***Picture credit to Alisha***

Chapter 14

As much as the two wanted to stay longer in the shower both knew the auction was well on it's way. With just a white towel wrapped around her body, Gauri walked a very reluctant Om to the door. Gauri gently stroking the side of his face "Don't look at me like that. The shower has just calmed me down."

Om couldn't help but smile. He grabbed the hand that was caressing his face and brought it to his lips then took the opportunity to pull her close. "That shower made it worse for me. So heartless of you to make me leave." Gauri softly chuckles while wrapping her arms around his neck. " A deal is a deal. I, GKS will not go back on my word." She gently nibbles on his lips and lightly nudged him out the door. Looking back at the petite woman with just a white towel made his heart ache. With small water droplets slowly sliding down her bare neck down to the crease of her breast drove him crazy. "I definitely need to take a walk to cool down." Om figured he still had plenty of time till Gauri would walk the stage he might as well take a little stroll outside the venue.

This place was beautiful. If one thought the inside looked magical the outside decor would definitely make you speechless, especially during the night. String lights were wrapped around every tree branch and bush. But what caught Om's attention was the large water fountain with a statue of a goddess in the middle. "Why does it feel like you are laughing at my situation." Om never thought he would ever feel like this in his life given his past. Thinking of Gauri a small chuckle escaped his mouth. "Damn. She is like a drug, coming off this high is impossible." When Om was about to sit by the water fountain ledge he noticed two suspicious men roaming close around the perimeter. "Aren't those two Gauri's bodyguards?" Om's eyes darken and his brows furrowed. Judging by their actions something must be going on. The thought that Gauri might be in danger sent Om into a frenzy. "If anyone dares to touch a single hair on her head I will make sure they will never see the light of day!" Clenching his fists Om slowly walks back to the VIP table. Upon sitting down everyone at the table could feel the cold dark aura surrounding Om. No one dared to even asked where he was all this time. The dark eyes peering from his mask sent fear to anyone who dared to look. Even Shivaay did not dare to mention how Dadi wanted him to bid for Ishana later. Whenever Om got like this no one could control him. Even though Shivaay was head of Oberoi Corps everyone in the family knew that without Om working behind the scenes they wouldn't be here today. If you look at abilities you would think Om should be the one sitting in Shivaay's chair but because of the family dark secret that will never happen. The one dirty secret that their father caused shook the Oberoi household to the core. It wasn't that Om wasn't good in business, it was because he refused to be like his father. Only half of the Oberoi blood was flowing inside him and with that he could never be head of Oberoi Corps, besides Shivaay's mom Pinky would never allow it. But Om never cared. For him everyday was just the same. With so much anger always inside of him it was better to deal with the dirty work than sit in a suit and tie. Om was the type of person who welcomed danger with open arms, without it he wouldn't know how to release the fire within. But now he had Gauri. Being inside her was enough to bring his raging anger to a blissful end. He'd be damn if he let anything happen to her tonight.

Sitting at the very back table you could see a man with visible burnt scars on his face. His fingers tapping the table while waiting patiently for the auction to start. Kali couldn't wait to see Gauri. From here he could only see a silhouette of her when she was sitting at the VIP table. But the one face he was able to make out was the man who was sitting beside her; Tej. Rubbing his scared fingers together he could still feel the slight nerve pain "I will return the pain he has gracefully bestowed on me. You thought you had tricked me all these years, but I know the truth Tej." An evil smile could only be evoked when thinking of the most evilest deeds, and Kali's head was filled with them. Years ago he had caught wind that there was a maid named Nandi who was taking care of Gauri. She also had a daughter that was the same age; Aastha. Not believing Jhanvi's lies Kali was determined to find out the real truth.

**Kali's Flashback**

Nandi kneeling down with tears flowing : Please! Please! Don't hurt my daughter...Please!

Kali sitting in a wheelchair with IV's loaded with drugs: Do as I say then I will let your daughter live.

The man had burn wounds all over his body and because of that it was difficult for him to talk. When threatening her she could hear the wheezing in his voice. The wounds were still oozing out puss. If you wanted to know how the boogyman looked like, Kali was it. The monster behind everyone's nightmare.

Nandi frantically sobbing: Tell me! I will do whatever you want! Just don't hurt my Aastha.

Kali: If you want your daughter back then bring Gauri to me.

Nandi: Gauri? Why do you want Gauri! She is just a 10 year old girl!..No please don't make me do this.

Kali looking toward his men: Bring the little girl.

Nandi could hear her Aastha crying non-stop " MAMA! MAMA!" " Aastha!" Still kneeling Nandi was struggling to get to her daughter but the men holding her were too strong. She could tell that her little girl was beyond scared. The fear in her daughter's voice broke her. How could she let her 10 year old daughter go through something like this?! But the thought of having to exchange another little girl for her daughter was something she didn't really want to do. "Please! Please let her go! She is just a little girl Please!"

Kali: Its useless to beg me. Now you have till the count of 3, if not I will have your daughter be part of my sex trafficking ring.

Nandi could not believe her ears! Did he just say sex trafficking?! Her little girl?! "How could you! You scum! She is 10!" Looking at the pathetic woman still kneeling on the floor "Did you not know that there is a high demand out there for young girls like your daughter." Nandi's entire body started to shake. To her this had to be a nightmare. This couldn't be real! But she knew it was reality the moment she heard the countdown. "one, two,thr" "STOP! STOP IT! I AGREE!! Just tell me what you want me to do and I will do it!"

**End of Flashback**

Though the kidnapping was a failure then, tonight was another story. Kali couldn't wait to see Gauri up close. From far away he could tell that she grew up to be a gorgeous young lady, more beautiful than her mother. Just the thought of being next to Gauri made Kali's desires insatiable. And to think that Jhanvi and Tej tried to deceive him! But Kali could only scoff at the matter now, all thanks to that stupid woman Nandi. At least her death was not all in vain. Kali's train of thoughts were interrupted when one of his men came to discuss certain rules regarding the auction. "Sir, the Host has told me with an auction like this they will only allow you to bid if you have the funds to transfer to them within the hour. And regarding cash they say they will also accept it upfront no questions asked." That was the one thing Kali was a bit concerned of. Since most of his business endeavors are illegal his entire wealth are put into multiple offshore accounts. But at least for tonight he could gather roughly 20 million in cash within an hour since the Host did say "no questions asked." He has heard that the previous year the maximum bid was only 5 million so with him having a budget of 20 million he should be able to bid for Gauri without any worries.

Back at the dressing room area Ishana was busy admiring herself in the mirror. The gold cuff necklace with a large solitaire diamond in the middle was blinding. Ishana has never seen such a large white stone around her neck before. And the round diamond earrings that went with it was perfect. She was sure that this year she would fetch more than a 5 million dollar bid. Checking herself out front to back Ishana was positive that the jewelry set she was wearing were the best here today. Thinking of Sahil's design she started to laugh "Can't wait for Ms. Sharma to be seen in that poor quality set. Hymph! serves her right for making me look like a fool in front of everyone!" Suddenly there was a knock at the door " Ms. Patel I am here to escort you to the stage. It is time. All models are to report back stage." Ishana smiles at the young man and gracefully followed him. As she started to walk she sensed that someone was behind her. Looking back she could see another young gentleman escorting Ms. Sharma. Ishana purposely stopped to wait for Gauri. "Ms. Sharma, why don't we walk together." Gauri nodded seeing that there was no reason to decline since they were headed to the same place. Gauri could sense that Ishana was eyeing her up and down "Why are you still wearing that white cloak? Are you not confident in that little boy's design Ms Sharma?" Gauri sighs softly as if she was a tad annoyed "Ms. Patel, rest assured I am very pleased with the set that boy has presented me. As for me wearing my cloak, I just didn't want too many unwanted stares."

The two finally made it to the backstage. Gauri could hear the loud applause whenever a bidding was finalized. Tired of standing Gauri decided to sit down on a large sofa to rest since Om was a bit rough with her awhile ago. Closing her eyes she could only playback what had happened earlier with Om, making her smile. His strong grip as he held her against the wall made her heart pound with excitement. She remembers that every time he had to use his strength to thrust inside of her as well as hold her up she could see every muscle in his arms and his chest. Not realizing it, Gauri was biting her lower lip again and small satisfying sighs were coming from her mouth. " What the hell is she thinking about?! dreaming at a time like this!" Ishana hated the fact that Gauri was not putting any importance in the auction. It made Ishana feel as if she was the one being petty trying to beat Gauri at something she didn't even care about.

Finally the time has come for Ishana and Gauri to walk the stage. Tonight everyone was excited for this part of the auction. They weren't waiting for Ishana but rather the elusive GKS. Everyone felt that this was a once in a lifetime chance to see Tej's daughter in this light. Every man was secretly waiting for the chance to bid on her not for the jewelry but for the dance itself. Om could hear all the chatter regarding how most were waiting for his "wife" and that did not sit well with him at all. What if one of these men had ulterior motives in wanting to be near her. After seeing Dandi and Ranveer scoping out the place Om was on high alert. The only suspicious table that caught his eye was the very back where you can see one man sitting alone while all the other men were standing behind him. Om has never seen this man at any event before.

The Host gave the signal to Ishana to walk the stage first. Before leaving Ishana turned to sarcastically say "Good luck Ms. Sharma." But looking back at her was a pair of honey brown eyes that didn't even waver, as if her taunting words were meaningless. Ishana purposely stroked the large diamond in front of Gauri before she turned around toward the walk way. As Ishana appeared the crowd applauded louder than before. With her pink chiffon dress gently flowing as she walked and the large diamond sitting on her neck made her look stunning. As she swayed left and right people could see the sparkles emanating from her earrings as well as the necklace. Every woman in the room eyes brighten at the stunning set. They all looked to their significant other showing interest but knew that tonight those diamonds were likely falling into the hands of the Oberois. The Host than appeared standing next to Ishana.

Host: So lets begin with 1 million. Any bidders?

Dadi quickly turned to Om who didn't even flinch. He sat there unfazed at the glares Dadi was giving him. When she knew Om wasn't responding Dadi had no choice but to signal Shivaay to solve the matter. But Shivaay knew he would be fighting a losing battle if he tried convincing Om now so he went ahead and looked to Rudra. Rudra was trying hard not to make eye contact with Shivaay but with one elbow to the biceps from Anika Rudra knew he couldn't escape his fate. With great hesitation Rudra slightly raised his hand to indicate his bid. "Great! the Oberois has bid 1 million! Do I hear 2 anyone?" The bidding went on up to 8 million where Rudra was still the top bidder. Ishana was trying hard to look enthusiastic but inside she was so angry that she wanted to scream her lungs out. "Why is it Rudra!" Ishana tried to convince herself that not all was lost. At least she would still be the one fetching the highest bid tonight. Finally the Host finalized the bid "8 Million! A new record! Mr Oberoi please come up and receive the stunning Jewelry" The designer also came up on stage to take off the necklace and earrings to present it to Rudra. Ishana, putting on a fake grateful smile thanked him "Thank you Mr. Oberoi for making such a generous offer tonight." With that everyone cheered at Ishana's words. She slowly turned around to walk backstage where Gauri was standing to wait her turn. As she brushed by Gauri, Ishana whispered "Did you hear..8 Million a new record. Good luck Ms. Sharma I will be sitting at the VIP table to see who will bid on you. Because obviously you can't rely on dearest daddy now can you?" A sudden chuckle from Gauri forced Ishana to freeze in place "Did you say 8 million?" and with that Gauri slowly stepped on stage while Ishana hurriedly returned to the VIP table.

Sitting back at the table with everyone else Ishana could now sense how everyone in the room was anxious to see Gauri. The anticipation and the excitement was obvious. Ishana was starting to feel that her small moment on stage was quickly forgotten and that getting the highest bid was pointless when GKS was around. Biting the inside of her lips, Ishana could taste the blood but she was to furious to care. Unlike the loud uproar when she appeared on stage, there was absolute silence right now. Everyone could see the petite woman standing at the center backstage waiting for the Host's signal. The Host himself has never seen such reactions before. Even he was intrigued. As he turned to give Gauri the signal he saw the petite woman grab the string that was holding her cloak together, and with one tug the cloak dropped down to the floor. You could hear the sudden gasp coming from the Host due to his microphone. But he wasn't alone, the entire room was in awe of the stunning woman before their eyes. As Gauri slowly walked up the runway her white chiffon dressed flowed in every direction giving everyone a small glimpse of her legs now and then. Her dress sparkled in the light but what made people speechless was the dark jewel necklace and earrings. Contrast to Ishana's who's diamonds were pure white Gauri's looked emerald green. But audience were confused because everytime Gauri moved the colors of the necklace would change. It was mystical because it reminded people of the different colors seen in the Northern Lights. Gauri knew before hand that Sahil's necklace and earrings were special. With one look on how the stones were carved Gauri knew as long as there was light the jewel would shine itself creating a mosaic of colors. "If beauty was so easily found than it is probably not that special." Gauri's thought at the time she first saw Sahil's creation. When Gauri finally reached the end of the stage she slowly turned around to reveal her bare back with a long chain dangling down with a single sapphire at the end swaying slightly on her lower waist. The audience could not take their eyes off Gauri, be it man or woman. The bracelets that had dark stones adorning it made her wrist shine in rays of blue and pink while her earrings were giving off colors of turquoise and emerald green. Gauri looked like a mystical goddess that could disappear at any moment.

But as everyone were busy staring at her, Gauri was only looking at Om. Gauri smiled when she realized that Om hadn't even blinked once since she appeared on stage. She could see his dark pupils staring at her and warning her to not test his patience but this made Gauri determine to tease him even more. Gauri walked to the left and then to the right to give everyone a chance to see the jewels but Om knew that all then men were more interested in just looking at her. And everytime she turned to show her backless dress Om would give a half smile "doing it on purpose huh?" Someone on the lower floor had to nudge the Host because he too was too mesmerized by Gauri and forgetting to start the auction itself. When he made his way next to Gauri he himself felt nervous "So lets start the bid..1 million anyone" But everyone stopped moving when they heard a small laugh come from Gauri. Even the host was taken aback.

Host: Ms. Sharma is there something funny you would like to share with us?

Gauri looked to the Host who was holding a microphone: Lets not waste so much time. I think it is best to start the bid at 10 million.

Ishana accidentally spit out her drink when she heard those words. "10 million! who does she think she is!" Even the Host himself was surprise.

Host: 10 million..anyone?

To everyone's surprise there was at least 10 bidders who did not hesitate to put down 10 million. Sitting below, a shocked Sahil sat motionless, never in his life would he expected his design would start out at 10 million! When the bid climbed up to 15 million Gauri couldn't help but stare at the man all the way in the back. She has never seen him before but he was aggressively bidding for her which made her feel uneasy. There was something about the way he looked at her made her skin crawl. "Disgusting." At the VIP table Om couldn't help but realize that Tej would flinch whenever the man in the back table bid on Gauri. He could sense anger coming from Tej and couldn't help but think that the two probably knew each other. "Enemies maybe?" But the moment that Gauri turned to look at Om he knew that she did not want that man to win. Om smiled at his wife to assure her that he was here. With a slight raise of the hand Om bid 25 million. The crowd was startled and couldn't help but start gossiping to one another as Kali sat back to analyze who this man that outbid him really was. Kali turned to one of his men "You go find out who that man is! Everything is ruin because of him!" 25 million was chump change to Kali but the problem was he couldn't scrounge up that type of cash in the allotted amount of time given.

The Host could not contain his excitement. "25 million! You heard right folks! 25 million! anyone else?" The crowd looked to each other and not a single person dare to raise their hand. Om could hear a slight sigh of relief escaping from Tej's mouth, it made Om more suspicious because Tej was not a person who was scared easily. But that was not the only thing that Om noticed at the VIP table. Dadi was very unhappy and when she saw a crying Ishana secretly wiping her tears she became furious. But she knew that everyone was looking at them so she had to maintain composure. The Host called Om up to the stage to receive the Jewels but when Sahil was about to unhook the necklace Om grabbed his hand. Everyone was confused they watch Om slowly brush Sahil aside. "These jewels are exactly where they belong. On any other they would just be ordinary, but on her they become bewitching." Gauri could not help but blush. The heat from his voice made her heart skip a beat and Om loved how only he could make her reveal such emotions. He extended his hand to her to walk her down the stage where everyone was eyeing them trying to figure out if the two were actually an item. Gauri purposely pretended to trip so that Om could hold her close "Thank you. I love them." she whispers, bringing a smile to Om's face. Without waiting for the Host to commence with the dance Om escorted Gauri to the middle of the dance floor and with one snap of his fingers music started to play.

Without the care in the world the two gradually danced while the others were seething in anger. Ishana had forced Rudra to the dance floor because she didn't want face further humiliation tonight. But everytime she looked at Om and Gauri her hatred grew. Rudra on the other hand was happy as ever and couldn't hide his wide smile. "What are you smiling about?" "OH, I was worried there would be rumors of us after tonight but seeing as how everyone is just staring at Omkara and Ms. Sharma it is safe to say that we are in the clear." Rudra felt a sudden sharp pain on his shoulders where Ishana's hand was placed. "Hey. Loosen up. That hurts." But with one death stare from Ishana Rudra quickly shut up.

Om and Gauri were lost in their own world to pay attention to all the commotion that was surrounding them. Everytime Om would twirl Gauri he would use that opportunity to pull her in closer. And Gauri couldn't help but feel extra special tonight.

Gauri: 25 million?

Om: Not satisfied?

Gauri: I just thought I was worth much more.

Om flirtatiously smiles at Gauri: You are. But its not my fault there was no counter bid if not it would have gone much higher.

Gauri: Oh really...and if you were not capable of outbidding than what.

Om softly whispers in Gauri's ear: Then I would have to play dirty and just steal you away. And besides how can I not listen to the "Wife"

Gauri was confused. "What do you mean?". Om grabbed Gauri's waist and lifted her up from the floor to spin her one round in the air. Her dress flowed in every direction making everyone envious of the beautiful couple. "Well, whenever someone bid on you I could see the disgust in your eyes. But I had told you before that I will only bid on you if you told me to. And the pair of eyes a while ago was begging me to rescue you. And as your husband I had to comply." Her heart was beating fast. Every word of his was making her weak. Gauri knew that she was failing to stop her feelings for Om. He could read her like an open book and she loved it. If they weren't surrounded by so many people she would have kissed him long ago. "Well then I should really reward you shouldn't I husband." As the dance was coming to an end the happy couple did not notice that in every corner there was someone waiting to pull them apart. 

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