A brief chapter in my FF. Hope you all like it .
Chapter 8
Pari rushed in and hugged Mehek . "Mummy, you came. Mohit Mama told me that you have a surprise for me. What is it? " she asked anxiously. Mehek pointed behind Pari and she looked back. "Budddyyy" she squealed, "You too came with Mummy. Oh so you are my surprise" . Pari try to rush towards Shaurya but then Mehek held her back and said "Pari , I wanted to tell you something. Remember, you had asked me often where your father was and I told you that he is far away , not living with us & when you are grown up girl you will understand it". Pari nodded slowly. "Actually your daddy was separated from us just like Hansel & Gretel got separated from their home. Good news is just like in the story, your daddy too found his way back to us". Shaurya was awed at the ease with which Mehek was explaining to 4 year old Pari. " Your father's name is Shaurya Khanna. And you already know him as your buddy." Pari was surprised. Mehek guided her to Shaurya and said "Pari beta, Mummy wants you to meet your daddy, Mr Shaurya Khanna". She pushed her softly urging her to cover the short distance to Shaurya. He has been waiting for this moment for long time. But when it is time , he was really scared thinking how Pari will react . He was waiting on his knees. Pari slowly came near him and asked "Are you my daddy?". "Yes, Baby", he affirmed. Pari quickly hugged him tightly and sobbed. "I missed you daddy. I used to be sad that my daddy is not with us. I was unhappy when I saw all my friends with their dad while I didn't have mine". Shaurya hugged her back and wept, " I missed you too Pari. Daddy is back and will never ever leave you. I promise sweetie". He opened his eyes and searched for Mehek but she was no longer there.
Mehek was taken aback by Pari's reaction. She quickly ran to terrace. She knew that Pari will be happy to have her father but she never knew that she was missing her father so badly. It never crossed her mind that Pari craved for father's love & care. All these year she thought that she as a mother was enough for Pari but she was wrong. She felt so guilty. She wondered on how quickly Pari accepted him. She was envious that within few weeks of time, Shaurya achieved what Mehek had built for years. Magically Shaurya moved into their lives . Her guilt was overridden by fear. Will he steal Pari from me? Am I been used as his pawn in this game?. "Dinner is ready. Everyone come to dining hall", Chachi's voice broke her train of thoughts and she quickly went inside.
During dinner, Pari sat on Shaurya's lap and made Mehek feed her. They looked like perfect family. Though now and then Shaurya felt that Mehek was getting insecure, he was sure that they all were enjoying the moment. At night, Pari wanted to sleep with her daddy and mummy but Chachi tried to pull her asking Pari not to disturb her parents tonight. When the newlyweds insisted that they want Pari to be with them, Chachi allowed.
"Its story time. Mummy tell me a story", Pari announced laying between them . Seeing that Mehek is really tired and drooping already, Shaurya volunteered. He narrated story of Rapunzel. When he reached half of story, he realized that both Pari and Mehek were fast asleep. He kissed Pari's fore head and tried to cover both of them with blanket. He saw Mehek's hand protectively placed over Pari. He lifted it and softly kissed it.
He covered them and turned off lights. He felt peaceful and happy. It may not be the wedding night any man would have wished but for him it was the beginning of something he ached for most. A new life with Pari and Mahek.
Whatever life may throw at him tomorrow, he was happiest man tonight.
Early morning they bid farewell to Chachi & Mohit and started for Shaurya's place. Pari was so excited to travel in her dad's cozy SUV. Mehek felt bad that could never have afforded anything more than train or bus. Journey was eventless except Pari's non-stop chattering. Finally they reached Khanna Mansion. It was huge . Amma , Purab and Shaurya' s staff were waiting for them. Amma performed Mehek's grahapravesh rituals and welcomed her. Pari was running around excited. Mehek went to kitchen and Amma introduced her to all staff. Pari ran to her," Mummy , there is a lawn outside and huge swimming pool in it. It's like a palace. I feel like a princess and am loving it. I wish we had come here earlier". Mehek felt pang of guilt and jealousy. Before she could say anything, she heard Shaurya calling them. He was waiting for them upstairs. "Come my little angel. Let me show your room". Mehek was amazed at the dcor inside. It's theme was perfectly matching Pari's fascinations. When Pari was jumping with joy, he slowly pulled Mehek. "Where are you going ?" Pari asked. "Pari beta, I have to show mummy our room. It is diagonally opposite to yours .You enjoy here. We will be back soon." He took Mehek to his room. It was a huge master bedroom, elegantly designed with exquisite furniture.
S: "Wardrobe on left side is empty. You can keep your stuff there"
M: "Thanks but I think I will manage at Pari's room ." Shaurya shot his definitive angry look at her and asked , "When you were married to Captain Ajay Parmar, were you staying in separate rooms?"
Mehek didn't reply , images of seeking refuge in her mother-in-law's room to escape her vengeful husband flashed before her. Shaurya didn't know about her past and she preferred to keep it that way. So in response she shook her head.
S:"I thought the same. You can stay with Pari as much as you want. But don't forget that you are now my wife now. Don't worry about Pari. I have installed latest technology to connect these rooms. Even if Pari mumbled in her sleep we will be able to hear it here"
For a change, Mehek was not worried about Pari but herself. Sharing room and spending nights with Shaurya was not something she was comfortable with. She was confused whether to convey it to Shaurya.
S: "Hello , are you even listening to me ?"
M: "Sorry, I missed it . I was thinking something else. Please tell again "
S:"Mehek, listen carefully. I don't like to repeat. We have a small party tonight. I hope you have a gown or saree to wear for the party"
M: "No. I didn't bring any saree and I don't wear gown or dress"
S: " Really ? But in your room, I saw snap of yours in a blue dress. Probably taken during your graduation party or something like that"
Mehek thought, Oh my god, he doesn't miss anything. In those few hours spent at Chachi's house, he noticed such trivial things about her.
M:"That was long time ago. Anyways I don't have any saree or gown right now"
S:"Fine. Let's go now and get you something for today's party" . Before she could protest, he was out of the room and she had to follow him.
When they reached Pari's room, they saw that she was fast asleep. Hours of travel and excitement might have drained her . Before they left, Shaurya asked Amma to be with Pari and they headed for Mehek's shopping. He took her to one of the top boutiques. They showed many dresses - backless, off shoulder, short ones, high slits,...but Mehek was not comfortable with them. Finally she liked a black ankle length gown with sweetheart neckline. "But Ma'am , it won't fit you. You surely need a bigger size . If you can wait , I can arrange it by tomorrow", skinny girl who was attending Mehek told her. She had a mocking smile on her. Mehek was angry. She knew she was plump but she hated when others teased her . Mehek grabbed the gown from her and went straight to the trial room. She was fuming. She quickly removed her top and tried the gown over her head. Half way down she realized that the girl was telling the truth. It was indeed small and not possible to squeeze into it. She quickly pulled it over her head to remove it. But the dress was not coming out and now her head & hands were stuck inside it. She was unable to see and cannot move her hands properly. She was literally caged in it . It's going to be huge embarrassment.
S: "Mehek, what are you doing inside? Why are you taking so much time to try a dress?"
She was so happy to hear Shaurya' s voice outside the trial room
M: "Shaurya, I was trying the dress. But it's not coming out. My head is stuck in it. I am unable move my hands either. Can you get help".
She expected him to laugh at her but he was concerned ,"Are you okay? "
M:" For the time being. Please get help to get thing off me"
S: "Okay. Shall I come inside to help you? "
M : "No No No . You can't see me like this"
S: " Nobody else is here other than bill desk guy. Guess I am the only option you have"
M:" Okay, then please close your eyes and come inside"
S:"What ??"
M:"Yes. Close your eyes and come inside"
Shaurya slowly removed curtain of trial room and stepped inside with his eyes closed. His hands searched for Mehek and found her. His finger softly felt her , moved downwards and touched her bare stomach. The fabric was stuck just above her stomach. He slowly rolled it up and pulled it. He couldn't see but definitely feel her bust. He continue to roll it up and his finger brushed over her bra. He was tempted to open his eyes. Mehek's head was stuck inside the dress and he knew she won't be able to tell whether he had opened his eyes. However he kept his eyes closed and continue rolling it up slowly. He was enjoying his proximity with Mehek. Though his eyes were closed , he could feel her and imagine her vividly. Finally he touched her arms and slowly pulled the dress over her head.
Mehek was relieved to be out of that damn gown. When she saw Shaurya standing before her with his eyes closed, she quickly wore her top and went outside. Shaurya followed her. Salesgirl met them outside trial room. Seeing Mehek's disheveled status , she concluded that the couple had some fun inside trail room. Sharuya's voice woke her, "Where were you? If you can't stay here to help customers, then better leave the job and stay at home". "I am really sorry sir", the girl apologized. He didn't want to scold her further, afterall he had a wonderful time.
Mehek felt so bad. First the dress she liked didn't fit her, then her embarrassing encounter with Shaurya and now he is so angry that he is venting it on that girl. She just wanted to go home. But before she could speak, she heard Shaurya ordering, " You, listen. Take my wife's measurements. Give it to your boss and tell that I need the same kind of dress for my wife. Not in black but in blue. Ask him to deliver it to my house before 5 pm today". "But sir, it's impossible", the girl protested. "Honey, tell your boss that Shaurya Khanna wants it to be delivered by 5 pm and trust me all will be well".
True to his words, the gown was delivered to Mehek on time in blue color.
Book Talk
Shiv Shakti
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
