CHAPTER 13
"I need an explanation, Mehek", Shaurya caught up with Mehek who was walking briskly to her room. "Are you deaf? I am talking to you", he raised his voice while Mehek still ignored him. She tried to close the door on his face but he forced his entry to her room. "How dare you?", she yelled at him. "I do dare, Mehek. Yet I am nothing compared to you. Not even a day of our marriage and you are caught romancing with your lover. Don't you have any shame", he was hurt. Mehek felt ashamed and averted her face. Swiftly she told him strongly, "It shouldn't matter to you. We are not a real couple". Shaurya got restless listening to her, "Perhaps. But I have a daughter who idolizes you and a son who loves you endlessly. I cannot risk to spoil their childhood with your characterless acts". Mehek wanted to scream in frustration but she managed to remain calm. Veer and Aarti should remain unaware of the undercurrents of their marriage. "Fine", she uttered, "I will be careful in future". She was tired wanted to retire. But Shaurya was in no mood to spare her, "Is he so good ? I wonder why you keep crawling back to him". "May he is", she spat at him mindlessly. "You could be wrong coz you haven't tried the better version of me yet", he sneered. He grabbed by her waist and slammed her to his chest. She yelped in his tight embrace.
Shaury quickly retrieved and held her arm carefully, "Are you hurt? Let me see", he offered his help but she blatantly refused, "Save your pity". His anger surged, "I just want to ensure that you won't accuse me of domestic violence. So your well-being is my need too", he held her firmly but delicately. He could vividly see hand marks on her skin but refrained to question her further. He knew better than anyone that she is a talented liar. He gently removed her shrug and checked her shoulder. He made her sit on bed and massaged her arm & shoulder softly. Few minutes passed in eerie silence while Mehek sobbed silently. Damn, why am I melting before her tears? Haven't I learned enough ?, he scolded himself. Yet he couldn't prevent himself to comfort her. She was after all his sole love. Even though it was for a brief period, she meant the world to him. Perhaps she still does. He was unable to understand his inability to love another women. Mayhap she had broken him beyond repair. He wanted to remain unaffected. She had given ample reasons to distrust her but none to rely on her character. It seemed difficult to either stay away or get close to her.
"Thanks, I feel much better", her voice brought him back. He suggested, "Let me help you with your dress. Unless you want to sleep in this heavy gown and add to your discomfort". She nodded in agreement. They stood before mirror while he slowly undid each button on the rear of her dress. She looked onto his reflection and was caught off guard gawking when he looked into the mirror. From his eyes; she could readunderstand his pain, confusion and blame. Unfortunately Shaurya was unable to read her. Mehek was still a maze, a new puzzle in each turn. While they were lost gazing at their reflection, her off-shoulder dress got undone and grazed downwards. Mehek was quick to grab it but not before he got a glance of her luscious bosom. But what caught his attention was a gross scar over her left breast, as if written over her heart. It was definitely an aftermath of a deep wound since the scars hadn't faded yet. "What's it, Mehek?", he turned her. But she held on to her dress and acted defensive, "None of your business". "Don't make me strip you and check it", he threatened. She tore her gaze and murmured, "A bitter memory of my junkie past". "But it wasn't there five years back", he was confident. "True. I was suddenly off drugs when carrying Veer. Self-inflicted wounds are pretty normal during abrupt rehab", she tried to reason. "So during your rebound period, you took pleasure in etching my name on your chest", he was aghast. Though not sure, Shaurya could make out the crude 'S'& 'h' in beginning of the scar. He made a wild guess and threw it on her face. "GET OUT NOW", she fumed and dashed to bathroom without giving him a chance to question her further.
Mehek freed herself from gown and stood beneath the warm shower. She fell on the tiled floor and wept her heart out. She touched the scar and felt the name which was coarsely written on her flesh. 'Shaurya', she whispered it and leaned on to wall. Her tears were washed by gushing water but it couldn't pacify her burning heart. Eventually she managed to compose and came out of the shower. She wore cotton salwar suit for night and was drying her hair when she heard female voice and giggles from Shaurya's room. Before she could make sense of it, she unlocked the connecting door and breached Shaurya's privacy. She was shocked to find a skimpy clad woman making out with her new husband. They were startled by her rude intrusion. "What the hell!!", he yelled while recovering from his compromising position. Mehek expected herself to be furious but she felt broken. Words refused to escape her mouth but tears pooled in her eyes. Sensing her condition, he decided not to embarrass themselves before a third person. "Could you please give us a moment?", he led the other women towards the balcony and came near Mehek after securing the glass door. "What is all this, Shaurya?", Mehek managed to speak. ""It shouldn't matter to you. We are not a real couple", he repeated the exact words, she had used earlier. Mehek got angry, "You forgot you have a daughter and a son who is sleeping few rooms away. For god sake, your father too stays under the same roof". "Save it, Wifey. She is not some romantic muse whom I picked up from party. She is a paid escort who will do the job and leave before anyone wakes up", he reasoned. "You are pathetic", tears spilled onto her cheeks. "You think so, don't you? You are solely responsible here", he accused her. Mehek shook her head in dismay but he stood tall devoid of guilt, "You have made this night so memorable for me that I need company to get through it, Mrs Ahalawat". Mehek tried her best to control situation before it spiraled, "Shaurya, this the limit. Don't do this. Send her away immediately. I beg you". He enjoyed her plight and decided to push her further, "Fine, I will. But then you have spent the night with me". She was shocked by his sudden demand.
"It's not possible. I have already made it evident when your proposed marriage", she denied. "Why not, Mehek?", he grabbed her waist and pulled her against him, "Why can't we?", he asked hoarsely. She felt defeated and took a deep breath. "I can't", she spoke firmly. "Though I hate you, I will be honest to admit that I am still attracted to you. I know you feel the same", he told her. But before she could refuse, he caressed her cheeks and jawline. "I can feel it when I am near you", he nudged his nose into her soft hair,"when I touch you", he traced her lower lip with his thumb," when we kiss", . Mehek closed her eyes and leaned to his fingers, enjoying familiar sensation they caused in her mind & body. Regardless of his wickedness, her surrender made him the same man who loved her to the moon and back. "You have had your fun with your lover, Mehek. But tonight, can you spend your wedding night with your husband?", he reminded for their passionate tryst. Mehek was melting in his arms when he earnestly beseeched her earnestly, "Let's forget ourselves for a night and pretend to be newlyweds who are in love". Mehek would have submitted to the havoc he created if not disturbed abruptly by the escort, "Do you want me to stay or leave?', she asked impatiently. Mehek and Shaurya broke apart and were visibly perturbed. Shaurya gestured her to wait and turned to Mehek, " What do you say, Mehek? Should she stay or leave? It's your call", he let her choose. "I want her to leave", Mehek answered earning a satisfying smirk from him but she quickly added, "But I cannot comply to your wishes either". Shaurya sighed and crossed his arms across his chest, " Then please leave and give us some privacy". She felt defeated and embarrassed. She felt him bang the door behind her as soon as she exited. Vaguely she could hear the words like 'strip' & 'f**k',...from his side. She was unable bear to be anywhere near the room while he was doing the deed with another woman. She ran away to escape the torment.
"Leave", he ordered the escort after paying her. Once he realised that Mehek had fled, he wanted to get rid for her quickly coz he never had any intention to use her. She gladly accepted the money and left. Shaurya opened his laptop and checked video feeds. He guessed Mehek will be in kid's room. Cameras captured her distress and vividly showed her breaking down into tears. She was trying hard to muffled her sobs, taking care not to disturb their sleeping angels. Somehow her distress didn't give him satisfaction he desired. He wanted to crush her ego but he felt he had broken her heart. He was unable to watch her plight and closed the laptop. Shaurya stood there puzzled, unable to decide his further action. 'Ding', a message from Rajeev came up and it gave him direction he desperately needed
Next morning when Mehek came down for breakfast, she was informed that Shaurya had left for a business trip and will be away for couple of days. Mehek pushed away the disturbing image of Shaurya enjoying their wedding night with an escort and try to behave normal. She was preparing lunch boxes for Veer and Aarti when she received multiple messages and missed calls. She was dismayed to find it was from Aarush and not Shaurya. He kept on apologizing for his behaviour and finally Mehek had to pick up his call. "Mehek, please I am extremely sorry for last night. I was drunk and couldn't control myself. Please forgive me", he told in a breath. "What do you want?", Mehek came straight to the point. "I need to meet you urgently. Can you come tomorrow to the restaurant near our office? I need to convey something important", he told her. She was irritated by his constant begging and apologies. She also knew it is better to keep him in good terms. Mehek finally agreed to think about it.
Miles away, Shaurya was speeding towards a remote village. A location which Rajeev provided him. A place where former ACP Reshmi Sawant now spent her days as a social worker. When he met her, she welcomed him cheerfully. She invited him home and they chatted over tea. "So what brings you here, Shaurya?", she eventually asked. "I heard about your work here and thought of visiting you while I passed through this area", he tried to lie. "Wow, so sweet of you", she mocked him, "C'mon Shaurya, I know there is more to it". Shaurya sighed and decided not to beat around the bush. "I want to know about Mehek", he told her. She straightened in her seat as if she was expecting it. "Haven't you met her? I feel it's better if you speak to her directly. I am not comfortable sharing someone else's personal matter", she wasn't ready to give in. "Ma'am, we got married", he informed earning shocked expression from her, "we did just for sake of our kids", he added to explain. "So you know about your child", she told him. He nodded, "Mehek is not opening up to me. Her behaviour is not helping our relationship. I need your help". Reshmi understood gravity of situation and finally agreed. "I am not sure how much I could help you. Bcoz even I don't know the whole picture. I was abruptly moved from your case before I could investigate further. Then I knew that Maans and you reached an agreement about the case and you left country immediately. After a month or so, Mehek contact me. She was hospitalized and was recovering from some serious self-inflicted injury. There they knew she was pregnant with your child", she paused to sip tea while Shaurya waited attentively. "Vikram Maan decided the solution. An abortion. It was practical since terminating few weeks old pregnancy would have been easy but Mehek didn't agree. When she was scared that her that her father would forcefully kill her child, she sought my help. Though I never liked Mehek, being a women & a police officer it was my duty to protect her. I intervened and tried to bring an agreement between them. Her father was also equally adamant. Aarush was still ready to marry Mehek but he couldn't accept the child. They tried to make me believe that Mehek was under influence of drugs while you abused her and suffering from Stockholm syndrome. But I knew she was sober and clear. Finally Vikram Maan threatened to disown her without sparing even a penny from his wealth. Yet Mehek stood firm and decided to keep her baby. Finally her father abandoned pregnant Mehek with baby Aarti at the hospital. She was helpless yet confident and determined to move forward. I would have send her to one of the NGOs but then Kantaji came...", she was interrupted. "You mean my Kanta Chachi??", he was shocked. "Yes , the same one. She took Mehek and Aarti with her", Reshmi explained.
Mehek was waiting impatiently at restaurant proposed by Aarush. She had agreed to meet his for an early supper but Aarush has kept her waiting. It was almost dinner time and she wanted to get back to her kids. She was happy that Jugraj Uncle was at home with Veer and Aarti. Her new father-in-law seemed to be kind and understanding. Yet she was afraid that his experienced eyes could see through her pretenses. She had to lie to him about meeting Aarush though she felt extremely guilty. "Aarush, I cannot wait for any longer. I am leaving", she told him over call. "Mehek, I am sorry for the delay. But I went to get your stuffs. I know your stock needs to be replenished so I am bringing it", he told her. Mehek sighed. May be Aarush was a caring friend yet she couldn't push away fear that he is trying to leverage over her weakness. She had to reluctantly agree to wait for him. A charming waiter came beside her, "Ma'am, are you still waiting ?", he asked politely. "I am sorry but I am. My friend is further delayed", she explained. "Not a problem. Meanwhile shall I serve you any cocktails?", he offered. "No thanks, I am not in a mood to drink", she declined. "Can I entice with you with our chef special cold coffee topped with ice-cream?", he offered again. Mehek realised he was indeed charming. She agreed and it was served to her quickly. Her grumbling stomach couldn't withstand the temptation and consumed it quickly.
Slowly she felt dizzy. She was losing control over her body and senses. She was familiar with this feeling and realized quickly that she had been drugged. She found the waiter smirking at her from distance and could make out whole picture. Lone women being drugged and exploited weren't rare but Mehek didn't expect it to happen in a post restaurant. Yet predators are everywhere, lurking in shadows and hiding behind attractive masks. Her instincts kicked in and she swiftly escaped when he was not watching. She still had time before drug completely knocked her out. She dragged herself outside and staggered through the corridors. She aimed to reach ladies room but failed. Finally she managed to lock herself in janitor's closet. She was losing her conscious when her phone rang. She managed to answer but her voice was wavering. "Mehek, where are you?", she heard Shaurya's voice brimmed with concern."Shaurya...", she answered weakly. In few words, she managed to convey her ordeal and location. She held on to her phone as she sat on the floor with her knees dragged to her chest. She prayed for help would arrive and Shaurya would trace her before those miscreants find her hiding in closet. Painfully she realised that she was just minutes away being fully defeated by the drug.
Time passed, may be minutes or hours. Mehek couldn't comprehend . In the end, door opened and she was found semi-conscious on floor. Her pulse was checked and she was lifted into powerful arms. Mehek couldn't open her eyes but she mumbled in her intoxicated status. "Shaurya?...is it you?", she was anxious. But she could not listen to the reply. Rather than am accenting hum, he didn't grace her with an audible response. She felt herself to be placed on soft mattress of bed. She wasn't sure it was Shaurya but her drugged mind made her believe it was him. The man beside her was decent enough to cover her shivering body with duvet. She kept on muttering and tossed her head around. "Shsssh...", he hushed her by keeping his finger on her lips. Soon she felt his thumb tracing her lips and knuckles rubbing her chin. She loved the feeling his touch created in her. She smiled and moaned, "Shaurya...". She felt a soft kiss on her forehead and was extremely delighted, "I love you, Shaurya". May be her words affected him coz she could feel him withdrew. Yet soon she felt his lips on her temple, eyes, nose, cheeks and chin. She giggled when she felt him nip on her nape. She sensed the duvet being removed from her and his warmth covering her body. Panic rose and Adrenalin kicked in, giving push start to her drowsy brain. She realised it was wrong. It didn't matter whether it was Shaurya or any other man, she knew it is a huge mistake. She tried to push him away but her hands were pinned to bed and lips captured in carnal desire before she could voice her protest. She wished it was nightmare from which she will wake up soon. Tears spilled out as drug took over her and she blacked out completely.
Cricket
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
Mangal Lakshmi
