Becoming Sweethearts [✓]

Part Fifty Seven

A few months later at the Oberoi Mansion

Omkara greeted Janhvi with a hug, while Gauri went to touch Kalyani's feet seeking blessings. "Shivaay and Annika Bhabhi reached?" Omkara asked, to which Janhvi said, "Not yet. They said they'll be reaching here only after midnight." Janhvi watched Gauri going upstairs to keep the overnight bag in the bedroom and in a hushed whisper said to him, "Your Daadi might start asking you both questions about when you both are planning to start a family. She asked me yesterday, and I told her that it is your decision as a couple and that none of us should involve in it. I didn't say anything in front of Gauri thinking she might feel embarrassed. If Daadi asks you, please don't get mad at her or answer her back. Be polite to her, okay?"

Omkara frowned and before he could say anything, Janhvi smiled in Gauri's direction, exclaiming they should have dinner. Gauri glanced at Omkara, who for some reason looked annoyed as he said, "Mom, we've had dinner from our home before coming. We only came here tonight since it would be tiring to come early tomorrow in the morning for the rituals."

Janhvi nodded in understanding, saying, "Fine, you both rest." Then looking at Gauri, she continued, "I'll wake you up at four in the morning for the sargi. After that, the mehendi artist will come over to apply henna. It's a long day tomorrow, so you should get good rest." Gauri sensed the disappointment in her mother-in-law's voice, and said, "We'll rest Mom, but we can definitely give you company while you have your dinner, even if we are done with ours." Janhvi beamed at that and then hurried to have her dinner as they kept her company.

***

Omkara had gone for a shower when Janhvi called Gauri downstairs to the living room. "This is for you," she said, handing over a heavy jewellery set to her. "Mom, but - " Janhvi insisted that Gauri accepted her gift on the occasion of karwachauth, and after a lot of hesitation she took it. As she watched Janhvi prepping the sargi to be given to her next morning, she saw another plate being arranged too. "This is for Annika," Janhvi said with a smile, and Gauri nodded understanding that Janhvi had stepped up to give Annika her sargi, after Pinky had outrightly refused to do so.

"Mom, you won't be keeping the karwachauth vrath, right?" Gauri asked after hesitating for a while. Even though Janhvi had filed for a divorce, it hadn't been granted, yet. So, technically she was still Tej's religiously and legally wedded wife. Although, Gauri would perfectly understand if she decided not to fast for the man who literally ruined her life, the matriarch of the Oberoi Family was too conservative and orthodox in many ways, even after being supportive towards the divorce that Janhvi had filed. Knowing Kalyani Singh Oberoi, it wouldn't be surprising if Janhvi would fast for Tej on the older woman's insistence.

"Pata nahi, I haven't thought about it." Janhvi said, looking away, and it didn't take long for Gauri to realize that Janhvi was actually confused. She held her hand and said, "Mom, as long as you're happy, nothing else matters." Janhvi nodded with a smile. "Chalo ab jao, so jao. You've to wake up quite early tomorrow morning." Gauri nodded.

Just before she went, Janhvi said, "And don't worry. I'll help you drape the saree tomorrow." Gauri smiled and shook her head, "Actually, I finally learned to drape it all by myself, Mom. And if I need help, I can ask Omkara..." Janhvi looked at her with a raised brow and a teasing smile. Gauri realized her words were misinterpreted, wherein she actually meant that Oberoi could help her with the safety pins and her pleats. "Mom, I meant -"

"It's okay, Gauri. You don't have to explain. It's between you both. Go, Om must be waiting for you." She nodded and went upstairs after saying a good night. Janhvi made a silent prayer, asking for all happiness for the young couple, thankful that Omkara had finally got the happiness in Gauri he had been lacking all his life.