Part 28 25/03/2019
It’s already evening and time towards dinner, Shaurya suggested to go for dinner and Mehak nodded. They passed by the artistic walls and Mehak watched all silently. The decor throughout the hotel was perfect for being pampered as Raja and Rani from fairytale .As they pass by one of the courtyard there was fountain Mehak saw and she scooped the water in her palm and when Shaurya turn to see her she dropped the water back into the fountain and pull her childish expression and Shaurya’s furrowed eyebrows made her to walk fast pass him. He bite his inner cheek in order to hold his laughter and followed her.
They reached the open restaurant at the ground floor of the hotel. Live music was playing and traditional Rajasthani dancers entertain the guest there. They found a table and sit down as Mehak’s eye watched the live musicians and dancers. Their colorful attire and how they dance for the folk music and their dance was so beautiful. Shaurya ordered few dishes to the waiter and while browsing through the menu his eyes caught on Mehak. She was totally aww by the performance and Shaurya sent the waiter away once done with ordering.
Sometimes back in their room, he lie down on the right side of the bed. Mehak who was coming out of the washroom saw him on the bed, and immediately rush to him and asked him what is he doing? He was on his mobile busy checking when her unexpected tone came. He move the mobile aside to see her sour face. He raise his eyebrows asking her what and she pointed at him with her forefinger asking him to move. He looked at her confusingly and again asked what does she want? She muttered this side of the bed is hers. He looked at her questionably, and check on the pillows and the headrest and below him as if searching for something. Seeing him searching something, she asked what are you looking for her let me know I will help you. He answered I am checking is there name written here this side of bed belongs to Mehak Sharma. Annoyed with him she folded her arms on her chest and snorted very funny, I can only sleep on the right side of the bed, so you go to left side she replied him. Shaurya purposely rested his head on the pillow and said no I am not moving to the other side, I kind of like this side of the bed and I can see the view from the window too, so you can have the other side. She pouted at him and turned to walk away but Shaurya tugged her wrist to stop her, he told her okay you can take this side of the bed, since you wanted this side badly, he gets up from the bed straightening himself in front of her. His grip on her was still there and she didn’t struggle with him. She looked at him quietly for a moment and he also studied her expression waiting for her to say something, she bit her lower lip and slowly said its okay if you want, you can sleep here, and I will adjust on the other side. He looked at her as her eyes looked down not seeing his face, he groaned gently and said it’s okay I am fine with whichever side of the bed, come lets go for dinner and he leads her to the dinner venue.
By then their orders arrived and all food was sizzling hot while served to them. The waiter asked whtr he needs to serve them or not but Shaurya replied him its okay and waiter left them to enjoy their dinner. Later Mehak’s eyes came to the food, she inhale the aroma and rubs her palms in excitement as she said, the aroma smells divine I can’t wait to taste it. Shaurya sees her contentment as he serves her food and she started to digging to her plate not saying much. He started to have his food his eyes steal a glance once in a while at her and the live performance. He chuckled as she lick her fingers and once she saw him with that expression she pouted at him. Before Shaurya say anything she quickly said she wants to order some dessert and he nodded. In her animated tone she asked the waiter what is the special dessert from Jaipur and he said everything is special in Jaipur. She slapped her forehead hearing him and Shaurya folded his lips in order not to let his chuckle. He suggested to try Ghevar and she asked Shaurya do you want as well, he shakes his head in NO. In short while the waiter bring in a silver plate with Ghevar a disc shaped sweet cake made with flour and sugar syrup. She started to eat them excitedly and offered some to Shaurya who was staring at her in disbelief. When her eyes sees his expression she slow down to cover her embarrassment. She wiped her mouth with the napkin and Shaurya guided her out from the restaurant. He asked her whtr she wants to go for walk she nodded eagerly. He bring her via the courtyard which leads to the lake. Mehak gasped as she sees the night view with the lightings, the scene was picturesque and there were boat ride on the lake. She was mesmerized by the nature beauty in front of her. She didn’t realize that she has been standing in front of Shaurya, her body slightly brushed against his muscular chest. On the other hand Shaurya was mesmerized not by the beauty of the lake but by the person who is standing so close to him. Her loose strands of hair flies in the air and caresses his beard. He bend his head a bit down to inhale her scent, he recognized her usual fruity shampoo scent. She was busy looking around the view. From their view she can see some lakeside restaurants, bars, coffee shops. She was holding the baluster and turn to see Shaurya was right behind her. He held by her waist to straighten up, she chew her bottom lip in embarrassment. Shaurya pointed to her straight and said, there is the ghat (steps leading down to a river) to this lake. I can bring you tomorrow evening he said then we can go to one of the restaurants near the lake to have dinner too, her face immediately sprouted with a big smile. After walking around there, they went back to their room.
Shaurya asked her to fresh up first as he needs to make some calls. He went to the balcony to talk as Mehak went to bathroom. She came out after a while and Shaurya headed to freshen up. In the meantime Mehak called maa and maasi to inform them they have arrived and asked about everyone at home. She hang up and her eyes caught on Shaurya’s MacBook which was left open, the screensaver was their haldi picture both taken a selfie with their tongue out, another one was when she was in the swing in the cottage at Manali, and another few random shots of her taken at many occasions from their ISC moments and to the recent pujas. Her feet made towards his MacBook and looked at the pictures as it replays. Those memories are still fresh in her mind. how he was upset during the haldi and how she went to convince him for the ceremony and how she slyly rub her cheek of haldi with his bearded cheeks which immediately melted him. She knows that she is his weakness and he is hers. All the photos are the witness of their happy moments and she realize, she is missing them badly. Though they are together but they are still strangers. Her hand went to the image of him on the monitor and caressed gently. As she was doing that she heard the shower sound in the bath has stop she quickly runs to the bed and settle herself on the right side of the bed before Shaurya comes. He came out of the bathroom and saw her cover herself till her head and he knows she is not sleeping as he runs his hand on his wet hair. He heads to the dresser and as he wipes his hair and brush them he saw Mehak peeping from the blanket at him. Holding his chuckle he put back the brush and walk to his MacBook taking them to the bed and sat at his side. He switch off the rest of the lights in the room except for his side and quietly do his work and not to interrupt Mehak who is facing the window. Her back was facing him and he knows that she is not sleeping yet. He turned off his MacBook and put it away as he slips into the blanket, his one hand rested below his head and one on his chest. He looked at the well painted ceiling as his thoughts clouded at the person lying next to him. There is the devil in him wants to pull her closer to him and show all the bottled up love in him to her. She is all his heart and body yearned badly and he is waiting for her to realize that and he wants to start anew. While on the other side of the bed Mehak as she fiddling with her mangal sutra’s pendant as her mind was still on the photos she saw on the screensaver. Her mind asked has he really changed or he is acting cos maa and all are there so he trying to be nice with me. Another voice said be careful he is Shaurya Khanna and always ready to strike on you, another voice said he is not the same Shaurya Khanna from ISC this guys is madly in love with you and willing to die for you and he did many deeds because he loves you madly, Mehak if you listen to the other voice you will lose the love of your life and then be alone for the rest of your life, listen to me and think properly. Mehak shakes off these two voices out of her mind and told herself to sleep not to think too much, she turned from the right side to the left and Shaurya did turn to his right and both look at each other, Mehak gasped a little seeing him and she blink her eyes twice. Shaurya smile as he looks at her confused state. He asked you are not sleeping? She whispered maybe its new place so feeling unusual. She tore her gaze away from him and closed her eyes. Shaurya smiles seeing her and he drowned into sleep too.
The next morning Shaurya woke up, showered and dressed up and sees from the mirror of the dressing table Mehak was still sleeping soundly. He went near her and adore her pretty face and close the curtains near her window so she can sleep longer. He caressed her head gently not to awake her and though he tempted to plant a kiss on her, he refrained from doing so. He has to rush to his new hotel site which the opening is just around the corner. He took the complimentary notepad from the hotel and wrote a note, Good morning Mehak, I am going to my hotel site to oversee the work and have urgent meeting with vendors. So have breakfast at the coffee house and relax, didn’t want to wake you up as you were sleeping soundly. See you later, Shaurya Khanna. He left the note on the bedside table and walk slowly from the room. After his quick breakfast he left to his work.
It was only around morning 10am, Mehak gets up from her deep slumber. She wakeup groggily and rubs her eyes and yawning widely not knowing the time. She took her mobile to see the time and saw there was a note beneath her mobile. She took both and with a sleepy face and still yawning she look at the time it was already 10 something in the morning, her eyes wide opened seeing the time as she utter Oh teri! And quickly look around to see where is Shaurya and seeing him not in the room made her to calm down. She quickly saw the note in her hand and read them loudly. She face palmed the note on her forehead and shakes her head. She smiled at herself and self-talking to her Mehak you never get a chance to sleep till 10 am in your life today is your day sleep and enjoy , she fall back again on the bed moving her hands and legs in a childish manner. She read back the note and asked herself relax. What can I do to relax? Food is relaxing part, sleeping is relaxing too but what makes me completely relax? She took her mobile and start to search things to do at Jaipur, and there were number of suggestions and lists came off from the search. Okay I shall go and see the town on my own and do lots of shopping, she quickly gets up and headed to the bathroom. Once freshen up, she took her sling bag and sling it across her body and neatly plait her hair. She was wearing a jeggings and a kurti with some colorful bangles with a small earring. She locked her room and headed to the breakfast area and saw many varieties of food. She quickly had something and headed to the reception area of the hotel. She inquired how to go to bazaars and took a cab from the hotel to the bazaar.
It was after noon and Shaurya’s meeting ended. He oversee all the work and his site manager explained that the hotel is ready for opening as all touch up work is completed just some testing of equipment’s and all should be running as normal. Once he confirmed all and he asked him to make sure all is completed on time as there shouldn’t be any problem on the opening as he has invited many delegates, VIPs for this event. Though there are many hotels in Jaipur he bought this one and refurbished this as he will be offering services at the attractive rates. The manager nodded and Shaurya headed to leave. His car came and asked where to and Shaurya asked to go back to the hotel. As he reached his hotel, he was greeted by the guards. He headed straight to his room. He unlocked the door and see the room was quiet and he wonders where she would have went. He tried to call her mobile and she didn’t answer. He gets worried and heads to the reception area to enquire. They told him that earlier Mehak asked about direction to the bazaar and she took the cab from the hotel to the bazaar. He ask his driver to bring him to the bazaar as well. Deep in his heart he was scolding her for going on her own without telling him as this is new place and how if she gets lost or gets herself into trouble. He shakes off the thought and asked the driver to speed up. He reached the bazaar and it was pretty crowded. He walks thorough the old street packed with people hoping to see her. He reached some stalls selling street foods. He pass by that and saw a familiar figure running and some men running behind her. He quickly goes to that direction and wait in the nearby lane and he saw the familiar figure hiding behind there, he walks quickly and saw the person behind the lane was none other than Mehak. He covered her mouth with his palm before she let out a scream. It was then the men who was looking for her running pass behind Shaurya and they were asking around did anyone see a girl passing this site and someone replied didn’t see. Hearing their tone Mehak quickly hide herself on Shaurya’s chest by hugging him tightly. She wrapped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes tightly. Shaurya was froze in that moment when she hugged him tightly. It was the same as their first hugging when he pranked her that he met in an accident and she came running for him and hugged him tightly as she confess her love for him. He was feeling ecstatic when she embrace him and shivers crawled up his spine as her breathing hit his chest. He could hear her heart beat clearly. He hold her gently not to ruin the moment he caressed her hair and he noticed that she have pleated them today. He slowly asked, Mehak are you okay! She only manage to hmm at him. Why are you running? That’s when she slowly lift her head from his chest to see him, she loosen her grip around his waist and look at him. He notice that she is dressed up differently today and he scanned her clothing from his view. She told him nothing just some misunderstandings. He exhale a deep breath adoring her cute face, what happen tell me. Why are you running and why these men are after you? She was fidgeting her sling bag’s strap chewing her lips. Seeing her standing like little girl who did mistake waiting for her punishment was a real enjoyment for Shaurya. He leaned his head out from the lane to see if the men are still there, he checked on the right and left and they were nowhere to be seen but an evil idea came into his mind. He quickly stand closer to her and said in panic tone they are coming, saying that Mehak quickly hide herself in his chest and wrapping her hands around his waist, he grinned wickedly as he embrace her and he can hear her praying. They were like that for several minutes and Shaurya slowly ask her what happen tell me or else both of us have to be here whole day, she muttered, I came to bazaar to sightseeing and shopping while I was walking I tripped and accidently pushed the clay pots in one of the shops. He tight lipped his chuckle and asked then. I said sorry but the shop owner asked me to pay for the loss, I said no and started to walk away but he sent his men after me. He loosen his hold gently from her and pull to see her, she looked adorable and he wants to continue with his trick, she asked gently can you check are they still there or not. He bend his head out to check the lane is just looks normal and said they are still waiting there and now they have to stay here till they go off, with panic stricken voice Mehak gasped what are we going to do Shaurya, she was apprehensive as her palms rested on his chest she looked up at him and asked what are we going to do now Shaurya, I didn’t do it on purpose you know it was accident. She pouted and nibbled her lower lip as she always does in anxiety. He close the distance between as he leaned to her as he rested both his hands on the wall caging her in between him. She keep mumbling something till she lifted her eyes to see as his six foot frame towered her. She saw his eyes had a different kind of expression, she can’t recall what is it as her chest heaved up and down against his chest. Their nose tips rubbed on one another as the space is narrow and it can hardly fit one person but two of them have to stay closer to each other. Her throat went dry as he looked intently at her and his focus was on her lips. She wet her lips with her tongue and gently push his chest which made him to jerk a little, he came off from his trance she asked him what you doing? He closed his eyes and take a deep breath as he said protecting you from the bad guys how if they come back again looking for you. Mehak ask him to step aside as she will check whtr they are there or not before she does that Shaurya tugged her into a tight clutch and she was again on his chest. She inhale his scent, a scent which is very familiar to her and which is her favorite too. His scent and warmth only made her panic increase and she started to squirm in his hold and asking him what is he doing, has he gone mad or what, he didn’t loosen his hold on her but take a deep breath as if he is drowning in a deep ocean and cleared his throat saying in his low tone, I am scared that they will do something to you, she stop squirming in his hold immediately hearing his tone. She asked I thought you are fearless and bold what happen to all these now, you go and teach them a lesson she whispered. He was enjoying the moment and replied that’s in Delhi here its Jaipur, I can’t do that here. Huh she gasped in confusion as she lifted her face to see him. What is with Delhi and Jaipur, if someone knows how to fight in Delhi will they forget everything when they are in Jaipur or what she asked? He was baffled what to answer her and tried to meddle his word. Then Mehak rolled her sleeves, come lets go from here, we shall see what they will do now, she hold his large hand and started to walk out from the lane.
Following behind her like a lost puppy he was a smile like a college boy who just got his love letter from his crush. He didn’t know where is she dragging him to but he like the feeling where her hand in his and how earlier both stayed close to each other at the lane. Her sudden hug, and her breathing on his chest and her scent created havoc in him. Later they reached a stall with the cracked and broken pots on the ground and he understood she have brought him where she got herself in trouble. The shop owner almost want to pounce on her but Shaurya move Mehak behind him and she hide herself behind him holding his right bicep. He asked in his stern voice, how much the loss is. The shop owner said Rps5000. Shaurya took out his wallet to pay him but Mehak stopped him just now he said Rps3000 only now how come he is asking Rps5000. Shaurya look at his shoulder to see her and turn to see the shop owner, he scratched his head and said I mistaken earlier so I calculate them as Rps3000 but its Rps5000 actually. She made us to run around the bazaar so we calculate all into the loss .Shaurya paid the money and turns to see Mehak who left his bicep stepped forward to the shop and this time she was standing at his shop bravely took two pots in both her hands and throw them on the floor which made him bemused at her. She looked at the shocked shop owner free gift for Rps5000 purchase she walk away passing Shaurya. He can’t control his laughter anymore and started to laugh rambunctiously tailing behind her.
She glared at him and he immediately stop laughing but he couldn’t stop himself as she stop in front of him and folded her arms on her chest telling him are you done laughing now. So then come let’s go for lunch I am hungry now. He shakes his head and tell himself how much he is in love with her as he follow her. They reached a restaurant which is quiet famous for Rajasthani dishes. They ordered some food and Shaurya suggested that they walk around the bazaar and he asked her does she wants anything. She wanted to get some gifts for those at home and he bring her for her gift shopping, he told her for that he will bring her to a different bazaar as they have many choices there, she nodded and to enlighten her mood he asked want dessert or not and immediately her face brighten hearing his suggestion and said lets go. He shakes his head looking at her enthusiasm she have for food. They reached the famous dessert stall and he asked her to order and she happily ordered all her favorite dessert she wants and they waiter pass them to her, she gulped down the gulab jamun in her mouth as Shaurya looks at her, she quickly took one and bring it to his lips and she refuse to eat them worried about the calorie and sugar content but seeing her excitement eating and also the person who is offering him made him to open his mouth so she push the jamun in his mouth. She asked him as she raise her eye brows asking him how is it? He slowly chew them as he enjoy the moment with her.
Soon it was sunset and Shaurya walked with her till they reach the ghat which he promised her to show, she was delighted seeing the steps where some are dipping their legs there enjoying the sunset, she took off her flats and dip her feet in the lake as she sit down, he saw her and when she turned to see him he looked at the sunset and the lake. She gestured him to come and sit down with her, she dusted off the ground with her hand and he sat next to her. She suggested him to dip his legs into the lake as well he took off his loafers and rolled his jeans up as slowly dip his leg inside the lake. Mehak chuckled seeing him and her grinned at her as he rested with his forearm on the steps leaning his body on the steps too. They heard a bell ringing from a temple and Mehak straighten up to see to that direction. She nudged Shaurya to see one of the architectural far away but he didn’t respond as he was busy seeing boat ride at the lake. Annoyed Mehak kicked his leg which was still dip inside the lake, the touch of her leg on his made him to turn immediately to her. His eyes fixed on her as she pointed him to a direction but his mind and face was only on her. He only manage to hmm at her but he still not recovered from the sensation he received a moment ago. Mehak turned to see him and she tucked her hair behind her ear and asked what happen, he grinned lopsided as Mehak start pointing randomly at some building there and he nodded and joined her conversation.
They walked from there and reached a small homely styled café. While having their dinner Shaurya keep stealing glance at Mehak as she looks very different and Mehak notice him stealing glance at her and she cleared her throat and rested her palm below her chin which made him to look at her instantly. He asked why what happen, why you are not eating. She asked I think you want to ask something right? He nodded his head Yes and NO, he put back the spoon on his plate and looked at her as he rolled his tongue inside his cheek. I was just wondering today you look different, never seen you wearing jeans before and kurti tops like this, you look like a college student and I am in formal like this makes me looks old. Mehak chuckled at his response and she started to eat and she said its Sonal’s idea for me to try something different than suits so we got this when went shopping. I feel awkward too wearing like this he immediately wave at her as he wipes his mouth with the napkin, no you look great trust me. Hearing his tone just made her cheeks warm and she look at her plate throughout the dinner even when Shaurya asked if she wants dessert. She deny the offer saying she is full but actually she felt some unknown feeling knotting in her tummy. After the dinner Shaurya suggested the boat ride and Mehak agreed for it.
They sat on the opposite of each other as the boatman rows the boat slowly in the lake. Both enjoyed the sunset and the slow movement of the boat as the sound of wave in the lake moves slowly. The scenery was picturesque as the boatman pointed them some of the havelis and historical monuments as he explain them. The boat shakes a little when the boatman maneuvers back to the ghat which frightened Mehak, she immediately jump to Shaurya’s side and sat next to him. To hide her embarrassment she looked at the left side of the boat and as Shaurya press his lips not to let his happiness burst out.
They reach back their hotel and Mehak went to freshen up and snuggled into the bed. While she was in shower, Shaurya was busy arranging his next day meetings and schedules. Later both drifted to a good night sleep.
Note : This song came into my mind while I was updating this chapter thus I input them in here.
Dhaage tod laao chaandani se noor ke
Break the strings of light from the moonlight and come
Ghoonghat hi bana lo roshani se noor ke
Make a viel from the light of this brightness
Dhaage tod laao chaandani se noor ke
Break the strings of light from the moonlight and come
Ghoonghat hi bana lo roshani se noor ke
Make a viel from the light of this brightness
Sharam aa gayi toh aaghosh mein lo
If You feel shy, then come into my embrace
Ho saanson se uljhi rahein meri saansein
Let Your Breath remain tangled with mine
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly
Aa neend ka sauda karein
Come on let’s trade our sleep
Ek khwaab de ik khwaab le
Give me one dream and take one from me
Ek khwaab toh aankhon mein hai
There is already one dream in my eyes
Ek chaand ke takiye talein
And one is one the pillow of the moon
Kitne dino se yeh aasamaan bhi soya nahi hai isko sula de
This sky hasn’t slept for many days, lets send it to sleep
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly
Umarein lagi kehate huye
It took me ages to say
Do labz the ek baat thi
There were two words and one talk
Woh ek din sau saal ka
That one day seemed like a hundred years
Sau saal ki woh raat thi
That one night seemed like a hundred years
Kaisa lage jo chup chaap dono Ho pal pal mein puri sadiyaan bitaa dein
How would it feel, if both of us secretively, live like centuries in every moment
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Dhaage tod laao chaandani se noor ke
Break the strings of light from the moonlight and come
Ghoonghat hi bana lo roshani se noor ke
Make a viel from the light of this brightness
Sharam aa gayi toh aaghosh mein lo
If You feel shy, then come into my embrace
Ho saanson se uljhi rahein meri saansein
Let Your Breath remain tangled with mine
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Bol na halke halke
Speak softly softly
Honth se halke halke
Softly from the lips
Bol na halke
Speak softly