Chapter 7

Kash

@KashishJ

Chapter 6

"Mehek!!!", Shaurya cried out. He held her close and felt her pulse. Relief ran over him as he realised she was still alive. He slapped her cheeks gently and called her name repeatedly. She moaned softly but didn't respond or open her eyes. Her body was icy cold and numb. "Mehek, please don't do this to me", he begged her in desperation and her eyelids moved. "Shauuurryaa", she whispered. "Thank God", he breathed in relief and pecked her forehead, "Don't worry, Mehek. Nothing will happen to you. I am here", he assured her. "I knew you would come for me", she told softly and fainted. He lifted her and carried her to his room. She started to shiver so he covered her with warm duvet. He rubbed her feet and hands but she still trembled. Suddenly it started to rain with thunder and lighting. He cursed himself imagining that nature was conspiring against him. He felt doomed when power failed in his house. To keep her warm, he got beneath covers and hugged her firmly for his body heat to seep into her coldness. "I am sorry, Mehek", he apologized to her continually, still rubbing her back. After what seemed like eternity, Mehek's temperature improved and she opened her eyes. She realised that she was in his arms and smiled weakly. "How is Aarti?", she asked in low voice. Her concerned for Aarti surprised him. It broke a crack in his armour of hatred that even in her fragile status, she inquired about a baby whom she hardly knew. "She is fine. They kept her in hospital for observation but nothing to worry. It was wise that you wiped her in lukewarm water else she would have had seizures ", he informed her. She snaked her arms around his neck and pulled herself into him,"I am happy that she is fine". "I am sorry, Mehek. I was rash", he apologized. She rubbed her nose on to his stubble and spoked feebly, "But you came to save me. That's all it matters". Shaurya was taken aback by her forgiveness yet his guilt crushed him mercilessly. He blinked back his tears and tightened his arms around her. "If anything had happened to you, I would have never forgiven myself", he told emotionally. Mehek sniffled hearing his confession. "Thanks Shaurya",she told between her sobs. Shaurya pulled her away and looked into her eyes. Even through darkness he could visibly read her distress and gratitude. "I suffer from nyctophobia, fear of darkness. Over the years I managed to overcome it but today I just lost it when I was locked in cellar", she hiccuped muffling her wail, "But I knew you will not abandon me. I was sure that you will rescue me. Thanks for not letting me down". "I will never let any harm befall on you, Mehek", he promised her. "I trust you", she paused as if gauging, "even if you don't believe, I want you to know that I am falling for you". She wasn't sure whether he trusted her words, still he didn't show any signs of disbelief and Mehek felt happy. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her trembling lips. He wasn't unsure when she pulled him gently for a kiss. Their lips lingered for on eachother while Mehek slowly deepened their kiss. He didn't pull away or respond yet remained quiet enjoying the feel of her lips. Her soft petals felt perfectly molded against his. "Make love to me, Shaurya", she told ardently. It wasn't an appeal or demand but culmination of her confession. He couldn't hold himself anymore and deny it. He pulled her into a passionate kiss and devoured her lips. 'This is wrong', a voice told him but he pushed it to darkest corner of his mind. Tonight he ignored his rationale and morale. Tonight he wanted to be loved and to love her. He mercilessly pushed away his guilty conscious and lost himself into the temptation she offered. Nature provided it's succour by drowning their moans & groans in thunder and rainstorm.

It was still early morning when young rays of sun peeped into the room with musical harmony from chirrupy birds. Shaurya had a sweet smile on his face when he woke up. But soon it turned out to be a frown when he felt a huge weight on his chest. He found Mehek on him, with her arms secured around his body. He could feel her soft curves against his chiseled body without any barriers between them. In a fraction of second, he perceived gravity of situation and was horrified by his irresponsibility. He jerked and Mehek's sleep was disturbed but she didn't wake up. He laid quiet until she returned to her deep sleep  and then carefully moved her away. He didn't want to add fuel to his embarrassment and guilt. He swiftly collected his clothes and moved out of the room.

Mehek woke up late and touched the space beside her. She was bit disappointed to find it empty. The lack of warmth implied he had left long back. She was accustomed of men leaving her bed without proper farewell. But they were all jerks who selfishly used her for their lust. Shaurya is different, a gentleman. She was sure he had his reasons. She stretched lazily and moved to take bath. Her body tingled when she felt warm water cleanse her as it reminded of him. She made herself presentable and waited eagerly for his return.

After few hours,he came back with Aarti. She was discharged and looked better. When Mehek held her hands out to hold her, in reflex he gave Aarti to her. Mehek pecked her and cooed to her. Aarti seemed to be happy to be back with Mehek. Though his mind was in turmoil, he was joyful seeing their bond. He was relieved when Mehek got busy with Aarti. He got to cooking when he felt Mehek behind him. Her hands looped around his waist and pressed her body to him . "I missed you. Why didn't you wake me up when you left to pick up Aarti?", she asked lovingly. He smiled awkwardly and detached her hands from her on pretense of preparing the dish. Still Mehek ignored his cue and leaned on to him. "Don't do it next time. I want to wake up beside you", she told him affectionately and tip-toed to kiss his lips but he jerked away. "There won't be a next time, Mehek", he told her firmly, earning her bewilderment. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes and he cursed himself for hurting her. "Last night...It was a mistake,.. a big mistake", he was firm though still unable to convince himself. "Not for me", she held his arms, "Shaurya, I love you. Please don't doubt me. I really love you". He freed himself from her grip and pinched bridge of his nose in frustration. "Mehek, I trust you. But I think you are confused. You are just mixing up your feelings. You cannot fall in love abruptly to a stranger. What happened last night was just...just..", he was unable to continue and give her more pain. Mehek muffled her cries by holding her palm over her mouth. It was clear to Shaurya that she felt humiliated and exploited. Still he chose not to pacify her and let the truth sink into her. She composed herself, "Unlike you, I have been deprived of Love throughout my love. Yet I know that it takes just a fraction of a second to fall in love. You may not have faith in me but I reiterate that I love you. You cannot blame me for falling in love in this miserable juncture of my life". "Mehek, I am not blaming you. If it is of any consolation, I take full responsibility for last night. I should have restrained. It was my fault and I apologize", he sought her forgiveness, not recognizing that his words were hurting her deeper & deeper. She was unable to withstand further and ran to nursery . She wept silently near Aarti's crib.

Next couple of days, Mehek maintained ample distance from Shaurya. She spend most of her time with Aarti and slept in the nursery. Shaurya expected another confrontation from her or in the least a fresh demand to return home but she didn't. Except for occasional replies and some remarks about Aarti, she chose to remain mum. Her coldness and silence made him restless. He wanted her to be aloof but it was killing him. The kidnapping fiasco was meant to torture and punish Mehek but it in turn was tormenting him. Finally he decided to put an end to it. He entered nursery to face her. He found her rocking Aarti while humming a lullaby. It was mesmerizing sight and he couldn't take his eyes off her. "Mehek", he called out but she gestured him to be quiet and not disturb Aarti. He decided to wait until she kept sleeping Aarti on crib. "She had grown fond of you", he remarked caressing Aarti's cheek. Mehek smirked, "They are too innocent to hide their feelings". She tried to walk away ignoring him but he grabbed her arm, "Mehek, I have decided to let you free". He expected her to be relieved but she was shocked and looked unhappy. Soon it gave in to contempt and she mocked him, "Very well. I guess you are satisfied". She pulled away from his hold and walked out. She went to kitchen and tried to get busy washing plates. "Aren't you happy?", he asked. "Why shouldn't I be? I will be back home, back to my father and my fiance, back to my old life. I am happy", she grinned at him. "This is for the best. I hope you understand", he touched her shoulder. She slapped away his hands and yelled, "Don't touch me. I despise it". "Mehek relax", he try to calm her but she moved backwards. "What's your plan, Mr Ahlawat? To reveal about our steamy session once I am settled with Aarush so that you can ruin me further", her words were venomous. Shaurya shook his head in dismay but she didn't allow him to talk. "You are worst of all. Others just played with my flesh but you went one step further to break my heart too", she started hitting his chest in soft punches. He grabbed her wrists and locked it behind her while she wept loudly, "I should hate you. Why can't I just hate you? Why is so difficult to hate you?". "Mehek, I am sorry for everything", he consoled and pulled her to lean on to his shoulder, "How can I make amends?". "Don't make me go away, Shaurya. Please let me be beside you", she told him. In his disbelief, he cupped her faced and looked into her eyes. He couldn't find even an ounce of dishonestly in them. "Torture me. Hurt me. I won't utter a word of protest but just let me be with you", she begged. He held her close and kept his forehead on hers. "Hate me as much as you want but please don't push me away", she sobbed. He looked at her intently and kissed away her tears, "I can no longer hate you, Mehek". He gently kissed her lips. Mehek stood still feeling him against her lips while he sucked them passionately. She tried to remain unaffected, reflecting her indignation to him but it was short lived. Her fingers sifted through his thick hair while kissing him back fiercely. He lifted her to place her on kitchen panel and she wrapped her legs around him, all the while never losing his lips. She moaned softly when he sensuously rubbed her spine.

"SHAURYA!!!!", a shrill rebuke startled them and they broke apart instantly.

[NOCOPY]