Waltz of Hummingbirds

5.Scandal & Lies

"She thought Reyansh was the one", Sonal spoke after the pregnant pause, "she is deeply hurt by his betrayal". Nandita agreed, "But other than her, everyone else knew he was taking advantage of her. When will she grow up?". Sonal was unable to contradict or agree to her. She knew Mehek too well to understand her nature. She wants success & popularity but deep down she craves for affection & acceptance.

Parents were so busy in their own world that they missed to take good care of young Mehek. Atleast her father was attentive enough not to leave her with servants but let her be with his mother. So little Mehek was brought up in her grandmother's care . She treated her like a princess who grew up believing in fairy tales. Mehek was abruptly thrown into real world owing to her grandmother's sudden demise. Soon her father too passed away, leading her mother to be extremely busy handling their business. Thereby Mehek shuttled between boarding schools & hostels. Eventually, Mehek failed to be both words, neither fairy tales nor harsh real world.

"Nandita Ma'am, Mehek needs help to come out of the distress", Sonal spoke, "And also this recent scandal". "I will take care of the issues in company", Nandita promised even though it was difficult, "I want you to take care of Mehek". Sonal wasn't surprised. Nandita Ma'am was incapable of taking care of her own child. Rather than handing over Mehek to the best person available, she could never manage Mehek personally. 

Over the time, Mehek never wanted her mother either. "Don't hestiate to call Police in case the guy in the photograph or anyone approaches to blackmail Mehek", Nandita advised, "Meanwhile ensure that Mehek handles media well. In her emotional stress, she may do another blunder", she paused and added practically, "ask her if she..... Needs a gynac consultation. Last thing we need is an unwanted pregnancy". Sonal had to agree that Nandita thought sensibly, considering every angle yet wished that she was acted a bit more motherly to Mehek. She rebuked herself for overthinking. It is not the right time to criticise but act promptly. She quickly left in search of Mehek.

Locked in the bathroom, Mehek was crying out her heart. She remembered those times when her granny used to carefully wiped away her tears with care & concern. She missed her. Being alone had taught her not to show her weak side to outer world. Apart from Sonal, none had actually seen her vulnerable side. Not even Reyansh. She had always tried to be the perfect woman before him. His thoughts made her even angrier. "I won't leave you, Reyansh", she screamed, "you will pay for it". 

Mehek washed her face clean and put makeup to cover remnants of her break down. She wore her designer goggles to cover her blood shot eyes. As she took few deep breaths, her eyes fell on the ring on her finger. A nice piece of jewellery but reminder of a night that she wants to erase from her life. It was certain that man had put his heart to choose for his beloved. Something she was not lucky enough to experience. It made her adore it. It was meant for someone who didn't value him. Fate gave it to me. I value it and can't throw it away.

As Mehek walked out of her office towards her ride, few journalists hovered. Her security protected her, but their questions were hurtful. "How do you feel after sleeping with another man just after few hours of being jilted?......Is this revenge tactic to get back at your ex-fiance?"......."Did Reyansh Khurana leave you due to your wayward lifestyle?......Have you created this scandal to overcome shame of being left at altar?". 

Mehek had enough. Shouting her truth will not matter to them. Their hunger won't be quenched until it is spicy enough. So decided to give them what they truly deserved, a fake cooked up story that will lose taste in less time. She stopped and turned back to face them valiantly. Her security tried to usher her to car but she stood tall.

"The man in the photograph is my husband", Mehek proclaimed. Crowd was astonished but soon they tried to shoot more question but she stopped them. "We were in love for long. But my family forced me to marry Reyansh Khurana", she acted to be sad, "Yet I couldn't go through the marriage. So on my wedding day, I told him the entire truth. Reyansh left the venue in anger so I followed him to apologize. I guess his ego was too huge to see my helplessness. I am really sad to lose a good friend like Reyansh but it was inevitable", she sighed, gauging reaction of the audience. On realizing her story is absorbed, she continued, "I didn't waste any time to go in search of the man I truly love". 

Mehek then dramatically raised her hand to display the wedding ring. "We reconciled and got married that night itself", she told confidently, "the photograph was taken on the morning after our wedding. It is sad that people like us don't get any privacy. A cherishing moment was blown out of proportion for no reason. We are also humans. Why can't you leave us in peace?". Her final statement was not fake but  from bottom of her heart, accusing them.

"Ms Maan, who is the lucky man?"...."Where is your husband"..."When will the world know about the mystery man?" , questions poured in again. "He is a gentleman who values his privacy", Mehek defended herself, " we will soon give the official statement to media. Right now our priority is to convince our families and get their blessings. So I will really appreciate if you leave us alone for some time. But I promise we will appear before you soon". Mehek waved at them in style and walked towards her car keeping her head high.

Sonal watched it all from a little distance apart. By the time, she had found her boss, it was too late. Any intrusion from her side would have caused more problems. Mehek walked away with pride after bluffing her story. But Sonal knew it was just for time being. The announcement of her so called husband will soon land them in trouble, if not dealt properly. She was lost in her thought when her phone rang. It was Mehek, "Sonal, we need to find someone". Sonal gulped hard as she knew next few days are going to be chaotic.