Kyun teri yaadon me mujhe rula diya

Chapter 12

 

"I feel buoyant. Finally I am able to balance my past & present . I am looking forward to the future. I guess I regained my sense of direction", Gauri told to Jug. "Good. I am really happy for you, Gauri", Jug told her. "Will you come for the wedding? I don't have anyone else to invite from my side", she said. "I will try, can't promise", Jug said carefully. "Will I be able to love again, Jug?", she asked abruptly. "Maybe", he said slowly. "I am worried about Omkara. Beneath all his harsh ruthless typical Oberoi attitude, he is actually a very sensitive & caring person. I hope I am doing the right thing", she shared her concern, "Will I be able to do justice to him?". "You won't know until you try", Jug said. Jug was not keen on their rushed marriage, yet since it was all decided, he didn't want to confuse Gauri. "Gauri, a subtle advice. Just from my point of view. It's up to you to consider it. I feel you are missing your friend. You have broken all ties with Rudra as his lover and decided to move on. That was an apt decision. You said you don't have any feeling for him but I think deep down you are still nurturing a sharp grudge against him. Get over it Gauri, else the balance you gained now will be temporary", Jug advised. She nodded. When their session was over, she forwarded him details of her wedding and requested again to come.

Once she came out and was waiting for driver, she saw Omkara in the parking lot. She was so happy to see him. "You are here ?", she said. "Keeping an eye on you", he said. "Really?", she was taken aback. "C'mon Biwi. I came to invite Sahil and thought of picking you up", he explained. Her smile was back,"Om, Can you ask Dr.Sahil to bring Jug also to our wedding? I really wish him to be there", she asked as they sat in the car. "I will tell him. Don't worry. If it's your wish, it will be done", he reassured. "Thank you. Thank you.Thank You. You are such a sweet heart", she quickly reached to peck his cheek. In her excitement, Gauri didn't notice however Omkara was deeply affected by her gesture. He turned the other side to hide his blush and started the car. "So lunch?', he asked casually. "Yea. Italian try kartey hain", she said.

Omkara dropped her at Oberoi Mansion after lunch and went back to office. She was wearing her newly purchased heels and was heading to her room. As she was climbing the stairs, she slipped and fell back. She was ready for gravity to it's job but two powerful hands held her and broke her fall. Her eyes were tight shut when she breathed, "Omkara". When she looked up, Gauri glanced into a pair of eyes, identifying care and concern for her. She was disappointed as it was not Omkara's. "Are you fine?", Rudra asked anxiously. She quickly pulled herself out of his grasp and stood up, "I am perfectly fine and don't dare to worry about me. Keep yourself away ". "Gauri, I was just helping. You would have hurt yourself", Rudra said. "I am old enough of take care of myself. Else Omkara is there to take care of me", she countered. Rudra too got angry at her unfair behaviour, "Well Gauri...JI, I cannot see O here now. If he would have been then I am sure unlike you, he would have appreciated my help". "Thank you for your help. However don't bother next time . Move away", Gauri raised her voice. She quickly climbed the stairs. Rudra banged his fist on his thighs  and walked away without being aware that Shivaay witnessed it all.

"May I come in?", Shivaay knocked at her door. "Sure, bade bhaiyaa", she welcomed with a warm smile. "Woh , Annika wanted to tell you that the Mehandi function kept for tomorrow", he lied. "Bhabi had told me already Bhaiyaa", she paused and asked "Aap kuch kahana chahtey ho mujse?". He nodded, " Gauri, you are like my younger sister. Believe me, over the time I have started to consider you just like Priku. I was there when your accident happened and witnessed everything that followed. You near death experience, Om's agony, Rudra's guilt,... everything. I saw what my brothers went through when you went to coma. Om's love made him stronger, he was hopeful and believed strongly that you will come back to life. Whereas Rudra was shattered and in despair, got crushed under his guilt. May be he concluded that he lost you to fate. My brothers, they both undergone drastic change post your accident. Eventually they worked out of it, each had their own healing mechanism. For Rudra it was Bhavya and Om it was you",Shivaay said. Gauri was about to say something but Shivaay continued. "My family , my brothers, they mean the world to me Gauri. We have seen many ups and downs but ShivOmRu always stood beside each other. I want to ensure that this unity remains intact in coming generations too. You are now Om's wife, part of the family. Now and then, you need to face Rudy and Bhavya. I am afraid your animosity to Rudra may affect the peace of this family and your married life too", he paused and checked her reaction. But Gauri didn't say a word, she was pondering on Shivaay's words and what Jug had told her earlier. "I will never ask you to forgive Rudra but try to overcome the malice you feel for him. I believe Om will also agree to it. Just think about it Gauri", Shivaay said. "I will Bade Baiyaa. Thanks for sharing it with me. I never really had a elder in my life to guide me", she said emotionally. "Then don't worry. Now I am here to take up that role", he grinned and patted her cheek.

Next day morning, Omkara was leaving for office. "Will you come early today?", she asked. "Why ?", he acted ignorant. "I will have mehandi today. I want to show it you once it is done", she said excitedly. "You know the tradition of it, don't you?", he asked. She gave a confused look. "Well at night, if the groom is able to find his name in bride's palms, then he will be allowed to ..." he teased her. Gauri blushed to roots and slapped his arms. "I was juuussst telling", he laughed when she pushed him outside." Another night to go, Jaan. Then I won't listen to any of your excuses", he laughed when she pulled her tongue at him. As he left, Gauri remained near the door, lost in his thoughts and smiled to herself. She didn't realised that Omkara crept behind and pecked cheek, "Bye Jaan. I will try to come as early as possible. Now don't miss me too much and get ready for your function"

A simple Mehendi function was arranged for Gauri by Annika. Dadi, Priku, and Annika were excited. Though awkward still Bhavya joined and wished Gauri. As Dadi insisted Jhanvi came and applied mehandi on Gauri's palms. She was aware of the contempt in Jhanvi's eyes but chose to ignore it. Finally her hands and feet were beautifully adorned with henna design. She gazed at her palms lovingly, Omkara's name was finally written on her hands. Once the function was over, Gauri kept her palms so carefully not to spoil the design. She was feeling very thirsty and went to kitchen. She was unable to hold the glass or take water from purifier. She stood there confused, wishing for Annika or Priku to pass by. Rudra came there for something and saw Gauri. He understood she was in need to something but was apprehensive to ask her. He was about to leave when she asked, "Can you get me a glass of water? I am not able to get it ", she showed her hands. Rudra was happy to help. He quickly filled a glass with water and searched for a straw. "It's okay Rudra", she said. He held the glass near her lips and she drank water from it. "Some more?" Rudra asked. "It's enough. Thanks", Gauri told. After an awkward silence Rudra was about to leave. "Rudra, thanks for sending Bhavya to mehandi ceremony", she said. "I didn't Gauri. She came on her own", he told her. "Oh, so sweet of her", Gauri couldn't help complementing. "Yea, she is. She is a nice human being. If possible please don't subject her to bitterness meant to me". "Rudra, please. I will never do such a thing", she exclaimed. "Thanks", he was walking away."Rudra", her voice made him look back. She extended her hands to him, "Friends?". An excited Rudra tried to grab her hand but she pulled it back playfully and said "No, you will spoil my mehandi". They both laughed. "Friends forever", Rudra asserted with his eyes brimming with tears. "Rudra I want to let go off the past. For the well-being of my family, I have decided it. I don't want to hold any grudge in my mind" .  "Thanks Gauri for forgiving me", he said. Before she could respond, he hugged her. "Thanks again, buddy", he added as released her. Gauri was about to scold him for crossing his limit but he cut her, "I will always be there for you Gauri. You will never be alone". 

Bhavya who came just few minutes back, was unfortunate to witness her husband embracing Gauri and his vow to be with her. She couldn't control her emotions and ran outside. She broke into tears while reaching her room. She collided with Jhanvi who questioned her but she chose not to answer and escaped to her room.