MehRya FF: Discovering the Magic #2: Chapter #45 Teaser pg62 11/29 - Page 9

Chapter #32

Despite her proclamations to the contrary, she knew that Mel felt wretched over what had been done to her, and needed a friend right now. Consequently, when she exited the washroom, Mehek was relieved to find Shaurya not far away, leaning against a wall not far from the washrooms. Obviously waiting for her, he stood erect as soon as he saw her approaching. Now all that was left was to break the bad news to him.

"How is she Mehek; Is there anything I can do to help?

Mehek stared at him for a minute. Had she not been already completely smitten with the man, then the effortless concern he expressed for her friend would have certainly tipped the scale in his favor. She smiled sadly. "She said that she doesn't; that she doesn't want to ruin our night, but...

Discretely, Shaurya took her hand, and squeezed it encouragingly, understanding where she was going. "It's okay, Mehek; you should be with her now.

"Nahi; absolutely not. It's so not okay.

Shaurya looked up, while Mehek peered back over her shoulder on hearing the firm denial.

Although Mel had made a clear effort to fix her makeup, her efforts weren't enough to entirely conceal the evidence of her recent tears. Still, her voice was steady when she spoke again to the couple.

"I don't want you two to lose out on your last chance to spend time together for my sake. Please... consider it a favor to me. She nodded and then turned to address Malik's mother who had remained at her side. She folded her hands to the older woman. "Aunty, thank you for your concern, but I will be fine to make my way home on my own. It's not far at any rate. I'm so glad to have met you, tonight she added with a genuine smile, before turning her attentions back to her friend. "Mehek, I do think I will take you up on your offer... for the peace and quiet, but I... she stopped abruptly; her cheeks turning beet red, as she stared past Shaurya's shoulder. Her eyes frantically met Shaurya's. "I don't want to speak to him...Please just get me out of here, she whispered desperately, sounding more wounded than any of them had thought she was.

Indira Varma took the initiative, and headed for her son, who was on the verge of reaching them and, from the expression on his face, was, in all likelihood, about to cause a scene. Simultaneously, Shaurya got on the telephone to call his driver so that the young woman could be taken home. He held up his hand to indicate that the car would be there in ten minutes. Still facing the determination of the unwanted interloper, Mel watched as the man in question resisted his mother's efforts to dissuade him from bothering her, and made the decision to return to where Malik wouldn't dare follow.

"I'll message you when the car is here, Shaurya told Mehek, just before she followed the affected young woman back to the washroom.

He swung his head around and watched the frustrated chef who looked eager to make amends for his lapse in judgment. Although he wouldn't expect the man ever to believe him; he completely commiserated with Malik's position right now. Hopefully Aunty was advising her son to give Mel some space right now: to calm down first, and then to understand why everything had blown up as it had. Shaurya wondered how long it would take Malik to realize for himself, that he had never been indifferent to the young woman he had so deeply offended. Shaurya had determined it from the first, but having only recently seen the light himself, he could understand the chef's position. Only Malik would know why he had persistently resisted his feelings for Mel. It was now up to the man to make sense of it all, but if anyone understood that there was no rhyme or reason as to who you fall in love with, or the chaos that could accompany such emotion, it was Shaurya.

Back in the ladies-room, Mel wiped her face with the back of her hands.

"Do you want me to delete him from my contacts, Mehek? I don't care what anyone else thinks, but if it bothers you, I'll do it right now.

Mehek took Mel's hand. "No. It's fine. Besides it may hurt his feelings to learn that his co-conspirator has abandoned him.

For the first time since her clash with Malik, Mel smiled. "You're not angry?

"How can I be, Mel? If not for you; we probably wouldn't have managed to get...okay let's rephrase that. I don't doubt that he would have eventually gotten his way, as tenacious as he is. However, without your help, it may have taken a little longer.

Mel stared at her friend wistfully. "You are so lucky, Mehek. To have found someone who considers you above all others, someone who cares for you the way he does.

"I know, which is why I would never begrudge the help you provided him. Her attention was drawn to her vibrating mobile, and Shaurya's message.

"Chalo, the driver has arrived.

Thirty minutes later, clad in a borrowed t-shirt and leggings, Mel bid Shaurya farewell at Mehek's apartment. Ignoring the hand, she held out, and under an approving glance of Mehek, Shaurya gave the young woman an impromptu hug. "Thank you for everything Melissa. I'm sorry you had to face the troubles you have as a consequence.

Mel shook her head. "A life lesson...probably something I needed to learn sooner or later, to grow up a bit. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm just glad the two of you have decided to keep to your plans. She smiled, not wishing to hold them up any longer. "Have a safe trip home Shaurya. Just don't get to thinking that you can take her back with you this time, Handsome; Mehek is ours for a little while longer.

The man laughed. "I guess in that case you better get used to seeing me around every now and then.

He sobered, and grasped the young woman's hands. "Things will be better, Melissa. I'm sure of it.

As they walked, hand in hand back to the car, Mehek looked over to him. "Shaurya, about this job offer...

"I'm not going to do anything about it right now. I don't want her to risk making a decision purely based on emotion and then regretting it down the line, Mehek. That wouldn't benefit anyone.

"Thank you, Mehek returned, not surprised that their thinking had been similar. "Now all I have to do is fight the urge to smack that man over the head, when I next see him, she uttered.

"You need to cut him some slack too, Jaan, Shaurya answered as they reached the car. "He has to be feeling totally blindsided about now.

Mehek paused in front of the passenger door that their driver was holding open for her. "Compassion for Malik Varma, Shaurya; has love made you that soft?

She blushed realizing what she had just said, but now that the words were out, was anxious for his reaction.

He didn't back away from her question. "Absolutely Dost. And let's just say that having been pretty much where he is now not so long ago myself, I do feel for the man. But enough. Let it be known that once in this car; we are officially on our date...no more Malik or Mel talk will be allowed, he said seriously, and then grinned when she scooted rather quickly into the backseat, apparently as anxious as he.

As soon as the driver was seated, Shaurya leaned forward and spoke to him. In response the man extracted a card from a small case and gave it to his passenger. Thanking him, Shaurya sat back and passed it to Mehek. "Mehek this is Gerald. I have placed a retainer with his firm on your behalf. After tonight If you ever need transportation: to be taken anywhere, or picked up, I want to you contact Gerald, here. Ideally, you should contact him in advance, however he, or a suitable replacement, will be available at a moment's notice.

"Shaurya that's hardly necessary, Mehek replied with a shake of her head.

He merely smirked; his mind already set, and although his eyes never left her, Shaurya addressed the chauffer. "Gerald, as you have probably guessed, this is my stubborn Mehek. She is everything to me. No one is more important, he stated emphatically. His resolve that she was taken care of in his absence was all that mattered, even over her protests to the contrary.

"Don't worry Mr. Khanna, I will attend her personally should the need ever arise. I will be just one message away, Miss, The man said, doffing his cap to her, when the flustered woman spared him a quick glance.

Mehek absently greeted the driver, before returning her attentions to the man beside her. The bluntness of Shaurya's declaration, had taken her completely by surprise, and thrown into stark relief what being with Shaurya Khanna would entail. Her eyes were wide, and she her cheeks, a deep shade of red; affected, not only by his edict, but also by the intensity behind them. As they started off, and the driver's attention was on his task, Shaurya clasped her hand pulling it to him. Her eyes found his, and she answered the question she saw there. "Thik hai, I will contact him should the need arise, she conceded. She sighed. "All this talk about tomorrow though, has everything suddenly feeling very real Shaurya. Beyond the fact that I will miss you so much, it feels almost as if the dream that we have been residing in has just given way to reality... we're: you and I...

"Are finally official, and that it won't be easy, he finished softly.

"Exactly. It's a bit unsettling, contemplating what we will have deal with sooner or later. My family ...

He held a finger up to her lips. He was grateful that it wasn't his overbearing insistence seconds ago, that had upset her. He doubted he could change the need to ensure her wellbeing while he was gone, so it would just have been a bone of contention between them. But this: her completely rational fear of the response to them going public, was something he could address. "In that case, how about you allow me to extend the dream for a few more hours, thik hai? He leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Perhaps a little more time showing you how much you mean to me will fortify you for tomorrow and the days thereafter.

He smiled when she nodded, and rest her head on his shoulder.

**********

"Mehek we're here.

She thought she may have drifted off, or if not, had been so content resting next to him, that she had completely zoned out, since when she next glanced out the window she was totally confused.

"Shaurya where on earth are we?

His enigmatic smile only further confused her. "Do you see what I am up against, Gerald? First, I'm stuck arranging our first date night here, that by all rights she was supposed to plan, and now that I have, she is questioning my choices. And by default, he added, "your sage advice, my friend. He nudged her when the driver opened her door. "Come Jaan.

After giving Gerald leave to go, Mehek was left still in the dark, literally, when she and Shaurya were left alone outside a set of elaborately scrolled wrought iron gates which were locked. However, before the headlights had even faded completely, the gates suddenly swung open. Clasping her hand in his, Shaurya led Mehek onto the property that lay beyond the barrier. Her anticipation grew as he brought them to a standstill, steps into the unilluminated space, waiting while the automatic gate began closing. Relying on her sense of smell, which immediately caught the sweet floral fragrances that permeated the air, Mehek guessed that they were in a garden of some sort, but only when the locking mechanism on the gate activated the delicate accent lighting, did she get a full appreciation of the beauty that had been before hidden in the darkness.

Shaurya smiled down at Mehek and gave her the thorough once over that he had resisted doing at the gala. Now that they were alone, he had to admit that he was liking her attire a whole lot more. His gaze reached her heels. "Are you okay to walk a bit in these, Mehek? His eyes returned to her face before he continued. "I probably should have asked beforehand, but I think I may have been scared that you would opt to change out of them.

She took that to mean that he liked them. "I'm okay, she answered with a small smile.

The Henry P Leu Gardens: she had heard about the place, but had yet to find the chance the visit the vast space that was a mecca for almost as many visitors that attended the theme parks in the city. Clearly, they were not going to tour the 50 acre plot of land tonight, but what they were privy to as delineated by the fairy lit trails was absolutely gorgeous. The first section led through a replica of an English garden awash with huge hydrangea blossoms in a multitude of shades from the purest white to perfect purple shade, that Mehek could not help but adore. "They are so beautiful, Shaurya, Mehek muttered, fingering one of the rotund blossoms.

"Haan, they are, and they are also very meaningful. Did you know that the Hydrangea is usually given to convey gratefulness for understanding; making them practically the perfect bloom to gift someone if you wished to apologize for past deeds?

Mehek stared at him, wondering at this newfound knowledge, until he pointed out a small placard that bore the information he had just relayed. He looked around at the number of blossoms, and nodded. "Haan this seems at least the minimum I should consider gifting to make up for my past behavior.

"Perhaps, if we were going to remain in the past, but since we are not I would prefer to receive them just because you know I love them now, Shaurya

He came to her and pressed his lips against her forehead. Her casual dismissal of his wrong-doings was a panacea to his burdened soul. He didn't know what he had done to deserve her goodness, but he was not above accepting it. "In that case, shall we carry on, or would you like to enjoy them some more?

With her consent. they followed the path, bypassing some areas completely until they reached another purposively lit area. This time, on his insistence, Mehek looked for and located the information board to learn why the sizable collection of potted yellow flowers were significant to their trek. "Daffodils, she read aloud, "A multi-meaning plant, these flowers are notably used to confer unrequited love, respect and the wish for the recipient to return the affections of the giver. Florists often include daffodils in the very first bouquet sent to a new love, due to the new beginnings' connotation associated with the flowers that bloom annually every spring. Mehek stopped, her brow furrowing in confusion. The flowers displayed were fully mature which made no sense, unless the gardeners here were miracle workers to have forced them to flower in Autumn. She noticed then next to the board, a second smaller notice. "For today only, she read, "Through the generosity of an anonymous benefactor, we are able to bring you the beauty of these flowers, cultivated in Australia, months in advance of their usual blooming season in our region. Tomorrow they will be donated to our area hospitals and nursing homes in the name of... Mehek Sharma.

Her head swung from the sign to the man beside her. She heaved a sigh, hoping that she wouldn't make a complete fool of herself by breaking down. "Shaurya...

"The perfect flower to symbolize the present, Dost. Others were suggested, but only these would do. They speak for me unlike any other could.

Mehek shook her head. "Nahi Shaurya. You're mistaken about one thing: there is absolutely nothing unrequited about your feelings. She smiled at him. "I'm sensing a theme here in this visit: Past...Present. Which flower symbolizes our future?

"I have no idea, maybe you can come up with one. But not now. Now, I think we should stay in the present for a little while longer, Shaurya asked pointing to where the lights diverged from the pathway, the fairy lights given way to a pathway accented by two rows of paper bag lanterns up onto the grass, and leading to something at a distance that she couldn't quite make out from where she was. She could only imagine what he had come up with. "Shall we, he asked

"Okay, hold on just one second though. I've paid too much for these to ruin these heels in the grass.

*********

"Don't, Shaurya urged, reaching down and stilling Mehek's hands, when she would have unfastened the buckle of one of the pointy-toed stilettos that had intrigued him at first sight. "Shoes like these, Dost, he breathed, as he moved her hand away and ensured for himself that the clasp that held the delicate crystal anklet in place was secured, "should be first thing a woman puts on and the very last thing that she should remove. Did your very wise friends not pass on this tid-bit when they were instructing you on beguiling a man?

Mehek couldn't answer even if she wanted to, as, as he had spoken, Shaurya's hands had meandered from her ankle up to her calf, stealing her breath away in the process. In fact, a startled gasp was all she could muster when she suddenly found herself up in Shaurya's arms, scooped of the bench she had sat on, as if she was feather-light. Whatever he thought she had learned was child's-play next to his moves.

"To be honest, I am in complete agreement with you jaan: it would be a travesty for these to be damaged by the terrain, he continued "But not to the detriment of rule one, he insisted as he carried her along the lantern lit trail to their destination. When they reached there, and he set her back on her feet and she took a step, across the translucent floor of the marquee set up in the middle of a meadow, she finally found her voice. "Oh Shaurya, she exclaimed, at the beauty of what, above the personalized garden tour, he had created for their last hours together. In one corner of the candlelit tent an elegant table for two was set, while across from it, an inviting chaise there awaiting occupants giving it a clear view of the outdoor screen set up. Even she had heard about the outdoor movie nights the garden offered, but doubted that they were anything as elaborate as this. Out of nowhere she suddenly heard the opening strains of an all too familiar song, but before she could even think to respond, Shaurya took her into his arms.

"The last time you heard this song, it made you cry, and I couldn't bear the thought of your favorite song holding such unhappy thoughts for you. Will you dance with me Mehek?

A pillow struck Mehek, when she fell silent. She jumped, startled out her memories

"So... come on finish telling me the story, Mel asked. "Unless, that blush means that things got a little rated R next, Mehek, I mean the man did import flowers from the other side of the world just for you, the young woman teased her friend.

"Nothing of the sort. It was all very mundane: just some quality time together, and then he had get to the airport., Mehek hedged, pushing a loose hair back behind her ear

"Hmm, quality time...right. Melissa's eyes narrowed with mirth. She totally recognized Mehek hair fiddling for the nervous action that it was; she did it all the time, when she was antsy. There was little doubt that Mehek was holding a lot back, but she couldn't blame her. Some things, were meant to be kept between lovers, and there was no doubt about the depth of affection between the pair. She wouldn't press anymore. Maybe instead she would finally get the rest she needed, Mel thought yawning abruptly.

Mehek noticed right away. "Have you been able to sleep at all, Mel?

Melissa shook her head. She was completely drained, yet unable to sleep. "At least I'm awake to unzip you, Mehek.

"There is that, Mehek replied, turning around, so her friend could reach the fastening at the top of her dress. She thanked her and quickly went to freshen up. She knew just the trick to help Mel to sleep, should her friend still be awake after she had changed.

A short time later Mehek stood over Mel, as she drained the glass of turmeric milk, and nodded approvingly. "You will be out like a light in no time, I guarantee it. Reaching with her left hand, she took hold of the empty cup, puzzled when, at first, Mel retained her hold on it. "What?

Melissa shook her head, and let go. She was shocked. Understanding how single-minded Shaurya Khanna was, she was extremely surprised that Mehek had returned from her evening empty-handed. She was sure that a ring would have been on her left hand, cementing their relationship. Yawning again, she wondered what could have possibly held the man back.

"It sucks that he had to leave early though.

"Tell me about it, Mehek replied sighing, glancing at her watch

*********

**Ping**

... Good Morning Shaurya. Good Flight?

... Smooth if not lonely, Dost. I miss you.

... I miss you too. I assume your meeting hasn't started yet?

...I am actually arriving there now.

...Thik hai. I hope it's a good one Shaurya. Don't get so involved that you miss your flight back to Delhi.

... If I do then I guess I will have no choice but to head back to Orlando.

...No

...I mean I've barely handled one goodbye. Another may kill me. I love you Shaurya

... I love you Mehek. I will contact you before my flight back home. Now go back to bed, Jaan.

The driver of the hired limo managed to park directly outside the exclusive business he had travelled to New York to come to. As he entered the well-guarded establishment, the owner herself, came forward to greet him. She took a deep breath, grateful that her two cups of coffee had kicked in. For the opportunity to serve the esteemed businessman, she had opened her storefront ridiculously hours early today to accommodate his layover. Knowing that hers had been his first choice, she was determined that he left with exactly what he wanted, as not to lose him to one of her nearby competitors. If everything went to plan, he would leave and head directly to the airport, satisfied. And should that be the case, she would have possibly more than made up her sales quota for the day with this one purchase.

"Mr. Khanna, Good Morning. It is so good to have you back with us. I trust your mother is still satisfied with her gift?

"Completely. The ring is amongst her favorites, and she is rarely without it, Vivienne.

"Excellent, and now we are searching for another perfect piece, I understand. I have already pulled out our most exclusive collection in anticipation of your arrival. Did you have the chance to review our website for anything that may appeal?

"A few things caught my eye, however I would like to see any low profile settings, preferably in platinum, between 1.5 and 2 carats. Naturally the quality of the diamond should make up for the size, but the security of the stone is equally important, since she is chef. My thought is that a bezel setting should work.

The man knew his mind, which in turn made life easier for her, the jeweler thought. "It would indeed. And the price-point you have in mind this morning, Mr. Khanna?

"Not a factor; what is more important is that once I place the ring on her finger, that Mehek, neither has the desire nor the excuse to remove it, he answered.

The middle-aged woman, nodded in understanding. "I am more than certain that we have just the thing Mr. Khanna that will be perfect for your intended. Please follow me.

Chapter33