Chapter 17

Kash

@KashishJ

Chapter 16

"Rise and Shine, Sweet heart", Shaurya greeted Mehek cheerfully. She opened her eyes to find it was almost afternoon and Shaurya stood before her freshly brewed coffee. She checked the time again and wondered how she could for so long. Yet she felt she had best sleep in years. She freshened up and sipped the coffee. "Veer and Aarti are doing fine. I already had video call with them before they went to school", he informed her. She held her head being guilty, "I am such a bad mother". "No, you aren't", he corrected her swiftly, "You are an amazing mother". He brushed back her unruly hair strands, "You were fighting alone. But now you can relax a bit as I am with you". Although she didn't want to admit, it felt good to have him beside. She had to nod in agreement and opened her mouth to thank him. "No need to thank me. You can grant us some couple time as reward", he grinned wickedly. But she got irritated and moved away. Shaurya quickly dashed to before her. He knew she was on verge of tears and couldn't accept her sadness. He blocked her way, "Stop ignoring me, Mehek". "Then tell me what shall I do?", she yelled at him. He swiftly grabbed her neck and kissed her lips. Her eyes widened in shock yet she savoured his taste. "I want you, Mehek", he whispered against her mouth. "I am yours. Always and forever. But...", she bit down a sob and kept her forehead against his , "I am sorry. I can't". "I love you, Mehek. Your illness doesn't bother me. Allow me to be your mate", he begged so sweetly that it was impossible for her to refuse. She ran into his arms and wept against his chest. After few moments he freed her from his arms, "No more tears. Let's just be happy". Mehek nodded in agreement. "Let me take you for a tour around the city. I know some amazing spots which you will love", he pulled her to the wardrobe and chose her a knee length casual dress. "Get ready quickly so that we can leave in some time", he pinched her cheeks in excitement.

Mehek enjoyed playing tourist with Shaurya. He took her for sightseeing, shopping and finally after a long tiring day he took her to his favourite restaurant for dinner. He had already told her that he frequently visited the place and knew it well. "Hello,  Mr Khanna",the lady at front desk greeted him cheerfully and Mehek felt awkward as they conversed freely. "I will arrange your usual table and ask your favourite to attend you", she told him. Shaurya led Mehek to the table and made her comfortable. A girl with name tag 'Archie' came beside them to take their order and started to flirt with Shaurya. Archie looked younger and had a figure to kill for. Mehek felt a pang of jealousy when Shaurya sheepishly smiled at her and lead her on. "Oh, Shaurya I missed you terribly", Archie laughed and turned to Mehek, "You got company today. How lovely? Who is this beautiful lady? Is she your sister?". Mehek could smell the bitchiness in her tone. She herself had used it several times in past to embarrass dates of other men. Old Mehek would have given her a befitting reply but she chose to give a fake smile. If Shaurya had a past with Archie then she didn't want to perturb it. Before Shaurya could open his mouth, Mehek replied, "I am just a friend". Shaurya looked at her intently and quickly gave Archie his order for dinner. The atmosphere was quite tense but Shaurya remained calm till wine was served. He gulped the drink and spat her, "What was that?". Mehek feigned ignorance and then acted to grasp it, "Oh, I didn't want to disrupt you equation with Archie. There is no need to bother her with our relationship status. Afterall I am just a temporary phase in your life". "Shut the f**k up", Shaurya slammed the table. Mehek looked around and got embarrassed to find several anxious onlookers from nearby tables. Shaurya calmed down but his eyes shone with pain, "Have you ever wondered how my life would have been once you left me? You had your reasons and had undergone many hardships. That doesn't give you right to assume that I had a wonderful life without you", he quaffed his drink and stormed out of the restaurant.

"Shaurya", she whispered on entering the bedroom. He hummed to respond. He felt ashamed of his outburst but was hurt too. He left Mehek alone and drove down but later he realised his folly and called restaurant to arrange taxi for her to return. "I am sorry to spoil the day", he apologized but still didn't make eye contact. "It's okay. I had a hearty meal and some lone time to ponder", Mehek's cheerfulness was a surprise to him. "It felt normal. Like an actual married couple who irritates, fights and yells", her explanation brought a faint smile to him. "I got your favorite pasta", she opened package and offered him. He took it and chewed a spoonful. He was really hungry and tried to swallow it quickly. Mehek sat beside, watching him affectionately. "I never knew you liked pasta. Infact Archie helped me to chose it", Mehek spoke and Shaurya glared at her. She laughed softly, "I am sorry for my behaviour at restaurant. I am rude to you since you know about my condition. You have been trying really hard and I wasn't very receptive", she accepted her fault. "Apology accepted", he said with a mouthful of pasta and Mehek burst into laughter. Shaurya felt light and calm, listening to it. They tried to converse and spend time. Once he had finished the dish, Mehek asked timidly, "I want to know about it, Shaurya. Your life after...after...". "After you broke me", he completed it.

"I was shattered. I felt like I am walking dead. Physical I was injured but emotionally I was broken. The realization that one has lost it all, is extremely painful. My need to escape was imminent. So I called up Daddyji and requested him to accommodate me", he stood up and walk to the window. "After our parents divorced, me & Aarti, we were never close to Daddyji. Infact for quite some time, I hated him. I thought he may help me out here with a job and home. I never expected him to accept me as his son with open arms. He tried to make me as comfortable as possible but it pushed me further into isolation. I felt guilty and ashamed to take advantage of his benevolent nature. Slowly I fell into depression", he explained. "Shaurya!!", she exclaimed. Mehek always believed him to be stronger. She thought he used his father's money to build an empire and plotted against her for revenge. But truth was a big blow to her. He shrugged his shoulders, "So you see, I am flawed too". Mehek stood frozen with painful expression. He continued, "Daddyji, got me the best doctors. I went through therapy yet it was difficult. My mind and vision were clouded. I felt I failed. Failed as a son, a brother and as a human". He took a deep breath, "But slowly and steadily, I came out of it. I channeled my energy to come out of my failure. I tried to be a good son. I handled Daddyji's business and steered it to new heights. Then I wanted to fulfill my duty as a brother. I wanted to take back Aarti and destroy you". Mehek approached and hugged him from behind. "But you know, Mehek. My biggest failure was misunderstanding you. I should have stayed back or atleast tried to know about your whereabouts", he was apologetic. Mehek shook her head, "It was never your fault. Perhaps it's our fate". "I have lost enough time in my foolishness, Mehek. Now I want to live my life to the fullest with you. Can you please grant me this wish?", he begged and Mehek hugged him tightly. Tears welled in their eyes and they found solace in arms of eachother. 

To lighten the mood Mehek asked with a tint of naughtiness, "So how many girlfriends you had Mr Shaurya Singh Ahlawat?". "None", Shaurya replied. "Oh, C'mon. You can be honest with me. I won't judge", she tried to be funny. "Answer is still none", Shaurya went back to bed. " The how many women did you bed?", Mehek got a bit curious. He took a deep breath and pretended to sleep after uttering, "None".  She tickled him to break his slumber, "I don't believe you. The most eligible bachelor and heir of Ahlawat empire couldn't be enticed by women". Shaurya gave up his act of sleep and sat on bed, "They were many women. But none could tie me in a relationship or lure me into their bed. Many a times, I had made a conscious effort but failed". "Why?", her playfulness vanished. "I believed I became impotent, physically and mentally. Another phase of failure. Then I worked like a machine to expand Ahlawat empire. I didn't care about it until I met you again. That night at the party when I kissed you, I finally felt alive. I was even angry at myself coz I knew that my body & my mind craved for you and you alone, But sadly that's the truth". Mehek couldn't stop herself. She leaned in to cup his face and kissed him ardently. Shaurya laid back enjoying her claim over him and let her take the lead. Mehek quickly pulled back, "What about that escort whom you hired on our wedding night?". "Seriously, Mehek. Perfect timing to bring her up", he was exasperated but Mehek glared at him, "It was just an act to hurt you. She left as soon as you ran away from our room". Mehek pouted and he grinned wickedly  "Where were we?", he tried to smooch her. She wanted to go ahead but restrained, "Shaurya, I am scared". "Mehek it's okay if we are careful and use protection", he coaxed her but she remained uncertain. "Fine. I will just play around the primary bases", he promised and captured her lips before she could contemplate.

Few days passed quickly. Mehek and Shauray grew closer. Although married they felt like dating couples. A brief courtship was needed for their strained relationship. They truly loved one another yet lacked mutual understanding and trust. Now they had enough time to get comfortable with their insecurities and liberties. Shaurya was waiting for Mehek when she walked to him nervously. "Ready?", he asked and she nodded. "Mehek if you need some more time, I am fine with it". She shook her head in disagreement, "I am no longer scared coz I have you". He embraced her and kissed her forehead, "Always".

"Good to see you, Shaurya", a young man addressed Shaurya as they entered reception. From his attire, it was clear to Mehek that he is a doctor. "Mehek, this is Dr. Vivaan Kapoor. He a good friend of mine", Shaurya introduced him with same words he had already shared with her. Shaurya wanted to provide best treatment for Mehek and he trusted Dr Kapoor. They were soon led to the consulting room. They chatted casually for few minutes and once Mehek got comfortable, he breached the topic, "Mehek Bhabhi, you are a strong woman. I want you to know that with proper care and medicines, you can win this battle. You need to have faith and religiously continue your treatment". Mehek agreed and squeezed Shaurya's hand. "First I need to run few tests. Then we will immediately start once the results are available". A nurse came to take Mehek and she looked at Shaurya nervously. He gave her a thumbs up to cheer her. She smiled and went with the nurse. Once they were alone, both men became serious. Vivaan told Shaurya, "I will try my best, Shaurya. But you need to be prepared for the worst. Until all tests are done, I am unable to predict about the severity of her condition. We can give her the best treatment and hope for the best". "This is so hard for me but I cannot falter. She needs me as her strength", Shaurya spoke his mind

[NOCOPY]