Chapter 2

The Tiny hand which was clasped in his made him smile as He opened his eyes lazily to stare at his wife who was sleeping facing him , He looked at her face intently to find a frown itched instantly Omkara felt like chiding himself knowing the possibility of He could be the reason , He was ashamed of his act – Who on earth asks his Wife What's her name that too on Their Very First Night?

I did not marry to sleep alone in bed

He could not help but curve his lips up remembering her spilling out and how embarrassed she was , She indeed needs a mouth filter oh Perhaps it wasn't needed Omkara sums up , in that way he could know right what runs in the pretty little head of hers?

His gaze shifts from her face down to Find her holding his palm with her both hands . He Finds it amused to Find how tiny her fists are – She needs two of her puny hands to hold his . Shaking his head due to his thoughts He removes her hands and turns over to grab His phone from the night stand , Taking the phone in his hand ,He swipes while the screen shows up to enter the password , His Fingers linger on the keypad as His eyes turns remorseful – He enters the First letter but stops shifting his gaze from His phone to The Tiny Lady , Who was precisely His Wife , throwing the duvet angry at himself for letting his guards down walks to the closet grabbing his suit and a towel , He paces to have a shower in the washroom .

Gauri lazily stretches her hand yawning , pushing the duvet away she sits up lazily rubbing her eyes continuously trying to get rid of the sleepiness , She rests her back on the bed headrest still yawning continuously , She opens her eyes hearing footsteps , She passes a warm smile seeing It's Him but Frowns seeing him not even returning the smile and then her eyes shifts to His suit – He was dressed In His Three Piece ,

"Are –you – going –for work?" She asks in bits slowly as much she was pissed right now , She could not show it to him , It would not be nice to show her displeasure to her husband on the very next day of their marriage

"Yes " Came his reply

"Khadoos " She mutters under her breath seeing him spraying cologne not even bothered to pass a look at her .

Soon as Omkara walked out of the washroom , His lips curve up amused seeing her shaking her head from side to side and rubbing her eyes continuously sitting cross-legged on bed but his lips curve down immediately as His mind wanders back to the days he does not want to . Shaking his head slightly trying to get those thoughts out of his system He walks towards the dresser .

He knew She was gazing at his every move intently but he was least bothered right now . When She asked whether he was leaving for work , He felt guilty indeed What he was doing wasn't right , Leaving to work on the Very next day of their marriage but The thoughts which had clouded him since morning would not be doing any good to him or either her , He was low in spirits least he ended up lashing on her For no fault of hers, rather He found it better to avoid the situation by getting to work .Wearing his Rolex watch around his wrist and tying his hair in half pony He walks out without even bothered to pass her look .

Gauri fiddles with her fingers too hurt seeing him walking out without even passing a glance at her . She never expected this – She had seen how newlyweds behave the very next day of their marriage , She did not either expect him to behave romantically with her but She expected him to behave generously assuring her that She will be Fine in His Place . Suddenly She felt like crying remembering her parents . She wanted her mother right now . Wiping away the tears which had dropped hastily she decides to shower and get ready quick – She cannot disappoint her In-Laws The Very Next Day of Their Marriage .

***

The Moment Omkara walked down the stairs He could see the disapproved look of his Daadi and His Mother's soon as they saw him . He knew what the reason would be – He walked down alone and She was still in the room and Then Omkara notices the Frown deepening Seeing him all set to work but Little did Omkara knew who would be facing the taunts of His Very Own Action .

"Om You know it is not nice to Get to work on the First day of Marriage ? " Jhanvi , Omkara's mother , admonishes him in disappointment , The same look his Daadi portraying along .

"Mom –you know –I got this deal from American Company it was hard to crack and by luck it got Finalized Yesterday N-" He stops with a smile completes "Yesterday Evening " , No one needs to know he ditched his bride on their First night it aren't that they will chide him but rather they would taunt Gauri , Just because She was his Wife does not mean that she needs to bear the taunts which would be passed upon her .

"Okay Mom I am Leaving – " He pauses feeling unsure whether he should , knowing his Daadi and Mom's nature but ends up saying "Mom She is New here so Look after " ,

Jhanvi rolls her eyes hearing her Son along with Daadi who shakes her head not liking the way her grandson was going gaga over his one day old wife ,

"First Let her come down !" Jhanvi replies sarcastically .

She wasn't much fond of Gauri – First being that She wasn't from their circle , Gauri comes from a middle class family , Tired off showing more than 50 proposals from their class Omkara hasn't show any interest but When He had seen Gauri's picture without thinking twice he had given his word that He would marry her – Jhanvi and Daadi although loathed agreed just because Omkara showed interest they did not want to let it go but seeing the way Omkara is already sworn by Gauri , Jhanvi could not help but ponder what was in Gauri that made Her son like her ? No class , not a much of beauty , not a fashion sense then what attracted him?

Daadi had always dreamt of Her Grandson getting married in an alliance where they made a Business Deal . Where they could bring Oberoi Corps to a New Height . Even today Daadi did not stop showing her displeasure towards Jhanvi for Showing Gauri's picture , She had outright-edly rejected but Jhanvi had suggested that they show Omkara the picture and assured Daadi Omkara will not like a girl who wasn't their class but to their dismay he had approved . Reluctantly Daadi had given in but still could not help but hold a grudge against Gauri although it weren't her fault .

***

Gauri suddenly had an urge to turn on her heels run to her mother and hide behind her as soon as She walked out of the room towards the dining area . The Disapproved Look of Jhanvi and Daadi made her want to vanish in the thin air . She knew She was late , It was 8.30 am in the morning . Her Mother Had strictly instructed to wake up early morning by 6 am shower and get to kitchen before Her In-Laws woke up . Gauri despised the theory , She had debated with her mother Why is that always Daughter-in-laws are bound to be the perfect Bahu material ? but Her Mother had explained that is how society works – They expect Daughter-in-Law to be perfect , A Small mistake could be taken as a grave mistake . Gauri was no blind Since her small age she had seen her mother working her ass off just to please her in-laws but Gauri had wished atleast in her case She would be bestowed with In-Laws who would love her as their own but as Fate as it seems Her husband & In-Laws seem the opposite as to what she expected .

Gauri taking a deep breath walks up to the dining table , her lips hooking up in a hesitant smile .

"Did You Sleep well Beta?" , Gauri felt as if a chill ran down her spine at the sarcastic tone from her Mother-in-Law .

Giving a slight nod She paces towards Jhanvi and bends down to get blessings from Jhanvi Who just placed her hand on Gauri 's head – It was rather a customary blessing , Although She was Saddened by the fact , Keeping a warm smile itched on her face Gauri moves towards to Daadi only to be received the same .

"What are you wearing?' Daadi sneers upset seeing her Daughter-in-Law wearing a Plain black Shalwar with a embroidered white duppata neatly pin to one side .

"I—" ,

Seeing Gauri stuttering the dis-likeness She had For Gauri increases – High Class Ladies do not Fumble they are clear in their words

"Oberoi Ladies do not Wear Plain !" Daadi cuts her off in a cold tone as She Further continues "And They are clear in their words !"

Tej , Omkara's Father , Who happens to walk in to the dining area could easily sense the chilling silence around , Finding His Daughter-In-Law standing beside His Mother Fiddling with her Fingers , Nervousness clear visible in Her Face , Tej knew What would have happened – Either His Mother or his Wife would have passed a snide remark . Tej was the Only person who had approved Gauri on First Glance just Like Omkara . There was an aura in this girl which made him instantly accept her as a Daughter rather than a Daughter-in-Law .

Tej wasn't sightless – He had clearly observed how his mother and his wife detested an alliance with Gauri's Family just because they were class part but it was Tej's determination which made Gauri The Daughter-In-Law , Tej had seen how unhappy and lifeless his Son had been in the past few years – He had become a Robotic version of himself and Whenever Tej had spoken about marriage , Omkara had clearly put a full stop but His Wife did not let it go just like that rather She had made the Full stop a comma and dragged him from house to house trying to get his perfect match – Many of the Girls being from Higher Society Which Tej cleanly detested , Reason Being His Mother & His Wife Was More than interested in Growing the Oberoi corps to Higher Heights than Omkara's Happiness through the alliance .

Tej had been actually found it surprised and in excitement he had squealed jumping on Omkara pulling him in a bone crushing hug when He had given a nod to the alliance with Gauri . The First Meet in Her Place Tej had developed a Father-Daughter Bond . Tej could not help but chuckle slightly remembering how he had warned Omkara during the Kandayaan not to hurt his Daughter . Gauri had become the Daughter he had secretly craved for, Whenever He had spoken to Jhanvi of Going For a second child and had spoken out his wishes of having a Daughter clearly Jhanvi had manifested She wasn't interested and the reason had been She did not want a Daughter and Omkara was more than enough for her . So Tej had not brought up the topic yet again .

Gauri who had been Feeling like an outsider in the presence of two ladies who did not even bother to pass a glance or rather ask her to have breakfast after taunting on her Fashion sense could not help but smile as her eyes falls on Tej , Tej Her Father-in-Law , If She Felt homely in Anika's presence – It was Tej who Filled the Void of Her Father's place . She had instantly developed a Liking to Tej since the first day She had met him . He had welcomed her warmly hugging her surprise when their proposal was fixed . During the Kandayaan although it was Her Own Father who gave her in marriage She was indeed found it shocking to Find Tej walking up to the Mandap and Warning Omkara not to Let a tear drop From His Daughter's eyes . Her eyes had welled up feeling overwhelmed with love – Omkara had slightly nodded not even a smile itched on his face .When She had entered along with Anika It was Tej who had assured her She would feel homely in their presence .

Gauri moving towards Tej gives a side hug and greets him chirpily 'Good Morning" . Tej envelops her in a hug and Kisses Gauri's Forehead greeting her back .

"Is Everything To Your Comfort Beta?"

Gauri's face instantly falls but forces a small smile not wanting to display how she feels and nods .

"Papaji Come Let's Have Breakfast !" Gauri pulls him by his hand towards the dining table, puling a Chair Despite Tej protesting he could do She makes him sit and serves him happily .

"Did You Have Food?"

Gauri slightly shakes her head , Tej putting up a stern act orders her to sit with him . Gauri looking unsure how could She sit with her In-Laws in one place and have food? Isn't it like not respecting them? She had seen how her mother would be the last one to have food after everyone had food back home . So how could She ? , Gauri turns her head slightly sideways to Find Jhanvi and Daadi rolling their eyes and letting out a snort , She sees them without a word pushing their chairs back with creak and walking out leaving her alone with Her Father-in-Law . Gauri sulks seeing the disapproval in her In-laws face .

Tej could not help but Feel angry seeing the way Jhanvi and His Mother were acting , Taking a deep breath trying to calm his anger Tej holds Gauri's palm .

"Beta Don't mind them it is their nature – " He pauses and says "Now Do You Wanna Keep Your Papa Waiting For Food?" He attempts to joke .

Seeing the small smile appearing on Gauri's Face He eyes her to sit next to him but seeing Gauri trying to shake her head in protest he glares at her making her give up and sit next to him .

Tej serves her the Parratas and Chutney . Seeing her still hesitant He presses her palm and eyes her to eat . He make slight conversations by asking her likes and dislikes . In the middle of having Food , Tej's mind pops up with Where is His Son? ,

"Gauri Where is Omkara?"

"He Left for Work "

Seeing her Face fall , Tej internally curses himself hearing her answer , How could He leave his Wife like that? , We need to Have a Talk , Tej concludes , He wasn't sure whether the couple had differences or it was because Omkara was urgently needed He got to work either his act is unjustifiable . Patting Gauri's head to have a food Tej silently finishes his while pondering to have the much needed Talk between him and his son .

Gauri who had been feeling extremely guilty that Her In-Laws left leaving the Food halfway looks down Fidgeting with her duppata . Feeling the light tug in her hand seeing Tej clasping her palm in his and ordering her to have food warmly , Her heart flutters with happiness . The Small talks they had while having Food Gauri was more than happy to know her Papaji's likes and dislikes but when her had paused to ask about Her Husband , She did not want to sulk but she could not stop it either – Remembering him walking out . Forcing a smile Answering Her Father-in-Law was more than a hard task and wondering as to how many would repeat the same question for the day? She could only pray that He does makes an appearance before The neighbors would come to see the newlyweds !.

***

"Gauri Maam Jhanvi Madam Send You the Dress & The Jewelries to Wear For the Day ! "

Gauri did not expect her Mother-in-Law to send a whole F*cking Dress and a Jewelry shop . That too Heavily Worked Shalwars with equally hefty Jewelries . Again Something which she hated walking around like a Decorated Christmas Tree?

Deciding not to get further into bad books of her Mother-in-law Further Gauri decides to dress up before the guests show up .

Gauri stumbles on the Shalwar border while walking down almost trying hard to manage the massive decoration she had put up on herself , The Shalwar was too long for a petite structure like her but She could not reject Her Mother-In-Laws generousness . Note the sarcasm .

If She atleast got a nightmare that being a Oberoi bahu was gonna cost her too much a week back She would have immediately rejected the proposal . One day to Her Marriage and Gauri could not help but curse herself for having such thoughts . This was bound to happen and it is in her hand to hold onto her marriage and try to seek love from her in-Laws and Her husband.

Moving towards the Hall in slow steps Gauri could not stop but feel inferior and self conscious with the looks which were passed on her side . Her eyes wander to the entrance to get a glimpse of her husband appearance but when has god had listen to her plea's?

The unsettling Feeling in the pit of her stomach increases more seeing her Mother-In-Law and Daadi smiling too sweetly for her liking . Then it hits her that was a show put up front of the guests . Gauri could not stop but ponder , Why is world so Fake?,

The Ladies who had come to bless surround her while Gauri was made to sit in the center , The hushed giggles and chuckles added more to her anxiety . She forces a smile as they compliment her but It vanishes when an Old lady questions her "Where is Your Husband Beta?" ,

The most dreaded moment was live now , What is She suppose to answer? That he left for work? Or any other reasons which could be justified? But then again How could his reasons be justified ?

"Omkara will be here by now " ,

Gauri heaves a sigh of relief seeing her Mother-in-Law answering instead of her .

The Guests disperse while making small talks between themselves . Sitting alone Gauri felt lonely .

"Gauri !"

Gauri's eyes falls on Anika who walks in calling her out , Her lips curve in relief seeing that She had someone to be by her side .

"Babhi " Gauri hugs her happily

"Where is Om?" Anika teases ,

Gauri sulks as She says "Work "

Seeing her face falling Anika changes the topic swiftly as they talk while laughing occasionally .

It was about 9 by now , Guests had started leaving but Omkara hasn't arrived yet , Seeing Anika too Leaving Gauri's face falls as the Feeling of loneliness creeps in . Gauri wasn't deaf to the way the women passed on taunts because Omkara wasn't present in the ceremony .

Deciding to Freshen up , Gauri holding her Shalwar either sides walks up the staircase before moving in to her room , She hears Ladies talking in the kitchen , The way to kitchen was Few feet's from her room . Deciding to have a Look Gauri takes small tentative steps ,

"Jhanvi Where is Your Son? Did He run away?" The Ladies joke laughing

"Come on Madhuri If A Woman knows how to keep a man happy on bed Why would A Man Leave the Next Day of their Marriage to Work? " Another Lady replies to the previous lady letting out her loud ugly laugh

Gauri who had just heard finds herself eyes welling up hearing the accusation placed upon her . Are we objects to please Men? Why does every little accusation placed upon a woman ? Was I the reason he left ?

"I Had to push my husband to work even after one month – He wasn't ready to Leave from bed" Another lady answers laughing and blushing

Gauri wiping of the tears which were falling uncontrollably from her eyes turns on her heels quietly but her duppata ends up clashing on the vase which was placed in the corner which ends up falling thus grabbing the attention of the ladies .Seeing Gauri with tears in her eyes they stop talking shocked , Gauri giving a sad smile turning on her heels walks out towards her room .

Soon as She is in , Leaning to the door She Lets the tears at bay fall as She cocoons herself by the door – Her sobs increasing which each second . Unable to control the pain anymore and wanting her mother's hug She dials Her Mother's number .

"Gauri "

Gauri chokes a sob cupping her mouth hearing her mother's loving tone , "Mumma "

"Gauri Beta are you Fine? " Her mother's worried filled tone echoes in her ears

"Mumma " She chokes trying to swallow the lump forming "I—am—Okay !" She lies wiping her tears hastily forcing a smile on her face . Her mother had been happy since the time the alliance was fixed . Gauri does not have a vague memory of Her Parents being so happy .

"I was missing you " Gauri says sadly as tear slides down

"Ohh I Got sacred , What is there to miss me Gauri , You could come visit here with Damadji (Son-in-Law)

Gauri smiles sadly , First search where your damadji went mumma , Gauri wanted to say but replies instead "I'll come Mumma !"

"Not only you , Come with Damadji " Her Mother strictly instructs

Gauri sighs and replies weakly "Okay I'll come with your Damadji Happy?"

"How is Your In-Laws Gauri ? Are They Looking after you well ? aur how is Damadji is He taking care of you well?

Chocking a sob She says " Mumma Omkara Haina He takes care of me very well , He did not let me alone even for a minute Mumma , He Is the Bested Husband One could ask For and In-Laws they love me as their own Mumma " , She lies clearly and continues "Aur Papaji he treats me like his own daughter with so much love " Her lips hooks up in a small smile as She completes .

Omkara's state was no different from Gauri's although He was in work discussing the project plans his mind was struck somewhere else – On a Certain Tiny Lady who had grabbed his attention .Would She be doing well? , Will Mom and Daadi take care of her? Or will they taunt her? , These were the thoughts present in his mind . As much as He tried to wind up his work for the day – He couldn't His Presence was needed to seal the deal with the American company .

When Omkara had walked in to the Office he had seen the shocked stares and glances passed upon his side and the snide remarks made on his arrival of the First day of his marriage but His Glare had made them shut up and continue their work – Least they got Fired !

With The Number of Files piled on his table and diving himself in Omkara did not know how he lost track in time as He Sees it is almost near to 9 pm . He had been upset in the morning but he had not planned to spend his entire day in the Office – He had planned to get back home before Lunch before Guests could arrive –

"Gauri !" She was the only one solely owned his mind as He drove in high speed trying to get home as soon as possible .

Passing the key to the security Om dashes out of the car to the Mansion only to be Find it empty with one or two Ladies still lurking around . Making a quick run upstairs Om checks his room to Find it empty . Trying to get a glimpse of His wife Omkara walks towards the direction of the Kitchen hearing the noises of Ladies chattering . As He sees Gauri at the entrance of the kitchen Omkara hides behind a pillar least he made it awkward For Her .

He clenches his fist as He Hears the Ladies talk shit about Gauri but curses himself for being the reason , Seeing tears in her eyes as She walks past the pillar towards Their room Omkara Feels his guilt increasing , Deciding to give an earful He walks towards the Kitchen and Glares at them furiously . The Ladies excusing themselves dash out of the Kitchen leaving him alone with his mother .

"What was that Mom? How could You Let them Speak Like that?" He asks angrily

"What I am Suppose to do? Shut them? Then How? What reasons could support me? " Jhanvi snaps back " I warned you in the morning not to leave but You did not see the consequences !"

"Mom You should Have stood up for Gauri , You knew how important this contract was for Me , for the Company !" Omkara says disappointment running two fingers in his forehead .

Jhanvi could only roll her eyes seeing how a slave her son had become in a day to his wife , Letting out a snort Jhanvi turns to put the dishes to wash and walks out instructing the servants .

Omkara runs behind to match her steps and stops her standing in front "What's wrong Mom? Why don't You Like Her? Wasn't it you who gave your consent for marriage ? "

"I Gave but that does not mean I should like her – What that Girl Has that ? Class , Status , Beauty ? or Fashion sense ? She is not even suitable to be an Oberoi Bahu – She fumbles while talking – If I had not provided her with jewelries and dress She would be walking out plain letting my pride down !"

Omkara lets out a sad chuckle running placing his fingers in his forehead " Mom You won't Change right? What is in Class Mom? Or Beauty – She is beautiful to at least my eyes – inner beauty is more than everything – I see that in her ! and Fashion sense ? Don't tell me You made her wear those heavy dresses with heavy jewelry ? Just because She is married to me does not mean that She needs to Change herself – She is perfect at least to me by being herself please don't force anything upon her – I beg !"

Pausing Omkara continues "I'll Be Leaving to Mussorie Tomorrow With her " ,

"You are Leaving tomorrow morning? " Jhanvi hisses angrily , How dare She fill my son's ears against me ? The Dislike for Gauri turning into Hatred least Jhanvi knew that it was Her Son who figured out everything .

"Already I had planned to move to the Mussorie Branch Right Mom? It is that I have pre-poned " He tells softly taking her hand in his . He knew His Mother wasn't Bad it was She had too much pride in The Oberoi Name more than everything .Giving a Side-hug Omkara moves towards his room .

He stops by the door hearing her muffled sobs , He knew She was hurt then Omkara hears her talking to her mother , Hearing her praising him , His guilt increases even with what he had down She does not want to let his pride down . Taking a deep breath He opens the door slightly . Seeing him Gauri wipes her tears and walks towards the closet to change into comfortable clothes .

Soon as She walks out , Gauri sees him sitting on the bed with his phone . Without a word She lies on her side ., She feels weak to make a conversation .

"Gauri" She hears him call out

She nods slightly assuring him she is hearing "We would be moving to Mussorie tomorrow morning !" ,

Gauri sits up straight hearing him "But We were suppose to go next week right?" She asks slowly sad that She had to move far away from her parents .

"Yes but work calls !" Omkara replies

"Khadoos could have Married to work instead " Gauri mutters under her breath but Omkara was quick to catch and smiles embarrassed and turns his head sideways least She caught him embarrassed .

Hesitantly Fiddling with her fingers She asks him "Can we go see Mumma and Papa before we leave?"

Omkara turns looking at the longing in her eyes he passes a small smile and nods making her smile back "We could Our Flight is around 11 !"

"Are we Flying?" She asks meekly

"Is there a problem ?

"I am scared of heights " She replies softly hanging her head down embarrassed .

"We could go by train, is that Fine?" Om proposes

Her eyes lightens as She raises her head and nods , "We could get a train from Delhi to Dehradun and From there we got to go by car !"

"I'll Pack now?"

"Haa You can " Omkara says shaking his head slightly

Gauri getting down from the bed runs to pack her clothes , Om's lips hooks up in a sad smile . May be One day He would accept her but For now at least He would try to behave civil with her .

Seeing her pulling out the heavily worked shalwars and the hefty jewelries with a slight frown Omkara calls her out "Gauri remember Just because you are married to Me does not mean you need to change yourself " He says eyeing to the shalwars .

Passing a gratitude smile Gauri pulls out her own dresses and packs hers while he does his .

That night Sleeping beside him , Seeing his sleeping form She thinks maybe he wasn't bad as She thought and maybe it wouldhave be really urgent that he left to work and ditched her last night . She blushes with happiness thinking that the life ahead in Mussorie will be a New Beginning to their Lives .

***

Click on the White Star - If You are Excited to See Their Journey Ahead 

And I Have addressed Few Society issues - Hope No one Found it Offended - Well Those are Some of My Thoughts , Why Always A Woman is Bound to Be Perfect ? 

And Gauri isn't Weak It is That Want You Feeling Like Crying When This Type of Treatment Received From In-Laws and Husband on First Day of Marriage?

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