Kyun teri yaadon me mujhe rula diya

Chapter 18

 

"Paddy pick up the phone", Gauri was continuously trying to reach him. She was pacing restlessly across the ICU corridor. Ira needed blood and Gauri was trying hard to arrange donors to blood bank. "Ma'am, please pay this bill at counter below", a nurse gave her the bill. Gauri knew her credit cards are not gonna take the heavy load of the bill. "Sure. I will pay but start the treatment immediately", she begged. The nurse looked at her sympathetically and said "I am helpless Ma'am. Its management policy". She tried to reach Kali Thakur but his phone was unreachable. She saw Omkara marching upto her, he held his hand in folded position with his palms touching his shoulder. "Gauri, I have donated blood for Ira Aunty. Don't worry about it", he consoled her. "Thank you, Thanks a lot", she told him with gratitude. "Are you able to arrange money for her treatment?", he asked earnestly. She shook her hear timidly. "Don't worry. I will take care of it too", he said quickly. Gauri couldn't believe her ears, "Thank you , Om . I will tell them now". She was about to sprint when he stalled by holding her wrist. "But it will be the price for your life. You have to agree to my proposal", he said calmly. "Omkara please. My mother's life is at stake! Show some mercy", she pleaded. "I am sorry. I cannot show mercy at you, even if I want to", he said devoid of emotions. "Ok fine I agree", she said accepting defeat. "Then Promise in her name that you will not move from your word", he demanded. Gauri helplessly looked at Ira from the window of ICU and then at the ruthless man infront of her. "Mein apni Ma ki kasam khaati hoom, Aaaj se meri zindagi tumharey naam. You own me from this moment", she vowed with teary eyes. "Please pay so that they will start her treatment immediately", she begged with folded hands. "Ma'am, doctor has started treatment for your mother", the same nurse informed from behind. Gauri was startled and turned to face her, "who paid the bill?". "Your husband, Mr.Oberoi paid it.  With his influence, he even got our best senior doctor for her", nurse stated before leaving.

Omkara sat on the bench in the corridor. He looked calm but his mind was like rough sea. Gauri came near , "I thought you wouldn't pay until I agree". He smirked, "You never understood me, Gauri. I will never play with an innocent's life". She sat near him, "Thanks again. Mummy is all I have got now. I would have done anything to save her". They didn't utter a word for few minutes. She was trembling and he spread his arms around her, "She will be fine. You got her the best treatment money could buy". She nodded. She lost control and sobbed vigorously. When he squeezed her arms, she fell on his chest and wept. "Gauri, please. Stop crying. I told you, nothing will happen to your mother. Ira Aunty will be recover soon", he consoled her. Kali Thakur who came to visit Ira was welcomed by the sight of Gauri being close to Omkara. He was furious and all his doubts regarding their relationship vanished. "Yeh tumne acha nahin kiya Bulbul. Well so long my dear, we could have had some fun. Good bye". He left immediately, only Omkara noticing him.

"Gauri , go home and take some rest", he asked her next morning. "No, I want to be here when she wakes up", she protested. " You will be. You can't ignore that you need strength to take of Ira Aunty. So go now and have some sleep. I will stay here and call you if needed", he told her. She shook her head. "It's an order Gauri. Did you forget our agreement? You belong to me and will obey me forever", he told firmly. She was disturbed by his change attitude but had to agree. She went home and cried herself to sleep. By afternoon, she was woken by landline ring. "Gauri, It's me, Omkara. Ira Aunty is conscious now", he said. She quickly changed and went to hospital. When she reached , Omakara was by Ira's side and talking to her. Ira looked happy as Gauri pulled herself to her mother. "Mummy, I was so scared", she sobbed. "I am stronger than you think", she replied coolly. "Koko, Om told me everything", Ira stated happily. Gauri was shocked, did he? ."He told me how you both worked out your differences and decided to give yourself a second chance. I am so happy for you beta", Ira explained. Doctor came and checked her, "Mr. Oberoi, we have made all arrangement to shift her to New York. Just few formalities and she can fly in few days". Mummy, shifted to NY? , Gauri couldn't believe it. "Jaan, your mother is now my mother-in-law. I will ensure that she gets the best treatment", Omkara filled her in. "Aur nahin toh kya. When my grandkids come, I will be super fit to play with them", Ira beamed. "So I shall also accompany her?", she asked diffidently. Om's gleamed with mischief, "No Jaan, you can't. It is not allowed. She has to travel alone. Medical team will ensure that she is well taken care of. It just for few months. Consider this as a small price you pay for her betterment", he squeezed her shoulder painfully. "What say Sasu-Mummy?" he playfully hifi-ed her. Ira soon became a bit sad and talked, "Om, May be I am asking for more. But I have a wish. Can you comply to it?". He grabbed her hands and knelt near the bed, "Anything for you, Beautiful". "Before I leave for treatment, I want to see my KoKo married. If I won't survive , the image of Koko as bride will remain with me forever. Consider it as my last wish", tears ran through her cheeks. "Mummy, please don't say like that", Gauri wept. Omkara was in dilemma as he knew he couldn't deny her last wish.

Few days later, Ira was discharged.. All arrangements were made and she was ready to fly tonight.  Gauri was extremely sad to part her. Tears ran down her cheeks which Ira dabbed with her handkerchief, "What is this Koko? You will spoil your make up. My baby should look the best today as it is her wedding", she hugged her lovingly. Gauri nodded. Today is her wedding day, a day which is cherished by all girls. However for her this is just an agreement made to save her mother. She knew what was in store for her, Omkara is going to tear her, bit by bit, piece by piece. She was already aware of the intensity of his love, now it's turn to feel heat of his hatred. She could only hope that atleast Rudra and Annika may understand her and help her. But she didn't keep any expectation, after all you are all alone in this wide wild world. One day he will get tired of me and I will be free to live peacefully with my mummy, she aspired in her mind. "Koko, let's go. Om will be waiting for you", Ira's voice shook her.

She looked extremely pretty in red lehenga he got for her. Omkara couldn't help but admire his beautiful bride as she walked slowly and sat near him. It was a small function with just few friends of Ira and Gauri. Pandit chanted mantras and Gauri sat there lifelessly. She didn't even realise when they took pheras, when he adored her forehead with vermilion  and when he tied mangalsutra around her neck. "Vivaah sampann huvah", the priest announced and guests cheered. Gauri realised deal of her life was made. Omkara seemed to be so happy and was smiling. When everyone congratulated them and asked to pose for photographs, Omkara pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "welcome to hell honey".

They went to airport to drop Iraji. Gauri and Om were still in their wedding attire while bidding farewell to Ira. Ira was sad to leave her Koko but was at peace as her daughter was finally married to the man of her dreams. Gauri was weeping continuously but Ira consoled her. Finally Ira flight took off. Gauri gazed at the plane on sky and waved at it emotionally. She was pulled mercilessly and thrown inside Omkara's car as he sat on the driver's seat. He roughly tugged at the shawl of his sherwani and threw it away showing his frustration. Gauri was silently shedding tears while he drove to their destination. She fell asleep in between and woke when their car halted with shrieking sound. She rubbed her eyes expecting Oberoi mansion. But she was shocked to realise that it was neither Oberoi Mansion nor Om's house where they have reached.

It was big house amidst some plantation. A kind of sinister looking house which is usually shown in ghost movies. It was dark but she was sure that nearest human neighbour will be miles away. "You didn't expect me to take you to Oberoi mansion, did you?", he asked sarcastically. She looked at him thoughtfully. "This house is perfect for you. Mysterious, lone and exclusive. Nobody will hear you even if you scream on top of your voice", he told horrifying her.