Chapter 13

Kash

@KashishJ

CHAPTER 12

"Arush", Mehek was extremely nervous when she saw him. Shaurya look at him and sided hugged her possessively, "Arush, I am so glad you could make it. Baby, aren't you happy that he could be part of our wedding?". The whiplash concealed in his mocking tone was evident for both Aarush and Mehek. She gave a weak smile , figuring out damage control while Shaurya tightened his grip on her and pecked her cheek. His claim over Mehek irked Aarush. Oblivious of the tension amidst elders, Aarti came with sweets but froze as soon as she saw Aarush. He too looked at her with disinterest but soon his eyes shone with despise when Veer came beside her. "Veer, why don't you offer sweets to Aarush Uncle", Shaurya suggested. But Veer gave an angry look to Aarush and pulled away Aarti with him. Shaurya was bit surprised that kids, especially Aarti was not close to Aarush. He expected Mehek to have used Aarti as her trump card to gain re-entry into Aarush's life.  "Ill-mannered mutt!", Aarush spat at him. Mehek gave him a reproaching look but he continued to Shaurya, "However hard Mehek had tried to polish him, your blood eventually shows its effect in Veer". Shaurya pounced forward to punch him but Mehek interfered aptly and pulled Aarush away. "Thats enough Arush. Please leave", her polite yet firm dismissal was not taken kindly by Aarush still he retreated. Veer came beside her swiftly and tugged her by wrist " Ma, did he trouble you again? I will punch him black & blue". Mehek looked at her little knight and disagreed emotionally, "No dear, he couldn't . I am much stronger than you think . And besides I have you to protect me", she pulled his nose playfully. "Ofcourse I am. Now Pa is also with us", Veer beamed with glee. Mehek suddenly recalled Shaurya's presence and got alarmed. She composed herself and looked on but found him occupied elsewhere. She breathed in relief. Though Shaurya pretended to be busy with DK to fool her, their words were not unnoticed and made him curious.

While Mehek walked ahead with Veer towards his car, Shaurya stayed back with Aarti in pretense to collect some documents. "Aarti, did Aarush visit Ma frequently?". "No, he was never welcome to our home. Naani usually kept him at bay coz we didn't like him", she told. "Naani? ", he asked. "Naani, Ma, me and Veer. We all used to stay together. Few months back, Naani had to leave us for her family", she explained sadly. Shaurya understood that Naani may be a maid whom Mehek may have kept for kids. "After Naani left, he came to visit Ma. They had a big fight and Ma was crying a lot.  Later she called Swati Maasi, she pacified Ma and sorted it all. We never saw him again until later. Then Nanaji passed away and Ma had to work with him", Aarti told innocently. They walked towards his car and Aarti sat near Mehek. Mehek hugged Veer & Aarti tightly as if she feared to lose them. But as soon as she met Shaurya's eyes, she became cold and distant.

Mehek was sitting in kid's room while Veer and Aarti were showing her their new toys. They seemed to quite excited to be have an exquisite room of their own. Mehek was happy for them and smiling gleefully when Shaurya barged in. "Few guests are coming tonight for our wedding party", he informed Mehek. Both kids jumped with excitement when he showed their party wear. A surprise he had promised them. A tiny tux for Veer and blue Cindrella dress for Aarti. Though Mehek prefer to avoid party, she was silenced by their joy. "Come let me show your dress", he pulled her by wrists and took her to another bedroom. An exquisite pink gown was kept there. It was off shoulder and had laces behind. "It's a bit too revealing. I don't wear these type of cloths anymore", she was annoyed. "Since when?", he mocked. "Since long. I will fish out some saree from my wardrobe and manage for tonight", she declared. "No way, Ms Maan..Oops my bad. Mrs Ahlawat. You will wear it and will flaut yourself", he was adamant. "Though you proclaim as my nemesis, I still feel you are the same man who wants to keep the world at my feet", she mocked him. "Appearances Baby. I need to put up a great show to the world. Besides, you don't have freedom anymore to decide, Mehek. I dictate your life", he countered. She rolled her eyes and turned away. She noticed a connecting door in her room and threw a questioning glance at him. "It leads to master bedroom where obviously the master resides", he gestured to himself. "Keeping closer to spy on me", she accused. "May be. But predominately for your ease. Incase you need me, you don't have to sneak out, climb and knock on the windows. Just open and walk in. I will be happy to gratify you", he taunted. "You wish", she said angrily. "Oh I do wish, Baby", he hovered over her, "Do you?", he asked hoarsely. Mehek turned crimson while he laughed at her naivety. "If you need anything, just voice it. I will be beside you even if I have to break the door", he said wickedly before exiting through the connecting door. His smiled vanished as soon as he reached his room. He had kept her close to keep her under his scrutiny. Cameras were installed discreetly in kids room to ensure that Mehek doesn't harm them in any way. He had taken all precautions before letting a snake into his home. He heard her locking the connecting the door and smirked. 'You fate is sealed, Mehek', his mind declared.

He saw Rajeev's call in his mobile. Since he found his children and heard remaining story from Mehek, he didn't want to impose on Rajeev. So he attended the call to ask him to cease his investigation. But before he could speak, Rajeev told him eagerly, "Shaurya, I am sorry I am still not gone far with Mehek. But I have my reasons. It is not easy to gain information when someone like ACP Reshmi is involved". Reshmi Madam?, Shaurya was taken aback. As far as he knew, she was a righteous officer and would never bow before money or power. Above all, she hated Maans, especially Mehek. "What could you find so far, Rajeev?", he kept his tone rigid. "A couple of months after you left, Mehek had sought Reshmiji's aid. The details are yet unknown but seems like Mehek needed protection from her own father, Mr Vikram Maan. No official compliant was registered by Mehek coz ACP managed to negotiate with Vikram Maan  and arrive at an amicable agreement, else matter would have reached court. Later she was able to send Mehek away ensuring that her father didn't cause further trouble for her.", Rajeev filled him. Shaurya was puzzled. Mehek's words and facts from Rajeev couldn't tally. He could understand the tiff between father & daughter. Probably her father wanted Mehek to mend her wayward lifestyle and she refused. But involvement of Reshhmiji was confusing.  If Mehek wanted to enjoy life after aborting Veer, then for sure ACP Reshmi would have never supported her. He had to get to the bottom of it. "Rajeev, I need you to find as much as possible about it", he told him. "I will try but not sure about finding it quickly since Reshmiji is invovled. Her people are extremely  loyal to her ", he was truthful. "Still, I trust your talents", he paused, "Do you know where ACP Reshmi is now posted?", he asked Rajeev. "She left police force an year back. She runs many NGOs for women and children welfare. It won't be difficult to trace her", Rajeev told him

The wedding party was not a grand one but it had many important guests. Aarush and Svetlana were also invited and had to be part of it. The world looked awkwardly at the newly wedded couple who entered along with their kids. Shaurya's PR team had already released information that Mehek  & Shaurya were in a relationship long back and had parented Aarti & Veer, although not wedded legally. Few kindhearted people, wished well for the couple who were finally together. Yet many looked upon them  with a disapproving glance. Mehek was well aware of the contempt of society for an unwed mother. Yet she wished it would change since she had married to father of her child. "Don't worry sweet heart. Soon you will be apple of their eye", she was startled when Shaurya snaked his arms around her waist pulled her towards him. He wondered whether he knew her mind or randomly commented. Shaurya took a moment to check out the beauty in his arms. Though she had worn the gown he gifted, still she covered her shoulder & back with a dark coloured shrug that complemented her dress. Mehek became restless and pulled her shrug closer. "What are you hiding beneath these cloths, Mrs Ahlawat? I believe I have seen and enjoyed every bit of you already", he whispered into her ears and she turned crimson with embarrassment. He enjoyed her predicament and tighten his hold around her, "Show time, Baby". He led her near the multi-tier wedding cake. Veer and Aarti jumped with excitement when their parents cut the cake and fed eachother."Ma, cake is smeared on your face", Veer made fun of  Mehek. She gave a fake angry look at them but laughed. She asked one of the waiters to bring tissue but Shaurya came beside, "I will help you darling". He kissed on the corner of her mouth where the cream was smudged. Mehek gasped at his outrageous conduct and  he swiftlt used this opportunity to enter her mouth. Soon Mehek was lost in the pleasure he provided and looped her arms around his neck. They kissed one another ardently while cameras flashed capturing their romantic moment. Veer and Aarti covered their eyes in embarrassment though still giggling. Jugraj held the kids in his embrace and rebuked the newly weds playfully, "C'mon love birds, you are scaring the children. You can finish it later in your bedroom". Shaurya and Mehek quickly broke apart. Eventhough they were equally affected, Shaurya pretended to be normal and flashed his teeth before cameras. Mehek was shaken and had turned beet red while trying to calm herself. She noticed Aarush throwing daggers at her.

Few hours passed. Most of guests left. Aarti was drooping so Mehek left party to make her sleep. Once she settled Aarti on her bed, she hurried back to get Veer. But she was abruptly pulled to dark corner. "Aarush, behave yourself", she scolded him. He shoved her to wall and accused her, "How could do this to me, Mehek? After all that I have done for you, how could you betray me again?". "Aarush, I always considered you as a good friend and never more. I have made it clear many times. Despite if you have any misunderstandings then deal with". She tried to move away but he pushed her to wall again, "Don't you dare Mehek. I will destroy you completely. Not just you but your beloved bas***d son too". "How dare you??", she lifted her hand to slap him but he caught it and turned it behind her. He pinned her face to wall and twisted her arm giving her immense pain. "You are mine, Mehek. Even if I have to hurt you immensely, I will not withdraw this time", he threatened, "You are all alone, Mehek. Neither you dad nor Swati is alive to help you". Mehek sobbed when bitter truth sunk in to her mind. She yelped when he twisted her hand again. "You know it very well that Shaurya will never come for your rescue. He is just playing with you for his revenge. He will be crueler than me and torment you immensely. So be a good girl and come back to me", he warned Mehek and left her to break down.

Shaurya was returning after settling Veer when he noticed Aarush emerging from a corner. "Aarush, what are you doing here?", he inquired. "I..I...I just", he stammered. Then looked back wickedly and told, "Mehek wanted to have a word with me in private", he rubbed his lips shyly, suggesting vile thoughts into his rival's brain. He saw Mehek emerging from shadows. Her disheveled state and smeared make up, gave ample room for doubt in Shaurya's mind. He would have charged on her but quickly he noticed her holding her arm painfully. Concern took over his wrath. "Mehek, are you okay? What happened to you?", he asked her anxiously. When Mehek didn't response but remained sad and silent Shaurya dashed to Aarush side and was about to hit him hard. "Enough Shaurya" , Mehek's voice stopped him ,"I slipped and fell down. Arush just helped me to steady myself", she lied. "I don't buy this silly excuse", he still wanted to beat up Aarush. "Keep yourself away from my f***ing life", she yelled and came amidst him & Arush. He balled his fists in anger sensing her anxiety to protect Aarush. He turned to Aarush, "Out of my house now", he roared at him. "Cool Buddy", Aarush threw his hands in air and left without further ado.

PRECAP:  Mehek got angry, "You forgot you have a daughter and a son who is sleeping just few rooms away. For God's 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 just 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 manage the 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.

[NOCOPY]