A Tale of Guilty

Chapter 18

Mehek gulped down as truth slowly sank into her. She is going to spend the night alone with her fiancé. A sense of thrill as well as apprehension passed through her spine. "Are you okay, my Love?", he asked her being concerned, "you look so pale". She smiled awkwardly and shook her head.

"Welcome!!", Shaurya opened the doors wide and invited her. He held her hand firmly as they walked into this house. Mehek was supposed to be nervous but she felt as if she belonged with him. The penthouse was tastefully decorated and evidently reflected his style. She smiled as she watched array of photographs adorning the wall. Most of them were his singles and few others with Karuna Aunty. Her smile grew wide when she saw a frame that held their photograph. A moment he had captured in that old bus stand, to give her a new memory. "Don't get mad that you are not looking good in it", he stood behind and gently pressed her shoulder, "more will be put once we make sweeter memories". "It's perfect", she was so glad to see their picture at his home. He smiled hugging her from behind and placed his chin on her shoulder, "Indeed, it is"

"Kitchen may have few stuffs", Shaurya explained, "but will be bare minimal". He explained that his work called for lot of travelling, else mostly he ate at office with his mother or joined her at Khanna mansion. "Lunch with Ma is a must, unless I am travelling", he explained being a mother's boy. Mehek pulled his cheek, "So cute". He held her palms and pretend to act hurt. "Awwh, Mamma's boy is hurt", she made fun of him, "If you are so close then why do you live separately". 

Shaurya smirked, "Distance is just a number when hearts are close", he explained, "My mother is not a typical domesticated woman, Mehek. She is still wild and probably getting crazier by the day", he laughed at his own joke, "She had a roller coaster life. It damaged as well as build her. Her heart has been broken so many times yet she dares to date. She was tagged as a unreliable lover who changes her boyfriends like clothes. And it is true to an extent yet she never gives up". He sighed as they both sat down on the sofa, "Once I reached a mature age, it became awkward to meet her new muses regularly. So moved out", he smirked, "Anyways, she always proposed that I build my on my own nest but closer to her".

Mehek sat in awe while Shaurya effortlessly explained about his equation with Karuna Aunty. They were anything but a typical mother-son duo. "My mother means everything to me, Mehek. Despite the odds, she stood up for me and gave me a better life. All that I have achieved through out my life is because of the courage & confidence she gave me". She smiled and nodded, understanding his deep bond with Karuna Aunty. She wanted to know more about him so she dared to ask him, "What about your father, Shaurya?". 

Shaurya looked away so quickly that she wanted to apologize; perhaps she was crossing the line. But he talked about him as if he never intends to keep any secrets amidst them. "A man who ruined my mother repeatedly", he smirked, "I know him. Infact, he was there in each phase of my life. Always acting like a ghost; invisible, scary and unwanted. For many years, my mother believed that one day he will accept us but it never happened. Then it was just me and her. Eventually she got over him and later we never cared about him". "I am sorry", she apologized but he brushed it aside. "Let's order pizza", he tried to change the subject.

Mehek was extremely uncomfortable in her heavy ethnic wear. She blamed herself for not changing into casuals or atleast packing a pair of her pajamas while Shaurya took her from home. It was already late and getting clothes from her home was not possible. Besides, she was afraid that Yash will be horrified to know that she is staying in Shaurya's bachelor quarters. Sensing her uneasiness, he informed her, "This is your house, Mehek. Everything in it, including me belong to you". She smiled shyly although it made her feel elated. "The master bedroom is that side", he directed her to his room, "Go and freshen up. You will find something to wear in my closet. Grab anything you need". She remained unsure to use his room but he insisted. "By the time you are done, pizza will arrive. We will have a movie night", he suggested and urged her to move to his room.

Shaurya's closet was filled with suits and formal shirts. He had few casuals & night wears and none that could fit Mehek. At the end, she chose a long shirt that could act as a night shirt for her. She was thankful for his height for it covered till her knees. Lack of undergarments made her timid but dark coloured thick fabric managed to properlu cover her body. She trotted timidly towards the hall as Shaurya called out for her. As she reached, he looked at her for a moment but soon averted his gaze and focused on screen. She wasn't sure whether he saw her skimpy clad body. Even if he noticed, he didn't give any indication to be affected. Strangely it made her feel relieved and disappointed at the same time. She wasn't ready to ponder on it and accepted to sit beside him while taking a piece of delicious pizza.

All awkwardness vanished the moment they started to binge watch one after another movies. Action, thriller, comedy and finally a romantic movie. Mehek had covered herself with a blanket he had offered and cozily sat near Shaurya. Pizza was long gone and they were munching pop-corn. As the Hero proposed to Heroine on screen, Shaurya held her ring finger that adorned their engagement ring. "I wanted to give you a dream proposal", he sighed as they both recalled how tragically they had almost broken up that day. "I wished atleast today would have been a better day", he spoke sadly. "It is", she assured him while cupping his face, "Today is most special day for me, Shaurya". He smirked and moved away from her, "Action packed perhaps bit not the best day". It was evident that he was unhappy with the way things panned out on their engagement day.

"What's the matter, Shaurya?", Mehek was anxious. He knew him well to understand the he is not superstitious. "Nothing", he brushed it aside, "Let's focus of movie. More pop-corn?". He tried his best to divert her attention but she didn't let it go. "I need to know, Shaurya. Please tell me", she begged him. Finally he gave in to her, "I am afraid, Mehek". "Afraid of what? Or who?", she was concerned. "Afraid of losing you", he looked so vulnerable, "I am scared that you will leave me". "Shaurya!", Mehek gasped in shock. All the while when she was feeling insecure, he was also not spared. A sense of uncertainty still prevailed amidst them. She wanted to wash way even the tiniest uncertainty that could harm their relationship. She embraced him.

"I love you", Mehek reassured him, "nothing will ever change my feelings for you". "Even I love you a lot, Mehek", Shaurya replied her, "but do you trust me enough to spend the rest of your life with me". "I do", she told him firmly, "I trust you more than anything". That moment she knew that a life without Shaurya was not possible for her. Nothing mattered to her anymore. Neither their hazy past not their uncertain future. "This fear kills me", he poured out his heart, "I can't even imagine living without you, Mehek". "Then don't", she humoured, "I am here to stay". She assured him again, "I am yours".

Shaurya pulled her to place his lips on hers. His kiss was fervent and dominant. He wanted to claim her as his. Their fought a duel of tongues where Mehek happily accept the defeat. She let him lead and taste her passionately. They gasped for breath as they broke apart. His eyes no longer held vulnerability but clouded with lust. "I want you, Mehek", he spoke hoarsely. Mehek was unable to reply coherently. His kiss had left her breathless with need. She wanted him too but was she unsure ready to give herself to him. "Don't you trust me?", he asked her tenderly. He was on the edge still never intended to force her into submission.

Mehek gazed into his eyes. It will be her decision. A single murmur of disapproval from her, was all he needed to end their romantic tryst. He will not push her further if she is uncomfortable. But then again she will be contradicting her own and feelings. Just few moments back she declared to trust him unconditionally. Moreover, she didn't want to hurt his feelings. Mayhap, he will consider her rejection as lack of faith in him. 

Mehek desired him. She wanted him just the way he wanted her yet she was indecisive. They were betrothed to wed in few weeks. They lived in a modern era when couples with far less commitment indulged in physical intimacies. Yet she was timid.