|| Ajab Si Kahani Hamari || MehRya FF Completed Pg144, 25/June - Page 2

PROLOGUE

Mehek was a slowly wearing her bangles. She looked at her image in the mirror. Her green tussar silk embroidered designer lehenga suited her well and did full justice to her curves. She was getting ready for her engagement ceremony. Nehal came from behind and helped her to adjust the dupatta. "Di ,you are looking beautiful . Just like a princess." she complimented. "Thanks Nehu. I want to look perfect. After all it is the first wedding of our generation. Dad will be so proud." "Di, are you happy with this engagement?", Nehal asked diffidently. Mehak shot a quizzing look at her. "Di, I feel guilty. Due to my antics, everything got scre**d and dad hastily fixed your engagement. Are you happy with all this ? Nehal asked again. "Of course I am. I would have anyway agreed to marry someone dad chose for me. Time is just relative. Now or later , it doesn't matter. Dad would never settle anything but the best for the best. And my groom is no exception." "But Di, you hardly know him . Do you love him ?" "Nehal, love is just an illusion. You know I don't believe in love. In our family, marriages are fixed by elders based on heritage, culture and status. Dad knows him for years. If Dad feels that he is the one for me then I don't doubt even a bit." Mehek explained to Nehal. " I know Di. But Shaurya ..." Mehek interrupted Nehal "Where are your manners Nehu? In our house, we are taught to respect relations. Call him Shauryaji or Jijaji . Besides don't forget that few days back he risked his neck to save you from those ruffians." Nehal became silent for few seconds recalling past events. " Di, I am sorry. I am extremely thankful to Shauryaji. Yet I am worried about you. How can you get married to someone you don't know? " Nehal shared her concern. "Nehu, you are too young to understand all this. You are still in your world of fairy tales. Try to be practical dear. Our parents had a wonderful love story yet I remember how it ended , it was bitter. I know Shauryaji respects me and he is trustworthy. He is handsome, well-mannered, educated and above all Karuna Madam's son. We will make a perfect pair. I am really happy to be engaged to him".

Nehal understood that there was no point in continuing this conversation with Mehek Di and helped her with the attire.

Shaurya was looking at the solitaire platinum ring he carefully chose for Mehek. He couldn't believe that he was getting engaged to Mehek Sharma , his dream girl. He was so lost that he didn't realise when Karuna came behind. She softly touched his shoulder to wake him from his trance. "Oh , Ma" he exclaimed and hugged her. " I am so happy Ma. I can't believe that I am having Mehek as my wife. I hope she likes this ring. I want everything to be perfect for her. I love her so much. I want to give her all happiness in the world." Karuna smiled and nodded. She knew Shaurya was always in love with Mehek . Nothing was hidden between mother & son , they were best friends. "Shaurie, she will surely like it. You chose it with so much love. Despite being from Sharma family, she is not materialistic. I know her from her college days when she was my student. She was so talented and had passion for cooking. She had a good future, if her father hadn't thought that it was too low for his daughter to pursue a career. Beta, after marriage don't lock her in the house. If she wants to work then do encourage her". " I will Ma. I will do anything for her", Shaurya beamed. Karuna looked at her son lovingly but was a bit worried. "Ma, What happened ? What are you thinking?" "Nothing, Beta", she lied. "Maaa? I can read you like a book. Tell me. What is the matter?" Shaurya was adamant. " I am a little anxious about you. Mehek was your secret passion. By God's grace, she is coming to your life. Your boundless love shouldn't be your weakness. I am afraid you may get hurt". Shaurya knew her source of worry. "Ma , please don't compare Mehek with my father" he pleaded. "Of course not. However I see myself in you. I was just like you when I fell in love. When passion turns to obsession, you are destined to get hurt or hurt others" , she remembered her past. "Ma, I promise I will never hurt Mehek. And If I get hurt, then don't forget that I am your son and I will work my way out of it" he assured her. Karuna smiled at him and blessed him "May God shower all happiness on you both, Shaurie". She got up to leave. Shaurya was gazing at the ring again . Before leaving him, Karuna turned "Hey lover boy, a piece of advice . Don't try to win her with your gifts, try to win her with your love." He smiled with confused look on his face trying to absorb her words.

Her phone rang and she saw Shaurya's name being displayed on its screen. "Hi Mehek, It's me, Shaurya. Can you come down to the garden behind? I am waiting for you here" Shaurya requested. Mehek was unsure to meet him but when he requested again she gave in. "Hi Shaurayji" he turned hearing her voice. His jaw dropped looking at the gorgeous figure moving towards him. His heart was beating miles per hour. He couldn't believe that in couple of hours they will be engaged to each other. "How are you doing? May I know why you wanted to see me here now?" she asked earnestly. He smiled and pulled a tiny box from his pocket "I wanted to give you this. I was skeptical to handover it earlier . But today Ma gave me some gyaan to boost my confidence." Mehek opened it and found a thin golden ring with a tiny heart on it. She looked at Shaurya and he said "I bought it with my first salary. It is not expensive but very special to me". "I understand. It's really nice of you to buy gift for your future fiance." she was impressed. "Actually , it was not meant for some random girl. I got this for you" he answered shyly. "Really ? I don't believe it" she exclaimed. "Yup. That's a story. I will tell you on our wedding night. Till then it's suspense" he said. "Shauryaji ,you are blushing " Mehek couldn't help giggling. "Oh. Come on Meheku. Please stop calling me Shauryaji. I feel like you are addressing some elderly person. Please , please, I beg you, call me Shaurya" he folded his hand and pleaded. Mehek noticed the way he addressed her Mehku and despite her dislike for nicknames, she liked it. He always managed to make her smile, giggle or laugh. And now also he made her laugh like a school girl with his antics."OK , Shaurya. Stop blushing and leave now. We will meet in an hour or so. I don't want you be late for our ceremony" , she waved and walked to her house. He told himself "You have no idea how much eager I am to make you mine. I love you , Mahek". Shaurya stood there for her to turn back but she didn't. He was disappointed and was about to leave , that she peeped out of the door and waved at him. She gestured at him to leave and come back quickly. Shaurya was in seventh heaven. He pulled his fist, jumped and said "Yeah". Mehek watched him leaving. She smile and muttered "Ek dum pagal hain (utterly crazy)". She was now sure of her words to Nehal . She was indeed happy to be engaged to Shaurya Khanna.