Few weeks later,
"I am not happy with the state of relationships in my home Jhanvi," Kalyani Singh Oberoi said, her voice laced with disappointment.
"Things will get better mummy ji. Shivaay and Anika share a strong bond, they will get over the obstacles together. I hope Pinky understands that soon," her elder daughter in law tried to see light in the darkness.
"I never thought that Pinky would stoop so low Jhanvi. She has always been outspoken and loose tongued but I always took it as her innocent jealousy. I never thought she would turn into such a vile creature I saw weeks ago. I just couldn't believe her words," the elder one said with a shake of head.
"Shivaay loves his mother. Everybody knows that. To cast such an important person out of his life and to ask her to keep away from his wedding rituals must be traumatizing to him as well."
"Yes mummy ji but he is not wrong in wanting to do so. What Pinky did is too hard to forgive in two days. Things will take time to normalize."
"What about your son? I do not like Gauri staying in this house as a guest Jhanvi. She is my grand daughter in law and she is supposed to stay in your son's room."
Jhanvi sighed at the tone of rebuke.
"Mummy ji, Omkara is yet to realize that he more than likes Gauri"
"What? When did your shaayar become a gawaar? Hai rabba mere teeno poote nalayak nikle (all my three grandsons are useless)" she exclaimed dramatically.
Jhanvi chuckled and added snidely, "It is you who had spoilt them with your takkar wala ishqbaazi stories. That is the reason I think that they are waiting for fights now, rather than love."
Kalyani rolled her eyes at the statement.
"Yeah, you have put the entire blame on me. What are you doing here discussing this with me? Shouldn't you go smack your son and tell him to get to senses sooner?"
"No mummy ji. Om is just afraid to accept the truth. We shouldn't point that out to him. He will take it in a wrong way, that we are interfering with his life. Instead, we just have to create a circumstance where he can realize his folly on his own."
"Oh? What do you suggest then?"
"I think all my son needs is time and privacy with his wife."
Kalyani curiously looked at her daughter in law as she asked, "Does this have anything to do with my friend Tadaka?"
"Yes mummy ji. In this mansion, getting space is not possible, atleast not with the current conditions."
"Rightly said. Don't worry about it anymore Jhanvi. I will make sure your son gets his time with Gauri."
Jhanvi smiled and hugged her mother in law.
"Thank you mummy ji. I know talking to you would solve the problem."
The matriarch gave her a guilty smile as she caressed her hair.
"No Jhanvi. I did so much injustice to you by asking you to stay married to my son who only insulted you. For what I had done, consider this a small penance. Omkara always suffered because of our wrong decisions. He needs love and I am sure Gauri will give him that in abundance"
"I have no doubts about it mummy ji," Jhanvi agreed with a smile.
************************************************************************************
Omkara looked at the clock which chimed one in the noon. He then turned towards the door expectantly.
In the last few days, he had been busy, painting and sculpting for his upcoming exhibition. It so happened that he forgot his meals a few times for which he had been lectured on the importance of food and hunger by a certain angry chirayya.
He smiled as he remembered the fuss she made when he skipped his lunch and dinner on the same day.
The domestic side of their relationship has been strangely endearing to him unlike in his past relationships when he never liked anyone interrupting his work.
Omkara always feared that if he kept quiet, the girls he dated might think that they had a string on him which he never wanted. That thought however did not occur to him with his Bareilly girl as he knew that she would never cross the border of his personal space.
Or maybe you were pretty much occupied ogling at her rather than actually listening to her scolding... his brain added with a smirk.
Omkara shook his head with a guilty smile, rubbing his neck shyly as he thought of her lips opening and close with speed while she chided him.
Wasn't he the perfect gentleman a month ago? How can he think of her romantically when she had no notion of it.
It was sweet of her to make sure that he should have at least one meal with her when she would make sure that he is adequately stuffed for the rest of the day.
He chuckled as he remembered his lunches with her. The girl, tiny as she seems, ate like a mini dinosaur in contrast to him who had been a meagre eater since his youth.
He was surprised to find himself enjoying his food when he sat with her listening to her chirp about anything and everything. She talked a mile a minute and he had to keep up with her speed not to miss her point lest she took him as an uninterested, boring person.
Will she come for lunch or will they have a late night dinner like the past two days because she was busy with his brother's wedding preparations? he wondered.
Although he felt in the wrong for not having time to help her and his younger brother arrange for Shivaay's big day, he trusted her enough to take his place and complete the task with ease.
Amidst his rush to complete the pending works for his exhibition on his mother's request, he willed himself to step down his role of a subservient brother for a short while.
A soft knock on his door broadened his smile and he hurried to open it, expecting to greet the smiling face of his brothers' new confederate.
"So you finally found time in your busy day," he asked with a smile and got a tired sigh in response.
"Were you hungry Omkaraji? You should have started eating," said Gauri as she walked into the room.
"I like eating with you Gauri," he said without thinking, making her sharply turn to him, raising her eyebrows at the sudden boldness.
That is too direct Om.... she might feel uncomfortable.. he scolded himself correcting his statement at once.
"I mean.. uhh.. It is boring to eat alone."
Of course, what else did you expect my lady... her conscience mocked as she gave him an understanding nod.
The house help came with the ordered food while Gauri arranged the plates near the study where they usually ate.
After a while of comfortable silence during which both of them filled their empty stomachs, Gauri initiated a small talk.
"Did the portrait please you this time or are you starting to draw it again?" she asked looking around the room.
Omkara chuckled as he said, "I took your advice that it looked good enough to be exhibited. I started working on the lady instead."
"Kaunsa womaniya?" she asked, a frown marring her features.
Omkara bit his lip to hold back a grin.
"The one I told you about Gauri."
"She still comes in your dreams?" she asked, her voice unable to conceal her disapproval.
"Yup," he said popping the p as he put the spoon inside his mouth tasting the carrot halwa before he made a face and pushed it aside.
Too much sugar ... he mumbled making her roll her eyes.
"How far is that done?"
"I barely put a spoon in my mouth Gauri."
"Not the sweet dish Omkaraji. I am talking about your maya"
It was Omkara's turn to roll eyes at her.
She gave that name to his muse saying she found a resemblance with a bollywood movie, where the hero dreams about a fictional girl, whom he thought as the heroine of a drama he directed.
"I almost finished it," he answered her.
"This soon?"
"Well, it was half done previously. I added a few bits now."
Gauri nodded and sulked in silence trying to gulp the now tasteless food.
Can't believe you are jealous of a fictional girl ... her brain scolded her.
Yes... because she is the one Omkaraji calls his inspiration... she answered back.
He must be bluffing you know. It has become his favourite pass time recently... to rile you up... her heart tried to reason.
Maybe, but that is not assuring too. He has left his Nandi form to suddenly become this sweet person and if this continued, you are not in a safe place... she warned it.
"Do you want to see her?" her husband asked watching her keenly.
"Huh?"
"The girl of my dreams, do you want to see her?" he quoted and she made a face.
"Did you finish your meal? I am going downstairs. Daadi ji wanted to talk something. You should come down as well," she said veering from his question, getting up from her place.
Omkara couldn't stop the grin this time as he held her wrist, making her stop and turn to him in question.
"Come," he said and pulled her to the canvas he has been working on before she made her entry.
"Ummm... we might get late Omkaraji. Daadi..."
Omkara turned to her, once they reached the covered art work and looked straight into her eyes.
"Shhh... it won't take much time," he said in a tone which made her heart flutter.
How the hell was she supposed to say a no to that.
The fact that he has been taking advantage of his effect over her did not go unnoticed by her but she just couldn't bring herself to dampen his mood these days.
Damn your biased mind... she scolded herself.
Once Omkara was sure she will not object, he turned around and uncovered the picture in a pace, slow enough to pique her curiosity.
Okay...brace yourself to see the woman you are starting to dislike... Gauri groaned internally before she took a look and gasped in wonder.
Lying on the green recliner in an alluring pose was a woman whom she knew more closely than anyone. Those captivating eyes and the innocent smile couldn't be anyother's but hers.
She always thought that she looked more beautiful on her husband's canvas than in real.
From the color of her skin to the waves of her hair, he seems to have thoroughly memorised her in his mind to paint and give life to his sketch.
How he managed to bring a portrait to life, she couldn't fathom. Instead, she just stood mute and admired herself taking in every detail that he painted with skill.
Just as she noted the beige colored chiffon saree the woman so elegantly wore, for a fleeting second, she was taken back to the day when he hurt her without mercy.
A sane part of her mind relived through the accusations and taunts he had to say against her.
It won't be long before he changes his mind and decided to throw you out of the house again... her brain said and she decided to pay heed to the fair warning.
Omkara watched his muse's wonder filled eyes suddenly dull with pain. Her stance changed the very minute and the magic broke in no time.
"Gauri?" he called her in worry as he took her hand in his.
When she stared at him with eyes which no longer held warmth, his heart fretted.
"This?" she mumbled in doubt.
"D..Didn't you like it?" he asked disappointed.
Though she felt guilty to hurt his feelings, she decided it is for the best.
"Umm.. we are getting late... Come, we can talk about this later," she passed him a fake smile tugging at his hand which held hers.
Omkara frowned at the dismissal but stood his ground, turning her to face him.
"Gauri, did you not like it?" he asked again.
"We are getting..."
"We can go once you answer me," he insisted and she momentarily closed her eyes in dread before she opened them again to look into his chocolate brown ones.
"No.. I mean yes, I liked it but you were to show me the picture of your inspiration girl," she chuckled, acting dumb.
Her husband sighed and silently gazed at her face, giving her an answer she did not want to know at that moment.
Please don't say anything Omkaraji... I cannot fall for you again.... she pleaded him but just like many times before, he did not listen to her plea.
"She...... is my inspiration Gauri," he said in a patient tone and Gauri could only watch in helplessness as he succesfully claimed her heart again.
"I... me.... Omkaraji..." she stuttered as he raised his hand to caress her cheek.
"You are my inspiration and I cannot thank you enough for it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper and she unconsciously leaned into his touch.
As he looked at her so lovingly, she struggled hard to make her heart listen to her.
This might not end up well Gauri. You need to give yourself more respect ... Be his friend and nothing more, it is for everyone's good... her mind screamed and she tore herself from his hold, creating distance.
"Gauri?"
"I am honored Omkaraji. Truely, this is uhh... b...beautiful. You are a gifted person," she complimented in the most formal tone she could muster.
Omkara knitted his eyebrows wondering why she acted as if she is unaffected by his confession.
If he took her stammer as a sign, surely his words shook her.
Then why the denial?
Any other time, he would have given her time to let his words sink in but her sudden detachment from him troubled his mind.
He wanted to ask her the same when he stopped short on hearing a tap on the partly opened door.
"Mom?" he called, recognising the visitor and Gauri turned around with a relieved sigh thanking her mother in law for the interruption.
"Are you both in some discussion? Should I come later?" Jhanvi asked in concern.
"No maaji, I was just about to go down," her daughter in law replied.
"Gauri, daadi is calling you," Rudra's voice called the next minute and Gauri excused herself as her mother in law mumbled an okay.
"Ummm... did you want anything mom? I would have come to your room had you called me," Omkara asked as he saw her mother's eyes intently follow Gauri's steps.
Jhanvi shifted attention to her son as she said, "I just came to call you downstairs Om. Mummyji wanted some help with Shivaay's wedding rituals."
"Oh, but you told me that the exhibition will be in two days. I am almost done with the work mom. I just need some time before I can help with other things"
"I know Om but it is just for a few minutes. She wants to talk to you. You can continue your work after that," informed Jhanvi and her son muttered an okay.
"Are you sure things are okay between you two?" Jhanvi asked in doubt.
"Why do you ask that?"
"I don't know, she appeared... uhh... guarded," she replied making him silently ponder about the why.
The mother observed her son's dilemma and decided not to worry him unnecessarily.
"Maybe she is tired. Leave it for now Om, come with me. You might like what is to happen soon," she said cheerfully.
Omkara couldn't help but smile at his mother's enthusiasm.
"What is it mom? What made you so happy?"
Jhanvi grinned but decided to keep the suspence.
"Come with me," she said taking his hand and he shook his head smilingly before following her downstairs.
***********************
"Daadi, you wanted to talk?" Rudra asked on behalf of his brothers.
"Yes Rudy, I want to allocate one task to each of you three brothers so that the rituals will be organized without hindrance."
"Tasks?" Anika mumbled and Gauri looked on with interest.
"Okay, whatever you say daadi," Shivaay agreed and the elderly woman smiled at him.
"You are the eldest grandson of the house billu, I want everything perfect in your wedding. First of all, the rituals should start with the installation of our kuldevta in the mansion"
"Which one daadi?" Rudra asked curiously.
"The Shiv-Parvathi idol which is with my friend in our native village Rudy. Your grandfather entrusted the responsibility of maintaining our ancestral house to his best friend Haridas Shukla," she explained.
"Haridas bhaisab passed away a few years back and his wife who is also my best friend Taadka, has taken charge from then."
"Okay so we have to bring the idol here. Is that what you want daadi?" Shivaay asked.
"Yes, but I want Omkara to do it," she announced, making her family wonder about the reason.
"Me?"
"Yeah, after Shivaay it is you who is the elder one in the house. Your brother cannot go to bring the idol himself, since I want him here for some rituals. So, the responsibility falls on your shoulders."
"But daadi, I cannot go now," he started in protest when she stopped him.
"I know, Jhanvi told me Om. You can go after your exhibition."
"Still, it is a twelve hour drive from here. I will be bored if I go alone daadi. Ask Rudra to..."
"Gauri will accompany you," she said making him seal his lips and raise an eyebrow.
Gauri who had been a mute participant till then decided to speak after recovering from the surprise.
"Daadi, I have a lot of unfinished work. How can I..."
"Do not worry my dear. Rudra will take care of the arrangements here and Shivaay with Anika will have to perform certain pre wedding rituals as well. By the time you two come, we will be ready to start the main preparations."
"But.."
"Pack your bags from now. You need to stay a week there," came the next order making her heart drop.
A week trip with her husband?... not happening.
"That is too long daadi ji. Can we not come home as soon as we got the idol?" Gauri asked in helplessness.
"Gauri beta, Taadaka wants to properly welcome Omkara. She used to love him the most when he was a child. When I told her about the visit, she felt extremely happy. All she asked was to let him spend a week with her in our house. I did not have the heart to deny her wish beta," she explained.
"I am sure you will keep my word."
Omkara could see the hesitation in Gauri's eyes before she nodded a yes.
He turned to his mother who was grinning at him.
So, a week long trip with Gauri was what his mother was happy about?...he deduced.
But why did his wife not show that excitement? he thought grimly, when he saw Jhanvi gesture him a what.
He sighed and shook his head telling her that nothing was wrong and saw her returning a happy smile.
Maybe he was looking too much into it. He will find answers during their trip together... he assured himself, allowing a small smile to form on his face when his brothers diverted his attention to other mundane things.
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Hope you enjoyed reading the long update.
I again thank you all for the prayers....❤❤ love you guys.
See you soon... until later.
Yours Soujanya.