To Melt a Frozen Heart - Rikara Short Story

Unraveling the Distance

Author's Note: Dear readers, sorry for not posting for almost a week. Work was hectic! But I am back with the next part. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Gauri sat on the bed, her mind a chaotic whirlwind. Confusion tugged at her thoughts, tearing her between two sides of Omkara—two versions of a man she once thought she understood.

"Who is he, really?" she wondered. The man who had confessed his love last night, his eyes soft with promises of change? Or the one who spoke sharply, who sought control, who had treated her as though she were nothing?

Her chest tightened as bitter memories of the past surged forward. She recalled how he had pulled her close only to push her away, how he had pretended to care, just to accuse her later of betrayal.

"No, Gauri," she resolved, her lips trembling but her voice firm. "Don't let yourself be fooled again. He will never love you. He said it himself once, didn't he? All of this—this concern, this sudden interest in my education—it's not for me. It's for him. For his ego. For his pride. So he can have a wife he won't be ashamed of in front of the world."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she wiped them away harshly. Her expression hardened, determination replacing the hurt.

"Alright, Mr. Omkara Singh Oberoi," she thought bitterly. "I'll do as you say. I'll complete my studies, but not for you. For myself. For Amma, who always dreamed of seeing me educated. This is my fight—not for your approval, but for my worth."

Gauri walked out to the living room approaching Latika, the tutor Omkara had hired, who was already seated with the family.

"Ma'am, I'm ready. Please let me know when we can start."

Latika smiled warmly. "Perfect. Let's head to the drawing room. Mr. Omkara has set up your study there. Today, we'll go over the goals, assess what you already know, and plan a schedule. We'll start lessons tomorrow."

Thus began Gauri's journey back to education. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into a month. Her routine grew structured: mornings were filled with lessons, afternoons with practice, and evenings spent revisiting the books Latika provided. She kept her distance from Omkara, focusing solely on her studies, shutting out the emotions she still couldn't fully comprehend.

One evening, as Latika left after their session, Gauri wandered into the living room, only to find it dark. She frowned, puzzled.

"Why are the lights off? Bhaiya? Bhaujai? Where is everyone?"

Before panic could fully set in, the lights flicked on, revealing a room decorated with ribbons, balloons, and flowers. The family jumped out from behind furniture, showering her with confetti.

"Surprise!" they all shouted.

Gauri blinked, utterly clueless. "What's all this?"

Shivaay stepped forward, his voice warm. "We're Oberois, Gauri. We celebrate everything. You've taken the first big step toward your goals—your education, your career. And your relationship with Om is starting to heal. That's worth celebrating."

"And because we love parties!" Rudra chimed in, grinning as he turned on music.

Laughter and cheers filled the room as everyone began to dance. Rudra soon returned, carrying glasses on a tray.

"Here! Drinks for everyone!" he announced. Carefully, he handed glasses to the women first before pulling Omkara and Shivaay aside.

"What was that about?" Omkara asked, eyeing his glass with suspicion.