Chapter 6
Shaurya was gazing at the stars. He looked relaxed but he was far from it. He was an emotional roller coaster. How he wished that he could turn back the clock . Those days when he was happy and peaceful. He will always treasure those days he had happily spent with Pari and Mehek . He felt at home. Something which he had not experienced for long. His recent dual with Mehek had uncovered his wounds. He was always considered as a ruthless business tycoon. Yet he was betrayed again and again by his own wife. Even now he could hear her voice telling him that he is solely responsible for everything. "I cheated you because you made me, Shau. I told you earlier what I wanted but you never listened. I had no other option", Nehal's voice still echoed in his mind. He had shut all those painful memories to the darkest corner of his mind but today they were creeping back.
He desperately needed to talk to someone. He called Purab. "Hello Bhai. Calling so late? Is everything ok ?" Purab was concerned. "Nahi Purab. Nothing is ok. Mehak found out my identity and she took Pari away. Mehek is so defensive now. She accused me and fought with me . She is so judgmental & and withdrawn , like she created a wall around her and not allowing me in". Purab was now confused. Is Shaurya worried about Pari's absence or Mehek's behavior? He has to handle this carefully. Else it will catastrophic. Purab quickly pitched in "Bhai relax. This would have eventually happened. Her reaction is pretty normal. She is scared and troubled. I wouldn't be surprised if she build a fort around her to protect herself and Pari". He paused expecting verbal abuse from Shaurya. On the other hand, Shaurya remained silence indicating his agreement . Purab continued "So let us look into further actions. Legally you have more chance to win Pari's custody. But still with today's media exposure and other social factors, it may not be easy or fast. Pari could be send away from both of you. Consider the emotional suffering you will be imposing on her". "So what shall I do buddy? I can't lose my daughter. I can't be away from her", Sharuya panicked ."You have to take Mehek into confidence. Make her see the fact that you both want the same thing , which is well-being of Pari. Once she understands this, it will be smoother. Meanwhile get in touch with Advocate Mehta too. He seems to be a sensible guy and be helpful here. Bhai do you understand?" "Hmmm" he replied. Shaurya was feeling much better after talking to Purab. He felt that he was back on track . He needs to think, plan and act wisely.
Next morning , they met at dining table for breakfast. They didn't talk much. Mehek wanted to know what happened between Nehal and Shaurya? But she didn't have the courage to start conversation with him. May be this was not the right time, she thought . He finished his food and was about to leave but then he turned quickly. He said "Damn it Mehek. We can't deal with our situation like this. We are matured adults not some silly teenagers. We both love Pari. We can't be adamant and spoil her life. Every child needs a father". Mehek didn't reply but stood silently. He continued " You are a still young, Mehek. In future someone may enter your life as your man. Will he accept Pari? Let's consider that he accepted Pari. But when you have your own kids, can you be 100 % sure that Pari won't be ignored."
" I can say the same about you too." she retorted.
Shaurya : " Hell yeah. But I am her own father. She is my blood. And blood is thicker than water."
Mehek was hurt. She sat down and tears were flowing down her cheeks. In this world where everything is quantified, her emotions had no value.
He kept his hands on her shoulder and said "My intention was not to hurt you, Mehek. But think about it. She will have more stable life with me".
Mehek: "No she will not. Every child needs a mother too. You can never love or care her like me. Neither will the bimbo whom you marry in future can do it".
Shaurya was getting angry. He wondered how she always pushed the right button for wrong action.
S : "Then why don't you suggest on how we tackle this problem"
M: "Pari will stay with me. You can come and visit her frequently. I won't prevent you"
How dare she , giving me permission to visit my own daughter. He was furious.
S: "Let's reverse it. Pari will stay with me. You can come and visit her frequently."
M:" It won't work. I won't be her visiting parent."
S: "Neither will I. I too want active participation in her life. You are so selfish. You think about yourself only. Pari's future is of no value to you."
M:" I am not selfish. If needed, I will sacrifice myself for my Pari."
S: "Really ? Then let us give it a try. Will you be ready to sacrifice yourself for sake of our child? Why don't you get married to me? Pari will have both mother & father, a stable family. Additionally, possible entry of bimbos & mimbos to her childhood can be avoided too."
Mehek was shell shocked. Even Shaurya was shocked at his proposal. When he realized that Mehek was frozen by his proposal, he quickly tried to cover it up.
S: "It is easy to proclaim words like Sacrifice but difficult to practice them. Better to leave matters to our lawyers. But mind you Mehek, you will be responsible for all the pain and trauma imposed on Pari during the trail."
He entered his room. Agitation will be a small word to describe his condition. Part of him wanted her to accept his proposal and another part was happy that she didn't . Part of him admired her as she is not an opportunist who seized the good fortune but another part was angry that she wasn't ready to compromise even for the sake of Pari. Damn it Shaurya , get a grip or she will drive you crazy. Hours passed but he was still restless.
He heard soft knock at his door and Mehek entered his room.
M: "I am ready"
S:"For what?"
M: "I am ready to accept your proposal. But I have few conditions."
S: "Shoot.". He was eager to hear them. He could see Nehal's traits on her coz during these hours she has formulated her conditions. Not bad.
M: "This marriage will be just namesake. I am doing it for Pari. For outside world, we will be husband & wife but in reality we will be just strangers. We won't interfere with each other's lives. If you agree, then we can go ahead with the proposal"
S:"No, I don't agree" . His response shocked her and himself (again). May be today his heart and mind were in sync.
S: " My intention is to give a stable family for Pari. A fake marriage won't provide her that. Besides , we both are young . We are not devoid of physical needs. You don't recommend to go out of wedlock to fulfill them".
M: "You are disgusting... I will never do such a thing. But I don't know about you. Anyways, I don't care what you would do"
S: "Precisely. Neither do I care what you would do. But Pari will. Sooner or later she will be exposed to the infidelity of her so called fake parents. It will corrupt her life and I don't want it".
Mehek was silent. Her silence gave him confidence to move closer and speak to her.
S:"It has to be 100% real marriage Mehek. Trust me it is for the best and you won't regret it".
M: "But I don't love you"
S: " I didn't ask you to love me." He smirked and continued "Can I assume that we reached an agreement?"
Mehek was bewildered with his casual approach to their marriage. But she nodded.
S: "Great. Usually a ring is used to close the proposal. But I don't have it. So how about a kiss to seal the deal?"
Mehek's eyes widened. . As he walked towards her, she moved back until she hit the wall. He place his hands on either side blocking her
Shaurya asked "Will you marry me Mehek?"
Not the kind of proposal she had dreamed of but still she said quickly "Yes, I will ".
He pulled her into his arms. One hand was around her waist and other cupped her cheek.
S:"Sweet heart , your heart is beating very fast now . You are breathing heavily. And you are definitely hot now. Are you still sure that you are not attracted to me?"
Before she could gather her thoughts and reply back, he bend his head down and took her lips in blazing kiss. She was in shock at first but then slowly her hand went around his neck pulling him closer. Her reaction encouraged him. His tongue sought contact with hers. Mehek was soaked in pleasure. She never knew that being kissed will be this much gratifying. Soon she was out of breath and Shaurya lifted his mouth away from hers. He whispered in her ears "No regrets!"
She pushed him away and ran towards her room.
Edited by KashishJ - 8 years ago