Under a canopy facing a wonderful view of a man-made lake, all were seated in front of a beautiful spread. Since it was lunch time the Khuranas made sure to offer light dishes for everyone. Today Gauri wore a well fitted cream chiffon blouse with an all white wide leg slacks. She was still wearing her studded diamond earrings from lastnight. But today she had her hair in a loose braid pulled to one side. Piya was also dressed to impress. She had on a very form fitting light blue spring dress that left very little to the imagination. The dress was revealing at all the right places. When you compare the two women, Gauri was that of a rare painting that could only be admired and out of reach. Whereas Piya was an artificial beauty of extravagance, one could tell she loves flaunting her glamorous life. Her accessories alone were blinding; where Gauri had nothing but a light pink sash wrapped around her waist as a belt. As for Om he was looking sharp as usual. A simple fitted white button shirt with a black tie and black pants that went perfect with his black studded earrings. And to top it off his hair was in a half pony, just how Gauri prefers it. When looking at the two who were now seated next to each other the people surrounding them couldn't help but feel that "if ever these two were to come together they would end up creating havoc within the industry, god forbid that day ever comes.

Gauri was trying to enjoy the scenery because today's weather was very nice. The wind blew just right. If only she wasn't surrounded by unnecessary people then the day would have been perfect. Why was Abay Kapoor here...did her father set this up?...a lot of things were running through Gauri's mind. If only Omkara hadn't rejected her offer she wouldn't have such an uneasy feeling coming over her now. Gauri looks at Omkara with full of blame " its all your fault she thought to herself. Abay had also noticed how Gauri's eyes would shift towards Omkara now and then and he didn't like it one bit. He himself was having trouble making small talk with GKS. For instance just now:

Abay: Nice to finally meet you Ms. Sharma. I've heard many things about you and its an honor to have this opportunity to finally speak with you.

Gauri slowly puts her fork down after enjoying a small salad " Oh? I didn't know you were trying to have a word with me, you were always trying to speak with my father at every social gathering. If I didn't know any better I would assume you didn't know I existed. But I guess after what you just said it must have been my misunderstanding.

The tone in which Gauri responded was that of a mocking one. And what was most insulting was that Gauri had not even looked at Abay, her eyes were fixed at the serene lake in front of her. Everyone at the table had already heard of the rumor that the Kapoors had approach Tej Sharma for Gauri's hand. But seeing Gauri's demeanor towards Abay made one certain that this alliance was strictly business. As for Om he found it very gratifying " I guess her sharp tongue is not reserve just for me he thought.

Abay embarrassingly: Ms. Sharma don't joke like that. One would have to be blind to not know of your existence. But I was fortunate enough to be able to get a meeting with your father a few days ago regarding some business matters. But apparently my business proposal was still lacking.

Piya tried to chime in " I don't think thats true either Ms. Sharma...rumor has it that Mr. Kapoor here is very interested in you. I hear that he has even asked for your hand.

Everyone at the table was in shock. Everyone knew of the rumor but no one in their right mind would ask something so personal up front. But unlucky for Piya ..GKS is not a person you go up against.

Gauri: Those types of rumors are only spread by fools and accepted by idiots.

With that one sentence no one dared to even bring up or think of that rumor for the rest of the day.

Abay gritted his teeth just thinking of how Tej Sharma had looked down on him made in burn with anger inside. But he knew he had to bare with it and try to warm up to Gauri. " Ms. Sharma is right. I would be the luckiest man at this table if I had any chance with Ms. Sharma here.

Om could not hide his happiness after hearing those words. Now he could report back to Shivaay that the alliance was a " no go because there was no way he could have succeeded getting this land in Pune... he might as well comeback with some good news. Gauri knew exactly why Om was smiling. He must have thought that everything was going in his favor. But Gauri couldn't allow that.. " So Mr. Kapoor, so it seems you have met my father and he rejected your business proposal. But I'm sure a person like yourself would have already thought of other ways to convince my father isn't that right?

Abay happily smiles at Gauri: Indeed I have Ms. Sharma. It would be a big loss if Kapoors Tech would give up so soon. That was just a minor setback. Since I heard Sharma Industries was interested in expanding here in Pune I took this opportunity to visit my old friend Mr. Khurana here.

Obviously Om's happiness was very short-lived. Though Tej did not agree to the marriage.. that just meant the offer was just not appealing enough. Gauri was right. Sooner or later she will be married off and the fact will remain that the marriage will always be problematic for Oberois Corps. Seeing Om's furrowed eyebrows made Gauri feel very delighted... But... Gauri's moment of happiness was also short-lived when all of a sudden Ms. Khurana reached across the table to offer Om some fruit while intentionally revealing her very endowed chest. " obviously you are trying to offer him two canteloupes Gauri whispered under her breath who only Om could hear. Om was use to this type of advances. But seeing how Gauri was affected made it quite enjoyable to witness because a person like GKS is usually indifferent about anything happening around her.

Piya seductively smiles at Om: Mr. Oberoi..I've noticed you have heavy bags under your eyes...try some fruit..it might give you a boost in energy. Was the hotel sleeping arrangements not up to your standards?

Om couldn't help but sneak a peek at Gauri as if blaming her for his sleepless night.

Gauri sarcastically looks at Om: Oh? That must not be the reason...For I slept really well...could it be some other reason Mr. Oberoi?

Piya was trying hard to hide her jealousy. She hadn't realize that these two were staying at the same hotel. And it also seems that their relationship was a little too close for comfort. Because today was the perfect opportunity for her to get close to Omkara Singh Oberoi. Every other time that she had a chance to see Omkara he was always with a different woman. He never looked her way once. She has always longed to make him hers. She fantasized about him every night and it anger her that he never noticed her. But she knew they were meant to be together..so when her brother told her of OSO wanting a meeting regarding a plot of land they owned she knew that this was her moment. For her this was a sign from up above that they belong together and the only person in her way right now was the woman sitting right next to him. So when Gauri was trying to reach for the hot tea pot to refill her cup Piya took the chance to intentionally bumped into Gauri's hand causing hot tea to spill. Gauri yelped a little when the hot tea hit her skin. She flinched in pain and pulled her hand back fast. Abay being the opportunistic person that he is stood up to try to reach for Gauri's hand to tend to it. But sadly for Abay the moment he stood up Om had already grabbed Gauri's hand and was now rubbing a cube of ice onto her slightly burnt flesh.

Upon seeing this Piya was fighting a battle within herself not realizing she was biting on her lower lip. "Not again! Why doesn't he look at me! Why does it have to be her?! Piya seeing that the situation was not in her favor hurriedly tried to apologize " I am so sorry Ms. Sharma!...I am just so clumsy. I was trying to grab the tea pot to refill your cup. Piya's words were falling on deaf's ears because Gauri didn't care. She was finding it very humorous as to how Om was so attentive to her injury after what she had put him through last-night. But for now she found herself wishing the ice cube didn't melt so fast. She liked watching him. She liked the fact that he was holding her wrist firmly while tending to her hand. It's been awhile since he had felt someone cared for her. But having Om so close was making her feel a little self conscience because they weren't alone this time . The last time he got close to her she gave into her desires and kissed him. And now she didn't know if the burning sensation was from the tea or his touch at this point. Thankfully one of Mr. Khurana's servant came back with some ointment. Because all she wanted to do is grab his black tie he had on today and taste him once more. Om grabbed the ointment from the servant but Gauri didn't think is was a good idea to let this continue.

Gauri: Let me do it Mr. Oberoi. You have done enough thank you.

Om didn't feel like arguing with this crazy woman. He was already tired as it is but seeing the hot tea spill all over her hand and seeing her flinch in pain woke him up in an instant... he couldn't help but feel a sting inside his chest while seeing beads of sweat forming around her face when he applied the ointment. "It must be hurting her he thought..so he instinctively blew on her hand to try to ease her pain. His hot breath sent a surge of heat throughout her body. It was radiating within her.. burning fiercely. And it wasn't helping that she had started to replay their kiss from last night in her mind. Everytime he blew her eyes would flicker. She was trying hard to maintain her lady-like composure but he was making it very difficult. He really knew how to confuse her..she gives him that. If it had been any other man she wouldn't have even given them the chance to hold her hand for this long. Does he even know that only he has that right?...Why couldn't he have just accepted her offer?...She didn't even want to think what shade of pink her cheeks were at this point. But she knew its best to stop this. She didn't need rumors of her and Om circulating when she returned to Mumbai. Gauri begrudgingly pulled her hand away from Om's grasp. " Thank you Mr. Oberoi but I am feeling much better now. Om finally looks up to see Gauri's flushed face. This crazy woman of his had one weakness. She could never hide the effects he had on her. Her body responded to him completely. And seeing as to how she was still trying hard to keep calm in front of others he couldn't help but come a little closer to tease her " So the mighty GKS is getting all hot and bothered so easily huh. And to think just last night you were bold enough to make such an offer. Om gave Gauri a very satisfying sly smile... "I finally managed to get a little revenge against this crazy woman. But Gauri's lips soon curved up in a half smile and softly responds " Yes. And that bold offer Mr. Oberoi...still stands. She could feel those dark brown eyes piercing through her. Om knew this crazy woman was trying to tempt him and she was really good at it. He never could imagine that GKS was this type of woman. She was strong and unyielding and that made him want her even more. No doubt the contract was enticing..she made it obvious she doesn't know much about relations between and man and a woman..because as sharp as she is there was a major loophole in her proposal . Did she not really see it? Is she really that oblivious when it comes to that?..definitely a crazy woman. Him...Omkara Singh Oberoi a " standby husband?... Om was not one to be shocked easily but Gauri had managed to shock him twice and that too in one day. As for Gauri..she was thoroughly enjoying this game of " tit for tat but she wanted to end things with the Khuranas today.

Gauri : Ms. Khurana...it's okay. Merely an accident. I am fine now. Mr. Khurana I think we should get down to business. Have you looked over the proposal I sent you last night? If there is any concerns do let me know. We are willing to adjust if we are able to.

Daksh: I have looked it over Ms. Sharma. And the offer is very appealing. But as you know the land is own by both me and my sister. As of now Sharma Industries have my vote. So the other person you need to convince is my sister.

Daksh knew how unstable his sister's state of mind was regarding Omkara Singh Oberoi. But he loved his sister deeply and wanted to give her the world. He had promised her that he would allow her to do whatever she wanted with the land as long as she was happy. So if in the end She decided to give her share to Oberois Corps he would have to reject Ms.Sharma's offer. Even though he would be at a loss he just couldn't take one more day of his sister's violent outbursts. He has always wanted to see her live normally and happily and if that means helping her forge a relationship with OSO using this deal then so be it.

Gauri on the other hand couldn't help but feel as if this deal was not as easy to get as she first had thought. She looked at Ms. Khurana and something just felt off. The woman was all smiles at OSO but she never once showed interest in the deal at hand. "Was she trying to use this deal for her own personal gain?

Gauri: If that is the case..Ms. Khurana is there somewhere in the proposal that you are not satisfied with? Or was there another offer made by another company that I am not aware of.

Piya smiles at Om " Well your offer is very appealing but I also wanted to see what Oberois Corps had to offer.

Abay wanted to look capable in front of Gauri so he decided he should lend a hand " Ms. Khurana if you don't mind me saying..Sharma Industries is the leading company in the oil market. And I can assure you that whatever Oberois is willing to give... Sharma Industries will not hesitate to make the same compromise or even better. Abay was pretty proud of himself right about now. But that nice feeling was also short-lived. Because Gauri was now at the epitome of annoyance. " Mr. Kapoor...although I appreciate your confidence in Sharma Industries but please refrain from making any decisions that you have no rights to. Gauri then turns to Piya once more.

Gauri: Ms. Khurana I believe the offer is very reasonable. But if you wish to wait for Mr. Oberoi's offer I will not convince you otherwise..but at least show me some courtesy and tell me how long you are willing to wait and why.

Piya was now a little flustered. She didn't want to come across as having an ulterior motive as to why she is rejecting such an offer but at the same time she couldn't let go of this chance. " Ms. Sharma..I hope I am not offending you. I see that you have 2 more days here in Pune. If you don't mind I would like to at least give them that much time. What do you think Mr. Oberoi?

When all eyes were directed at Om he was already busy cursing Shivaay inside his head. " Damnit Shivaay. You better have everything ready for me when I return to the hotel!

Om knew if he passed on this opportunity Shivaay would give him an earfull " Thank you Ms. Khurana. My brother will send me a proposal later on today. We appreciate that you are giving us this chance to bid on the land even though we were not as prepared as Ms. Sharma here. Both exchanged smiles . But each had their own meaning behind that smile. Om was that of gratitude whereas Piya's smile had hidden desires behind them.

Her smile made her brother Daksh worry. Even though he loved his sister very much to the extent of giving up his share of the land...but not at the cost of damaging Khurana's hard earn reputation. They were known throughout the market for buying land and reselling it at a higher price. He did not want word to spread that the Khuranas mixed personal matters with their business deals. He was starting to have second thoughts about spoiling his little sister to such an extent. While Daksh was busy worrying about his sister. Gauri...seeing how the situation had unfolded. For once was at a loss for words. How could someone be so brazen as to try to use his charms in broad daylight. And how fake was his smile just now... "Such a womanizer. No wonder he flat out rejected my offer...he probably doesn't know how to be committed to just me... I didn't think my offer was all that bad...is it that difficult to be a one woman man?..I..GKS should be more than enough for him. ... Nevertheless he'll change his mind soon enough. Gauri was deep in thought regarding her situation with Om up until she heard the words "Omkara from Ms. Khurana's mouth.

Piya: I look forward to reading it Mr. Oberoi.

Om: Please call me Omkara.

Piya shyly : Om-ka-ra. And if you don't mind please call me Piya.

For a slight moment Om was feeling a little uncomfortable. But he quickly brushed it away believing that Ms. Khurana was just being thorough and wanting to make sure to received the best offer possible. Many times Om had witness Shivaay's attempt to be a little more courteous to his female clients so Om figured he should try to do the same. But what Om hadn't realize is that all his efforts were causing Piya to believe that Om was also in love with her. And that her dream was finally coming true.

Om :My brother had initially sent me here to take a look at the land as well as all the factory buildings that are currently there.

Daksh: Yes... Ms. Sharma had also requested a tour. I guess we can all make a trip together.

Soon Gauri asked to excuse herself. She wanted to stretch her legs a little. She didn't want to keep sitting there to witness Ms. Khurana fangirling over Om. It was already disappointing that things didn't turn out the way she had expected. This was giving her a headache. Gauri definitely needed to get some fresh air and the scenic view was soothing. The Khuranas had very nice taste..the landscape was beautiful and tranquil. Soon Mr. Khurana decided to join her because he was feeling ashamed for not being able to hand over the deed to Ms. Sharma. As business people both knew that an offer like this should have sealed the deal.

Gauri: You have a very beautiful place here Mr. Khurana.

Daksh: Thank you very much. My late father and mother did most of the decorating.

Gauri: Very nice taste. I'm sure they are proud that you have built up the Khurana Empire to even greater heights. I've noticed your profit margin this year has already doubled. But I have to be honest with you Mr. Khurana. I am quite surprised with the sudden turn of events today. I was highly confident that my offer was more than generous. Had I known that Ms. Khurana was the deciding factor my approach would have been a little different.

With those words Daksh knew what Gauri was implying. "Ms. Sharma was very smart. She had seen through everything. Her words were those of warning to him. Implying that any businessman would have agreed to her terms but instead he opted to side with his sister's personal endeavors instead. And by stating how his own parents should be proud of him was merely reminding him that one should know how to conduct business in order to reach to greater heights. Silence filled the air between the two until Abay decided to join them. " If you don't mind Ms. Sharma I would love to accompany you to the site. And if its no trouble I would also love to hear your insights regarding your future plan in Pune Gauri had no time to deal with the likes of Abay she had to put him in his place once and for all. " Mr. Kapoor. I have no objections if Mr. Khurana is willing to escort you but for me showing you any kind of " insight I dare not. I do not think my father would be too happy if I were to share any information regarding his plan here in Pune. I think you would have more luck asking him yourself . The sudden thought of asking Tej Sharma about any plans regarding Sharma Industries brought him back to the very day Tej had mocked him. At this time Abay felt is was best to just stay mum. GKS was as stone cold as her father. There was no chance this woman would ever fall for him. He had to find another way.

Gauri: If you would excuse me Mr. Khurana I would like to use the Ladies Room before we depart.

Mr Khurana: But of course. I will have my servant escort you.

Piya hearing her brother's words.

Piya: Not necessary Daksh. I also need to visit the Ladies Room...I will take Ms. Sharma there.

As the men waited by the front gate Piya led Gauri inside Khurana Mansion. Gauri didn't know why Piya kept looking left and right as if making sure they were alone. As they were heading down a hall Piya suddenly grabbed Gauri and pushed her inside a private room. By looking at the furnishings Gauri could tell this was her very own bedroom. Gauri maintained great calmness and looked directly at Piya " Ms. Khurana is there something you would like to say to me? It seems you went to great lengths to get me alone.

Piya looks at Gauri with great hatred " It seems you have quite the relationship with Omkara.

This was a first for Gauri. She has never landed in this type of situation where someone was jealous of her due to a specific man. Usually women were jealous of her because of her status. So Gauri figured she should just play along to see what Ms. Khurana wanted.

Gauri: Mr. Oberoi and I are merely acquaintances.

Piya scoffs at Gauri : No need to pretend with me Ms. Sharma. I see how you look at him...you are like all the other women out there. Want to just use him and when you're done you leave him. But not me...I'm the one thats truly worthy of him.

Gauri wanted to laugh at Piya's words. Isn't she a little confuse as to whom she is describing. Pretty sure all those traits were Omkara's.

Piya: I want to make a deal with you Ms. Sharma.

Gauri: A deal? there is only one deal that I am here to make Ms. Khurana.

Piya: Exactly. If I sign over the deed to you right now would you leave my Omkara alone.

This is exactly why Gauri did not want to ever let personal matters mingle with business. Nothing but headaches and unnecessary drama. If this is the only way to end this deal today Gauri was all for it.

Gauri: Ms. Khurana I assure you that I am not chasing "your Omkara I am not purposely trying to be in your way either. But if you believe that I am... then to have you sign this deed over to me right now I will promise to avoid him to the best of my ability.

Piya was delighted to hear Gauri's words. She didn't know Gauri would give in so easily. Who in their right mind would choose anything over her "Omkara.

Piya: Then its a deal?...But also ...you cannot reveal that I have accepted your proposal.

Gauri looks at Piya with a little pity " Of course. But I also have a clause of my own. I will do my utmost to stay away from Mr. Oberoi while I am in Pune. But I cannot help it if he comes to me. I should not be at fault for something I cannot control.

Piya looks at Gauri and knew she was right. But she had confidence that Omkara will love her. " I understand. But not to worry. Omkara has me now. He will not come to you.

Gauri takes out the documents from her briefcase that she had brought along and soon the deal was made. She had finally finished what she came here for. Looking at Piya ... " Ms. Khurana..I wish you the best of luck. In the future I would advise you to think long and hard when making dealings. One should only go all out when you are sure the outcome would be in your favor. Playing child-like games with OSO is not a good idea.

Piya: I am not playing any game. I am simply trying to make him realize that I am the one for him.

Gauri: I am just trying to warn you. It is best if you tell him the truth for your own well being. You are treading on this ice Ms. Khurana. You should not have given him false hopes regarding the land. Do not try to make a fool out of him.

Piya: You just worry about holding up your end. I know exactly what I am doing.

Gauri gave out a long sigh " well..I tried to warn her..and I also tried to warn her brother. If they wanted to play with fire who am I to interfere. The moment OSO finds out that these siblings had played him who knows what he'll do. One thing for sure the price of crossing OSO is always repaid back ten folds. There is a reason why he is known for being the powerful force behind SSO. Only the unfortunate ones truly knew the meaning. But at least I got what I came here for and whatever happens in between is no concern of mine.

Both headed towards the gate to be greeted by a large limousine. It seems Mr. Khurana had made an effort to keep everyone as comfortable as can be during the trip. But at this very moment Gauri was regretting asking Mr. Khurana for a tour. Now that she had the deed she no longer wanted to mingle. This was a complete waste of her time. But Gauri had to stay true to her words. She made sure to put a distance between her and Omkara. It wasn't all that hard. Her dealings with Omkara were on hold at this point. And whatever Ms. Khurana had planned was sure to fail. If it was that easy to keep a man like OSO then Gauri would have succeeded that very night.

Omkara's mind was also else where. During the entire ride Om couldn't help but notice the vehicles that were following Gauri earlier was following them yet again. Were they just waiting for the right opportunity to make their move? Om had seen this type of situation many times before during the many kidnapping attempts on his sister in law. He was sure that these culprits' main target was GKS. Om was feeling that his life was being turned upside down ever since he met this crazy woman of his. First her crazy contract and now possible kidnappers. " I have got to learn how to say "no to Shivaay. Om said under his breath while glancing over at Gauri.

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

Dandi: Follow them close Ranveer. Seems like there are two vehicles following the Missus.

Ranveer: Yes. It seems that there are a total of 4 men. Two in each car. Should we just take them out now?

Dandi: No. There are too many people. Lets wait. I'm sure they will make their move when the Missus arrives at the site. We will use that time to get rid of them all at once.

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