As the ceremony came to an end, Gauri noticed that the missing pair had once again made their presence visible in the crowd of Oberoi and Mehra's clan. (Mehra's- Ranveer's family.)
Gauri stood there, seeing the happy faces of Priyanka and Ranveer as they celebrated the acceptance to their marriage.
"Hi, I'm Bella." A rather sweet and british voice came from behind Gauri.
Gauri turned to face her and saw the beautiful young woman standing behind her with a rather inviting smile.
"Hi, I'm Gauri. Nice to meet you." Gauri introduced herself with a smile as they shook hands.
"I've never seen you here before." Bella chirped, maintaining the smile.
"Oh, Om and I..." Gauri started to explain her relation to the Oberoi's but immediately realised that she and Omkara were not an official or any 'thing' anymore.
"Priyanka and I are very close friends, sisters almost. So..." Gauri informed mirroring her smile.
"Really? I've known all of Oberoi's family and friends for a long time now. Never heard your name in any conversations." Bella said, changing her smile to a frown on her beautiful face.
Gauri was not cold hearted but never appreciated much interference in her life and Bella here, definitely was walking on dangerous ground right now.
"That is because, if we start talking about her, we don't stop. She is like the second daughter of this family after Prinku." It was Gauri's dear brother, Shivaay bhaiya who backed her on this in front of Bella.
"Oh, that's why. But, I've never even seen her around here. Have you visited after a long while?" Bella asked, maintaining that judgmental tone.
Seriously? What is she, an archeologist or a historian of some sort who recorded the people who visited the Oberoi's every time?
"I live in LA, so I never really have the time to visit." Gauri said, changing her smile from a genuine one to a very fake one.
"LA? That's wonderful! I see you are married! Your partner and you must be having the time of your life. Clubbing, partying, sitting under the tree all the time, and whatnot." Bella said, constantly maintaining the high pitched voice, that poked Gauri's brain in annoyance.
Sitting under the tree all the time? Ugh! Seriously?!
Nobody had ever irritated Gauri till this point. She didn't know what irritated her more- the fact that she was one of Omkara's old flames or her never wavering smile added to that ear piercing loud voice or her judgmental views and interest in Gauri's life.
While Gauri waited eagerly for this conversation to end, she noticed Omkara standing at a distance and watching their conversation. To add to her annoyance, she noticed that Omkara was laughing while listening to Bella's and Gauri's conversation.
As much as Gauri hated the fact that Omkara had known her better than anyone, she knew that Omkara was purposely laughing at her knowing how much she hated Bella's interest in her life. Privacy was very important to Gauri. She shot Omkara a death glare before turning to the smiling fool, who was interfering and judging Gauri's life.
"I actually lead a pretty exciting life. I have a nice job, some very nice friends, and yes, my partner and I lead a pretty wonderful life." Gauri replied.
"Oh, but life must be very hectic and show-off, don't you think?" Bella further irritated Gauri.
To Gauri's pleasure, Anika called out her name and Gauri excused herself and made her way out of Bella's reach immediately.
