When Bhavya returned she noticed that Gauri was no longer in the kitchen nor the living room.

**Knock Knock**

After what happened tonight Bhavya knew that her friend must have a lot on her mind and when she didn't hear a response she went ahead and entered Gauri's room anyway. Sprawled out on the bed Gauri was looking at the ceiling with her hands resting on her stomach.

"You okay Gauri?" Bhavya asked as she laid next to her friend.

"He wants to enter here Bhavya." said Gauri as she points towards her heart.

Her voice was soft and a bit shaky.

"Did you let him down then?"

Closing her eyes tightly Gauri could see Dilpreet's eyes that were begging her not to break his heart.

"You know when you look into someone's eyes and just know that no matter what you say they will not change their minds? Dilpreet's eyes were telling me that he wasn't going to give up no matter what."

"So what happened?"

" I did what I thought was the only thing I could do. I gave him hope that there was a chance so at least when the time came he would have no regrets."

Bhavya heard Gauri's voice breaking and she quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

"Gauri....can't you let the past go? Not every man is the same as your father."

Openning her eyes again to stare at the ceiling but this time she could tell her vision was a bit blurry as she recalls the past.

"You know my life didn't start out that way Bhavya. I remember there was a time where my father loved my mother and I. I was his princess once. As a little girl I had always wished to marry someone like him but then.....things just changed for the worse. When it went bad...it really went bad. The father that use to love me and my mother was gone. My mother paid dearly with her life Bhavya. If...if...my father who once held my mother as his heart could do that then how can I entrust any man with mine? Right now I am fine. I have a good job. I have you. There is nothing more that I wanted in this life but now...."

"Do you like him?"

"Like? Does it matter? Marriage is not for me and I just don't want to string anyone along."

"Gauri....life always throws unexpected things in our way and maybe one day you will want to spend your life with someone. Be it Dilpreet or someone else I hope that you would give yourself a chance."

Silent tears ran down the sides of her face and onto the mattress as she recalls her mother's turmoil till her very last days.

"I just don't think it's worth to try. I don't want to let greed sprout in my heart. Love is such a powerful force that it can suck up every ounce of you. What if I don't want marriage but I am unwilling to let him go? It's just unfair."

"So you have decided the outcome already?"

"Yes."

"How long will you let him try?"

"When I see the spark in his eyes dimmer then I will know my words will sink in and he will be able to let go completely."

"You know things might not go the way you want it Gauri. You know the saying of "The heart wants what it wants." Even you cannot fight it. No matter how hard you try."

"You don't have to tell  me twice. Look at my mother. She tried to hold on to my father regardless of how much pain he was causing her. When she tried to turn a blind eye to his infidelity it only mad her crazy but her heart just couldn't give up and in the end it took her heart to stop beating for her to be free."

Hearing her friend's sorrowful words and beliefs Bhavya started to cry and then she turned to her side to look at Gauri who was still staring at the ceiling.

"I think you still need time Gauri but the one thing that is worse than not letting love in is regretting it later on. Time will be your enemy if you let fear win....and then regret will start to eat you up from within."

Gauri's brows started to narrow together as she thought of what Bhavya had just said.

"Seems like so much trouble Bhavya. Isn't it best to not let it start to begin with? I admit I have a soft spot for Dilpreet but as of now it hasn't turned into anything that I can't pull away from. This is for the best."

"Well no matter what happens Gauri...I am here for you. You will never be alone."

Bhavya knew that no matter what she said tonight Gauri would not change her views but what was important was to let her know that she would always be by her side.

********************************

Unlike Gauri who had a hard time falling asleep last night Omkara woke up feeling like a million bucks. To tell Gauri the truth about his feelings and about his secret he felt like a huge boulder was lifted from his body.

"Give my thanks to Bhavya next time you see her Rudra."

Staring at his cousin who had a big fat smile on his face the entire morning Rudra was confused when he heard Omkara's words.

"Thanks? She almost chewed you up and spit you out last night." Rudra laughed.

Sipping on his black coffee Omkara reached out to put some eggs on his plate.

"It was worth it. Now that Gauri knows how I feel it will makes things easier for me. Today will be our very first date and I will make sure to make the best of it."

Rudra almost choked on the eggs that he was chewing in his mouth.

"Date? Dude. It's a group outing. That is no date."

"Doesn't matter who is around because I can only see her."

Rudra felt his skin crawl. "Can't your words being any more corny? With lines like that you can forget about getting the girl."

"Spoken by the man who still hasn't told his girlfriend the truth."

Rudra's eyes widen "You...you saying you are better than me?!"

"I'm not just staying...I've shown it." Omkara smirked as he takes another sip of his coffee.

Slamming his fork onto his plate Rudra was determine to show Omkara that his relationship with Bhavya was strong.

"I will tell her the truth then! And you will see that it will change nothing. Sitting there like you are the MAN. Well remember brother...I have a girlfriend and you are still trying to get one."

When he saw those angry black eyes lift up from the cup of coffee Rudra immediately regretted his words.

"Uh...just kidding. You will get one soon...."

"So what are your plans today? It is a Saturday." asked Omkara.

Rudra started to laugh awkwardly as he recalled how Bhavya had told him they were on a mission to follow them on their outing today.

"Uh..nothing. Just hanging out with Bhavya...chilling."

"Perfect. I can use your car and just drop you off when I go pickup Gauri."

Mumbling under his breath Rudra was trying to hide his expression "Perfect for me not for you cousin. Just don't kill me after today is over."

"Did you say something Rudra?"

"Huh? No."

For the rest of the afternoon Omkara was busy trying to figure out what to wear and this was the one time he was grateful Rudra was here. He had never really went out on a casual group outing and didn't want to over dress. Taking one last look at his outfit which was a nice short sleeve white button shirt with dark jeans and a gray vest left unbutton, Omkara reached for a gray mask to match. With his hair let down and a pair of black diamond earrings Omkara was ready to head towards Gauri's house.

As for Gauri her morning was pleasant as her mind was already at peace with her decision. Even though Gauri herself has never been out to karaoke or dancing she opted to wear something she would be most comfortable. She was now wearing a nice fitted black top with short sleeves tucked in a high waisted red pleated A line skirt that fell just an inch from her knees. Her hair was left down with just simple waves tucked behind one ear showing off a white pearl earring.

Just when she thought that she had calm down her heart the mere knock on the door had prove otherwise.

Bhavya quickly went to open the door as Gauri slipped on a pair of black 2 inch heels.

Once the door opened Omkara could only see Gauri sitting down to put on her heels while Bhavya's glare became unnoticed. Expect from Rudra who tried clearing his throat to zap his cousin back to reality.

"Miss me?" teased Rudra who was trying to get his girlfriend in a better mood.

But when Omkara walked pass her without acknowledging her presence Rudra had to grab his girl by the waist to prevent her from attacking his cousin from behind.

"You look beautiful."

Reaching out his hand to help her stand up from the sofa Omkara was spellbound by her gentle smile as her hand fell perfectly into his palm.

"You look nice yourself."

"Shall we?"

"We shall."

Only when Rudra saw the two leave the house did he let his grip on Bhavya go. With slightly disheveled hair Bhavya looks towards Rudra with anger and determination.

"You ready?"

Heaving out a reluctant sigh Rudra nodded "Do I even have a choice?"

"Good that you know you don't. We will give them 15 minute head start."

Clicking his tongue at his crazy girl friend and rolling his eyes Rudra grumbled under his breath "So gracious of you.."

Bhavya: Did you say something?

Rudra: Uh? No.

**Hope you guys like this update. Do vote if you did.**

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