Chapter #24B
"Liar
His reply was a single word and Mehek hated that it was all he needed to say.
She hated the fact that it had only taken a four-letter declaration for Shaurya to completely unnerve her. She hated that with one word he let her know that he understood her more than ever, and that he had easily discerned the pain she was attempting to hide behind her vitriol. She hated him for grasping that she was striking out at him in her need to inflict at least a portion of the suffering his betrayal had caused. She hated how the inflection of his voice when he had spoken one word, promised comfort if she only admitted that he was right. She hated, in particular, that the lie that he cared for her, could come so easily for him. And naturally, she hated him for his ability to play her like this. However, right now, what she hated most of all, was how easy it would be to do exactly what he expected of her; to cover the few steps that separated them, and accept the false solace that he would extend. That even knowing all his misdeeds, that the part of her that had deemed the man she had come to know to be worthy of her attentions, secretly gloried in the fact that he had come to her; that he had unreservedly dropped everything at her behest. As much as he had hurt her, she couldn't deny the flood of raw emotion that filled her now that he was near. She was such a weak fool, and for this Mehek hated herself even more than she hated Shaurya right now.
Nonetheless, by no means did that indicate that she could let him come out the victor in this encounter. Her desires - no matter how much the pressed her in his direction - were inconsequential to her self-respect. Kanta Chachi had been right all along, Shaurya Khanna could never be the man for her; she deserved so much more than someone as disreputable as he. For her own good, she had no choice but to end everything today: even if it meant maintaining the lie. She swallowed hard and squared herself for the deed.
"Name calling Shaurya, she taunted "Really that's not fair. Is it truly so hard to believe that I, a simple demure woman could achieve what I have and turn the game on you? Perhaps not the old Mehek, but weren't you the one to say that I had changed? She pouted slightly. "And it's not as if you could safeguard yourself from any of this. After all, you practically handed yourself to me on a platter when you decided to reveal your identity. And then who was it who refused to let it go, when I wanted nothing more to do with you? I did tell you that you would be running a huge risk by opening yourself up to someone the way you did. You should have listened Shaurya.
He smiled patronizingly. "Aacha, he replied, "A game. One to put Shaurya Khanna on the deserving end of the comeuppance that you felt he had earned. I understand that. I can even respect that. And you are absolutely right. I handed you every weapon you would ever need. As MS you could have done all the damage you felt you needed to from afar. You could have executed your plan and vanished into cyberspace leaving a disconsolate man on the other end of a broken online friendship. But you didn't. Instead you decided to return and enter the fray. You ended up being as active a participant as I in this game you started. Tell me why Mehek Sharma.
She stiffened when he took a step closer to her, again close enough to touch.
"Bolo Mehek, he urged.
"Satisfaction...closure, she sputtered, unsettled by his reaction. It seemed clear that he was unwilling to let her go easily, and was not above using his physical presence to his advantage. She felt her cheeks warm under the look he was giving her now.
"And did you find...satisfaction... in coming close to me, Dost, he cajoled.
"Haan, Shaurya, I did, she conceded weakly, noting the beginnings of a smug smile at her admission. He started to reach for her, but she stopped him cold. "You cannot believe how enjoyable it was to see how enamored you were with your MS, how entwined she had become in your life. Especially knowing what would come next.
Mehek turned her head in the direction of the raised hand inches away from cupping her cheek, where, she had paused it with her words. Finally, she thought: a chink in the man's armor. She raised her head defiantly, and deliberately tapped her lower lip. She got the reaction she hoped for when his gaze fixed on her mouth.
"Aacha, but perhaps you were thinking of other things: of our kiss to be precise. Assuredly, that was not a part of my plan, but I won't lie and say I regret it at all, Shaurya. Obviously, you know how great a kisser you are, and thanks to that, I have a benchmark by which to compare the next man in my life. Mehek purposively looked at her watch "And speaking of which, we are just about done right? I need to go; I am meeting...a friend... She winced when he suddenly grabbed her wrist again.
"Bas Mehek, you have gone far enough, Shaurya hissed. "If you think that I will allow... he began, before falling silent. He closed his eyes and took two deliberate deep breaths before reopening them and refocusing on her face.
Mehek glared back at him, meeting his look head-on with a glower. The unmitigated gall of this man was incredible, for him to take issue with her insinuation, when he had crossed every limit possible. She opened her mouth to refute him, when he shook his head.
"Enough, Mehek he reiterated, sounding calmer and now far more compassionate, and Mehek knew then that she was in trouble. She didn't want this side of him, this rational side that would force her to heed his words and acknowledge the situation. This was her greatest fear. Her eyes fell away from his knowing soon her composure would be at risk.
"You're hurt and angry, and at face value you have every right to be. These lies; this fabricated scandal would affect any woman in your situation. But this spitefulness: it is not you. It's not the way that the Mehek Sharma that so many people admire would ever behave. Absolutely, no amount of change could alter the inherent goodness in you. And even if I am the dimmest man on earth not to have seen this from the beginning, at the very least I can say that I was able to recognize these qualities in my MS. Don't hide your true nature from me, MS; you never have before so don't start now. Speak to me the words you would have sent to KK, but don't let the compilation of a bunch of circumstances into one salacious fake story destroy what we have between us.
Mehek knew proof of her weakening resolve had to be showing on her face, when Shaurya fell mute. In contrast to the firm hold he kept on one wrist, the gentleness of his other hand when he reached under her chin to raise her face up to his sent a chill through her body. The contrariness of the two touches personified the vacillating nature of this man, and reinforced even more, her the rightness in being wary of him. It would be made all the harder when the silky smoothness of his voice rivalled the most soothing of caresses.
"It is just us: MS talking to her KK...bolo Jaan; tell me.
********
"Shit...shit...shit!
The acrid smell of burnt sugar reached Mehek's nose mere seconds before the smoke alarm went off. She quickly removed the offending dish, racing it to the sink, while another chef sympathetically did the needful and deactivated the ear-piercing buzzer before even more attention was brought to her cooking mishap in the normally quiet test-kitchen. Over at the sink, Mehek hung her head, her mind occupied with the matter that had resulted in this calamity. She should have gone straight back to her suite after she had left Shaurya, but she had prearranged to meet Malik to finalize her dessert plating today, and not being one to renege on a commitment she had come when she would have rather crawled back in bed. Her inattention to her work was proof that it would have been better if she had followed her first mind especially now, when of all days her co-chef was nowhere to be seen, nor had he been in contact to explain his absence. Had it been any other day, Mehek would have worried for him, but today let her alone her work, her thoughts were completely occupied elsewhere.
**********
"If nobody else, I totally understand how zealous the press can be in creating something out of nothing. That most times the story is all that matters...not necessarily the truth.
An optimistic look had come to Shaurya's face when she had uttered those words. He had nodded his head encouraging her to continue.
"Nor if the sources or evidences they have to base the story on are legitimate or merely fodder provided by someone who has a vested interest in such a story being published. If someone really has an agenda, then nothing can be put past them in getting the story they want out. This reporting can very well be the product of such intent...And I should know since it was you who had basically taught me this Shaurya.
"Jaan... he had begun warily.
"But, that doesn't mean that the story itself has any truth behind it. I'm willing to admit that. However, when one personally has seen the proofs for oneself, what other assumption can be made, besides the legitimacy to what has been published? And that's where I am. I know... I've seen what you have done, and I know what more you are capable of. It was probably foolhardy on my part even to attempt to go up against someone like you. I'm clearly a novice, so congratulations, Shaurya, you've managed to get the upper hand yet again. Perhaps if there were only MS and KK this could have had a happier ending, but obviously this is a case where an online friendship wasn't able to translate into a real life one, because it was all based on a lie.
He had shaken he head then, disbelieving that this is what she would come up with.
"Listen and understand me: this is how it was meant to be. In some other reality, I would like to think that MS and KK could have been possible, but the fact is that behind the aliases we were always Mehek and Shaurya, and those were two people whose paths should never have crossed.
Even now, Mehek didn't know how he had interpreted her sad smile, as for the very first time today, real shock was registering on his face.
"But it's okay for it to be done. Our lives are on two completely different courses now. I've decided to remain here in America and grasp whatever opportunities life here has to offer me, and you, well the world will always be your oyster, Shaurya. You will always be a winner. But not this time...not with me. I cannot afford it, and you most certainly do not deserve this particular victory. So perhaps it's just best to label this contest a draw, and finally bring it to an end.
She had then glanced over Shaurya's shoulder to the pair of security guards, who had stood afar, closely observing their meeting. She nodded to indicate her need now.
"Goodbye KK.
********
A finger snapped in her face, and so did Mehek, back to reality. She blinked rapidly as an arm reached around her to turn off the faucet and stop the water that she had absently let run, while she had been lost in the memory of the gut-wrenching parting that had happened not an hour before.
"Are you back on earth now, Mehek?
"Hmm, she murmured, not confident that she could get words past her constricted throat.
"I'm sorry that I'm late, Malik continued, taking in the disarray surrounding the young woman. While the exhaust fans had eliminated most of the burnt smell that must have permeated the air, it was apparent what had occurred in the kitchen. Compounded by how distracted she was when he first arrived, Malik couldn't help but be worried for her. "Is everything okay, Mehek, he queried.
She dismissed his concern with a self-effacing laugh. "Only that I am thoroughly under the rule of Murphy's Law today. The only thing I can bank on is that I'm certain there is no possible way this day can get worse.
"Not worse, but I can guarantee it being a bit more interesting; that is if you are up to it.
"I don't understand, Mehek responded.
"A favor, Malik responded. "One I would never imagine asking of you, but then again your day hasn't been the only one that hasn't been exactly straight forward.
**********
At 7:45 PM, after a bit more success in the kitchen that afternoon, and the determination that her previous engagement would take precedence over the interesting proposal Malik had for her, Mehek stepped off the Disney resort bus at the Boardwalk complex. She took the one flight of stairs down to the dining & entertainment area and then took a left to head towards Jellyrolls. The relief that she saw on Mel's face as she waited outside the piano bar brought a smile to her own. The young woman dashed over and hugged her enthusiastically.
"I really thought you were going to bail on us this evening, Mehek.
"You mean after today's theatrics? I thought about it, but figured that I would have to face all of you at some point anyway, so why not get the awkwardness out of the way over some music and a couple of drinks. Better that than on the job, I reckon.
Hesitating outside the establishment, Mel turned to her companion. "It wasn't that bad of a scene Mehek.
"Haan, just one that necessitated security intervention.
"A wise precaution, that's all, Mel concluded as they paid the cover charge. From where she had witnessed the pairs' interaction earlier today, things looked to be about to take a turn for the worse, until Mehek had taken advantage of the personnel their supervisor had radioed to be on standby. It had appeared that, at the moment Mehek had availed herself of an escort out of the park, Shaurya would object, but after a brief exchange with the remaining security guard, the man had collected himself and departed of his own volition. That the man had come to America to seek out Mehek was a wonder itself, let alone the commotion he seemed quite willing to make, but unless Mehek chose to bring up the subject, she would respect her friend's privacy, by not forcing her to talk about it. Minutes later they had joined Tanya and Navin who had already secured them a front row table, in the rapidly filling bar for the evening's entertainment. Pretty soon said table was laden with drinks the requisite snacks needed to ensure a great gathering. The group convivially toasted each other and Mehek tasted for the first time the Coconut Mojito mocktail she had ordered. Divine, she thought much like the company who had no-questions-asked, brushed off her attempted apologies for today's drama. They were such great friends, she thought as she smiled to herself; disbelieving that she could even be in the position to want to smile at all, today of all days.
"Penny for your thoughts, Mehek, Tanya asked.
"Nothing much, just glad to be here with you guys, Mehek called out over the din that had come with the crowd and the live music. "I'm sure it would have been pleasant, but I doubt meeting Malik's mum this evening would have been half as fun, she concluded as she watched Navin hop up on stage to place his musical request on one of the grand pianos. Mel choked on her drink. "What!
"Apparently she sprung a surprise visit on him; called him from the airport no less. She's here for a week or so.
"And she wants to meet you, Mel sputtered.
"Who wants to meet whom? Navin asked on his return.
"Don't worry about it, Mehek stated. "So what song did you request Navin?
"Wait for it, Tanya answered, evidently in the know.
**********
Some part of him wanted to believe that she would be a no-show owing to the fact that she had only been able to find solace in solitude, much as he had for most of the day. But despite having been the one to have initiated their final goodbye, it seemed that was not the case, and as he had been advised, she had come to join her co-workers for their evening. Suffering none of the ill-effects that had been forced on him, he watched as Mehek entered and took her place amongst her friends.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like something a bit stronger about now?
Shaurya turned away and offered what he could of a smile to the waitress. "I'm fine thanks. Just another sparkling water please.
He looked back to the quartet of friends. Still unsure what his role would be tonight: observer or participant, he would need his wits about him either way. He hardly need the dulling effects of alcohol to inhibit any dealings he may have with Mehek. Especially when he was already flummoxed about her stance. Watching her tonight only reinforced how easily it had been for her to disconnect from him, when he could barely draw breath knowing that she, his MS...dare he say, his Mehek, wanted nothing to do with him.
*******
"Goodbye KK
He hadn't been able to let her go. "Nahi, this is not going to end like this Mehek, I won't let it!
Shaurya recalled now, how tight he held her, as if his life depended on it.
"It, whatever it was, It's over. Go back to being Shaurya Khanna, and live the life you want. Forget that KK and MS ever existed. It shouldn't be hard; you're halfway there already.
His anger has risen at her stubbornness. "After everything, you would still believe a bunch of lies over me, over your KK, he had asked her incredulously, as he roughly pulled her to him.
"Let me go Shaurya and stay away from me or I swear I will take further action against you.
He hadn't even to demand exactly she meant by that, when a security officer appeared from behind him, and addressed her directly, asking if she would like an escort out of the park. She had nodded, and Shaurya had no choice, but to release her, when the second agent had asked him to calm down lest he be ejected from the park and by virtue banned from all Disney property. He had enough intelligence to realize that further objections wouldn't aid his efforts and he had settled down. At least as much as he could, knowing that his destiny was walking away from him without sparing him a second glance.
********
"Come one everyone let's encourage Mehek to join us up here!
Shaurya's attention was drawn back to the stage when this announcement was made and he looked on in confusion as to what he had missed. Thankfully his waitress clued him in on how the pianists loved to recognize the chefs involved in the Food & Wine festival, and from her reluctance, her friends must have offered Mehek up for this honor, behind her back. However good sport that she was, Mehek had bashfully come up. For the first time all day, Shaurya smiled genuinely, as he listened to the accolades the two performers were giving her. Both men were evidently huge fans of her laddoos, and they encouraged the crowd to make a point visit the Indian stall at Epcot as soon as possible. Her talent was undeniable, and belatedly Shaurya brought out his mobile to record the impromptu honoring. In true nature of the bar's fun filled reputation, two performances were to be dedicated to Mehek, and the crowd who were used to the antics of the musicians roared in anticipation.
The first was an improvisation of Ed Sheeran's Shape of you, sung by both entertainers where the song had been cleverly switched up to incorporate the infamous sweets. Halfway through the performance, the entire audience was singing the catchy, I'm in love with your Ladoos' while Mehek offered up a few traditional dance steps in time to the song that had the audience delighted.
When the song ended, Mehek turned, folded her hands to everyone, and then made to escape. Much to her chagrin, she was prevented in doing by the announcement of the second performance. A more standard affair, she was sat by the second pianist and serenaded. And finally, Shaurya found reason for hope.
********
She was upset, but he knew that she was in good hands when two of her three companions accompanied her out of the bar. The last stayed only to settle their tab. When she reached the bar, Shaurya sidled up beside her and took the bill. "I'll get that...it's the least I can do. The young woman nodded, concern for Mehek's emotional outburst foremost on her mind. "Thank you, Shaurya stated. "I'm wondering though how did you know to request that song specifically?
Mel looked over at the handsome businessman she had boldly taken it upon herself to visit earlier today. "Easy: Janam Janam is her favorite song. We let them pianist know weeks ago so he would have the time to learn it. But I guess there's even more meaning to it now, judging by her reaction, something I suspect has to do with the two of you?
"Yes.
The young woman, whom Shaurya still wasn't sure about, but who was his only lifeline right now nodded. "Well, all the best Shaurya. Even though you didn't get to speak to her, I hope it wasn't a total waste of your time.
She had no idea, Shaurya thought. Mehek's friend was about to leave, when he called out to her. "I'm still not clear why you're on my side in this Mel, but thanks a lot. I can only imagine what Mehek has told...
"Actually, it's what she hasn't said that made my mind up to take a chance on you. Anyway, if it turns out that my impulsiveness has got me in trouble and I have in fact made the biggest mistake in trusting you, at least I know there is one final line of defense to protect Mehek from the likes of you. Mel saw that she had his complete attention, and let him know that she was absolutely serious. She nodded. "And he is nowhere as nice as I am Shaurya. Malik Uncle is a beast when it comes to her.
"Aacha, is that so? Well I don't think your Uncle can hold a candle to Shaurya Khanna at his worst. But I can assure you haven't made a mistake in trusting me Mel.
"So, you know what you are going to do now...good. Let me know if I can be any help okay.
Shaurya shook his head and let the young woman leave, appreciative for her offer to let him know how Mehek was feeling. He sighed. All was not lost, and now it was time to set about getting her to see the light. There were still some matters to figure out, but his mind already raced with what he would need to do immediately.
The first and most important thing was to do exactly what Mehek had asked of him, which was to put KK aside, and go back to being Shaurya Khanna. That would be no problem at all.
Music Corner
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
