A Tale of Guilty

Chapter 12

Mehek pitied herself as she saw her image on the mirror down the hall. She wore make up to look glamorous while trying to be comfortable in a dress borrowed from Nehal. It was Vicky's idea to recreate past and make a dent in Veer's armour of disguise. Yet she was put in a tight spot and already started to regret agreeing to his plan. It felt as if she became again the same old Mehek who was under influence of others. 

"You look s*xy", Vicky complimented but Mehek ignored him. He added, "Don't be nervous. You are looking so stunning that even I want to f*ck you". Mehek glared at him so he raised his hands in defense, "Just trying to lighten the mood, Baby". "My...my...my. Look at you", Nehal walked in with Shaurya. She was dressed to kill, "My old dress is perfect on you". Her taunts hurt Mehek although she managed a poke face. "Oh C'mon, Nehal. In rush, Mehek was unable to get a suitable dress. What's wrong in borrowing from you? Afterall this is not the first time. Mehek used to always wear your clothes", Vicky added to her woes. Even though it was all planned, Mehek was getting tormented.

"Of course. Wearing my old dress. Dating my ex-boyfriend. Ain't she doing great, Shauyra?, Nehal batted her eyes lashes at him. "It's good follow the dress code", Shaurya spoke non-chalantly to Nehel and then turned to Mehek , "you are looking lovely. This colour suits", he complimented Mehek to aid her a bit. The music started to play as they occupied seats around their table. "May I steal your date for a dance?", Shaurya asked Vicky politely. Nehal was surprised whereas Vicky seemed to enjoy her predicament. "Why not", he agreed and then mocked Nehal, "Meanwhile we will catch up like old times". 

Shaurya quickly held Mehek's hand and led her to dance floor. They swayed to the soft music. Mehek was comfortable until she felt he was glaring at her. "Why are you still with him, Mehek? Aren't we clear about us after last night? ", he asked her, clearing her doubts. Mehek smiled at his envy, "You are still with Nehal. Shouldn't I be the one asking you the same?". Before he could defend himself, she spoke, "I already agreed to attend with Vicky. It would have put him in a tight spot if I back up last minute. Unlike you & Nehal, we aren't dating. It just an evening spend as friends". "Good for you", he smiled satisfied by her words, "Vicky neither has respect nor feelings for you. Clearly, his intentions are not noble. I am afraid he is using you, Mehek", he told her. "Just like you are using Nehal", she snapped at him.

Shaurya didn't like her comment. He quickly spun her around and brought her back into his arms. "Shall I break up with Nehal right now?", he was seeking her permission but it sounded more like a threat. Mehek gasped in shock when he spun her again, "If you agree, I will end it with her as soon as we return from dance floor". "No", she shook her head vehemently, "Nehal will be devastated. Don't do it to her". He smirked, "Precisely. I need time to set things right in proper way. So don't jump into conclusions that I am using her while being with you". "Are we together?", Mehek asked him. "Do I need to kiss you everytime to make you believe?", he asked back and then smiled devilishly, "not that I mind". Mehek shook her head while blushing hard .

Shaurya came near her ears, "My mother will be so happy when she hears that her favourite Sharma daughter is my choice too". Mehek felt shy despite her attempts to remain stoic. "I am afraid she will dash to your father to ask your hand in marriage when I break the news to her", he told her plainly. Mehek was shocked by his revelation, "It is too early", she gulped hard, "please don't ". He chuckled softly, "Fine. Once Nehal's confusion is resolved, we will date as long as you wish. But then in due time, I have to have you as Mrs Khanna". 

Mehek's heart fluttered in excitement but soon worry got over her. A life with Veer, it is her dream come true. But she had acted to believe him as Shaurya just to prove his true identity. She had teamed up with his vile brother to expose him. Inadvertently, she will once again break his trust. It was pure torture for Mehek. To gain back her Veer, she will be breaking him once more.

Mehek was unable to let go or move on. Her eyes welled and few drops spilled over. Shaurya was quick to notice it and cupped her cheek, "it will all be fine. I promise". Mehek was supposed to compose herself but her tears were not helping her. He held her closely, "it kills me to watch in tears", he carefully dabbed her tears, "I will be there with you always". But she knew it won't be. She was desperate to prove him as Veer. Yet today, she reflected what will she achieve after her claims are proven. He will hate her  if  by chance he doesn't already. Once she broke his trust when she was too young to comprehend. But today, she will have no more excuses. She can't have Veer, ever again. A happily ever after is not in her fate.

While Mehek was lost in her thoughts, music came to an end and couples started to leave the dance floor. "Shall we go for another round?", he asked her. It was evident that he cared for her and wanted to spend more time to make her feel at ease. His caring gesture aggravated her guilt and she felt ashamed. She shook her head. 

As soon as they joined back with Nehal & Vicky, she regretted it. Vicky played his part of smitten lover to make Shaurya jealous but his acts were rather making Mehek uncomfortable. Moreover, Nehal tried to match Vicky's antics by getting cozier with Shaurya. Amongst them, Shaurya remained poised and if possible appeared to be amused. Mehek gulped down her champagne, a desperate effort to get through the evening without trouble.

"It's a nice event, Mr. Sahay", Shaurya appreciated him. "Please call me Vicky. We are not strangers to keep formalities", Vicky tried to rattle Shaurya, "I am just following my mother's footsteps. You know, she single handedly took care of entire business while I was young". Mehek quickly understood Vicky's trick. She tensed as she never foresaw his plan to bring in Sunaina Aunty into the game. "My mother loves me a lot. I am apple of her eye. She had done a lot for me. Just for my sake". Shaurya kept on his pleasant visage, "I am sure every mother does the same for their children". Vicky shook his head, "Nope. My mother is different. She would have chosen me over all her children". "Then I must say you are a lucky man", Shaurya complimented him cheerfully. Throughout their conversation, there wasn't even single tell from his face or body language to raise suspicion.

"You must be wondering about my father", Vicky spoke on his own, "let me enlighten you. He is no more". Both Nehal and Mehek tensed when he brought up the topic while Shaurya remained calm. "I am sorry to hear about him", Shaurya expressed his condolences. "You should be", Vicky taunted him, "Because he killed himself". "That's enough, Vicky", Nehal was first to rebuke him, "Siddharth Uncle died of heart attack". "Really?", he mocked her and looked on to Mehek, "Is it Mehek?". Shaurya became slightly intrigued by Vicky's comment. "You know Mr. Khanna, she and her dead lover who happens to be my brother are responsible for my father's death", Vicky accused. 

Mehek was aghast by turn of events. Vicky's venomous words disarmed her while tears flooded from her eyes. She quickly got up from her chair and tried to flee but Vicky grabbed her arm forcefully. " You cannot escape me without answering me", he held her in a painful grip, "why did you torment my poor father? You rejoiced when he died, didn't you?". "Vicky, leave her", Nehal tried to put some sense into him. "Mr Sahay, behave yourself", Shaurya too tried to control the situation. But Vicky didn't relent. He grabbed Mehek's shoulders and shook her, "you are the reason for everything. A bad omen that destroys. First Veer.. Then my father...Now may be I am your target".  Mehek was shell shocked hearing his senseless banter "That's enough, Mr Sahay", Shaurya pitched in and freed Mehek, "get a grip on yourself", he held her away from Vicky and ordered Nehal, "Let's leave".

Throughout the ride to Sharma house, Shaurya remained silent while Mehek was agonized. Nehal tried to initiate conversation but when he looked sharply at her, she withdrew. After a curt bye, he dropped both sisters at their door step and drove away hastily. "I hope Shaurya doesn't misunderstand our situation and break up with me", Nehal wailed, "Vicky is an idiot. Else why would he bring out skeletons from closet". She looked at Mehek. Sensing that she is still a mess, Nehal asked cautiously, "Are you okay, Mehek?". "Never been better", Mehek replied and dashed to her room.

As soon as she reached solitude of her room, Mehek broke down in tears. She ripped of the uncomfortable dress from her body. She didn't care whether her wails may wake up her Baba or brother. Her phone rang but she ignored it until she realised that the caller was trying to reach her relentlessly. Tears blurred her vision so she didn't check the name. When she answered, Mehek heard from the very person whom she wished to be by her side and also the one whom she wanted to escape the most. 

"Come down. I am waiting for you at the back gate", Shaurya told firmly. "It's late, Shaurya", Mehek denied to meet him. "Either you come down or I will walk up to your room. Choice is yours". The line went silent except for their harsh breathing until Mehek agreed to meet him. "Wear something comfortable", he advised before ending the call.