MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic Chapter28 pg148 (10/12) - Page 7

OK sharing a computer is not good. Going to need a little while longer to finish the update, so here is a small preview:

Chapter 2 teaser.

"Well: your explanation, do you wish to share?" Shaurya insisted when Rajiv maintained his silence.

Rajiv shook his head, not so much in denial, but because he knew the venom behind the question still had more to do with Mehek, than not. "Nahi Shaurya, I'd rather not."

The younger man rolled his eyes, frustrated over the fact that whenever the subject turned to his precious protege, that Bhai's attitude turned curt, and that interfered in their successive dealings with each other. Reaching for his mobile, Shaurya shook his head in disgust. "Whatever. Well before you go, perhaps we should go over tomorrow's schedule just to make sure our appointment suit your comings and..."

Her message. How could he have forgotten?

It had slipped his mind that he had left the app open, so in swiping his finger across his cell's screen, Shaurya had immediately accessed the message that had been sent, instead of the scheduler he had intended on checking. The photo taken out of the jumbo jet's window had been captioned.

KK, I'm on my way soon: Is it crazy to be missing home and everyone even before I've even left the ground? These last few days chatting have meant so much...I couldn't bear if you disappeared again ... so let's make a deal that we won't let life get in the way of our friendship again. Just don't forget me, okay

Forget her: was she crazy, Shaurya thought, as he found himself reading her words for a second time. Nahi, not crazy, just anxious it seemed, judging by semi-rambling text. He couldn't stop himself from responding: a practical missive, uncaring that it would be at least fourteen hours before she would be able to access it. He had promised to support her, and he had meant to, and so he kept typing ignoring the fact that he had left his conversation with Rajiv hanging in the air.

Rajiv understood straight away that something had happened. Nothing bad, but something that deeply affected his friend. The expression Shaurya now wore, as he focused on responding to some message, one that plainly he believed more important than tomorrow's schedule was akin to the one reserved for his mother and yet not. On numerous occasions, Rajiv had been thankful for Aunty's calming presence that managed kept Shaurya on an even keel. Until today, as far as he was aware, only Shaurya's mother had the ability to cut through, and bring forth the gentleness that lay deep beneath the abrasive veneer that her son wore like armor. However, some instinct told Rajiv that it wasn't his mother's communication this time around. And for that he felt encouraged. To know there was another capable of doing the same- well that was wonderful. Often, Rajiv had contemplated the completely heartless being Shaurya would dissolve into without Karuna Khanna's influence. His calmness; the peace brought on by merely interacting with her was incredible, and always gave Rajiv hope that one day Shaurya would perhaps work through his demons.

And now, judging by his changed demeanour so it seemed that someone else had come along who could, if not take up the mantle, then possibly supplement the love he received from his mother.

"Send Aunty my regards, while you are at it." Rajiv uttered, just to note Shaurya's reaction.

Not even bothering to stop what he was doing, Shaurya answered "Nahi, it's not Mom, it's..." He stopped typing and, his attention brought back to present company, he self-consciously looked to his friend. "It's..."

Rajiv cocked his head to the side, "Aacha... Someone special perhaps?" Rajiv finished for Shaurya.