MehRya SS: Forbidden - Ch5 Teaser pg 14 04/08 - Page 4

Beginning somewhere totally unexpected.. Hope you enjoy it

Chapter #1

Four years before...

The crackling of the two-way radio, in addition to stealing her attention from scanning her surroundings, brought a smile to Mehek's face. By rote, she set down her binoculars and reached for the receiver before her partner could grab it. Waiting her turn, she listened as the team that patrolled the southern coast each made their reports as to the state of their designated areas. Finally, it was her turn.

"Horseshoe Beach East Watch checking in. Numbers stable... no addition to team necessary at this time. She released the button on the radio and waited for their leader to acknowledge the remaining reports and then make his final assessment. "Watch Leader confirming submission of all reports. Rotation four will proceed as scheduled. Official weather forecast as of 1300 hours shows clear skies through dusk and negligible wind activity. Dead Low Water conditions remain in effect until 1430 hours, so it will be necessary to be extra vigilant for cliff divers. Keep them off the elevations team. We are on the home stretch for another week keeping everyone on our beautiful beaches safe thanks to all of your hard work, so allow me to thank all of you once again for your dedication.

There was radio silence for a second before the team-leader who, to the group of young people he led was so much more than just their boss, spoke once more.

"As you all are aware our squad will be down one member as of 1700 hours today when she leaves us to move on to her next adventure a few days from now. While I have everyone's attention, I would like to use a few minutes to take the opportunity to wish our Laddoo well, and request that once she becomes the executive chef at some five- star establishment, in some exotic locale that none of us will be able to afford to visit, that she think back on we island folks with fond memories, as we will never forget her. Mehek you have been an asset to our team and although it behooves us to say goodbye, we all know that great things are in store for you, and so we wish you well. The south shore will definitely be a little less spectacular with you gone.

The dead-air was even more poignant after the man whose gruff exterior belied a soft-hearted soul finished his spiel, and from the lack of response from any of the six section, he had touched more than just the recipient of his kind words.

Her grip on the receiver had become shaky in reaction to the unexpected words of praise from the mentor she so admired. Twice, Mehek attempted to speak, but choked up sufficiently to fail both attempts to offer her thanks. Finally, Ben, her duty partner, saved her when he took the device out of Mehek's hand.

"Damn Sir, you have our Laddoo-girl practically in tears here. How the heck, are any of us going to measure up to that little speech at her going-away get-together? And screw that shore becoming less than it once was mess; y'all need to sort out who is going to feed me now?'

That was more that enough to break through the emotional pause, as the chatter instantly began.

"Ah that's why there's a room in your place called a kitchen, Ben, one of their counterparts called out over the radio.

"Hey, Ben does have a point you know. Unless some you of girls have picked up some of Ladoo's cooking skills then...

"And exactly why is it we girls who are obligated to make sure you guys stay fed. Kassie, one of the feistier guards, and Mehek's best friend interjected.

Laughing now, Mehek, retrieved the radio. "Enough...enough... Come on you guys, remember we are here doing a job... your stomachs can wait until the we're all off duty. Besides I'm only going as far as New York for now, and unless something drastic happens I will be back for the holidays in a few months. Now eyes on the beach everyone, she said, repeating their leader's favorite mantra.

"Well said Laddoo, the man affirmed after she finished.

"Thank you, Sir, she replied, hoping he understood exactly everything she was grateful to him for.

Placing the radio down, Mehek turned to her partner. "Walk-about time, she said with a smile, needing the walk to re-group a bit. She got up from the lifeguard watch-tower, indicating that she would take a western trek. Out of habit, she felt for the chain around her neck that held the whistle that she would use to succinctly communicate with Ben should an emergency arise whilst they were separated. "Eyes on the beach, Ben.

***********

She noticed him half-way through her walk. Her eyes had been immediately drawn to the young man walking towards her primarily because he was in full, uncompromising business attire today. Not that this was that unusual; the beauty of the pink sand beaches spanning the southern coast of the sub-tropical island were a draw to all manner of visitors, even businessmen escaping on their breaks. But herein lay the difference. Whereas most of the corporate types who came to sneak-a-peak at the world-famous beach soon gave in to the beauty of the nature around them and at the very least removed their footwear and roll up their trousers to partake either in the powdery blush-colored sand, if not the shoreline itself; he had not. Instead he walked with purpose, his head more in his cellphone than enjoying the scenery as he raised his head briefly as if he was searching for something before going back to his phone. Curious she approached the man.

"Namaste Vicky, bhai, do you need some help today?

The young man looked up, surprised at being greeted so familiarly on an island he had only been on for three days. He blinked in surprise at the young lifeguard, shocked that the voice belonged to someone, who if he was to be frank, could be a neighbour from home, rather one of the native islanders. "Nam...ah...hel...Namaste, he stammered finally deciding on the traditional greeting. He took in her attire, with more confusion. "You live here? he asked bluntly.

"Practically all my life, Mehek answered with a welcoming smile. "How are you enjoying your stay with us thus far?

"It's been great; the island is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.

"And how about Horseshoe; is the beach not up your expectations?

"Nahi, I mean yes it's beautiful; more amazing than I could have ever imagined. Why would you think otherwise?

"Are you certain, your attention seemed more in your phone than your surroundings, that's all.

Vicky grinned, and held the phone he held up so that she could see what he had been occupied with. "Actually, maybe you can help me. I'm looking for the spot this shot was taken from. Somehow all of these; well they all look pretty much alike to me.

Mehek's smile faltered as soon as she recognized the rock formation that filled the screen. Peel Rock. Even bathed in the jeweled tones of the sunset the photograph captured, she instantly picked out the formation that comprised of the best adrenaline-rush cliff dive opportunities at the beach. Not to mention the most lethal. Only the most reckless attempted a leap from the rock from which so many over-confident risk-takers had been maimed or worse. Raising her head, Mehek sternly addressed the man, who looked as far from the daredevil type as anyone. "Vicky, I'm sorry, but cliff diving from that rock is far too dangerous, especially right now. The tide will be out for a few more hours, and even the most experienced know that to jump at low-tide is to court death.

"Death...that's a little extreme, don't you think?

"Not if it's the truth. The water depth right now, at a maximum, is five feet: well below the minimum for safe jumping of any sort. If that is really your scene, I can recommend other: safer locations...

"But let me guess: nowhere as thrilling right, he countered with a chuckle. Vicky held his hands up, when the expression he faced did not favor his comment. "Chill Angel, it's not like that...I don't even swim, and to tell the truth I'm not exactly dressed for the occasion anyway. I just want to take a look from this exact spot, that's all.

"A look...

"Haan, just a look, he said with a grin.

Mehek sighed and then pointed to the exact peak in the nearby grouping of rocks. "Well if it's just to look, then there is a worn path that will take you to the top over there. Peel Rock is at the edge pf the formation The fence: you won't miss it. It is there for reason Vicky, samjhe?

"Thik Hai, He said with a quick salute, and then glancing at his watch, began walking in the direction she had indicated. Stopping suddenly, he called out to her. "Hey, wait a second, how did you know my?

"Your name, Mehek finished. "I think you would be better to get on with your sightseeing so you can get back to the convention bhai, she answered with a grin. Her attention was taken by a high-pitched squeal from further down the beach. She had work to get back to, so she simply waved him away.

Watching the long-haired lifeguard as she continued her patrol, Vicky suddenly wished that his brother had been here with him to meet her. It would have been interesting to know what he thought of a girl like her, but then again, if bhaiyaa had been here, then he would have stopped him from what he planned on doing, and that wouldn't do at all...not now when his mind was made up.

*************

To say he had been well received would be the biggest understatement of the day.

If there was any doubt as to why, amongst such revered company, such a young up and comer had been chosen as the keynote speaker for the prestigious hoteliers' conference taking place in the island's most luxurious resort, not a single participant would admit to it by the time the man finished his dynamic oration. To thunderous applause, Shaurya Khanna nodded to his industry contemporaries and then re-took his seat at the head table to peer out across the crowded convention hall. To everyone looking, the self-assured man was a picture of professionalism, but that was because he was a master of the poker face. In actuality, when another scan of the room reaffirmed what he had suspected, the fury that had eaten at his innards from the moment he had taken his place grew to inferno sized proportions. The assigned seat, at one of the prime located tables remained empty, its occupant nowhere to be seen. He wished he could say he was surprised, but he would only be lying to himself. Even after all of the promises he had been given; even after having his own Aunt speak up on his behalf basically vouching for his inclusion to attend the event - in the end Vicky had reverted to the irresponsible young man he had the reputation of being and done what he did best: shirk his responsibilities in the end. It was bad enough when he did this at home, but to do it here, at such a prominent event was unforgivable. This was the last straw; Shaurya was done. Family or no, he was done giving his younger cousin the benefit of the doubt. It was past time that his younger relative made his own way in the world. Nothing or no-one would change his mind this time. Vicky had severed his last chance with this no-show: enough was enough.

He was just finishing up with a group of European investors who were keen to meet with him privately before he left the island when he caught sight of Nehal, his PA standing just down the hall. Her expression pretty much summed up that whatever she was going to tell him, he wasn't going to like. Turning back, he shook hands with the trio he was to meet on the hotel's golf course the next morning, and then hastened over to his waiting employee. He looked at his watch judging that there should still be time to book his wayward brother on tonight's flight to the UK so that he could make his way back to Delhi. Far better to just get Vicky out of his sight before he gave in and truly acted out how he was feeling. Stopping in front of his PA he waited her report: the only possible thing that would save his brother was to learn that Maa had taken ill, and that Vicky had stayed behind to care for her. However, given that the possibility of that was slim to none, as Nehal would have immediately informed him if aught ailed his mother. That she hadn't meant that Karuna Khanna, was, as she had planned, enjoying the amenities of the resort's spa today.

"Bolo Nehal.

"I haven't been able to locate him Shaurya Sir, not at all. As far as I can ascertain he is not on property, not since the morning session broke at least.

"It's a big property; there is no way you can know that for certain, Nehal.

"Hotel Security has confirmed that his electronic room key hasn't been used since this morning when he went back to his suite. And no, he is not there. I had them open the room for me.

As usual, Shaurya was impressed at the lengths that his assistant went to when given a task to complete. Unfortunately, the young woman's efforts were nothing against the intensity of his brother's rebellious streak, which he had honed to perfection in recent years.

"Did you check the hotel bars; confirmed any room charges booked to his folio? Just because he isn't in his own room doesn't mean that he isn't still on property. There is an abundance of beautiful women, and Vicky is no less than a charmer. It wouldn't be the first time that he met someone and hooked up for a little afternoon delight.

Shaurya realized he may had been a little too blunt, when the innocent woman he was speaking to blushed furiously and averted her eyes. He cursed himself for that, but before he could say anything to correct his faux pas, a pair of dark eyes met his.

"Vicky would not do such a thing. Your brother is no longer the irresponsible boy he once was. You, Sir, seem to be the only one who does not see this. He has worked so hard for the company; for his family for the past eighteen months. He has focused, and studied and dedicated so much of his time, because of the family because of your influence Sir. No matter what you may think, Vicky earned the right to attend the conference this year, and whether you believe it or not, he was so, so proud of what you have achieved and the honour that was afforded to you this year. He would never, on purpose miss your speech today. Something is wrong Sir, and I need you to take this matter for the serious issue that it is.

Movement behind the enraged young woman took his attention from her impassioned form, and a sense of dread greater than anything he had ever experienced enlightened him to the fact that exactly what his PA had warned him of was possibly coming to past as two uniformed police officer, accompanied by the hotel manager made a beeline for him.

*********

"Mr. Khanna, if I can speak to you again?

Shaurya exchanged a meaningful glance with Nehal who was busy consoling his mother in the hospital waiting room before he stood up and followed the police liaison officer. Although the young woman was barely holding it together herself, he knew that she would succor his mother as she kept her tearful vigil for her nephew for the moment.

"Your brother?

"Nothing as of yet, they are still trying to stabilize him while running tests to determine the extent of his injuries at the same time, Shaurya answered. He tried to read the impassive face of the official whose reappearance was still a mystery. Finally when he could stand it any longer, the man beside him provided the answer.

"Some footage has come to our attention. We would like for you to see it for yourself.

Shaurya bristled. "This was an accident, he hissed, "not a damn suicide attempt. No matter what some damn lifeguard has reported, my brother...

"I agree that the true circumstance cannot be quantified at this time, however the witness statements we have received are all we have had to go on thus far. Should your brother recover...

"The footage, Shaurya demanded, unwilling to give weight to the officer's choice of words. The uniformed man nodded and passed the tablet to hotelier.

"I cannot confirm that you will get the answers you wish, but you have the right to see this. Another beach-goer shared it with one of our constables.

Holding the IPad firmly in his grip, Shaurya began watching the beach footage taken at the time of Vicky's mishap. He prayed that he would not view anything that would prove him wrong...he had no idea what he would do if the ongoing theory was sustained, and he was left to sort out the reasons behind Vicky making such a horrifying choice.

The footage began innocuously at first capturing the beauty of the beach. At one point he caught a glimpse of a red suited female lifeguard as the camera panned past her and then, in the opposite direction, Vicky. Conspicuous in his work attire the person videoing the scene had focused on his brother for a bit longer who was clearly heading in the direction of the elevated rock formation. Again, the scenery changed, and then less than a two minutes later a smattering of screams interrupted the happy atmosphere that had the person filming joining in the panic that had broken out around them. "He fell...he fell Oh my God!

Transfixed, Shaurya continued watching. In the background: three distinct whistles sounded and then the lithe form of the young woman in the red swimsuit was seen rushing into the surf. The man filming the action repositioned himself to a higher position, and Shaurya was able to witness the strong strokes that took the powerful swimmer to the foot of the rocks where Vicky had gone into the water. He felt ill as he scanned farther ahead of the lifeguard and realized that his brother was nowhere to be seen, having not resurfaced after his fall into the turquoise waters. Somehow, the girl reached the area in record time, and almost without taking a breath dove underwater. Miraculously, it took her a single attempt to come up with the immobile body of his brother.

"Shaurya, come...come beta, Vicky is awake.

Torn away from the film by the only words that could tear his attention away from the traumatic footage, Shaurya paused the video.

His voice was understandably shaky when he spoke. "Can you send this to me, he asked of the officer. "I need to get to my brother.

Chapter 2