.

He was his own worst enemy. Never had it more clear than right now, Shaurya contemplated. All because he couldn't handle the fact that she was doing something not out of the ordinary in the real world, where two colleagues could meet outside of work, with no strings attached. Deep down he knew why he had reacted the way he had, but there was no way without an explanation would MS understand. Instead, all he had done in showing his instant distrust, was to open the chance for her to consider him a waste of her time.

She had been right, he hadn't even been forthcoming with a fraction of the trust, that he had thought he had deserved when he had asked her for a second chance. Instead of falling back on the understanding of each other's natures: the justification that he had insisted form the basis that she believe in him, he had let his baseless jealousy engulf him, and rout any chance of him looking at the situation as anything other than an act of betrayal. She didn't even have to tell him of her plans; after all that is what a truly duplicitous woman would have done. But she had, even recognizing that it would upset him. And in response to that, what had he done: everything wrong. He was undoubtedly the biggest fool known to man.

He had no choice but go into restoration mode before it was too late.

********

Smiling, Mehek packed away the last of the groceries, taking her newly purchased recyclable grocery bags and storing them in the tiny utility closet afterward. It had felt good to leave behind the weightiness of life for a little while. She had to admit that she really had enjoyed Malik's company this evening. He had shown her completely different side beyond the professional man she had come to know, and she realized how nice it was to enjoy a no strings attached amity. They hadn't exactly scheduled a follow-up get-together, given their busy schedules, instead deciding to play it by ear if or when they would next meet. However, should all else fail, Mehek had wholeheartedly committed to a dance or two at the gala to be held in conjunction with the Food and Wine Festival, that they would both attend. After a fun filled grocery shop, accented with a shared interest in her menu plans for home, ever the consummate gentleman, Malik had assisted her with her bags up to her suite, but that's it. Mindful of her long day, and probably, Mehek thought, of their changed status, he had thought it best not to linger, and left soon after. The fact that he had remained just outside her door listening for her to set the lock was endearing, and she had returned his farewell through the barrier of door appreciative of his concern.

Checking the time, she decided that she would log on for a bit, now that there would be a better chance of catching everyone at home. She knew that they would all want to know how her day had gone, and she was eager to share news of her success as well. Sonal, she was certain would be especially interested in her after work activities, but this was to be expected from her life-long friend. She missed her; well, all of them, yet she was amazed how easy it was acclimating to her new job and this new environment. Obviously not every day would be as good as this one had proven to be, but at this rate her four months will be over in a blink of an eye, and soon she would have to start considering what her next steps would be. For that of course, she would need to speak to her family, but if today was any indication, she suspected she knew the path her heart would lead her, should the opportunity arise.

About an hour later, her cheeks were hurting from the amount of smiling she had done. She had managed time with all of them, and was so glad that she had. It was so good to connect with her family, and Mehek would have chosen to continue longer, had she been unable to stifle the yawn that had slipped out, while she was on the skype call with Kanta Chachi. Immediately Chachi had ordered her to take rest; an edict relayed with the maternal affection that Mehek had come to rely on over the years. Chachi's mothering was the perfect conclusion to a mixed bag of a day; although in all truth the highs had outweighed the one low point, as significant as it had felt at the time.

And because she wanted to end her day with the peace of mind that had finally come to her, she decided to ignore the message she had received from Shaurya Khanna. Tomorrow, Mehek thought, would be soon enough to grapple with the strange commitment she had made to the perplexing man.

Chapter10

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter #10

Another productive day behind her, Mehek secured the towel she had wrapped around her damp hair and headed for the kitchen for the small dish of kheer she had saved especially for this evening. Before settling on the love-seat she went and opened the drapes. On her way home, she had realized that with not a cloud in the sky to impede the twinkling stars, that this would be the perfect evening to view the nearby fireworks display. Although she had gotten used to the recurring rumbles that sounded nightly, she had yet to tire of the sparkling light displays, that enchanted her each time she took the time to view them. Pudding and fireworks were absolutely the order of the night.

After that, and if she felt prepared enough to deal with it, she would see what Mr. Shaurya Khanna had to say for himself.

She would turn on her computer first though, just in case any other important messages had come while she was gone, and in doing so, saw that the man was logged on already. She checked her watch and waited for a moment to see if he would reach out to her first, even though he was certain to have seen that she had yet to read his last message.

"Thik hai, Shaurya," she whispered when she understood that most likely he was waiting her to make the next move. Only out of consideration that he may already be in the office, did she deviate slightly from her plan, and access the message he had sent first.

...Trusting others has never been a strong suit of mine.

...But at one time, I wanted to believe in the possibility that there were those worth trusting.

He had inserted an image here: one of a younger Shaurya...minus the facial hair and most of the insolence. One could see in his eyes that he wasn't the hardened man back then, that he was now. His smile: so youthful, so optimistic was a true one. And it was evident that it shone solely for her: the woman he held in the side embrace, who looked as happy as he did, as she stared adoringly up at him. Her profile was instantly recognizable: Shruiti.

Mehek shook her head. The woman had no idea how lucky she was, to have known the unspoiled version of this man. She scanned further down to continue reading the message that had been sent to her.

...I wanted to believe: desperately.

...But life had other things in mind for me it seemed. Perhaps I wasn't deemed worthy enough. The pretender who had entered her world, who brought his faults that had made him less commendable in her eyes than the true son of the family.

Another photo posted: of his cousin Vicky applying vermillion to the hair line of the woman that Shaurya loved. Mehek studied the photo. Perhaps, she thought, to have kept both images for so long, he still did love her. She blinked and turned away from the image, drawn by the poignant tome Shaurya had been inclined to write.

...Had it been squarely for those reasons alone, conceivably I would have been better off, believing these to be faults that I could correct over time and overcome. However, this was not the case, for the woman who I considered my soulmate was too much like the man who adored her: industrious to a fault. Only her path was for immediate wealth and the easier the path the better. And what better way would there be than to lay claim to the heir presumptive, and avoid the struggle she would have by choosing the cocky upstart?

...Imagine her surprise when things were not as they appeared at first glance. How prettily she pleaded for forgiveness, for the renewal of our association: it was love after all, and I had given her my heart to her keeping. Fool that I was, I had not even asked for its return as in my naivety I believed it was with her it belonged. My declaration seemed a prison sentence for so long, but it turned out when it came to the crunch, that even the scruffy orphan had a moral code.

...It was a painful lesson and one not forgotten. She wasn't the last woman in my life, but I was prepared the next time, and the times thereafter. Women became commodities, and I was under no illusion that any one was more estimable than any other. I was callous, and cruel and although I'm sure that one or two good ones may have been hurt in the fray: that was not my problem. It was simply the risk they would take being associated with Shaurya Khanna.

... I've been called heartless, more often than not, but it never affected me to any extent. It was my truth. In a harsh world, who needed a heart? In my mind, it was gone and good riddance. Surely, that was a good thing, for without the superfluous emotion associated with the damnable organ, there would be no risk of a repeat of the pain it can bring.

...A more damaged man there probably has never been.

...Nor a man more wrong.

...It may have hardened, but it seems my heart has been here all along...functioning and yet dormant. Waiting for one it deemed worth beating for again...

...Someone like you.

The spoon Mehek had stilled, half-way to her mouth slipped out of her suddenly flaccid grip, splattering her with the kheer she had been eating. Instead of jumping up to attend the mess to her night-clothes, her eyes frantically re-scanned the words she had just read. Her mouth fell ajar at the implications of what was being relayed to her. She swallowed and then braved herself to continue reading.

...And even though I cannot imagine a more illogical position to find myself in, there is no doubt in my mind how I feel.

...I guess after such a lengthy disconnect it was unrealistic to assume my head would automatically be in alignment with such a fallow heart, but that still doesn't excuse what I've done. One would expect an older, a more experienced Shaurya Khanna would at least be wise enough to see the situation for what it was, and not view your decision through the green colored lenses reserved for only the most juvenile. Clearly, I remain a work in progress.

...The truth is that I hurt you with my misplaced anger and probably worst in my careless disregard of your character, when I should have absolutely known better. I probably can never express properly, how sorry I am, but I am in a position where I must try. For the simple fact that I am not willing to lose what I've never had with anyone else.

...Forgive me, MS.

**********

It had been taken almost twenty-four hours for the message status to finally change to seen.

Seated behind his desk, Shaurya closed his eyes and exhaled. Okay, he thought, the first bridge had been crossed. Whatever would happen next would be completely up to her. He felt prepared for any possibility, but any course of action would be predicated on her response, should there even be one.

She wouldn't disappoint him.

**Ping**

She asked for ten minutes, giving Shaurya the opportunity to raise Hina on the intercom to confirm his unavailability until he was scheduled to meet with Rajiv in forty-five minutes. He would apprise her of any difference.

It had taken Mehek all of two minutes to clean up the mess she had made, but she took full advantage of the time she had requested attempting to come up with the right words by which to end whatever this was between them. Things had gone too far.

By no stretch of the imagination was this supposed to happen. At the most she had hoped to encourage some introspection on his part, and possibly wring out an apology out of the man, but not anything else. She had been audacious in thinking even that could be accomplished without any fallout. And who was she to even think that she had any right to insist on this? When it came down to it, all she had achieved was that she had positioned herself to inflict even more pain on a man who had suffered so much in his life. Despite all he had done, even he didn't deserve the agony her deceit would bring. A clean break was the only choice.

...I'm so sorry, but I can't do this anymore, it's wrong on so many levels.

...Aacha, is this the leadup to the great reveal that I have been cat-fished and you are really a man?

...I'm not joking Shaurya. I shouldn't have forced you into this. I had no right to intrude in your life as deeply as I have, and trust me this certainly wasn't a ploy to trap you in any way.

...That is not how this works, MS. You cannot jump to any conclusion before working through what has been presented. Ask what needs must, and then we will make the call as what to do next.

... No, Shaurya, we aren't doing this.

... Come on Dost

...Fine: one last time, and then that's it.

... Do you still love her?

...Who?

... 😡

... Shruti..my Bhabhi...no. Not for some time. Indifference would probably a more apt description now.

...And yet even today, she forms the basis by which you judge and condemn every single woman who enters your life.

He was inactive for a while, and Mehek wondered if he was thinking on what she had written, and if this was the first time he had recognized the connection between his past and how it dictated his actions.

...Yes, and in a few instances, it was wrong of me to do so. Most particularly as it pertained to you.

...You've kept photos of her. Would I be correct in guessing that these aren't the only ones, Shaurya?

He read her new message with a smirk. She had determined not to touch on the point of his last message that had alluded to her. He would allow this for now, but she wouldn't get away with avoiding the subject for long. He typed his response to her.

...There are a few them in my possession.

... Why? For what reason, would you have kept these photos whose existence can only bring you pain?

...They served a purpose.

...But now that you have reached the heights of success that you felt you would need to prove your worthiness, why have you kept them? I can't imagine that they bring you any happiness.

Shaurya sat up a little straighter in his chair, amazed at how perceptive she was.

...Get rid of them, Shaurya. What's the use of keeping mementoes of such an agonizing time? They serve no purpose, but to drag you back to a bleaker period of your life. At least consider it.

...Oh and perhaps in the future it would be best not to paint everyone with the same brush as her. It would be better for everyone involved.

When she finished typing her sermon, she sat back in her chair. To say anything more on this subject would be redundant, now that, she had, at last, the answers she had been seeking. She recalled specifically, at the very beginning of ISC when she had inadvertently entered his room, catching him barely decent, and the misconstrued encounter that had ensued. It had set them at completely at odds, but in hindsight, now knowing his story, what Shaurya had presumed made all the sense in the world. The admission of guilt she had yearned from him seemed frivolous in comparison to everything he had gone through. If anything, it only served to make what she felt she had no alternative but do, particularly unpalpable. However, it would be no worse than him continuing to toil under the illusion she had brought about by not identifying herself when she first had the opportunity. He would truly hate her once he found out.

...MS, my words were in no way meant to evoke your sympathy, but as you look determined to use them as the premise to take a regrettable step, I'm afraid I am going to have to take the reins for a bit. Since you have chosen to ignore then, here are a few areas of focus. Of course complete candor from both of us is expected:

...I accept my mistake; will you accept my apology?

...My feelings for you.

...Your feelings for me.

...Nothing in your message referenced my feelings towards you.

...Aacha, in that case considered the topic tabled.

...Apology accepted. And I am not under any obligation to answer anything else.

She sent that and then realized how abrupt it read. When it looked as if he was prepared to play a waiting game, she continued.

...I mean, your attitude was hurtful, and totally unwarranted, but I understand now, how my dinner with Malik must have seemed to you. So, yes, I do accept your apology.

...You do realize that, in stating this, that you are acknowledging my feelings. Feelings that I can assure you that I haven't been trapped into having.

...But still feelings built on the supposition that you will be happy knowing who I really am. And I am not so sure you will be.

...There is a very simple solution to that MS.

Mehek clenched one hand in hesitation for a moment.

... And the less painful option would be to end this now, while we can.

...Less painful for whom? For me: for you or for both of us?

...You have suffered so much already, Shaurya. I don't want to add to it, any more than necessary.

...What a deviant you must be MS; even worse than me. Thik hai. Let's say we let you have get your way. Will you miss me, Dost?

Raidio-silence.

He took advantage of her hesitation and pounced.

...Never mind, I don't require an answer since you've provided it already. You will. That you are so concerned about causing me pain, speaks volumes to the truth that you care; which leads me to believe that you have feelings for me as well, even in some small measure. So that clears that, we can put that topic to rest.

...Compassion, that's all it is.

...Hmm a good try, but that is something extremely difficult to have if you truly dislike a person. So, based on this theory, if you have worked through a genuine distaste of a man, to now actually liking him enough to worry about his feeling, why couldn't I, in turn do the same? Aside from the argument that I am the truly damaged soul you believe me to be, will the admission of your identity be as traumatic as you believe?

She had no ready answer, knowing only that theirs was a completely untenable situation. She could only fall back on her original stance.

...Ending it will be best, trust me, Shaurya.

... Just like that, with no explanation on your end? Thik hai, if you insist. We end it now.

... Just be certain you know what you want MS. And exactly what you will be setting in motion in getting your way. You are effectively pushing away a single-minded, grasping man who sees in you, something he feels missing in his life, and releasing him from all the constraints that were previously agreed upon. All bets will be off then, and you can expect a face-to-face very soon.

...Oh ho, so now the real Shaurya emerges. The one who threatens others to get his own way.

...Nahi, just stating facts Dost. And how's this for another: You are wrong and acting the coward.

...You have come across something that makes you uncomfortable and now you want to turn tail and run. If I am expected to face my truth, shouldn't you as well MS? Besides, did you really think my nature would change, that I wouldn't take the necessary recourse should we go our separate ways prematurely? Shaurya Khanna and your KK are one and the same, Dost, it would be best to remember that.

...Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

She typed the insult, but had to admit that something about his steadiness in the situation was reassuring, which was frankly beyond her understanding right now.

...Aacha, and whom pray tell is the angel in your case MS? Am I chatting to her or is the real treasure your alter ego?

He didn't wait for her to answer a question that may unsettle her any more than she was.

...Just stay the course and let's see this through to a proper conclusion, for both of us.

...Well if we do, I am forewarning, your bullying nature will more than likely be our next topic for discussion, Shaurya Khanna.

He grinned at last. He was certain she still had her doubts, but the immediate crisis looked to have been averted.

... You call it bullying, I call it being persuasive. Either way a man does what he must when the need arises. But more importantly than this, an honorable man keeps his word. My public persona may not necessary reveal it, but I take my word seriously, and I promise, I am not asking you for anything more than you willing to offer. My admission was not meant to place any undue pressure on you to reciprocate. I was just stating the facts I felt needed to be disclosed, in hopes that you would understand me a bit better, and why I acted as I did. And I assure you, your reveal will be of your doing. You will be my MS until you feel it the right time.

...Thank you.

... I must go now. I wish I didn't have too, but duty calls, and I expect you will need to take rest soon anyway. I'm glad we had this time.

...Good Night Dost.

**********

Mehek signed off, a little less unsure, but still worried over how it all would play out. She wanted to believe in his words, but couldn't deny her trepidation. She stood up and went towards her window and stared out at the darkness. She closed her eyes and spoke a quiet litany, desperately seeking some reassurance that what she was doing wasn't wrong, and wouldn't turn out badly for either of them.

"Please God just give me one sign," she whispered.

The explosive bang that drowned out the ping of an incoming message, brought a smile to her face. Snapping her eyes open so that she wouldn't miss and instant of the light show, she was taken aback when straight ahead a cluster of red exploded and proved the embodiment of her appeal when it took on a shape which suspiciously looked like a heart shining against a black velvet sky.

***********

With seconds to spare, Shaurya scanned over their conversation, committing it to memory. He smiled, contemplating that surely, they would one day rid themselves of the distance between them and finally come face to face. Then he thought, there would be no need for things like the virtual roses he was resigned to send in lieu of the real thing.

"A virtual bouquet for my dost, until I am able to send the real thing," he captioned the image, before sending it.

"I confess to being extremely anxious to finally meet your someone special, Shaurya."

Startled to have been caught unawares, Shaurya looked up, his cheeks slightly ruddier than they had been seconds before.

"Namaste Bhai, how are you?"

Rajiv to a seat across from the younger man. He smirked at him. "Obviously not as content as you Shaurya. All, is well I gather?"

"Indeed, and you," Shaurya asked his partner as he reverted to the business at hand. With one final smile, he logged off the social site, and pulled up the latest data he and Rajiv had to discuss.

"Bhai, before we get on to reviewing the latest sales for the restaurant, tell me: have you had any feedback from Mehek Sharma in regards to the making an appearance on ISC?"

"With all the activities in scheduling this season non-studio shoots, I hadn't the opportunity to reach out to her. But I managed to shoot her an email, just before I came to you, so I have every hope that she will have responded by the time we next meet with the station."

Shaurya looked up in confusion. "Email? A telephone call wouldn't have sufficed?"

Opposite the eagle-eyed hotelier, Rajiv schooled his expressions, disbelieving that he had dropped the ball so easily.

Haan Shaurya, an email. She is out of town for a while. Should we go over the report now?"

"Fair enough," the younger man shrugged, before turning back to his perusal of the file they would discuss. "Let me know her answer when you do hear from her, okay?"

Chapter11

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter#19

"Let it go, Shaurya. You were overreacting last night, and more-so today. No real harm was or will been done to Esha's reputation in keeping the film intact. Remember, Esha herself refused to stop filming. If anything, she has been shown in a completely positive light, for the poise she displayed in the situation. As terrible as it was, I doubt what she experienced is any worse than what young females are exposed to in and around the city," the director concluded.

"And that is all the more reason why I do not wish for such behavior to be glorified by airing it in the show," Shaurya retorted.

Uday jumped into the discussion, "But that is where you are mistaken, Shaurya. The insult is suitably answered by Esha's response as well as the passionate defense your Mehek provided to her fellow woman."

Shaurya schooled his reaction at the emphasis Uday had placed on his words, knowing that even now the man was non-stop in seeking some path to create some controversy. Now that they were down one final shooting involving Mehek, it was even more imperative than ever to avoid such. "Noted, however..."

"Nahi, if you think on it, you will know that we are right here; no editing is necessary. Both Esha and Ms. Sharma will be highlighted as the epitome of womanhood. The only fallibility on display will be that of Chef Kamal; any fallout be on him alone."

They had gone back and forth on the subject for some time, and now, with no real leg to stand on; with his opinion clearly shown to be the minority, Shaurya had no choice but to accept defeat. "Thik hai, we will let it stand as is. Ideally it will be the first and last time we are confronted with such a situation." He nodded stoically, as he began preparing to leave. He checked his watch; he had much to go over concerning his other businesses. However, about to leave, he was confronted again with the position the director was not ready to let go of just yet.

"So Shaurya, are you absolutely sure we can't get you to budge in agreeing to having Mehek back later; perhaps for the finale?"

"No chance. Three episodes are more than enough, unless the intention was to make her a permanent fixture on the judging panel. Plus, I'm certain that, Ms. Sharma's commitments won't allow her the time." He watched the man steal a glance at Uday before shaking his head in acknowledgment. Shaurya knew that his abrupt comment could be misinterpreted as irritation; some could even say, an intemperate resentment of the overwhelming publicity Mehek Sharma, had received after the airing of the first episode, and could certainly be expected in the coming week. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This was all about self-preservation; the sooner he could get some real distance between himself and Ms. Sharma, the better it would be for the both of them. However, there was no way he could explain that to either man; not that it was any of their business anyway. "Until tomorrow's taping, gentlemen," he said in farewell.

He had taken maybe half a dozen steps before he heard the ruckus at the reception area, which lent credence to every concern he had expressed in his recently concluded meeting.

"I know he is here. Please I just need to speak to him for five seconds. Can you please just call Shaurya out of his meeting. Dammit, it's important!"

Shaurya came upon scene that had garnered quite the audience from both the workers and those visitors who were presently in the television studio's waiting area. "Chef Esha, is there a problem?"

An abject, almost tearful look of relief came to the young woman's face at the sound of his voice, and before he could properly react, Shaurya found himself confronted by the overly emotional, who had thrown herself at him, blubbering that she had to speak to him now, becoming more vocal as she continued her incoherent ramblings. Mindful of the scene being created, he hastily set her aside, and attempted to calmly reason with the young woman.

"I have no choice, I have to quit the show. After last night..."

Bloody Hell, Shaurya thought immediately perceiving everyone around them perking up with the drama unfolding in front of them. "Chef Esha, at least let us speak in private on whatever it is that is bothering you," he admonished, turning around and taking the young woman in the direction he had just left. She came willingly at first until they came face to face with Uday and their director who by this time had exited the near-by conference room.

"What is the meaning of this Chef Esha," the producer demanded, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

This reaction immediately got Shaurya's attention. If there was anyone who should have thrived on this upheaval, it would be the producer, and yet when it looked as if he was finally getting his wish for some theatrics associated with ISC, he was anything but happy. And then there was the matter of Esha having fallen completely silent; in total contrast to her prior angst. He stared at the young woman realizing only then that her reaction had been specific to the producer. His opinion was reinforced when Uday suggested that he accompany the pair back to the office to discuss what was bothering the young contestant, and the woman's face turned ashen, and unwttiingly she took a retreating step, away from the other man. A small suspicion raised that Uday was to blame for the young woman's condition, Shaurya sent a frosty smile in the direction of his co-hort. "Completely unnecessary, but thank you Uday. I will just have a quick word with Esha. Feel free to carry on with your day," he added as he escorted Esha into the room they had just vacated.

Shaurya raked his hand through his hair, as he watched the young chef depart twenty minutes later. She had owned up to nothing he suspected; not that Uday had bothered her in any way, only that her acute embarrassment over the previous day's events had her second guessing her capabilities entirely. He hadn't believed it for a minute. Of all her foibles, this overly emotional behavior would not be what Shaurya would have expected of Esha, but she wouldn't not budge when pressed for any additional explanation. It had resulted in a wasting of precious minutes of his time, spent reassuring the young woman, but at least he had calmed her down to the point that she could leave with the dignity that she did not have when she had arrived. This day, Shaurya thought was getting if not worse, than stranger as it progressed; who knew what would come next.

**Ping**

He checked his watch, unnecessarily, when he heard the alert of an incoming message. There was no way, given the time of day that this could be MS.

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

"Have you seen Shaurya today, Mehek," the makeup artist queried, her voice barely containing her humor.

Grateful that her eyes were closed at the time, Mehek responded as calmly as her racing heart and the butterflies in her stomach, just the mention of his name had caused. "Nahi; why?"

The young woman continued with her work, applying the eyeshadow so that it would show under the harsh studio lighting.

"You'll understand," she answered cryptically. She paused to admire the progress of her work. "Just a bit more," she mumbled.

Mehek barely heard her; her mind already drawn back to her chat of yesterday. The penultimate communication before she would reveal all that was left to, to Shaurya, later tonight. The chat would be one she would recall with fondness for the almost calamity it was.

... Shaurya, I've made a decision, and it's that I think this online friendship has run its course.

Admittedly not the wisest choice of words to make her case, she couldn't blame Shaurya for totally rebuking her comment, unwilling to let what he had interpreted to be her wish to terminate their association to gain any footing. He had responded in an atypical acerbic manner.

...Go to bed MS. My day has been challenging enough thus far, without having to deal with the ramblings an over-tired woman.

Another mistake on her part, but once she had made her decision, nothing; not even a perceived time difference could deny her, her say.

...I'm hardly tired, and believe it or not Shaurya Khanna, you are not the only one to have faced challenges today. But I am more than certain of what I am saying.

...But before we get to that, tell me what's wrong. Perhaps you will feel better in the sharing of your troubles.

... For God's sake MS, you can't state you want to end things, and then in the next minute pretend to care.

...You're misunderstanding me Shaurya.

...Look if you're insistent on having this conversation at this ungodly hour, at least go back and read what you have written before you continue. Otherwise just stop before we both end up saying things we will later regret.

...There is nothing untrue in what I've said. What more is to be attained by restricting our friendship to this medium? Am I wrong to wish for what comes next? Wrong for having understood that we are shortchanging each other by not at least contemplating something more? That even though I'm certain that things are about to become pretty complicated, that I will kick myself if I don't take a chance on us?

... Or is this your way of saying now, that you need more time to make up your mind about me Shaurya?

...us?

...Haan Shaurya: us. I would be a fool not to say that I'm more nervous than I've ever been, because I am. But obviously unless I start stalking you, this isn't a decision I can make alone. It must be mutual or not at all, don't you think?

...Be warned, I am saving this chat MS. You won't be able to recant any this after you've had some rest.

...Just this one? I would have thought that you would have kept them all...I have, after all.

...The hole you are digging for yourself is getting bigger with every sentence, Jaan. You know my temperament, and what it entails. It isn't wise to encourage a man like me if you don't mean it.

...And now it sounds as if you are really trying to dissuade me from doing this, Shaurya. I'm not, nor will I take any of this back. I know what and who I want.

... I just need a day or so to sort out a few things.

...And then what, Dost?

...And then you will understand everything.

...And then we decide what happens next.

...That's easy enough Jaan. You've been there long enough now so you can provide the restaurant name and address, and what time our reservation is taking into consideration my travel time of course.

...A date, just like that, Shaurya?

...I'm a man of action, Dost

...And I like that too. Look out for my next message okay?

...Hopefully you'll find it worth it.

"Okay, I'm done now," the makeup girl announced. She removed the lightweight cloak she had covered Mehek's saree with, letting her see the completed look.

"This is perfect thank you, and in record time, no less" Mehek quipped, with a smile. As she waited for the artiste to collect her things, she contemplated whether she would have time to seek out Shaurya to see what the young woman had been hinting at. Probably not, she thought, which wasn't exactly a bad thing. She waved the young woman, and then stole a quick glance at her hands. They were shaking, indicative of how truly nervous she was today. "Better to stick the plan you have, Mehek," she muttered to herself, which meant as little contact with the man beyond their time on the set. Tonight, at the launch party would be soon enough to have a one and one with the man that she had no qualms in admitting had captured her affections. "Just breathe Mehek," she spoke to her reflection in the mirror she sat at, before closing her eyes.

"I've never seen anyone more in need of a drink, than you Mehek. May I offer you a sip?"

Mehek came back to herself, and focused on the reflection of the man standing behind her, who had unbeknownst to her, had entered the small dressing room she shared with Rekha, and where she now sat alone. The last thing she wished was to be isolated with him anywhere, but rather than make a scene she turned and smiled at Uday, and politely declined the offer.

"Are you sure Mehek," the producer asked as she stood and made to move around him with the clear intent of exiting the room. He blocked her, all the while smiling at the woman in front of him, reaching around her to place the flask on the vanity that she was trapped against. "Just in case you change your mind Mahek Sharma. Or is it just MS nowadays?" he took one more step closer and leaned toward her ear. "But perhaps that endearment is reserved for Shaurya alone."

Her head shot up, and Uday grinned victoriously knowing that he now had her full attention. He sighed with regret, as he boldly tucked a stray tendril behind her ear. "It's ironic really, especially since I know that Shaurya Khanna has been telling tales that I am the bad guy on set and warning you away from me. And all the while he has been behind the scenes pulling off the ultimate sting, or what is that they call it? Oh yes: catfishing. Such a nasty business, but there is no denying the manner of the man."

"Excuse me, I need to go," Mehek said, pushing past the man and heading towards the door

Uday turned, and followed her direction, smiling in response. "Without doubt, you are perfect MS. You don't believe a word that I'm saying do you? What an asset you will be to a man who actually deserves you, with such loyalty. Unfortunately, you seem to be looking in all the wrong places for such a man, my dear. However, since it's obvious that you are the type that needs proof: solid, tangible evidence, I've come fully prepared and can provide that as well."

He reached her where she stood hesitating at the door, her shoulders heaving with every breath she took. She heard everything: when he approached and when he unfolded the paper he must have extracted from one of his pockets.

"Chalo Mehek have a look. Explain this away that he; that Shaurya Khanna who keeps his finger on every aspect of his business, would not be aware of your every move? How with every chat he wormed his way a little bit more into your heart, until you had no choice but to return and see for yourself right if he has actually changed."

Mehek took the sheet of paper from him. It was the disbursement documentation covering the expense of her roundtrip flight from Orlando. The details were written as plain as day, so there was no question what the intent of the funds that Shaurya Khanna had signed off on. An original document even, so she couldn't even excuse the man's signature on it away as being a copy. But there had to be a reason, some excuse. Surely, Rajiv Sir would be able to clarify that it was anything but what it looked like. Hiding her panic, she shrugged nonchalantly. "This proves nothing."

"You can't be that gullible Mehek, unless working in that fantasy land has removed any semblance of reality from your brain. For f**ks sake, Mehek: do you really think you're the only one he's playing," Uday groused, as he practically shoved the her mobile in the still skeptical woman's face.

She gasped.

**********

Shaurya checked his watch and stole another glance towards the door. Across the room, he could see that his actions were being copied by Bhai. If he had cause for concern, then clearly something was wrong. He excused himself from one of the sponsors and walked across the room. En-route he was grabbed by Esha, who visibly boosted by her overwhelming success in today's taping, was posturing for the gathered press. He took the obligatory photograph, and then gallantly replaced her dupatta that was in danger of slipping and revealing far more than he was sure the young woman wished to have exposed. Momentarily he wondered what on earth she could have been up to in the short spate of time between the taping and the party to have earned the love bite he had noticed underneath the scarf. But that was none of his business especially, when there were more pressing matters at hand. Waving off the questions of the inquisitive reporters, Shaurya turned away, to carry on to his original destination. Consequently, neither did he see the smirking man across the room raising his glass at the young woman nor when Esha, with a wink, responded in kind back to the producer.

"Before you ask, I don't know. I've tried calling her and everything is going straight to voicemail. I've even called home, and they've said she had left for the party. They didn't seem worried, so I really don't know what to say."

"She didn't seem herself at all today," Shaurya conceded. "Is it possible she has taken ill?"

Rajiv shook his head. "It's possible, but that just increases my worry. I would hate to think that she's taken ill on her way, and nobody is aware of it. Are you sure she didn't give any indication that she would not attending, Shaurya?"

Shaurya had no clue what to think. At first, he had taken her detachment as Mehek's way to avoid the uncomfortable aftermath of what had occurred between them two nights ago. He had been grateful, particularly when, at first sight his weak flesh had instinctively responded to her beauty. It was wrong but entirely unavoidable, and he had no clue why his body was betraying him now when his heart had all but been claimed by another. He had inconsiderately ignored her, for his own sake, not knowing, what could have been wrong with her. And now she was a no show to an event she had been looking forward to for the past few days. It made no sense, and he couldn't deny the worry that had seeped into his mind. "Try her home again, Bhai. Go there if you have to," Shaurya uttered before he steeled himself for another round of questioning on the very subject by the press group who were about to descend on him.

***********

"Did you book a hotel Mehek to overnight before your next flight?"

"Nahi Chachi, I'll do that when I land or if not, just stay at the airport."

"But..."

Mehek swallowed and hugged her aunt. She wouldn't cry anymore in front of her. "I have to go Chachi, or I'll miss the flight. I'll call as soon as I clear immigration in New York."

Fifteen hours had been a long time to contemplate the worse mistake you have made in your life; to realize that you could be so wrong about someone. Or more to the point, that someone could be so devious as to fool so many. And still, if she considered her situation, Mehek knew that she was the lucky one. She had only lost her heart, and not her honor in the name of the deceit that Shaurya Khanna spread like a blanket.

She had kept her faith in him: in the man, she had come to know and care for, until the bitter end. Until she had the undeniable proof in front of her own eyes when soon after taping, she had sought Shaurya out in his dressing room needing an explanation for what Uday had presented her with. Hard on the heels of the Esha's miraculous comeback, that Uday had predicted would happen, something she would never attest to being true since everything had tasted bitter to her, she had still been shocked to have come across the young chef there in the dimly lit space. However, no matter how much she wished for it to be false, there was no repudiating the sight of the young woman gyrating on the lap of the man she had straddled whose face was buried in her neck. And even as inexperienced as she was, even Mehek knew that no man would tolerate his lover calling out another's name in the height of passion. No, she didn't need to see any more than she had; not when Esha punctuated every sigh and moan with his name.

It would haunt her forever.

Now in the baggage hall awaiting her luggage, Mehek didn't think it possible to be so numb.

Her vision blurred, she thought she caught sight of her luggage as it rounded the conveyor, and worked her way to the front in order to retrieve it. It seemed heavier than she recalled when she reached for it, and then she wondered if she was mistaken entirely, when a man's hand covered hers to pull the case off the moving belt. She spoke as the man took her hand along with the case she had no strength to bear.

"I'm sorry, I thought it was..." She raised her head only for her voice to fail her, leaving her only the ability to mouth his name when she recognized the man who had appeared in her time of need to aid her, and who now stared down at her, concern etched on his face. This could only be Kanta Chachi's doing, but when she was captured in what felt like a life-saving hug her aunt's interference didn't matter one iota to Mehek. "Malik," she sobbed as she crumbled inside knowing that she no longer had to hold it together. Here, with him she knew that she would be okay.

Chapter20

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter#20

The door closed behind him, separating Rajiv from the Sharma family who, like he, had been left reeling to have learned that Mehek had gone. PD's anguished lament that her great-granddaughter; her Ladoo, had departed without even saying good-bye echoed in his head. He turned, anxiously to the woman who had escorted him outside.

"Kanta Ji, please tell me this isn't true. It's not possible that Mehek has left the country." He flourished an arm towards the home he had just left. "And not have informed anyone, not even..."

Kanta held up one hand to interrupt. "It was necessary. She was lucky enough to be able to change her ticket for an 8:00PM flight tonight, so there was really no choice. If I could not save her the damage done to her, then the very least I could do was to ensure that she was removed from those determined to do her harm."

Rajiv stood scandalized. "Damage...harm?" He reached for the woman's arms imploring her for more information; fearful of what may have happened to the talented young chef.. "Kanta, who has... what exactly has happened to Mehek?"

Mehek's Aunt twisted herself out the businessman's hold. In her eyes, he too was as at fault, only slightly less blameworthy as his partner in her opinion. "What hasn't," she seethed. "In the company of that despicable man, what chance does any woman have of remaining unscathed? None of this would have happened had she not been asked to return."

Clear as to whom she was alluding to, still Rajiv had no idea the reasoning behind her vitriol, let alone what Mehek could have possibly divulged to her elder, that would have the woman unilaterally blaming Shaurya. It was a mystery indeed and although it seemed that the price had already been paid, inasmuch as Mehek had elected to return to America so abruptly, Rajiv could not let the insinuation go unanswered. "I can assure you Kanta, whatever..."

"Had you seen the condition of my child, you would not dare to even begin to defend that man," the visibly stressed woman interrupted.

"That man, Kanta Ji, has treated Mehek with absolute respect for the past week, to the point to looking out for her wellbeing the entire time she has been on set. As have I. You of all people know that I completely, and wholly abhorred his past behavior, and had there been any chance of a reoccurrence of it, even the minutest chance, I would not have made the plea. Shaurya's first inclination was not to do so at all, he hoped she would decline the offer to return, just to avoid even the perception of impropriety as it pertained to Mehek. If she has been slighted by something he has done, I can assure you that it was purely unintentional."

"Slighted... slighted...had it been a mere slight, do you believe Mehek would have reacted so Rajiv Saab? She is a mature woman, not a young child; even more so after her time abroad. You, yourself have taken pride in her accomplishments, in her growth. Do you honestly believe some snub; some mild upset would bring about such a conclusion? She felt she had no choice but to leave: tonight, and even though she refused to disclose the full scope of what he did to her..."

She faltered, and covered her mouth with one trembling hand. The ramifications of the actions she had supported her niece in taking, was not lost on Rajiv. Although a stalwart of the Sharma family, Kanta was not beyond reproach, and on return inside would be answerable to the entire clan: both elder and young. To have taken such steps, knowing the inevitable fallout...

"What time does her flight land? Will it be necessary for her to overnight or has she managed a connecting flight soon after she lands?"

He watched as he older woman, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, shook her head. She folded her hands.

"Nahi," she pleaded. "Please do not contact her. You are the only connection between Mehek and her pain. Please Rajiv Saab, let this door remain closed now."

"Nahi, I will not shirk my responsibility for her. I would know that Mehek is safely returned to her destination, at the very least," the businessman insisted.

Kanta acquiesced to his stipulation. "Thik hai, but please...please no more than that. For Mehek's sake."

Rajiv shook his head. "Nahi Kanta. How can I leave this matter unsettled? I cannot believe it possible that Shaurya has done anything wrong, but I fully intend on discovering the truth behind this. And if by some remote chance, I find that Shaurya is indeed responsible for Mehek's condition, then I will not spare him."

In the silence that this statement brought, they both started when the door they stood near to, swung open.

"Kanta..."

The Sharma family, it seemed had exhausted their patience, and Jeevan had now come to collect his wife.

"I will not spare him, if you are correct" Rajiv reiterated to Mehek's aunt, who now had to return to her residence to run the gauntlet that lay before her in the form of a traumatized family. "However, I am certain I will discover that this is one big misunderstanding."

"I pity you the belief you have in that man, Rajiv Saab, for you will surely be disappointed this time," Kanta responded before turning her back on him an re-entering her home.

*********

His threshold for patience, long surpassed, Shaurya dialed Rajiv's number once again. The man, very much like his quarry, seemed to have disappeared into the same abyss that had swallowed Mehek Sharma.

"Bloody Hell," he groused, when his call went unanswered.

He felt a tap on his arm and turned to see his mother pointing to a distance not far from where the pair stood in the hall. "Aacha, beta. Rajiv has returned."

The man in question plastered a small smile on his face, as he prepared to meet Karuna, and folded his hands as he came in front of the mother and son who awaited him.

"Namaste, Karuna Ji."

Shaurya grimaced when the pair exchanged pleasantries, when all he wanted was information; an explanation for Mehek's absence.

"And Mehek," Kanta asked, unable to disguise her worry for the affable young woman who was missing the festivities that she deserved to be a part of.

"A migraine: of the very worst sort. She thought she would be able to contend with it, but it the end had to return. Her pain apparently is quite intolerable according to Kanta."

"You did not see her, Bhai?"

"Nahi, not directly. But I have been assured that the best steps have been taken to ensure her recovery."

"The poor dear. These headaches can be quite debilitating, she may be incapacitated for a few days, if it is as bad as it sounds. Beta, I hope you haven't overtaxed her to the point that made her susceptible..."

Shauryia glared at his parent in exasperation. Not wishing to make light of Ms. Sharma's condition, he still could help but reply to his mother's inane comment. "Aacha, well if that is the requisite, then I should be the one suffering, not her."

His comment was not well received from either party. "Okay that probably wasn't called for." He indicated to Rajiv. "Bhai, make sure you check on her in the morning, thik hai?"

"That should your responsibility, Shaury. It's the least you can do after all of her assistance this past week. Besides," Karuna continued, "It will be good for you to make amends with the Sharma family now that you and Mehek seem to have a fair rapport now."

Shaurya stiffened, and then covered his inability to speak, by taking a draw from the glass he held in his hand. He was grateful when Bhai spoke up and rescued him.

"Our schedule is actually, very tight tomorrow, and it may be better to allow Mehek a day to recover at any rate."

"Haan Ma, Bhai is right. However, I will make sure to touch base with her when she is feeling better."

Karuna smiled at her son, but nonetheless followed through with her insistence that Shaurya attempt to placate the family that he had behaved so badly with. Satisfied that he would see her instructions through in the coming days, she reached up to fondly kiss the man's cheek. "I will get going now, I think it's getting late and you probably have had enough of catering to me, I expect Shaury."

"Wait Ma, I will escort you the car."

Rajeev observed his partner, as he guided his mother through the crowded room, and pondered yet again, what could have possibly gone on that had affected Mehek so, that Kanta would have supported the young woman's drastic step. Even with all his faults, Rajiv doubted that level of duplicity ran through Shaurya which would allow him to act as unconscionably as Mehek's Aunt had suggested. That was another problem, Rajiv thought. Other than the understanding that whatever had happened was traumatic, Kanta had offered little by way of details as to what had gone on. Somehow, he would have to start from the end result, and work his way backwards in trying to ascertain what could have taken place. Especially since everything had seemed to be fine between the two of them, up until two days ago. Thankfully he knew exactly from where he would start.

"Oh no, Mehek is ill Rajiv Sir? I'm so sorry to hear that."

Turning his head, Rajiv was astounded to find Esha beside him. When had she even arrived, he thought? He acknowledged her statement with a nod. "Hopefully it is just a temporary inconvenience."

"I hope so," the young chef responded. "She is such an inspiration."

***********

Without letting go of her, Malik had edged them away through the gathered passengers to the perimeter of the baggage hall. And then he let her cry: woefully, until such time that she had finally exhausted her tears. Spent, she then expended a good ten minutes shuddering as she slowly collected herself. When, at last it looked as if Mehek had finally reached a level of composure he felt would allow the ability to coherently communicate, Malik lifted her head up so that she could meet his eyes.

He never thought anything could pain him anymore, than having to pose the question he couldn't avoid. However, given the complete uncertainty over what had happened to her, it was imperative that he know the exact extent of what he was dealing with.

"Mehek," he began carefully, "Do you need medical attention? Have you been harmed...physically abused in any way?"

Her face, already blotchy from crying took on a fiery hue, and she tore her gaze from his. She felt his fingers tighten where he held her. "Mehek," he repeated; his voice now taking on a desperate edge. "Answer me."

She shook her head slightly, and then raised her head "Nahi," she whispered, "Nothing like that happened."

He sighed heavily; his relief evident. "Okay...Good."

"I should call Chachi," Mehek offered weakly.

"We will, as soon as we decide what we are going to do, now that we can move on. We have two choices: stick to your original flight plan, which means we should probably look to book a couple of rooms somewhere, or we head over to La Guardia and catch an earlier flight to Florida. The first available one and leaves in two and a half hours. We just need hop in a cab right away."

She nodded to the second choice, making one small request, and then made haste to the nearest washroom. After attending to her more pressing needs, she had splashed her face with some cold water, and tried to pull herself together.

She felt torn asunder; a mere shadow of the woman she had been twenty-four hours ago, but she knew that she couldn't allow herself to sink any further. Studying her pallid complexion, she decided that a little colour would be just the start. However, after two failed attempts of applying her mascara; made near impossible by her unsteady hand, she wiped the messy stain from her face and went for the clear gloss instead. Who was she trying to kid: she was a mess, and nothing would change that for the moment.

Malik was on the phone when she came back to him, explaining to Kanta Chachi, that he had connected with her, and they were to catch an earlier flight back home.

Home. Weirdly, that didn't sound totally unnatural now that her world had irrevocably changed, Mehek thought to herself, as she waited for Mailk to finish the call. He ended it and then immediately ushered them to the exit so that they could secure a cab. She had nodded when he explained, that since her first call to her family would be a long and protracted one, that it would be best that she at least had the opportunity to have rested first, as the reason why he had handled the call. The rest of the time was spent very much in this manner: her letting Malik take the lead in their next steps, and she following automatically in his wake. He hadn't even seemed to have minded that she had done so, Mehek realized when, with kids-gloves, he gently guided her down the aisle of the plane that would soon take them down south.

"Are you fastened in, Dost?"

Mehek couldn't help but to tear up again when Malik addressed her so, and nodded; unable to get any words past her suddenly constricted throat. He just stared at her, aware that she was teetering on the edge again, and potentially about to breakdown for the second time. This was affirmed when she suddenly reached for, and raised the armrest between them so that she could lean into him without the encumbrance of the bar that would separate them. He felt, rather than heard when her breath hitched, and knew that she was weeping yet again in the crook of his shoulder. His jaw tightened, and he answered her plea for comfort as silently as she expressed her sorrow, when he wrapped his arm around her and held her as tightly as the space allowed. Whether not it be him or someone-else, Malik hoped that she would eventually decide to share her troubles with someone, so that she could receive the help that her plight required. However, for now: just as he had responded to her aunt's desperate, yet vague, phone call that Mehek was in crisis, he did what he was capable of. And if that was merely comforting the young chef on the flight back home, then that was what precisely what he would do.

For now, he was limited in his responses, however, if fate should ever bring him face-to-face to the man behind her condition, then Shaurya Khanna would learn exactly what he thought of his suspected ill-treatment of the young woman beside him.

**********

"Awarwa, another mimosa; make it stronger this time," Svetlana demanded to the ever-attentive servant.

"How diligent of you, ensuring an adequate dose of vitamin C this morning, Mami," Shaurya snidely remarked as he took his seat at the dining table. Vacantly, he raised his cup, and waited for another of the well-trained housemen to fill it with his usual beverage of choice: coffee, black and strong.

His aunt smirked, and Shaurya raised his head staring at the woman, recognizing the familiar Cheshire-cat grin, as one that pointed towards his aunt knowing something that would bring her joy, and him: trouble of some sort.

"Perhaps instead of complaining, you should join me instead: a celebration of your good fortune, or at the very least an improvement in your taste." She pouted as if thinking, before grinning again when her requested beverage was presented to her. "Congratulations nephew, this one may need a little taming, but at least she is of our class."

Shaurya narrowed his eyes at the woman, observing only then that his mother had lifted her head from the newspaper she had been reading when he came in and now was looking at him, dismay clearly on her face.

"Shaury?"

Shaurya, grabbed the paper from his parent and scanned the glaring headline: After last night...

Rather than an overview on the launch of the new season of India's Super Cook, an expose of Shaurya's speculated romance with one of the youngest contestants had been highlighted. Somehow Esha's dramatics at the television studio had been discerned and broadcasted as the basis of an association between the show's creator and the young woman. Complimented by numerous photos taken the night before, including one of a smiling Shaurya and young chef together with his mother in the background, that had been captioned as a bahu about to meet her mother-in-law, the article had gone on and on about the possibility of a love match of two children of two of Delhi's renowned industrialists. Even the love-bite that somehow managed to be photographed, had been attributed to him.

"What the hell?"

"Chalo Shuriti, darling show your brother-in-law how his good news has spread so fast, already," Svetlana urged her son's wife.

Her anger palatable, for reasons of her own, Shruti thrust her mobile over to him so that he could see how the story his affair was now plastered all over social media, shared sadistically by their peers. While Esha was one of their own, the speculation that the wild-child had gotten her hooks into someone like Shaurya was apparently the talk of the town.

"This is a lie, Mom; nothing more. I will get our legal team on it immediately," Shaury said as he stood up reaching for his phone with the intention of leaving the room. He needed to go back to his bedroom needing the privacy now more than ever. His lawyers, he would definitely contact, but before this he had something even more paramount in securing, beyond his reputation. Somehow, he had to forewarn MS of what had happened so that she wouldn't misunderstand. He wasn't even allowed a single step, when his father stormed into the dining room.

"You damnable fool, what the hell did you think you were doing? Do you have any idea who that girl's father is? Did you even care? She's not some middleclass girl who you can use and discard at your whim, you ass. If you weren't going to be discrete why didn't you stick to that sort, someone easily paid off?" He shook his head. "Nahi, you are so arrogant that you think you can do as you feel without consequence. Even if the girl is of loose morals, her family's standing in the community cannot be overlooked."

Before Shaurya could answer the absurd accusation, Haresh Khanna turned to his wife. "Your spoiling is the cause of this. Well, I hope you found this Esha girl acceptable since you can expect her to be your Bahu-to-be by the end of the day, if her family has any more to say about it!"

"Like hell she will," Shaurya bellowed, wondering how his world had suddenly descended into madness.

"Awara, forget the juice, go and break out a couple bottles of the good stuff," Svetlanta interjected into the rancid pall that had befallen the room. "We must toast to such good news: a potential alliance for our son!"

Chapter21

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Yes, here is an update after 2 days...don't all go into shock😆. It was such an easy one to write, and anyone who had read my previous work will understand why. I figured after such a emotional last update, Mehek was in need for some fairy-god-motherly love, but it also is a critical part of the story. I hope you all enjoy this light update, and to my friend who's name popped in my head when I needed to id a minor character, please don't be offended, I don't think this of you , just that you are such a fun girl😉

Chapter #11

The cast members working the kiosk looked on in absolute relief when they caught sight of the culinary staff heading their way. At barely 2:00 in the afternoon, with another seven hours to go, they were receiving their second restock of their fares. The enclosed food trolleys were arriving just in the nick of time. Traffic had been brisk from the eleven o'clock opening of the World Showcase where the international food samples were available for purchase, and even more so when the visitors had sampled the bestseller: the ladoo trio that had up to this minute, outsold all of the other offerings. As the first of the two staff reached the rear entrance of the booth, they were met anxiously by the team leader.

"Please tell me that we have a double order of the ladoos," Tanya begged. "We are keeping up with the other tasters, but the demand for them is mindboggling."

"Your wish is my command, Tanya," the young man answered. "However, in order to get them to you quicker, they have come in bulk," he continued he began withdrawing the trays from the trolley he had come with. "But never fear," he quickly added, when a look of panic came to her face, at the additional work, that would surely slow down the service to the customers, "I've brought a volunteer not only to help with plating them, but who can also begin whipping up more on-site should the need arise."

"Namaste, Tanya," a voice called out.

"Mehek, of thank God you're here," the young woman exclaimed on realization who had handled the second trolley.

After a good solid hour of activity, there was finally a lull that allowed the group a breather and a chance to chat for a minute. Tanya called the only male working with the group over, and introduced him to their rescuer.

"Mehek this Navin. Navin: Mehek Sharma."

"Namaste Navin."

The young man was lost for words at first, but then finally found his voice. "I never watched your show, but my mom did faithfully. She is such a fan of yours. Can I get an autograph for her, please? Or better yet, could I get you to do a video on my phone saying hello to Ma? After work, of course. She would so love that." He finally breathed, and then immediately colored at his outburst that had left the chef bemused.

.

"Of course, Navin, I would be happy to," Mehek answered and then turned back to Tanya when the young man had to walk away after noticing that there were customers lining up again.

"I'll never get used to that," she mentioned to the supervisor she had met a few days ago.

"Well you better, Mehek. Especially after tomorrow. I heard that yours and Chef Malik's cooking demo is completely sold out. Mel is off tomorrow and was hoping to go to it, but not one admission ticket was available by the time she logged on to purchase."

The worker in question glanced over her shoulder. "Any chance I can claim friendship and get a buddy pass or something Di," she asked cheekily.

"I'll see what I can do, Mel, but if all fails, I will do one better and we can sort out something between us."

Tanya laughed, which drew Mehek's attention.

"Oh, that won't be half as fun for our Mel here," she teased. "It's not just you she wants to see. Her plan was to take the opportunity to ogle her crush at the same time."

"Hey it's politer than stalking the man on the off-chance that I get to catch a glimpse of those dimples. The man is a God."

"Oh Lord, here we go," Nivan voiced. "Mel, you are certifiably boy crazy; your parents must so proud."

"See that's we're you're wrong, Navin. If I was boy-crazy, you would definitely be on my list of candidates. But I'm looking to my future. I know very well what my parents' expectations are, and that eventually they will be selecting my life-partner. I am just amassing a list of criteria so I can help them along."

The group laughed, understanding the young woman's off-beat sense of humor.

"OMG like this one here: tall, dark and handsome. And he likes children. Oh God, please let him be an adoring uncle and not their dad."

Her co-workers just shook their heads at her, but all turned their attention to check out the latest object of her affection.

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

"Right there, Papa, can you see? They have ladoos right there."

"We need ladoos, Papa it's important, right Tanvi?"

"Nahi Betas, Mummy expects us to go straight to the line. Don't you want to meet..."

"But Papa, that's why we need to get ladoos first."

The trio were close enough, that when Mehek stepped out of the kiosk to satisfy her curiosity, not only was she able to hear the conversation, but she was also seen to have done so by one of the pretty twin girls. She gasped when the observant child, who had to be all of four years old made a run for it, away from her father and made a beeline for her. When the curly haired tot reached her, Mehek feared that she was about to stumble at her feet, when she seemed to uncontrollably lurch forward and she automatically reached for her, only to feel the light touch on her foot before the little girl steadied herself and rose and with her tiny hands folded.

Mehek's heart melted.

"Namaste Aunty, do you have ladoos today?'

Before Mehek could answer, the tall man reached her with the other little girl.

"Lalita."

The little girl startled at the sternness of her Papa's voice. Her bright green eyes, at once became dewy with tears.

Mehek immediately interceded.

"Beta, the park is very big, and you shouldn't leave your papa's side like that. You may get lost, and then everybody will be very sad."

"I'm sorry Papa," the little girl said, and then turned to her mirror image. "I'm sorry Tanvi. I don't want to get lost from you." The little girls hugged and Mehek smiled at their intense connection.

The man looked to Mehek, with a grateful expression. "Thank you, so much."

"Aunty, do you have ladoos," the second little girl, Tanvi, interrupted. "We need some cause it's suspicious."

"And our Daadi said that when it suspicious we should have ladoos. Right Papa," Lalita insisted.

Right away, Mehek got it. "Is today an auspicious day, betas? Is that why you need ladoos?"

"Haan Aunty, it's a very suspicious..."

"Auspicious, beta," her father corrected.

"Auspicious day," Lalita repeated. "We're going to meet Jasmine and Aladdin."

"See we're wearing our Jasmine t-shirts." Her sister exclaimed.

Mehek, stared at their father, who looked resigned now.

"Well I think that makes it a very auspicious occasion, and yes we do have ladoos." She described the flavors to their dad just in case there were any allergy concerns before refusing him, when he reached for his wallet.

"Please let it be my treat, considering how important an occasion it is."

She hurried back to the kiosk and paid for one of the plated, returning to the trio soon after. She waited for the little girls to partake of the confections before she turned back to their father to confirm her suspicions over his identity. Unfortunately, she didn't even have time for that when the whirlwind, who was obviously his wife, reached.

"Rajeev, what are you doing? I thought you would be in line already. Do you have any idea how long the lines for the character greets are? We're going to be here all day, and Rion will need to be fed..."

Mehek watched incredulously, as the tall man popped a ladoo into his wife's mouth with the clear intent of shutting her up.. "Settle down, Sweetheart."

The petite woman exclaimed, but then began chewing in silence. She finally swallowed. "Oh, my goodness, that was so good," she related to her husband, even as he held and turned her in the direction where she finally got a view of who was standing with her family.

"Mehek Sharma, it's really you!"

The baby in the front carrier stirred in response at his mother exclamation. She settled him, and then reached for the tiny walkie-talkie she had clipped to her.

"Ra, how close are you?"

Mehek smiled as a familiar voice answered back.

"Heading your way now, your adrenaline junkie god-daughter is addicted to Test Track, and convinced her dad and brother to go a second time."

"That's my girl," Naomi replied with approval. "But hurry up, so you can see who I've run into."

*********

On the spur of the moment, when the two families had met in New York before their collective return to Banaras, the Tripathis and the Agarwals had decided on a fun diversion and headed down to Orlando for a three day add on to their holiday. Their original intention was to seek Mehek out tomorrow, after the two best friends attended the cooking demo, which Naomi had wisely secured tickets for, as soon as they had made their impromptu decision to come to Florida. Meeting them now had worked out even better, as Mehek had the evening free and they would have more time to visit. They had even secured accommodations at the Bay Lake towers which made things a little easier for all of them. Rachna had insisted that they treat Mehek to dinner, which they had in the larger suite the two families had secured. Of course, it was lovely to meet Kabir again, and also, to officially meet Rajeev, Naomi and their three children, but it seemed natural when the three women had found themselves in the lift, headed down to Mehek's suite, once the children had been settled. Both women, Mehek thought, were very fortunate in their choices of husbands who had no issue with the impromptu girl time they had insisted on.

"It's sounds, then, that thing have been going marvelously," Rachna stated, as they descended.

"More than that, Rachna. I can really say that I could see this being a career option."

"So, no homesickness, Mehek," Naomi asked, this being something she could completely relate to, considering she had left her own family on this side of the world when she had married. She had in fact had just returned from introducing their third child, their little Rion, to his grandparents.

A little, but technology is a wonderful thing. I have been able to reach everyone whenever I needed to. Plus, everyone here is so welcoming. I am making some great friends here as well."

"Aacha, but what about that special online friend of yours? No adverse feelings in relation to that particular separation," Rachan taunted. Her concern rose, when Mehek's smile dropped. "Mehek..."

"Well that's a story on to itself, Rachna." She looked at the two women, one she considered a good friend, and another who she felt could be, by virtue of her association with Rachna. "It seems that destiny has premeditated the both of you coming right now. You wouldn't believe what's happened, even I can't...and it would be awesome to get your advice on the situation: both of you actually."

The two friends stared at each other.

***********

Rachna and Naomi watched as Mehek removed a black dress from her closet, placing it on her bed, before reaching further to the back to retrieve the garment bag hanging there. While Rachna's attention remained on Mehek, the green-eyed woman approached the bed for a closer inspection of the outfit that had been casually discarded.

"I still cannot believe what you are saying, Mehek. KK and Shaurya Khanna are one and the same? The man who bothered you so much that you wanted nothing to do with him, and yet now you are considering flying back to appear on his show. How exactly have you gotten to this point again? No offence, Mehek, that seems incredible to us, and that's even despite the fact that Naomi and I have had our own fair share of misadventures, right Naomi?"

"Hmm, right Ra,", the green-eyed woman answered, non-committedly, still focused on the bed.

"That's exactly the issue, Rachna, I need to figure out if I am making the biggest misstep of my life. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing, but as time went by and I have got to know more about the man, things have just changed. I tried desperately to end it the last time when we talked, but..."

Rachna smiled in understanding. "Caring is difficult sometimes," the designer conceded, "And you can't discount that a perfect opportunity has arisen for you to see if the man has really changed." She tied the back of the choli, that Mehek had changed into, so that they could show-off the lehenga properly to Naomi. Moving around her, Rachna reconfirmed the fit. "Perfect, if not a mite looser, if I'm not mistaken," she indicated. "What do you think, Naomi?"

Naomi finally paid attention. She smiled. "It's amazing, but then again Nathanial is one of the best," she said of the designer she had worked with in the past. She approached them. "The color is stunning, and its perfect for the location. You have a Hindi/ Belle from Beauty and the Beast fusion thing going on with this color, Mehek. It's perfect. But..."

Rachna and Mehek watched as the Naomi returned to the bed. She grabbed the hanger, and held the dress that had caught her attention straight away. "If you had this in your closet, what was the necessity of the lehenga in the first place?" Her attention to detail, immediately caught Mehek's move, as she averted her glance unconfortably.

"That dress wasn't an option at the time. He gave it to me and I brought with me for other reasons," she mumbled.

"He who," Rachna answered, although she was certain she knew the answer.

Briefly Mehek recounted the incident by which she had come by the dress: her uncles' unjust incarceration at his say-so and the insane bargain she had made with Shaurya Khanna. One dance in exchange for the release of her family. Nothing had come from it, but her humiliation and this dress, and she had kept it to remind herself that she would never again place herself at anyone's mercy, as she had been that night. Even as she spoke the words, she realized the commonality in what she had done with Shaurya keeping Shruti's photos.

This was such a mess.

She looked up suddenly when an absurd question was thrown at her.

"Mehek, did you have an affair with Shaurya Khanna?"

"Naomi!"

The animated woman, defended herself. "I'm sorry, but this here is Roland Mourat design. Being conservative, this dress retails for $2500.00US. Rich people do not stay rich, by throwing away their money so frivolously. The man was seriously feeling something when he made this purchase. And the fact that your reaction tells me it wasn't a love connection on your end, then that worries me."

She saw the younger woman pale, and hurried on. "I'm not saying that he's dangerous or anything, just that there were some intense emotions involved. As you've indicated he is a very complicated man."

Mehek nodded, although she hadn't relayed the fine details he had disclosed, she felt now she could almost understand Shaurya's reasoning behind this dress purchase. However, she still appreciated Naomi's outburst. If she decided to make this trip back for ISC, she wanted to do so with as many facts available as possible.

"Thik hai, I think before you think any more on if you should return to meet the man, you need to handle the dress first," Rachna said. Across the room, Naomi nodded. "You have three options: trash it; sell it or keep it. The first option is easy enough, and the second will have the same result, but you can make some profit for your pain and suffering. Naomi, I'm sure can have this on eBay and sold before we leave."

"Exactly, but the third option may be the hardest, but the most fulfilling," Naomi said, joining the pair, and holding the dress up against Mehek. "Keep the dress, but exchange the memory associated with it. One day, meet the man in it, and make him rue the day he dared to mess with you. Not necessarily for revenge, but absolutely in a way guaranteed to get a man's attention."

"Or," Rachna instructed, "If Shaurya Khanna doesn't make the cut, you save this dress, and all the extras for a man that does."

The two women high fived each other, and Mehek couldn't believe that Rachna, who she would have thought the voice of reason of the pair was in total agreement with her outrageous friend.

"A pair of killer heels, with a matching clutch; some attention-grabbing accessories, and a set of sexy lingerie should do the trick...what do you think, Ra?"

"Lingerie," Mehek weakly muttered.

"Oh, not for him," Rachna moved to reassure her. "Definitely not. For you Mehek. You have to experience for yourself how empowering the right pieces can make you feel."

Mehek stood motionless for a minute, and then finally voiced her opinion. "The dress didn't fit as well as it should have when I wore it that time. I'm guessing he got the size wrong."

Rachna and Naomi smiled for what Mehek supposed was her making the right decision.

"Well it's a good thing I know a thing or two about alterations, isn't it," Rachna answered cheekily.

***********

After the crowd had dissipated, Mehek made sure to introduce Rachna and Naomi to Chef Malik. Charming to a fault the man soon had the two women under his spell, and they determined that they would visit Saana before they left, if they could get a reservation. The genial chef then left the women to get on with their excursion, making certain to bid Mehek farewell particularly.

"Someone has choices," Rachna mumbled to her friend as they observed the pair's final goodbye.

Naomi raised her camera, taking a few candid shots. "Indeed, and such a good looking one," she retorted for her friend's ears only. They both smiled when Mehek joined them.

"Congratulations, Mehek. Nobody would ever believe watching that cooking demo, that this was your first rodeo," Rachna said.

"For sure, I have some great video footage here. You should think about TV as an option, Mehek. You have the aptitude for it. Once I edit this, I am going to send it to you. You can send it to your family. They will be even prouder of you," Naomi added.

"Thank you. In truth, it didn't seem as hard as I thought it would be. Of course, it helped that I had an appreciative audience. So are we all set to go shopping?"

The two women laughed, at her subject change; happy that Mehek had become enthusiastic for their mission.

"Kabir arranged a town-car for us, and Naomi has worked out a plan, so we can be as efficient as possible, and get back to the children as soon as possible. We don't want to abuse our husbands' goodwill too much."

***********

Two days later, after an emotional goodbye in the hotel lobby, Mehek waved her friends off for their long trek back home. Armed with the three new pieces of art from Naomi's twins and Aryia, Rachna's daughter that they had worked hard on for their Ladoo Aunty' she took the lift back up to her floor. Once back in her room, she hung the three pieces of paper on her fridge with the Disney magnets that they had provided her as well. It had been a great time, and she promised that once she determined when she would be able to get home, she would certainly contact them.

With that thought in mind, she went to her computer, to email Rajiv Sir back with her final answer. Logistically she would have to square things away here to see when, and how much time she could get off, but she would come. Message sent, she settled to resume the last chat she had left off 4 days prior.

... Hi Shaurya, I'm back.

...Friends gone now? Hope you had a good visit.

...I did. Was great to see my fellow country-folk

...I'm sure it was.

...But I will confess I missed you. Did you miss me?

Chapter12

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter #26

"So tell: what is she like? Do you suspect that Uncle gets the worst of his traits from her?"

With Shaurya steadily getting the lay of the land, he was hardly surprised when Mel posed this question. Hers was a clear case of the lady protesting too much as it related to her complaints about Malik. That alone should have given him pause as to what her actual motives in helping him were, but his gut led him to believe that her actions weren't spurred on by jealousy in any shape or form. In fact, that she was essentially working in opposition to the chef let Shaurya know that Mehek's workmate was completely genuine despite a rather dubious taste in men.

"I think I will be in a better position to answer that at the end of the evening, but one thing is certain; she is not merely a fan of India's Super Cook and Mehek Sharma. The best-case scenario will be that Aunty is one of those MehRya Shippers that grew out of season one."

"MehRya...Shipper? Arrey, Handsome, that is just wrong on so many levels. Please, don't ever... like ever use either term again, thik hai? It doesn't gel with your image at all. Anyway, you must almost be there now, so I will let you go. Enjoy your dinner Handsome. Oh, and try not to rough up Uncle too much okay... unless he really deserves it that is."

In the back of the town-car, Shaurya chuckled as he hung up. His and Mel's telephone conversation was yet another positive of the day. Aside from coming away with a new moniker, which he had to agree made sense if one used the logic that Mel couldn't risk anyone overhearing her referring to him by his given name, something far more important had come to his attention. Learning that Mehek had taken the time to try to locate him, was an indication that he hadn't left her thoughts in the past few days. Armed with this knowledge, and the feeling that he would have a ready ally there, he felt he could at least attempt a proper face-to-face with Mehek this evening. And even if that should fail, then there was always what tomorrow would have in store for them.

His driver made a right turn to take them to the gated estate that Malik called home. Although not far from the major theme parks, on passing through the security manned gates, it was as if they had entered a completely different locality. As they crossed rows of well-appointed homes, close enough to give a community feel, yet still provide privacy from one's immediate neighbors, unconsciously Shaurya nodded his approval. Most of the homes, his chauffer advised, backed on to a nature reserve and Shaurya couldn't help but admire the chef's choice to make his home here, in an oasis smack in the middle of the American tourist mecca. He was even more impressed when they finally pulled up to the designated residence.

********

"Beta, welcome; come in please."

Met with the tantalizing aromas that reminded him of home, and the pleasant surprise that he hadn't met with the less than enthusiastic greeting from the homeowner he had anticipated, Shaurya smiled as he presented Mrs. Varma the mixed floral bouquet he had purchased especially for her. He followed her as she led him through the foyer down a small hall into the sizeable kitchen which itself was incorporated to the spacious open plan of the home's ground floor. The kitchen, Shaurya observed, made perfect sense with every high-end appliance that a professional chef would want, but he couldn't help but feel surprised with the remainder of it. Although presented in a contemporary mien, it was far homier than one would expect for a single man. Standing at the kitchen's granite counter-topped island and contemplating the square footage of what he could see, Shaurya guessed that there had to be at a minimum of four bedrooms upstairs, and that was possibly conservative.

"That's odd expression you have beta," Malik's mother called from where she had begun arranging her flowers into a vase.

"Just a bit surprised; this isn't exactly the bachelor pad, that I have envisioned for Malik".

"Aacha, beta? I wasn't aware that you knew Malik prior to today," she quipped, her eyes seeking his for a minute. "I think it is a lovely home, don't you?"

"Yes, definitely."

"But not what you would expect for a single man?"

Shaurya nodded.

"Is this from personal preference, Shaurya?"

"Nahi, actually I and my family..."

"That is wonderful, Beta; idyllic by my opinion. But as it is, since Malik has decided that Orlando is where he will be putting down roots, I find his choice of a home quite encouraging. It's not the sort of home that one purchases if they intend on remaining single and alone. This is a home for a family. I have reason to be very optimistic that my son is finally of a mind to consider settling down. In fact...nahi perhaps I better not...," the older woman deferred.

A sick feeling settled in Shaurya's stomach at hearing this news, along with the realization that neither Malik or Mehek had yet to make an appearance. Up until now, he hadn't factored with much seriousness in Malik's equation with Mehek, but he couldn't dismiss the man's mother's words. His eyes drifted to the staircase which lead to the upper story and the home's bedrooms. The thought of the two of them sequestered together in the private spaces of the home, infuriated him like nothing-else had.

Her eyes like a hawk, Indira Varma watched the turmoil playing out on her guest's face with interest. "Incidentally, dinner will be a little late, beta. Quite unexpectedly, Malik was called back to Saana due to some emergency thirty minutes ago. Hopefully, whatever it is won't take too much longer. The strangest thing about the situation, though, was my son's belief that somehow you had orchestrated this call-out; he was utterly convinced, and quite vocal about it. Why would that be the case, beta?"

Shaurya shrugged and attempted to keep his face as blank as possible. If only, he thought, he had the foresight for such, but at least the explained the duo's absences.

"I can only presume that Malik has taken my tv persona to heart. However, such machinations are quite out of the realm of my abilities, I'm afraid, Aunty," Shaurya stated, bothered by Malik's potential influence in matters that he had no right to. "So, no clue as to when they will return?"

"He: not they, beta. Although he was quite persistent that Mehek come with him, I insisted that Malik allow her some peace and quiet. She seemed a little tense. His assertions were not helping the situation either." Satisfied with her work in staging the flowers, she stepped back to admire them, before abruptly turning away to wash her hands at the sink. "Actually, just before you came, Beta, I was about to join Mehek beside the pool with a cool drink". She prepared a tray with two glasses and a small pitcher of juice. "How about you take my place while I go set my flowers in my bedroom, and message my daughter with details on how I not only met the handsome Shaurya Khanna today, but impressed the man enough that he has gifted me with such a beautiful bouquet," she teased as she passed the tray to Shaurya who nodded back at her grateful for her consideration. "Just through the French doors off the living room, Beta."

*********

Lounging in one of the reclining chairs beside the home's private pool, Mehek finally appreciated why Malik had suggested that she look for somewhere offsite, and especially as far away from the College Program housing complex as alternative accommodations once her full time employment began. She knew that she would have never found the peace she needed this evening in such active atmosphere. This was perfect, she thought gratefully: not that she could even consider somewhere like this as an option. Nahi, she would have to look further down the realty ladder to find something in her budget. At least she would benefit from the fact that she had a friend whose hospitality she could count if needed. She reached up and unbuttoned the very top fastening of her kurti. It was still warm, and had it not been for the fact that this was her first visit here, not to mention so soon after her introduction to Aunty, she may have considered something more suitable for poolside, but that was neither here or now that from the sounds of heavier footsteps, and the setting of the tray on the nearby table she heard. She didn't face the newcomer, assuming Malik had retuned and had come with the drinks his mother had promised. Dinner would be served soon after, so she wouldn't need to worry about overheating poolside any longer.

"Is everything okay now," Mehek asked as she listened to the sound of a beverage being poured. "Your mother was right, by the way. I can definitely get used to relaxing like this at the end of a hard day." Her glass was set beside her before a response finally came.

" Haan Mehek. You do look good in this setting. I can see this in your future; although definitely not at this home; something of your own would be my preference."

Mehek swiveled in her chair so fast, that she practically fell out of her seat. Given its closeness to the pool, Shaurya automatically reacted, reaching out to her, lest she have a mishap. "Be careful," he admonished.

"Shaurya, what are you doing here," she demanded to know as she stood.

"Dinner remember; I was invited."

"I know that, I meant out here. Never mind, I'll just leave."

"Wait Mehek..."

She was already shaking her head, but as she went to pass him, he placed himself solidly in front of her, preventing her passage. "Excuse me, I'd like get through. Aunty probably needs my help." She backed up a step when he came forward.

"Nahi, she doesn't, she has gone to her room. Malik hasn't returned yet." He took another step towards her. "It's the perfect time for us to have a conversation in private."

"I have nothing to say to you, Shaurya."

A sudden thought hit her.

"My God, you really planned this; all of it. Deny it all you want Shaurya Khanna, but I know you and how far..."

Her breath caught in her throat when he reached for her and toyed with a single tendril that had fallen forward into her face during her animated protests. She had nowhere to go, now that she had retreated against the wall, and Shaurya had shadowed her every step. He had left mere inches between then and was close enough to ensure the physical reaction she knew he wanted from her, yet far away to make her want more. One more step was all that was needed to close the gap between them; one slight movement to bring his lips back into proximity of hers, allowing her to relive the kiss that she couldn't forget. And then...

"You are assigning me powers best reserved to God, Mehek. If I could manage everything you think I have, then surely, I would have recognized you for who you are: not MS, not Mehek, but the part of me that has been missing all my life and without a doubt, I would have been able to stop you from leaving me in the first place. If I could do so much, why would I instead choose a few minutes alone with you in another man's home over having you by my side forever?"

"Is the conquest all to you, Shaurya, that you would say anything," Mehek asked desperately. "Will it take my complete surrender in order for you to finally be satisfied?"

He leaned forward and rest his forehead against hers, exhaling as he did.

"I guaranteed you full truthfulness when we began, Jaan. Do you want me to lie and say that I don't want you? Because I can't. But trust me, Mehek Sharma, had this been all about the conquest, the game would have been over weeks ago. If your surrender was all I needed then you would have been in my bed that night and not tormenting me in my dreams. Trust me Dost, that will all come in time, but heed my words when I tell you that I'm playing for keeps now: all or nothing."

He stilled, letting what he had said sink in, and then raised his head from hers. He smiled. Her eyes were closed now, as if not to see him would protect her from him and his advances. With the hand that had toyed with her hair, he now cupped her cheek and with his thumb, grazed perilously close to her bottom lip. He felt his body awaken, when unwittingly responding to his touch, Mehek's lips parted, emitting a soft gasp in doing so. "You have me behind the eight ball in both knowledge and time, Dost. I am catching up, but not fast enough since I can only get so far without you to fill in the missing pieces. Sooner or later I will have to leave to address what has been done against us, and I would rather it be knowing that I have done everything to give us the chance we deserve, Mehek. I won't let an outsider finish what lies between us."

She shook her head, confused. He was talking in circles, referring to things she had no clue about, but there were two things she could speak to. One, the latent panic she had felt when he had talked of leaving, she didn't dare broach. So that just left the other, "How do you think you even deserve..."

Shaurya cut off whatever else she meant to say, when he stepped in and gently brushed his lips against hers, just to halt her train of thought. What was meant to be the mere meeting of their lips evolved when her tongue darted out of its own accord seeking his. He hesitated at first, in case she had second thoughts, but then obliged her initiative; tempting fate that he would be able to stop before things got out of hand, or her testy friend returned home, which ever came first. Either way if this didn't convince her of the need to follow through then nothing would.

**********

"Auntie, I can honestly say that this dinner ranks amongst the best I've eaten since arriving in America. Thank you for giving me a slice of home whilst I'm here. The inability to acquire some good home-cooking is a constant bane to the business traveler."

Indira Varma beamed with pleasure, but before she could think to respond, she was prevented by her son.

"Aacha, Shaurya, well in this case there's a sure-fire way to alleviate your problem: just go home." He paused to take a sip of his beverage. "Or just do everyone the favor and get the hell out of Orlando."

Beside Malik, Mehek's fork clanked on to her plate when she dropped it. Across the table Shaurya's eyes narrowed. For the sake of Mehek and Malik's friendship, he had ignored Malik's veiled comments that had interspersed their dinner conversation before now, but no more. That fact that the chef's openly aggressive comment had affected her, meant that he had no choice but to answer the man back now. He sat up straighter in his chair.

"Bas: enough, both of you!"

The two men turned in the direction of their elder. Although they were past the point civility with each other, they knew better than to disrespect her.

"Mehek, beta, why don't you go into the kitchen and get that marvelous dessert you brought plated."

The trio waited while an ashen faced Mehek removed the empty dishes and walked the distance to the kitchen. Only then did Indira stand and directed the two sullen men to follow her. Less than a minute later, she stood at the living-room doors setting the lock to the egress that led to the enclosed swimming pool. She would give the two hotheads she had left there fifteen minutes to blow off steam and regain their sanity. "Bloody idiots, she mumbled as she headed to the kitchen when she was certain a distressed Mehek remained.

********

Cognizant not to show any weakness in front of his adversary, Shaurya didn't flinch when Malik threw him against the wall and then punched him in the stomach, before grabbing him by the collar again. He hurt like hell - the man's workout regime not the fodder he had previously mocked him for obviously- but considering what the man had done for Mehek when she had left India, it was far from unexpected.

"You f**king bas***d, you have some damn nerve coming here to trouble her. You aren't worthy of standing in her shadow you piece of shit, and you think it's okay to come and try to get close to her?"

"Whatever is between Mehek and me has nothing to do with you, Malik, and the sooner you realize this the better it will be for the both of us."

"It has everything to do with me, after seeing the condition dealing with you left her in. As long as I'm around you will never..."

"And did she tell you exactly the cause of her condition," Shaurya spat. He pounced on Malik's inability to answer. "Exactly, you don't know...you are in the dark as much as we all are...she hasn't told anyone, not her family, not her friends what exactly happened. She just left destroyed by something only she is privy to. And I can tell you unconditionally, that I did nothing to harm her. I couldn't...I wouldn't, not now: not ever."

"What a load of bullshit. You think I don't know men like you Shaurya Khanna? You think your false platitudes will sway me? I'm no innocent woman that you can charm. I know exactly what you are about, and I tell you, you won't get anywhere near her as long as I'm around. I will always stand in between you and her."

Shaurya shrugged the man and his opinions off at once. At least he hadn't professed any greater feelings for Mehek than a deep friendship. That: Shaurya thought, he would not have tolerated under any circumstance.

"You needn't worry about keeping me away Malik. Trust me she will come to me of her own volition. I guarantee you", he goaded the man. He saw the closed fist coming and turned in time, deflecting the worst of the blow in time. He didn't need a full-blown injury to get his point across, just enough evidence that would have Mehek concerned enough about him to want to put a little distance herself and her co-worker and his influence.

Shaurya estimated they had another twelve minutes of their enforced time-out. He would have to see how truly thick Mehek's friend was, although he couldn't fault the man for his loyalty. As long as the man stayed within his limits, it would be good to know that he would leave her with someone capable of watching out for her when he did eventually have to leave the country. But damn the man could pack a wallop.

The things one did for love, Shaurya thought rubbing his chin, as he continued listening to the other man's ramblings.

Chapter27

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

And I am back...

I have to admit that it was so hard getting back to writing after vacation, and I am nowhere as satisfied with this update as I have been with others. I haven't covered as much as I wanted to in this chapter, so rather than prolong the posting I am splitting the chapter in two updates. Part A will be told from Shaurya POV and B mostly on Mehek's. I hope you all find it worth the wait. Looking forward to your comments

Kelly

Chapter #24A

Bested by a woman...

Certainly nothing unheard of, and considering that the situation was unlike any Shaurya had ever faced before, frankly he should have at least considered the possibility of their meeting dissolving into a complete debacle. But he hadn't, not even after realizing who he was dealing with. Undoubtedly, Mehek Sharma was not just any woman, and not heeding this fact was his mistake. Even once his initial shock wore off, he still believed that some understanding would be reached between the two of them. He had thought himself prepared for any eventuality. After all, he was Shaurya Khanna: master negotiator. The reputation that had everyone believing the skills that persistently gave him the upper-hand; that his uncanny ability to straight away gauge his opponent and quickly adapt his approach to further his advantage was somehow an innate quality, was not far off. Few could ever confess to putting Shaurya Khanna on the back foot, let alone resorting to that defensive measure left for lesser men than he: the strategic retreat. But today, Mehak Sharma's rebuke had done just that.

The irony of his position was not lost on him now, as he regrouped in his suite. This had to have been one of the most calamitous encounters of his life: far worse than any of their initial confrontations had been.

Breathing deeply, Shaurya stole one last glance out across the lake view the suite's verandah afforded him, and then turned away to gather his luggage. He had at least the clarity to understand that staying here would only exasperate the issue right now. He had minutes to get down to the lobby so that he could leave the hotel for more neutral location for the interim. It was imperative that he do so before he was found to be here, at Bay Lake Towers, so that he could formulate his next steps without the additional problems that would ensue should Mehek find out he was here. So fixed on this, it was natural that the unexpected two-rap knock on the door as he approached it, immobilized him even as it set his heart to quickening in his chest. It couldn't be her; not this soon, he thought, in the weighty pause, before the second set of taps demanding his attention had him reaching uneasily for the knob to determine who awaited on the opposite side of the door.

His visitor stood silent, taking in both his wariness as well as his obvious departure. A slight raising of one eyebrow was her only reaction. She held his gaze with a seeking one of her own, as she studied him for an indeterminate length of time before finally bringing his attention to the dish she brought with her, when she raised it almost to eye level.

"You forgot your order, Shaurya Sir. It is after all what you have come all the way to America for, isn't it? Surely you weren't planning on leaving without it, were you?

******

The previous night...

Shaurya's trust in his PA's abilities had been rewarded as soon as he switched on his mobile upon landing at Orlando International and it connected to a local network. Exhausted beyond belief, he was grateful for Hina's usual meticulousness, as A Disney resort was to be his destination he noted. Below this, Hina had given him a brief synopsis of the other emails she had sent: notes, delineated by level of importance that he would likely require in the coming days, that he could read at his leisure. He frowned on first reading one item: an email consisting of a tentative schedule of appointments that she had set up for him, with for now, a number of unknown local executives, but he figured that when the time came, he would have a better understanding why Hina had booked these meetings. However: first things first. As bone- tired as he was, reaching his accommodations was paramount. Accordingly, when Shaurya entered the arrival hall, he had looked exactly where he had been advised to find his driver. He immediately approached the man who was holding the sign aloft with his name on it, who would transport him to the hotel that had been booked to him.

"Welcome to Orlando, Mr. Khanna, the liveried chauffer greeted him as he tucked the sign under his arm and offered to relieve his passenger of his luggage. In exchange, the man handed Shaurya a business card. "Our twenty-four-hour contact information, Mr. Khanna. Your assistant has secured our services exclusively for an initial four days. Either I or one of my colleagues will be available within fifteen minutes of contact. Now if you follow me, we will get you to your hotel as quickly as possible, Sir.

The journey was made to feel much shorter when the chauffeur kept his conversation to a minimum as he recognized his client's fatigue and before long Shaurya found himself at the well-appointed Disney property, being drawn to the balcony of the tenth story suite that had been reserved under his company's name. The lodging itself was one that he would have expected Hina to have secured for him under normal circumstances, but Shaurya suspected that there had been more to his PA's decision when she had booked his stay. Haphazardly resting his travel bag on the king bed, he took only his cellphone with him as he headed for door leading out to the open-air terrace. It had been impossible to miss the huge body of water as they approached the luxury hotel, but only after comparing it to the image he kept on his phone, would he be able to confirm the brilliance of his assistant. He was steps away from determining if she had come through for him once again, when the phone rang. He almost let it go straight to voice-mail, but knew that this would only result in undue worry.

"Namaste, Mom, Shaurya answered warily, knowing that she still had to be unhappy about his abrupt departure. "I...

"Namaste Beta. Your flights were good? Have you reached your hotel now, Beta, Karuna asked, interrupting him.

Despite her interjection, the only thing Shaurya detected in his mother's voice was loving concern. He hesitated, slightly confused. The mild, conciliatory tone was the last thing he expected from his parent tonight. "Haan Ma, it was a long travel day, but I've checked in now, and will be off to bed soon.

"That will probably be for the best Shaury. You, I expect, have a busy day planned tomorrow, Beta.

Still feeling the need to explain himself, Shaurya spoke up. "Ma, please understand, I had to do this. I...

"I do understand Shaury. And I hope that your journey proves worthwhile, and that you discover all that you need to.

"Thank you, Ma, he replied sincerely, basically lost for words over the continued non-censure over what she had to believe was his extreme impulsiveness. There was a pause between them before he spoke again.

"How was Mehek, Ma; was she feeling better, he asked.

He couldn't explain the slight panic he felt suddenly when his mother did not answer him straight away, nor the fact that his anxiety grew expeditiously with the absence of a response to his question. "Mom?

"These past days have not been easy for her, Beta, she finally answered.

"Which means what exactly, Mom? There hasn't been any improvement in her condition? Has been seen by a physician; someone competent? I don't like this Maa, not one bit. Ma as soon as you get off the phone with me, I want you to arrange for Dr...

On the other end on the phone, Karuna smiled listening to her son's protestations. Whether he recognized it or not, his concern for Mehek ran deep. The young chef had clearly penetrated his mind and taken root there. Which, given the circumstances was a very good thing. "Shaury, I don't think that will be necessary, but I am very glad that you would even think to do that for her. Especially with so much on your mind already.

"Don't let her family say no, Mom. I know they want nothing to do with me, but please don't let them compromise with her health over their mistrust...

He stopped abruptly, realizing that he had probably gone overboard and then braced himself for a repeat of his mother's opining an imagined relationship between him and Mehek Sharma. It didn't come and instead, bizarrely she just bade him goodnight and citing the big day he had tomorrow, wished him good fortune. Not quite sure to make of her turnaround, he couldn't deny that he was glad for it, and got off the phone before she could have a change of heart. Frankly, he still didn't quite understand how and why at seemingly the most inopportune times Mehek Sharma would commandeer his thoughts, and didn't need the added trouble of his mother offering her own interpretation. But neither could he deny his worry for her, and in a move completely alien to him, spontaneously, Shaurya whispered a soft entreaty to whatever higher power may be listening for Mehak's recovery from whatever ailed her. Perhaps, he thought ruefully, whilst he was getting an earful from that well-intentioned Aunty on his initial flight he should have brought the topic of Mehek Sharma up as well. Perhaps his fellow passenger would have the answer to this dilemma as well; she seemed to have a solution for everything else. He yawned then and realized that he would follow the first of many advises that had been forced on him by getting a good night's sleep so that he could function tomorrow. That was next on his agenda. Just as soon, he thought as he finally opened the door to the sitting area off his bedroom, as he took a gander at this lake that had beckoned him since he had arrived.

It was beautiful; completely serene and awe-inspiring from where he stood.

Shaurya smiled to himself, not even needing to confirm the view against the one on his mobile. He was exactly where he should be.

Perhaps, Shaurya thought, when next he spoke with his mother, they would both be in the position to exchange good news.

***********

Shaurya blinked.

Her laughter: pure and unaffected, brought Shaurya out of his reverie and at the same time made him realize his mistake in speculating that the young woman he had first spied from afar could possibly be MS. Unless she was a master at hiding her feelings, there was no way that she would be able to express such unadulterated joy right now. Particularly not after her last message to him. Nahi, the young woman at the rear of the kiosk was not her. She would have at least been suffering the same level of disquiet that he felt in their estrangement. And the other woman working there was definitely a no-go judging by the wedding rings she wore. Perhaps he had been over optimistic in his way of thinking and the discovery wouldn't be as easy he imagined this morning when he woke.

But still, something told him he was on the right track. How could he not be, when everything was pointing to this being the place he needed to be?

"So, have you decided what you would like to have, Sir?

The question, which he suspected had been asked more than once brought Shaurya back to awareness, and finally, he tore his eyes from the unknown young woman and back to the young man behind the counter, who waited patiently to take his order. He hadn't even looked properly at the offerings.

"Nahi, I'm sorry I haven't. I think I better step aside as not to hold the line up any longer, Shaurya responded sheepishly.

He turned away not wanting to go far; sure that this is where he would find answers. Why else would have Hina booked a complete vacation package for him if not to get him to the only park that would remotely have some connection to MS. And what were the chances that this year's festival would, for the first time, have a full representation from India among the highlighted cuisine?

He fiddled with the special wristband that had given him admission to the park and the festival.

"Mel, is everything okay?

About to walk away, Shaurya stopped in his tracks and flashed a final glance in the direction of the young woman on hearing that voice, only then noticing the other newcomer the one who, although not in the uniform of the others, still obviously belonged there. He was certain she hadn't been there before, but she was now. And more importantly, he knew that voice. The fates had finally offered a helping hand at last... and now had to be laughing their asses off at him, if he wasn't mistaken about recognizing her voice. The speaker still had her back to him, but now the other female; the carefree woman he had first noticed was staring right at him. The happy-go-lucky demeaner she had displayed previously had changed. There was recognition in her eyes and a whole lot more now.

Her companion, who had yet to turn around addressed her again. "Mel, what's wrong?

Feeling less shocked than he would have anticipated, Shaurya mouthed her name and willed her to turn around.

******

Be patient, Beta, and do not jump to conclusions, until you have all the facts. Everything may not be as it first appears.

Shaurya had to call on those words of wisdom when he found himself giving chase to a fleeing Mehek Sharma. The pursuit was short lived and he soon reached her and captured her wrist, and pulled him back to him.

"Did you not think I wouldn't answer your plea, Dost? I thought you knew me better than that by now, Shaurya whispered for her ears only.

Mehek didn't respond at first, at least not verbally, and for a split second Shaurya irrationally believed that she would deny the situation which he, himself had not quite yet come to grips with. However, when she stiffened under his grip, she provided, right then, the very proof that he sought: that she was indeed his MS. Inadvertently, his hold tightened, and he glared at her, seeking something; anything. Whether it be some sign of remorse, for having fooled him; for the myriad of emotions dealing with her had triggered in him that had confused him, he couldn't really say. He only knew that he was unable to deny the way his spirit soared, when instead of withering under his thinly veiled indictment, she haughtily raised her nose, and made to answer him. Her fighting spirit was nothing if not immensely appealing to him, now.

"You've got yourself in a bit of a quandary here Shaurya Khanna. You probably think this is a straight up scene from some filmy romance, but you are so barking up the wrong tree. For this ploy of yours to work, the heroine of the story would need to be willing; which I am not. And that unfortunately leads to another issue. Since you had to have not long arrived here, let me explain a few things for you. You see, Disney has this nice happy vibe going on, but I can assure you that security is very tight around here, and at this very moment your gripping me is probably being closely observed by more than a few of the plain- clothed security officers stationed here in the park. And I'm afraid things work vastly different here in America, Shaurya. There will be no commissioner; no inspector that you can call should you fall afoul of the law. So how about you let me go nice and slow, and then I will turn around and smile like we are the very best of friends. She turned her head towards him, and catching the obsidian gaze that immediately set her to flushing, in her peripheral. "And then, Dost, I'll give you the really bad news.

"Bolo, MS, he goaded, huskily in her ear. "Give me your worst, he said, dismissing her threat, but releasing her all the same.

"Aacha, she spat venomously at him, "How about this: it was all just game and you've lost Shaurya Khanna. To me, a mere middle-class woman no less. It's is all I ever wanted, you know: to bring you down a peg or two, and here you are having travelled all this way chasing a figment of your imagination, proving that it wasn't hard at all to bring the mighty Shaurya Khanna down to his knees. You may have started all of this, but today I've finished it, Dost.

Chapter24B

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter#25

Over the connection Shaurya heard his mother's voice as she entered the conference room apologizing to Rajiv for her tardiness in arriving scarcely a minute late for the out-of-the-blue video call she had been summoned to. He watched as, unaware of that he had already dialed into the conference call, she began questioning bhai if he knew why he would have asked the three of them: Rajiv, Hina and herself, to gather now. Had he learnt the truth, she pressed on, piqued that her son hadn't even bothered to contact her since their initial phone conversation when he had reached his destination. Shaurya smiled to himself, before clearing his throat loud enough for his mother to hear him. Karuna Khanna's attention was finally drawn to the wall mounted monitor. "Namaste, Maa," he greeted her.

"Oh... Shaury..." It was evident that she was worried of what was to come, but she did a good job of collecting herself in front of him, while taking her seat at the table. "How are you, Beta?"

The door opened, and the last participant of this meeting entered and took her seat at the table.

"Good, you are here, Hina. You have good news for me I hope," Shaurya queried ignoring for now his mother's question.

"Ji Sir. The company's attorney has come back with a suitable local recommendation. The firm will be able to discretely handle any legal aspect you require, both business, and any... ah necessary criminal defense should the need arise."

"Excellent, Hina. Ensure that their details have been forwarded to me today, so I can confer with them in advance of my meetings with..."

As expected, his mother interjected; reacting to what her son had casually brushed over.

"Excuse me: any necessary criminal defense... is that some kind of joke, Shaurya? What exactly have you done or dare I ask what are you planning on doing that you would need to secure legal counsel?"

Her son's smirk did little to assuage her misgivings.

"Nothing so far, Maa. However, as I was distinctly informed, I am not on my home turf at the moment, I figured it better to be prepared than run the risk of relying on a court appointed attorney should I end up the wrong end of a police encounter. Likewise, I'm banking on reducing that probability by obtaining all of the information the three of you chose to keep from me before today. I cannot hope for any measure of success if I do not have all of the facts." He paused to let this sink in with all of them before continuing. "But first things first. Bhai, as it pertains to ISC..."

**********

"You were right, Mehek. Shaurya was there, but he checked out four days ago."

Gone; he had been that close and now he was really gone?

"But that's a good thing," Mel affirmed, breaking in her friend's silence. "It's what you wanted, right?"

"Haan..."

Yes: it was a good thing and she should have been completely relieved, but the finality of the information that had been relayed to her still hit her like a ton of bricks. Not only had he come to America; he had actually been there at her hotel. But for only one night. Despite the fact that she had been on pins and needles for the last couple of days while waiting for his next move, learning that Shaurya actually appeared to have complied with her pleas to go away, now brought the sting of tears to her eyes. And not, if she were to completely honest, because she was glad to see the back of him. She was so bloody confused. Taking a breath to steady herself, that she hoped didn't sound so desperate over the line, Mehek asked Mel to thank her friend who worked in room reservations, who had gone over and beyond in helping her. It wasn't her fault that the news Mel called with, had left her adrift in an ocean of confusion at the most damnable of moments. She disconnected the call and then turned off her mobile and tucked it into her pocket.

"Pull yourself together, Mehek Sharma. Remember: this is a good thing."

She was put off countering her own argument when she was joined backstage by her partner for the afternoon.

"Another sell-out crowd, but nothing you haven't handled before Mehek," Malik commented with an encouraging smile.

"So, says the man who needn't worry," Mehek stated, "because he has the comfort of knowing that his biggest fan is in the audience today." She couldn't help but grin when her Malik rolled his eyes in response to her comment.

"Urgh...don't remind me," he said, as he leaned to peer out at the audience. He found her front and center, chatting up a storm to the people seated near her. "I shudder at the mischief she is probably getting up to about now."

"Stop. Aunty is lovely, and understandably, very proud of her precious son," Mehek responded taking a small break from her morose thoughts, recollecting her recent introduction to the older woman who clearly doted on her first born. "If she happens to be sharing how special her beta is with everyone, then that is a mother's prerogative."

Malik sighed. "I had hopes that with her excitement over tonight she would have remained at home, but not Mom. She was up at the break of dawn beginning her prep so she wouldn't miss the demo. I have been advised to let you know that dinner will still be ready promptly at seven. Make sure you come hungry," Malik warned. "She's looking vey much to impress you... very much."

"And I'm looking forward to it," Mehek mentioned seconds before she walked out side-by-side with her co-chef for today's cooking demonstration.

It rankled Shaurya how good the two of them looked together; how their rapport allowed them to effortlessly banter back and forth much to the appreciation of the enthralled audience who had come to see them. But if he had to suffer watching this to get access to Mehek, then he would.

Next to him, the Disney executive, nodded approvingly at the pair of chefs on stage, and then turned his attention to the restauranteur who he had been attending today. They had missed approximately a third of the sold-out demonstration, but when the executive observed Shaurya Khanna's mouth upturn into a small smile, he realized that the idea of bringing the visiting businessman had borne fruit. On the understanding that they were now in vigorous competition with their local competitors for the man's next venture, the Disney executive had been given the mandate of persuading Shaurya Khanna to make Disney his first choice. It had looked to be a hard sell: the man was like ice when it came to business. This small display of emotion was the first indication of that anything positive could come from their meeting. Disney's top brass had already been told that Shaurya had met their counterparts at Universal Studios, who were keen to add to their City-Walk Dining destination; and who knew what promises had been made to the man already. Someone of Shaurya Khanna's caliber would be a definite feather in their cap, and Disney would have to do all they could to prevent that. For now, though, the man was totally absorbed in watching Chef Mehek, and immediately the executive grasped that this could be key to their negotiations. Perhaps, he thought, a familiar face could go far in swaying Shaurya Khanna in Disney's favor.

"I imagine this has to be a very satisfying moment for you, Mr. Khanna. In the very short time Mehek Sharma has been with us, she has managed to make her mark, which given the scale of the festival is telling. Hers and Chef Malik's demos are the ones that have been consistently oversubscribed this year. I doubt even someone of your stature could have managed to obtain admission today."

"Let alone, with such a prime vantage," Shauya conceded, referring to their backstage positions. Inwardly he smiled. Things were progressing just as he hoped. "However, Ms. Sharma's success here has very little to do with me; she is a force of her own making. And...the two of them seem quite the winning team."

"That is true, but you cannot deny that your influence is present." He nodded to the audience, which as their recent guest statistics supported, showed a marked increase of Indian-American attendees this year. "Undeniably, Ms. Sharma's name is synonymous India's Super Cook and by virtue with yours. With the association already established, as well as a ready-made client base, you cannot deny that Disney would be the logical..."

The man was interrupted when, along with the audience, Shaurya began applauding the conclusion of the demonstration. The two men watched as Mehek and Malik began the informal post-demo interaction with the audience, which they had become known for.

Shaurya purposively checked his watch "Shall we continue on to Disney Springs for the site inspection then," he asked impassively.

"And forgo meeting Chef Sharma? That will not do at all. I'm certain she will be pleased to meet you, since you have travelled so far. Trust me Mr. Khanna, our schedule will not be thrown off at all. The crowd should taper off in a few minutes."

"Thik Hai, if you insist."

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

"You were wonderful, Mehek beta; absolutely amazing. Frankly, I think that you deserve your very own television cooking show. That is what you should be aspiring to, not to be stuck behind the scenes in some industrial kitchen."

"Aacha, and being in the kitchen is such a bad thing, Mom?"

The high-spirited older woman didn't even skip a beat, reaching up and pinching her son's cheek as she answered the perceived insult, "Nahi Beta, not for you, the kitchen is exactly where you belong, you have always been happiest there creating your masterpieces, but a shining star like Mehek should be out on display sharing her gift with the world."

The woman in question blushed at the effervescent praise, demurring further comment with a shake of her head.

"See now you have embarrassed her Mom."

"Bah...I am just calling it as I see it. Her talent is sure to be wasted... you should propose it to the corporate heads, beta."

"I will take your suggestion under advisement, Mother." Malik offered barely able to contain his mirth.

"Indeed, you may be on to something Madam, so consider your idea duly submitted."

The trio turned simultaneously, when the new voice revealed that they had been joined, and as quickly they all froze in place when recognition of the visitor who hadn't spoken, hit them. Malik was the first to regain his senses. "James, how are you, he asked, extending a hand to the Assistant Director calmly before his eyes wandered briefly to the still silent bystander. He focused back on his colleague. "I had no idea that you were coming today.

"A spur of the moment decision actually, that fit in perfectly with our business meeting. But please, let me formally introduce you ..."

Effortlessly, Shaurya took command of the meet, when he removed and pocketed his designer sunglasses so he could face the chef eye-to-eye: man-to-man. He offered his hand to him, not surprised by the firm grip he received in return. "Shaurya Khanna and you are Chef Malik Varma: the man who had the incredible foresight to bring Ms. Sharma to the attention of the corporation. An exceptionally astute move on your part that has met with resounding success. Congratulations," he added as the two men continued to measure each other through their handshake. Held for a couple of seconds longer than sociably acceptable, they both let go at the same time. "I can only assume that such prowess is inherent in your family," Shaurya added facing the elder of the two females, a charming smile on his face. He bent down respectfully, raising with folded hands; the gesture much appreciated as indicated by the smile on the woman's face as she offered her blessing. "Namaste Aunty, I could not help but overhear your opinion, and I think you are quite on to something. I too believe Ms. Sharma to be destined for bigger things and a bright future."

"Thank you, beta," she responded before glancing sideways at her son both in triumph and in a subtle hint for her son to do the needful.

"My mother," Chef Malik stated tersely, forgetting for the moment the company he was keeping, as he unleashed his anger. His mother's discreet cough broke this spell, and his words were far calmer when he continued. "Mrs. Indira Varma: a great fan of yours actually, Mr. Khanna."

"A huge fan, Beta," the woman fawned, completely agog over the celebrity's out-of-the blue appearance. By then she had pulled out her mobile and had it pointed in Shaurya's direction. "May I," she asked brazenly, much to the dismay of her child.

"For a huge fan: of course. But let's go one better," Shaurya answered, in full charismatic mode, before relieving her of the device, and embracing her to take a couple of selfies with the eager woman, himself. His mind racing over what Mel had advised him on the woman who had come to visit, Shaurya had already distinguished that unless, heaven forbid, she was of a mind to make Mehek her bahu, Aunty could be helpful to his cause. This was but a small effort that could yield huge dividends for him.

Shaurya sent another smile her way as they appreciated the photos, before directing his attention at last to his quarry and finally, allowing his host some direction in this meet-up.

"Of course, no further introductions are necessary," James stated amiably.

In the time that he had exchanged words with Malik's mother, there had been a subtle shift in positioning of the two co-workers, with Chef Malik now in an almost protective stance slightly in front of Mehek. While interesting, it was not unexpected from what he had heard of the man, but for now Shaurya ignored it and cast his eyes directly on Mehek. She, he was pleased to note, met his stare directly with fire in her eyes, letting him know that it wasn't her choice to appear to be cowering behind her colleague.

"Ms. Sharma, we meet again. It was pleasure to see you at work, and very easy now to see how you managed to hone your skills so quickly."

She stepped from behind Malik to answer him. "Thank you Shaurya...Sir," she added belatedly; obstinately. "I am surprised that you are here...in America that is. Are you staying long?"

"Just as long as it takes to conclude my business dealings: some days, a few weeks at the most."

"Business," she asked skeptically.

"Haan Mehek: business. Perhaps If time allows maybe we can meet again and I can share my plans with you. Perhaps over dinner: your choice this time around of course."

"I'm busy," Mehek blurted out.

He nodded, acknowledging her comment. "Well, as I hadn't exactly suggested any specific evening, that is quite alright, Ms. Sharma. My hotel it turns out has the most amazing room service options, so you needn't fear for my dining plans for tonight at the very least. At any rate, I just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on a fine performance." He dismissed her and then bid her companions goodbye, insisting on the need to be elsewhere. Beside him, as they retreated, he could practically sense James' frustration at what he believed to be a futile meeting. But when they were no more than a half a dozen steps away the call Shaurya hoped for came.

"Shaurya beta, wait a minute."

He turned with an affable smile on his face. "Ji Aunty."

"I'm certain that it won't be anywhere near as fine as what you would expect to get at your hotel, but it will be tasty, and made with love. But most importantly it will be in good company."

"Aunty?"

"I cannot bear the thought of you isolated in some hotel room dining alone, beta. Malik has already complained that I am making too much just for the two of us and Mehek, so please say you will join us for dinner tonight. I for one, will feel so much better. Be kind and indulge a mother who could only hope that the same be done for her own child if he was in a foreign country alone."

Despite attaining more than he had hoped for, Shaurya could not deny the warm feeling the generous offer evoked. "Thank you, Aunty, I would be honored. Provided of course, my coming is not an issue."

"Never think so. Oh, and James, you are more than welcome as well."

Vaguely he heard James offer his regrets, and after getting the necessary directions, Shaurya thanked Mrs. Varma once again. He didn't dare cast his eyes in the direction of the two chefs: one who's barely contained vehemence was palpable even from the distance where they stood waiting for the older woman's return. He doubted if he could hide the self-satisfaction he felt in making the initial inroad that he fully expected would lead a reluctant Mehek back to him.

"And remember Beta; dinner is exactly at 7:00PM...come hungry."

"Trust me nothing could keep me away, Aunty... until 7:00."

And until then, Shaurya determined, he would continue with his work from another angle. Before the day was done he would know exactly how far the company would go to ensure that he didn't sign off with their rivals.

Chapter26

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Chapter # 28

Shaurya was stunned into silence, having been accused, and yes, he understood, condemned by the woman who had taken hold of him on levels he could not have imagined before her. He saw in her eyes that she resolutely believed in what she was saying, and he could not prevent the sense of indignation that she of all people could think him capable of something so unspeakable.

"It wasn't me, he stated, impassioned by his need for her trust; for the belief in him that he deserved.

Somehow, his answer brought an unwanted degree of levity to the conversation, and instead of more tears, Mehek now found herself unable to contain her laughter. Of all the pathetic comebacks... she thought as she covered her mouth with her napkin, before taking the same cloth and dabbing her eyes with it. "Ah Shaurya could you be even more clich or is that really the go to response that you men are taught from very young? She settled down and dismissively turned her focus away from him to her own plate. She picked up a forkful, and looked to him once more. "Chalo Shaurya, let's eat. It would be disrespectful to all of Mel's hard work not to enjoy what she has prepared. She sniffed appreciatively. "Mm: If it tastes as good as it smells...

"Mehek.

Ignoring him, Mehek continued her train of thought after taking a bite. "I really hope she had the opportunity to fix Malik a plate. He would really appreciate her efforts, and they do say that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach...theoretically anyway.

Shaurya could only gape at her, and wonder how she could disconnect like this. He couldn't allow her to her though, and slammed his fist on the dining table.

"For God's sake, Mehek, this isn't something you can just turn your back on!

She dropped her cutlery. "I don't want fight, Shaurya, she answered weakly. Miserable eyes rose to meet his and she shook her head. "Especially since there is nothing left to fight for.

His answer to that was to pull out his mobile and start dialing. By the length it took to key in the number, she realized that he was making an international call, probably back home, but given the time difference she hoped this wasn't the case. He jumped up and began pacing as he waited for his call to be answered.

"Bhai...nahi, nothing is right: not a damn thing...where are you in getting the remainder of the security footage for that day? I want that tape in my possession in twelve hours. I don't care. There must be a backup somewhere. As a matter of fact, get all of them for the entire week. Pay off whomever you need to, whatever it takes to get them to me at first light. Get on it; I have another call to make. He hung up the call, and immediately went on to the next. His pacing had taken him closer to the living-room and after a clear misdial Shaurya cursed under his breath and started again, this time concentrating on dialing the correct number. The phone rang once in his ear, before he found himself emptyhanded.

"This is ridiculous, it's what 4:15 AM back home. You can't do things like this to people on a whim.

He made a grab for her wrist to take the phone back, but when he had pulled her close to him, he couldn't proceed now that she was so near. "This is no less than a life and death situation to me. I would do any and everything to clear my name, even though, in your heart, you know that I wouldn't, I couldn't do this to you. Dost, you know the inner-workings of me more than anyone, and you know that I am telling the truth when I say that the only one who remotely came close to making me want to cross the line was you. You frightened me Mehek Sharma, because I wanted you inspite the fact that I knew by then that MS held my heart. Why the hell would I turn to another woman? I don't know who you saw there with Esha, but it wasn't me.

"So, you accept that she was there, in your private dressing room?

Shaurya thought back on the evidence he had seen for himself that evening on the young woman in question, in the form of the fresh love bite that she bore. He had no words to describe the wantonness of one so young, let alone the motives behind what she had done. "Haan, Mehek I wouldn't be surprised at all. The tapes I have asked Bhai to secure should clarify everything. He was suddenly aware that he had missed the perfect opportunity in not having Mehek speak to Rajiv. Whereas her trust in him had waned, she would listen to Bhai, of this he was certain. And with the man awake now...

"Give me the phone, Mehek.

"Nahi, she whispered. "I'd rather talk to you about how much you claim to want me, Shaurya.

********

Shaurya checked his watch for the second time in as many minutes, wondering if Mehek had any intention of showing up this morning. Granted, he was early, however after last night he wouldn't be surprised if she chose not to come. They had both behaved badly: he in giving in to his anger and then abandoning her and she in being the most vexing, obstinate woman on the face of the earth. However, before all of that...

He lost his train of thought when an unknown awareness had his head swiveling towards the bank of elevators in the hotel lobby. On cue, the doors of one of them opened, and she stepped out. He watched her as she looked to where he had said he would be, and then, with her head held high walked towards him. As he had, she had worn sunglasses, to prevent him from reading her emotions. Not that it mattered, as for the minute all of his attention was focused completely on her figure. You see, she wasn't merely walking, as opposed to sauntering towards him: a slow sensual gait that had him smoldering just in the watching. And after last night, he suspected that she knew exactly what she was doing.

"I'd rather talk to you about how much you claim to want me, Shaurya.

A lie if there ever was one, Shaurya had come to discover, as she had everything but talking on her mind. She had gone for it: reached up to encircle his neck and had pressed herself closer to him than she had ever done before. The hand that had held his phone now linked with the other behind his neck, leaving him slightly off-balance since he was now backed up against the sofa. In order to steady them, at least that is what he convinced himself at the time, the hand that had followed hers in the effort to retrieve his property, now slid slowly down her arm, skimming her side until it landed firmly at her waist. Automatically his hold tightened. She emitted a sharp breath then, but in no way sought escape from it nor its partner who had joined the effort on her other side. She was well and firmly in his grip with no avenue of escape.

"How much, Shaurya, she asked against his mouth.

His next conscious thought came when she had pulled away from him separating from their kiss. One so heated; so intense that during it he had somehow landed on the sofa and now Mehek had settled on his lap in as intimate of a position as they could manage while still being clothed. Not that it made a difference. Clothes or no, her restlessness was obvious, and she would have to bereft of every sense not to note the physical reaction that had derived from that kiss. Both breathing with more purpose, Shaurya at least, recognized the complete precariousness of their situation, and made to stop: an effort made futile when Mehek returned, not for his lips this time, but the skin that was exposed by his v-necked shirt. Lathing his heated flesh with her tongue, when she wasn't nipping at his skin assaulting him with tiny bites she sent shock after shock throughout him as she worked her way up to his ear.

"Show me how much, Dost.

Shaurya had no idea how he would extract them from this. Or if he even wanted to.

**********

Fire: hot and unadulterated; Mehek had known she was playing with it, just as much as she basked in it. The heady feeling that came with the knowledge that she had the ability to affect him so, empowered her to go further than she knew should. Yet nothing would stop her in this quest to make him understand. She need only maintain the control that she feared she was losing and would continue to, as long as she egged him on.

"Show me how much, Do.t

She had intentionally used the term that had become the sweetest endearment when he spoke it, in hopes that the connotation would spur him on. She gasped heavily when it did; when one hand at her waist tightened even more to hold her fast against his hardness, while the other trailed up her front, until it reached and lightly skimmed the underside of her breast. Lightly he cupped its roundness while his thumb strayed higher. She had no idea that she was so sensitive. It felt like lightning had struck, shooting in a downwards direction, directly to the core of her. From the back of her throat a moan game in conjunction with the uncontrollable need to move against him: just a little, just once, just to relieve the sensations his touch was creating. However, of all things: what one would have thought would have been the greatest incentive to continue, was as effective as a douse of cold water to Shaurya who came to a complete halt when her hips rocked against him. Mehek leaned back, confident that he wouldn't let her topple, to look at him opened mouthed. He shook his head, silently letting her know that they had gone as far as they could afford to tonight. But then she broke his resolve completely when in a tenacious move, she untied the laces that held her kurti closed.

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

"Shaurya, stop.

He had waited for her to call an end to this, knowing that only her words would avail him the ability to do so. As it was she was seconds away from him taking complete control of this and bringing the resolution she seemed to be encouraging. For certain she had had no objection when he had suddenly manipulated her into another position: one that had her firmly beneath him. Now, only their clothes lay as a barrier between them, and should he have his way, they wouldn't be for much longer. Still he raised his head when she had called out.

"I'm not at all used to this. You are going to have to teach me, Shaurya.

She could have fooled him, he thought ruefully. He looked to the swell of her right breast that had been revealed when she had untied her blouse, that now bore his mark, and thought of her response to him doing that. "We will both learn Jaan, he answered huskily. "Just as I am figuring out pleases you, so will you learn what I like. It's pretty natural process, he teased her before leaning down and brushing his lips against hers.

"Good, she replied, responding with her own kiss. "For instance, I have absolutely no clue at what point it is appropriate calling out another man's name. She had innocently stared up at him when he had raised up, not certain he had heard what he thought. "I mean when exactly during our lovemaking is this permissible, Shaurya? And are there limitations to it? Certain parameters one has to follow; names that are not allowed, or will any do? If seconds ago, had I called out someone else's name, let's say Ma...

He was on her before she could even complete speaking, covering her mouth with his hand. "Do not, he warned before sitting up and moving away from her in disgust.

She had done the same, moving to sit in the opposite corner of the sofa, and had drawn her legs up to herself. "Did you really think you could just explain this away with supposition and security tapes and the like, Shaurya? That any of that could explain what I heard from her own mouth? Bolo Shaurya, exactly what man allows such?

He hadn't been able to look at her for fear that he would completely lose his temper, when she had spouted such nonsense.

"One who has a motive behind doing so, and a partner as conniving as he to carry out such a plan. Just like you said, Mehek Sharma, you scarcely have a clue about being intimate with a man, and thus far your only exposure has been the pleasurable side of it: the purity of connecting with the one you love. If that was all there was to it than you would have a valid point, but there is more that you don't know about, that I wouldn't wish for you to know of. That there are those who revel in the power they can yield, the destruction they can wreak using sex. Do you really think I would be as foolish to conduct some sleazy affair somewhere I could be discovered relatively easily: and with one of my contestants no less? I know you were shocked by what you saw; what you heard, and trust me I want to kill the person behind this, for doing this to you, but in the time from then until now, did it not even for one second, seem too coincidental that all of my supposed wrongdoings came could to light in one day? Did you not have one iota of faith in me? Did our friendship have no bearing on whether you should believe in me?

He stood, looking briefly around, before locating and grabbing his cellphone. "Nahi I guess it wouldn't because you are silly, stupid little girl Mehek Sharma. One who would bring such sordidness into what we share. He leaned over to her and surprised her by retying the laces to cover her up. "Well Ms. Sharma, I would say you have made one hell of a memory here in your new flat, he flatly stated as he stood upright again. "I hope you can live with it.

"I know what I heard, Shaurya, cried out to his back, ignore the tiny prick that hinted to the fact that she may have been wrong then and even worse, was wrong for doing what she had just done.

********

He left then, slamming the door behind him, leaving her, but apparently not before stopping back at Mel's and arranging transportation for her to get home. One could imagine what that had ensued there, as moments later she had to bear the intrusion of Malik storming into her flat, displaying a now common, and frankly overbearing demeanor. He had given her a look-over, clearly expecting the worst. "That's a quality guy you have there, Mehek, he stated sarcastically.

"Oh, do be quiet, Uncle, Mel called out from behind him. "Are you okay, Mehek, she asked, easily discerning by her friend's rumpled appearance what the pair had initially been up to before what had to have been a massive falling out. "Shaurya asked if I would make sure to get you home, Mel continued gently, hoping that her friend understood that even though they were at odds, that her well-being remained paramount to Shaurya, and at least she could appreciate him for that.

"I'll take her, Malik declared.

"Only if I'm coming along. You probably just want to use the opportunity to upbraid her the whole time, Uncle.

"So, you expect me to come all the way back here, out of my way, just because you want to go for the ride?

"Basically, Mel answered with a shrug, as she approached her friend and looped her arm in hers. "You know Mehek, Shaurya actually took a copy of my resume when he left. Do you think he will really look it over? Perhaps give me an interview?

Mehek heard Malik's grunt and sent a small smile over to Mel, recognizing the girl's effort to deflect the attention from her and most likely take on the scolding that Malik seemed keen to give. She was really starting to see why Mel taunted the chef so much.

Naturally they did bicker, the entire drive back to the hotel, as a matter of fact, with the only break coming when Mel took a phone call. Strangely enough, even that appeared to annoy Malik: goodness knew why. And unbelievably Mel had barely hung up from it before some off the cuff comment set the pair at it once more. Still their bantering did give Mehek the reprieve that she wouldn't have had, had she been alone for the ride. Her companions' voices faded into the background as she thought on the evenings' events.

She would do so for some time, and before she knew it daybreak had come, and in less than a blink of the eye their meeting time was at hand. She had had a long time to ponder things, and could concede after her long night awake, that perhaps her methods hadn't been the best. She knew she had hurt Shaurya, but no less than she had been.

And now, after she had hesitantly approached him, they were finally face-to-face.

"Namaste Shaurya.

"Good Morning Ms. Sharma.

"Have you breakfast yet? If you haven't, perhaps I can make you something quick; some chai at the very least? She blushed furiously when she realized that she was effectively inviting him to her room.

"I don't believe that will be the best of ideas, do you?

"No, I expect not, she haltingly responded. "I guess we should leave then; there's a lot to see.

She stopped him just outside the door, when he was about to head towards the parking lot. "I thought it might be fun to take the monorail instead. It's such a fun way to get around the property.

"Whatever you wish; you know the lay of the land better than I do.

She swallowed the lump in her throat that came due to his coldness toward her, and left him to follow in her wake. They took the first leg, which by virtue of the fact it serviced the Magic Kingdom was standing room only. Holding on to the same bar, Mehek avoided looking at Shaurya, still uncertain of his mood. Still, she couldn't help but ask what had had been running through her mind since she had seen him. "Was Rajiv Sir, able to secure the security tape?

"Nahi. Curiously, the entire reel for that particular day was destroyed; corrupted somehow.

"Oh. Mehek fell silent, unsure what more to say. This news surely wasn't what Shaurya had expected to hear. He would have absolutely no way to confirm any of his suspicions now.

"I didn't think it would matter to you, Ms. Sharma, being that there is nothing left to fight for anyway.

She ignored his snide remark "But that doesn't make sense Shaurya, wasn't the footage you already have from the same day? How could the recording be corrupted and you have access to it?

"Exactly my thought, Dost. Why indeed, unless there was something, someone was trying to hide?

"But why us, Shaurya? What have we done, that someone would want to do this to us?

"Us, Mehek?

She nodded.

His response was to push his sunglasses to the top of his head and then repeat the action with hers, leaving them completely exposed to one another. He wanted no further chance of anther misunderstandings; nothing lost in translation. " You do understand, as of right now I have nothing, Mehek. No proof other than my word. Nothing to counter what you saw or what you heard; nothing but my truth. I may never find the proof you need.

"Yes, you will, but even if you don't it won't matter, Shaurya. I don't care anymore. I still want us.

Discovering the Magic Thread#2

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