A Tale of Guilty

Chapter 23

A day became two days and it threatened to become three. But Shaurya had enough and decided to put his foot down. He warned his team that if they still cannot manage on their own to win the deal, then better quit their jobs. Additionally, Karuna stepped in to guide the team and it helped him to take a breather. Finally he managed to detach himself from work. 

Being sleep deprived and lack of proper meals, Shaurya was dead tired. Once he reached the villa, he looked out for Mehek but she was missing. Perhaps, she went out to the beach, he mused. As he entered the master bedroom, he failed to notice that it was untouched. He was too tired to pay attention and slept off as soon as he hit the bed.

Constant ringing of phone disturbed Shaurya's sleep. He checked time and realised that he had slept almost for the entire day. He answered the call which was from his mother. "Shaurya, where is Mehek?", she asked sternly. He yawned, "she may be downstairs, Ma. I didn't see her yet". Karuna sighed in dismay, "This is not done, Shaurya. It was your decision to travel abruptly amidst your busy schedule. You cannot take Mehek away from her home and then ignore her. It's so unfair on her". 

Shaurya covered his face in defeat as he had no defense. His mother was absolutely right . After their fight, he didn't even make it up to Mehek properly while she has been adjusting with his attitude. "No more excuses!", Karuna was stern, "Go and make her feel special. Take her to a nice restaurant or go shopping. If nothing, atleast hold her hands and have a pleasant walk". "Yes Ma'am", he saluted his mother. Karuna laughed, "Mehek is a sweet girl, Shaurya. She may act strong but she could actually get hurt easily". "I know, Ma", he agreed, "I will ensure she is happy".

"Have you seen my wife?", Sharuya asked to the middle aged housekeeper. "Ma'am may have gone out", she answered, "she usually comes late". He checked his watch as it was getting dark. Roaming around amidst strangers in a foreign land, during late hours is not ideal. The housekeeper who introduced herself as Gloria, appeased him that Mehek usually visits nearby pub and it is comparatively safe. As time passed he got anxious. Shaurya was done waiting and decided to go in search of Mehek. As soon he reached the door, Mehek walked in. She looked surprised to find him but apart an 'Oh' , she didn't react.

Smell of beer reeked out of Mehek. Shaurya got angry, "Where were you, Mehek?". She smirked, "Entertaining myself". He composed him since he knew she was sad and hurt. He caressed her unruly hair tenderly, "I was so worried about you". "I wonder why?", she taunted him. "This is not our county, Mehek. It's not safe to venture out alone, especially at this hour". "Really?", she mocked him again and then turned to Gloria, "My husband would be shocked if i tell him that I am much sober and arrived early tonight. Do you remember, my first day here?", she giggled and looked at Shaurya,"Gloria literally had to carry me to the bed". Indeed, Shaurya was shocked as Mehek laughed at her own words. Sensing that the couples needs privacy, Gloria withdrew into the kitchen.

"Mehek, what happened?", Shaurya cupped her faced lovingly. Although he knew it was all his fault, he tried to make sense of the situation. "Like you care", she sneered at him and walked towards the guest's room. "Mehek, master bedroom is upstairs", he told her firmly. "I am sleeping where I had spent last two nights", even in her drunken stupor, she appeared to be adamant. "No you are not", he gripped her wrist, "you going to sleep in our bedroom beside me". "Why Shaurya?", she looked coyly, "Stop acting like I am your blushing bride because", she held her forefinger to her chest, "because I am not.". She grinned widely but sadness in her eyes told him everything. "Goodnight Darling", she put an end to their conversation and staggered away. 

Shaurya tried to relax. He rubbed his palms and kept it on his eyes. It gave him some comfort to think rationally. What happened to Mehek?, he asked himself but his conscience taunted him, What had happened to me?  He realised regretfully that he was no longer the same guy who moved mountains to keep his Mehek happy. Amidst his personal and professional problems, he failed to cherish Mehek. He failed her and thereby failed himself. 

"Dinner is served", Gloria informed him. Shaurya asked about Mehek so Gloria informed that she seldom ate and kept herself locked in the guests room.  He was in double mind whether to approach Mehek or give her space. "Are you both forced into an unwanted marriage?", Gloria asked abruptly. "What? Ofcourse not", he was shocked and before he could make sense blurted out, "Ours is a love marriage". Under normal circumstances, Shaurya would have given the hired help a piece of his mind and got her fired. But tonight he is a mess so decided to converse with her.

Shaurya asked, "Why did you think about us like that?". Gloria replied uncomfortably, "I have seen many couples  who have come to stay here, Sir. Newly-weds, romantic couples, people celebrating their long term married life. But none were like you and Madam". He glared at her angrily. She already regretted her words so explained herself in a hurry, "She was always cooped inside her room either crying or drinking. While you were not in scene until now". She paused nervously and spoke, "I have never seen her with a smiling face. Always gloomy as if she has no hope left". He stayed numb as Gloria bid  a soft Good night and walked away.

Shaurya shook his head in denial. What will a nosey stranger like her know about him and Mehek?, he told himself firmly. Yet he saw her point that Mehek was extremely upset and lonely. He recalled his mother's advice and decided to make Mehek feel special. He ran back to stop the housekeeper, "Gloria, I need your help", he breathed hard, "can you help me get me few things tonight? It's kind of urgently". She looked at him doubtfully but nodded.

Gloria was really resourceful. Besides she genuinely wanted to help him. With her help, Shaurya quickly set up a romantic diner for Mehek. Food was already prepared and Mehek's favourite cake got delivered. Scented candles and bouquets were arranged thoughtfully. Gloria wished him success and left. With a deep breath, he gathered courage to face Mehek. He knew a simple dinner will not wash away his grave mistakes but it was just a start. From the very moment, he decided to make all possible efforts to earn her forgiveness and make her happy. He knew it won't be easy but gained confidence when thought about Mehek's love for him.

Shaurya softly knocked at her door but no answer. The door was locked but he had already taken spare keys from Gloria. He knocked again and called out her name before unlocking  her room. Still no response so he entered. When he failed to find her on the bed, he looked towards the bathroom. Surprisingly bathroom door was ajar. "Mehek", he knocked the door softly before pushing it open. Air was knocked out of his lungs when he saw Mehek drowning in the bath tub.

Shaurya dashed to her side and pulled her out quickly. Mehek gasped for breath and he did his best to help her intake as much as oxygen possible. She was shivering as the water was really cold. Quickly he grabbed a dry towel and covered her body. He draped another towel around her wet hair to give her warmth.

Mehek was still shivering as she sipped warm tea that Shaurya had given her. He managed to dress her in warm clothes after drying her body & hair. Although warm liquid comforted her nerves, Shaurya realised that Mehek was still drooping. She was too intoxicated to stay awake. "why did you do it, Mehek?", Shaurya was unable to contain himself. "It was an accident", she scoffed, "I was enjoying my bath. I don't know when I fell asleep". "Asleep? You passed out in the bath tub, Mehek. I cannot even think the outcome if I haven't barged in", his voice was strained. He couldn't imagine the scary outcome if he was even a minute late.

Mehek raked her hair with her fingers in discomfort, "Can we call it a night?". It appeared to be sensible suggestion as they both were not in right frame of mind. He agreed while Mehek burrowed into the duvet. Within few seconds, alcohol pushed her into restless slumber.

Shaurya was feeling terrible. Sleep was miles away from him. He had always considered Mehek as a strong person. He recalled their earlier days. He couldn't term her as full of life but her eyes didn't lack the glow. She was a brave individual who tried her best to come in terms with her unfortunate past. She was burdened by her childhood trauma yet never gave up and always tried hard to help others. Losing Veer had torn her but she was yet hopeful to meet him again. Hope, she had Hope. Even while stuck in a self-inflicted cage of guilt, she had Hope.

At first, Shaurya only wished Mehek to come out of her guilt and move on from her past. But soon he wanted her to be in his life. He wanted her to leave her past behind and live a fulfilling life with him. And she did. He believed that Mehek had overcome her past and started to build a new world with him. He recalled their time when she was beaming with happiness. But the woman with him is no longer the same Mehek. Her eyes are hollow. They lacked life. She looked as if she lost her will to live. She had no Hope. He had none to blame but himself. He always feared to lose Mehek yet his own actions had pushed her away from him.