To Melt a Frozen Heart - Rikara Short Story

The Distance Within

Author's Note:

Dear readers, there was a slight mistake in the previous part. Since it's been a while since I watched the show, I mistakenly thought Gauri hadn't completed her degree, but it was actually her schooling that remained unfinished. I've edited that in the previous part as well. Your comments motivate me to keep writing, so please drop a comment to let me know your thoughts or any observations—you're what keeps this story going!

"I have nothing left in me to give you, Omkara Ji... not love, nor hate, nor any forgiveness... Your mere touch disgusts me... I'll be your wife in front of the family and stand by you in front of the world, but in this room, we are no more than strangers."

Gauri's words from the previous night echoed in her mind, piercing through old wounds like flames licking at the surface. Under the cold spray of the shower, she wished the water could wash away her guilt, her anger, or perhaps both.

"What did I do? What have I become?" She stared blankly at the tiled wall, a deep sigh escaping her lips as her resolve hardened. "But isn't this what he wanted? I was always a tool to him—a pawn to remove Svetlana from the house, to keep his family happy, to silence his guilt, and to feed his ego. He'll never love you, Gauri. Don't make a fool of yourself again."

Hurrying out of the bathroom, she pulled her hair loose and sat at her vanity desk. As she brushed through the strands, memories of his gentle kisses on her hands flooded back, each touch softer than the last. But she caught herself, forcing her hands back into her lap. That moment was gone.

Behind her, Omkara lay half-awake in the chair, shifting to escape the sunlight peeking through the window. She glanced back at him, and before she knew it, she was moving toward him, her eyes tracing the softness of his features. She reached for his face, her hand almost touching him when—

A loud knock on the door startled her, snapping her back to reality. She turned toward the door, then back at him sharply, their eyes locking. He was already watching her, a small, hesitant smile creeping across his lips.

Gauri quickly looked away, flustered. "I was just... trying to wake you up. Someone's outside—probably Anika Bhaujaayi. After all, she was involved in your plan yesterday, wasn't she? She can't see you sleeping in a chair. Just... go to the bed." She pulled back, annoyed at how close she had allowed herself to get.

He nodded, obeying, though confusion lingered in his eyes.

"Aree, mere pyaare devar aur devrani ji, good morning!" Anika burst into the room, grinning. "Toh, kal ki raat khidki tod thi ki nahi?"

The room fell into an awkward silence, Gauri and Omkara exchanging startled looks. Anika laughed, misreading their reaction as shyness.

"Oops, sorry! I was too direct," she chuckled. "But judging by the two of you, I'm not wrong, am I?"

Before Omkara could react, Gauri hurried over, slipping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. Her heart hammered, but she tried to maintain her composure.

"Bhaujaayi, aap bhi na!" Gauri squealed through the hug, unable to face Anika.

Anika squealed in delight, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Chalo badhiya! Mission accomplished!" She winked, shoving two mugs toward them. "Enjoy your morning coffee, lovebirds." With that, she left, blushing as she recalled her own moments with Shivaay.

As the door closed, Omkara looked down at Gauri, still close to him. The memory of last night faded as he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her as if they'd been given a second chance.