"So did you like the Flat?" Omkara asked while he and Gauri enjoyed some Glucose biscuit Chai that Gauri had prepared in the Hotel they were staying at. She shrugged with her shoulders. It had been 5 Days since she and Omkara had left Bareilly so Gauri could find herself and be independent and even though they were back in Mumbai Gauri wasn't ready to go back to the Oberoi Mansion yet.

I don't know. It was Okay and something I could afford once I start work on Monday... She said sipping her Tea. She was hired as a tailor in a small Boutique and she was rather excited after almost a year she was going back to work. She could finally provide for her mother again.

"Gauri... I told you I would pay the rent... Omkara hesitantly started and stopped talking as he saw her glare at him. Ever since they had started living alone he didn't know how to talk to her without offending her. He knew she needed time to find herself but he was her husband, it was his right to take care of her. It hurt him that they were basically roommates and not Husband and wife. When would he get his Wife back? Omkara thought sadly.

"Omkaraji I told you I want to be independent. She softly said; seeing his hurt expression and took his hand in hers. Gauri felt a lot braver ever since she knew about his love and she didn't shy away from physical contact but before they could live as husband and wife in the real sense she needed more time, she needed to find out who the real Omkara was. His past suddenly disturbed her, because she knew nothing about him.

"I know but you are my Wife. Isn't it my duty to take care of you and your every need. But I don't want to offend you, so can you maybe tell me how I can take care of you? Omkara looked into his Wife's Face and smiled softly; seeing her blush a little.

"Well how about you pay for the grocery? We will try to do everything together Omkaraji. I want us to be equally involved in this marriage and I don't want you to fear doing something nice for me because you are afraid I would go away again. I am not going anywhere, remember? We are working this out. Gauri said and Omkara stood up and pulled her closer to himself. He buried his face in the crock of her neck and kissed her Neck softly.

Gauri closed her eyes and hugged him back. She loved feeling him so close to her, whenever his lips touched her skin she felt like her whole body came to live, as if she had been asleep and his lips where the cure to wake up. She looked into his face and he caressed her face with a smile. Omkara knew she wasn't ready to take the next step and he never pressured her. How could he? After everything he had done to her, he tried his best to be the perfect Husband. She deserved nothing less and their first Time should be perfect.

"Come Let's do the groceries after that I will make dinner and we can see if we find another flat you like more. Omkara said and pulled Gauri up with him.

She smiled gratefully and both of them did just that. After doing some basic grocery shopping she watched her Husband make dinner while talking about his childhood and his brothers. Suddenly he stopped talking, Gauri realized just how much he loved living with his brothers and felt bad for separating the Obros. She stood up and hugged her Husband from behind. Om relaxed.

He enjoyed these little moments when she would come close to him. It made him feel a lot more secure in their new relationship.

"I am sorry.

"Kyun? Omkara turned around surprised and cupped her face. She looked so worried that Omkara tried his best to read her face. Why would she be sorry?

"Because I am not ready yet to move back to the Oberoi Mansion and you want to stay with me so you are separated from your brothers. I feel bad for that. I never wanted that you know how much I love your Family but...but... I-"

Om stopped Gauri from saying more, his finger on her lips.

He shook his head and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes and hugged him tighter. She liked hugging him, it felt like Home. Like the one place she could be herself. He was her first love and he would be her last.

"I know Gauri. Don't think like that trust me! I am happy that you forgave me enough to give our relation another chance, my Brothers and I could be Miles apart but our Hearts are united. Please don't you dare think like that ever again, also I see Shivaay and Rudy every day. We talk on the phone whenever possible, they miss you like crazy but they respect your decision; my Family adores you Gauri. Omkara said and kissed her cheek before turning around and continued cooking. Today's dinner included his favorite pasta with white sauce, some salad and Cold Water with lemon and mint.

They ate their dinner in silence and decided to watch a movie before going to bed. Every Night they would lay next to each other on the bed but on two different ends, despite hugging him and kissing his cheek Gauri felt way too conscious of her very handsome Husband. Ever since she knew he loved her as well and that he wanted them to have a physical relationship as well she turned into the shiest person on earth as soon they would lay down to sleep. Despite the fact that she knew he would never touch her unless she was ready and that helped her a lot to sleep at Night. She blushed and turned to look at him. Omkara was deeply asleep and his Hand found his way around her waist.

He looked even more Handsome in his sleep, with his Hair over his face and his mouth a little opened. He looked so peacefully that Gauri prayed to her Sankarji that nothing would take away his peaceful slumber, she prayed that her husband would always be happy and would always be by her side.

Gauri smiled softly and snuggled closer. Feeling his warm body against hers felt comforting and exciting. Shyly she hoped he was still asleep when she softly stroked his hair away from his eyes. Omkara sighed in his sleep and his face buried into her neck; his warm breath tickling her. Gauri closed her eyes with a smile. "I love you... she whispered into the night and fell asleep.

Almost 2 Weeks later Gauri returned from her Work when she saw Omkara and his Brothers sitting in their new Flat. They had moved in a week ago and were still settling in. Seeing her Shivaay smiled brightly and opened his arms for her, almost immediately Gauri ran towards him and hugged him tight. She had always adored Shivaay he was the big brother she never had. Her strongest Ally in terms of her Love, Her Marriage and herself.

"Bade Bhaiya? How are you? How is Anika? "Gauri asked and Shivaay chuckled. Naturally she had asked too many questions at the same time.
"Everyone is fine Gauri. Anika misses you very much and she will visit soon.

Rudra stood up sadly and asked Gauri How she could forget him. Gauri hugged her partner in crime tightly and then sat down next to Omkara.

Without realizing she moved closer to him and his Arm rested loosely on her shoulders. His fingers absent-mindedly caressed her shoulder and Gauri's Hand rested on Omkara's thigh while she talked with Rudra about her new Job. Shivaay noticed the few little changes in his Brothers marriage and smiled happily. He hoped that by living apart for a while that Gauri and Om would grow stronger and closer. Shivaay wanted them to be as happy as he was with Anika. Gauri smiled at something Rudra said while Shivaay turned to Om.

"You seem happier than ever. He whispered into his Brothers direction and Om nodded smiling. " I am. She is perfect for me, living with her, being a Husband I never knew that I would be happy living like that. I never thought I was able to live that life...especially after my Drug phase... Om stopped talking and looked down. He felt ashamed whenever he thought about that phase in his life. Back then he thought that Drugs where the only thing worth living for, as if the drugs were the only thing keeping him alive.

Shivaay's gaze fell on Gauri. "Does she know?.

"No, I am ashamed to tell her. I don't want her to think lowly of me. Omkara said softly and Shivaay understood his fear. But he knew that Gauri deserved to know. She needed to know the kind of man she was married to.

"She deserves to know Om. Tell her when you are ready. Give her the Chance to know the Man she is married to.

Omkara nodded and smiled at his brother. Talking to his elder brother was always helpful, he helped him become a better man.

"What are you two smiling about? Gauri asked and Om gave her a side hug with a quick kiss on her cheek; causing her to blush. Shivaay and Rudra looked at both of them with a smile. Finally, some progress, they deserved happiness.

"I just told Shivaay who happy I am. How happy we are.

Rudra stood up. "Come on Shivaay Bhaiya, let's leave the lovebirds alone.

Gauri blushed even harder and followed Rudra and Shivaay to the door.

"see you soon? Gauri asked and both of her brother's in law smiled before leaving.

" Are you hungry? How about a nice Candle light dinner? Omkara suggested.

" I would love to but before that I want to go to the temple.

"Anything special going on that I forgot? Any festival? Any Rasam?

"No nothing like that. Just for me. You know I try to go whenever possible. Do you want to go with me? She asked while walking into their bedroom. Om followed her and watched her get into the Bathroom. Without noticing she started undressing until she felt his fingers on the zipper of her Salwar suit.

"I would love to go with you to the Temple. Omkara whispered and kissed her neck. Gauri closed her eyes and felt his expert fingers pulling her top down so he could kiss her exposed shoulders. Gauri caught his hands and turned around.

"I need to shower before we go. Seconds after she finished her sentence she felt him step back with a smile before leaving the bathroom to give her some privacy. Gauri sighed and went to shower; his touch still lingered on her skin and she smiled. Day by Day it felt harder to withdraw whenever he came closer. Only God knows how much longer before I will give in, Gauri thought with a chuckle and finished her bath. Then she wore a plain white salwar suit with a colorful dupatta. Omkara sat on their Bed, in a beige Kurta and matching bottoms. His Hair was tied in a Man bun and with a frown Gauri went to him and let his Hair loose. Omkara looked at her surprised.

"Kya Hua?

"I love her Hair like that. Don't tie it up. She said with a smile and he chuckled. He took her Hand in his and stood up.

"Let's go.

Half an hour later they reached the temple and to her surprise her Husband joined her to pray.

Omkara opened the Car door for her and Gauri thanked him. They climbed the stairs, when Gauri suddenly took her Slippers off.

"That is unhygienic Gauri , you could hurt yourself who knows what lies on these stairs Omkara said and before Gauri could prove him wrong, she felt a sharp pain in her left foot. With a soft curse she sat down and saw that she had stepped into glass. Her feet was bleeding a little bit and worriedly she looked at her husband with tears in her eyes.

Immediately Omkara ran to get some water and took care of her.

"Come try to stand up. Omkara helped her get on her feet but it the wound made it impossible to walk.

"It hurts too much. Gauri said and before she could react further Omkara lifted her up bridal style. She blushed and looked around; everyone was watching them, some with a smile some with a frown.

"Let me down! Everybody is starring at us.

"So what? You are my Wife and you are hurt. I will carry you up the stairs and then you can pray okay? He said with a smile and started carrying her up the stairs. Gauri's heart filled with even more Love for her Husband.

She knew that he would always support her, always protect her and always keep her happy, so why was she adamant on keeping her distance? Why did she fear loving him, trusting him? In these past 2 weeks he had been the perfect gentleman the kind of man she fell for all those month ago.

Reaching the Temple Gauri decided to let bygones be bygones. She wanted to be his wife in every sense. And she would tell him that she wanted to be by his side always.

Omkara looked at his Wife and smiled softly while putting her down. The priest came and praised Omkara for showing that a Husband would always be his wife's biggest support. Her greatest strength. They took his blessing and both closed their eyes to pray ; unknown to the other they prayed for their long life and happiness. After they finished Gauri was ready to go but was stopped by Om's hand that pulled her back to the Priest.

"Panditji we would Love to renew our wedding vows. Could you do that for us? Omkara asked and pulled out some Sindoor and a new Mangalsutra.

Gauri looked at him in awe and a single tear found his way out of her eyes. The Pandit smiled nodding and blessed the Sindoor and the Mangalsutra.

Omkara caressed Gauri's face and fell on his knees.

"Gauri, I know the way we got married the first time wasn't right and definitely not a happy scenario but I want to make that right. I want you to remember our wedding with a smile, I want you to think of this day as the day you found your soulmate. You know why I keep falling in love with you? Because you are the purest, most honest and most loyal person I have ever met. Naam, Khun, Khandan those words don't mean a thing to you, you look at the person and you are one of the few people who still believe in the good in people. I know in the past I have hurt you a lot and I will do my best to show you every day how much I love you and how much I need you. Will you marry me again? This time without any threat without any bitterness? Will you be my Life companion till death do us part? The minute he finished she fell on her Knees and hugged him tight. Never ever in her wildest dream had she thought he would marry her again, this time with love.
Her happiness couldn't be described with words and she was speechless.

So she nodded and kissed his cheek.

"You ask me tomorrow you ask me the day I die I would always say yes. You are my life Om. He helped her stand up and then they turned to the Pandit.

He started the fire and the wedding mantras and minutes later Omkara and Gauri got married again. The minute he filled her Maang with sindoor and his bright smile was enough for Gauri to decide that today she would be his wife in every possible way. He had given her so much happiness and so much Love, giving him her Body was nothing. He was her soul, her heart her everything.

"I love you. She whispered with tears in her eyes. The pandit left quietly giving them the much needed privacy in the now empty temple.

"I love you too. More than I ever thought I could love someone. He said before claiming her lips. With a sigh she kissed him back and soon his hands were touching her everywhere possible. His lips found a sensitive spot on her neck and bit her softly. Gauri moaned and grabbed his hair.

"we should get home... he said and looked into her flushed face. She looked even more beautiful than ever with her swollen Lips and the light blush on her cheeks. Gauri nodded realizing that any Minute someone could see them.

"Can you walk?

"I think so , yes. She said and took a step forward. It pained but was bearable.

Om smiled and slowly they walked back to their car to drive back home.

A few days after their remarriage Gauri was welcomed home with rose petals guiding her towards their dining room. With a smile she followed the path and saw a beautifully decorated Table with her favorite food and some cold beverage. And then her eyes fell on her Husband in a black Kurta with matching bottoms. His Hair was still wet from his shower and he smiled.

How did she deserve him? He was truly the most romantic person she had ever met and she thanked God for giving her him.

"Freshen up and then come back. He instructed her and she followed his orders. After her quick Shower she wore a red net Sari and some jewelry. After applying some Kajal and a lipstick she breathed in deeply.

"Today I will truly be Mrs. Omkara Singh Oberoi. Gauri whispered and tried her best to calm down her beating heart. She wanted him; badly.

Returning to the dining room she heard some soft music.

Omkara helped her sit down and then kissed her exposed shoulder. Gauri closed her eyes and turned to kiss his cheek.

"After Dinner. He said and sat down as well. They feed each other and soon Gauri realized that her Husband had had a reason for today's dinner.

"What is it that you want to tell me Om? Is something bothering you?

when he didn't answer immediately Gauri stood up worriedly and kneeled down beside him. He turned to her with a sad look in his eyes and kissed her softly on the lips. She kissed him back and then took a deep breath and started talking. What Gauri was about to hear was something she never expected.

I need you to listen carefully and without any judgement. You fell in Love with a Version of me that was healed from a very dark past." Omkara looked at her face; afraid to see disgust or fear. Gauri kissed his hand and looked at him.

Tell me. " she said and he thanked god that she was his wife. Ashamed he looked at their hands and started pouring out his dark past.

After I found out about Mr.Oberois affair with Svetlana My mother threatened to kill herself and to cope with the pain I started taking drugs. My heart was broken because of my then girlfriend Ridhima and her betrayal; only adding to my agony and pain. Back then I felt like the drugs were the only thing worth living for, like i was able to escape from the pain even if just for a few hours. My plan was to stop once my problems were solved but somehow I could never stop. I was addicted and it almost killed me. Looking back I feel ashamed about it, that I felt so alone and weak to drown my pain in something so impure. My Brothers were outraged when they found out especially since I was on the verge of attempting suicide... finally looking into her face he saw that she was crying. He quickly wiped away her tears and Gauri hugged him.

Never ever in her wildest dreams had she thought he was that lost in his past, that he had to endure so much pain and agony that for him the only way out were drugs. She cried until she felt him kiss away her tears.

"Please don't cry. It hurts me to cause you pain.

"I am sorry Om, It's just I never knew and I feel sad for the man that felt left alone. To think you could have died and wouldn't have become part of my life that thought alone is unbearable...I-I please promise you to never ever think about suicide or anything like that again. If something happens to you I would die... Gauri cupped his face in her Hands and Omkara couldn't help but smile.

This woman loved him truly; unconditionally. She wasn't appalled by his past, she still loved him. He was grateful that her facial expression never showed any disgust or contempt. All he had seen was pain, sadness and Love.

"I promise on our Love, on everything you believe in and everything I believe in that I will never ever walk down that path again. I just felt like I had to tell you all about my past because you deserve to love the past me, the present me and the future me. I will try my best to always be honest with you, to never hurt you and to make you happy till the day I die. My past is a part of me that will never be forgotten but something I learnt a lot from. Omkara said and kissed Gauri's Hand that cupped his face. She blushed as his lips drove over her arm to her shoulder. Now that he had told her everything Omkara felt free, like a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders. Now she knew everything about him and she had accepted him; as always. How did he deserve her?

"Om even if you would ever weaken again I would be by your side, I would support you to fight, How could I leave the man I love just because he has a dark past? I love you and I will never stop loving you. All the parts of you make you the man I love today. Beside We all do Om have a dark past... She stopped and thought carefully about her next words. She needed to tell him how she ended up with Kaali and how everything started. Omkara looked confused. What dark past could Gauri talk about? She was innocent and pure and he knew deep down that he had to listen carefully.

"Regarding Kaali I never explained to you how I ended up at his House, in his Life.

Omkara paled visibly, he knew that he had forgiven Gauri for whatever had happened but he realized he had never cleared his misunderstanding about how she ended up with Kaali. That has been the biggest mistake in his life, that he had never asked her, back then he had just accused her but today he wanted to know how a selfless and innocent Person like Gauri could be associated with someone as dirty and greedy as Kaali Thakur.

"I was adopted when I was a little girl. My parents loved me like their own but my Aunt and Uncle they hated me. They never loved me, so when I passed 5th standard they took me out of school after my father's death and made me work. Gauri said with tears streaming down her face. It was painful remembering her father's death, the torture she went through because of her Aunt and Uncle despite her mother's attempts to shield her as often as possible. Omkara couldn't believe his ears, now he understood why Gauri was so dedicated to be independent, she never ever wanted to be indebted to anyone again; Not even her own husband.
"Years passed by and Kaali Thakur saw me at the Temple, he declared that day he would marry me and would do whatever possible to make me his. I refused and my Mother supported my decision, after all he was a dirty, ruthless Person and married. I pitied his wife and went home. He felt humiliated and swore that he wouldn't rest in peace till he made me pay... My Uncle and Aunt are very greedy people, he paid them for me and they accepted. When I reached home, he put me in Chains and covered my Head with a bridal scarf. He threatened to kill my mother Om, so I told him I would marry him. Back then I had no other choice, my mother is my whole life.

Omkara stood up and took a few steps back. He remembered the scenario, that was the day his attraction for Gauri was shadowed by thinking she willingly left to be Kaali's mistress. But she had been chained and blackmailed

Gauri too stood up and went to the window; deeply in thoughts.

"The day you came to him for business I tried to show you my chains, I wanted your help but you misunderstood me...She said with a sad smile; still not facing him. Omkara felt like he had been stepped, he had left her with him not once, not twice but each time he saw her he left her with that monster. How could he have been so cruel? He had a lot to make up to. His repentance just started.

Gauri didn't even notice her husbands pained expression; she was lost in her hurtful past. With a sigh she continued talking.

"After you left he prepared everything for our wedding, I tried running but my mother was kidnapped by him so I stayed. When I reached the Wedding venue I saw his brother's dressed as grooms and I realized that he wanted me to be shared between the three of them. Like a cheap sex toy. So I injured him and ran away. And then we met at the Train station and somehow we ended up getting married. That Day I knew that you were my destiny Om.

Finally Gauri turned to face her husband and walked towards him.

Without realizing his Hands found hers and pulled her closer to him.

"Gauri... I am so sorry for misunderstanding you always...How could I leave you with Kaali? Whenever you needed me I left you, abandoned you...despite the fact you had always stood beside me. But I failed... He closed his eyes.

"Why did you marry me? Gauri asked instead. She had never understood why he had saved her that day. He could have left but no he married her. His biggest lie back then had become her biggest truth.

Confused by her Question Om opened his eyes and saw her faint smile.

Her eyes were red and swollen from all the crying but still for him she was the most beautiful woman. And then he thought about her question.

"I married you because you didn't deserve being punished that way. No matter what I thought of you back then...I felt like you were wronged, like something was missing. I was confused because on one hand I thought you and Kaali had an affair and on the other side you tried your best to run away. Maybe back then I knew that there was more to the story than I saw but I was blinded by my anger. And seeing you injured I don't know...I just had to marry you, to save you. He said; till date he wasn't quite sure why had married her but he didn't care. He thanked god every day for having Gauri in his life, she was his everything and maybe if they would have met under different circumstances and a different time Om knew he would have fallen instantly and deeply in love with her. She was his Destiny.

"You are my Destiny Om. I am happy that we finally talked it out, everything is out in the open now. We are free. Gauri said as if hearing his thoughts and Om cupped her face. After all that emotional talk both of them felt that today was truly the start of their marriage, nothing was hidden. They knew each other in and out now and they were still together; happily. They loved each other. They broke free from their tragic pasts and were more than ready for the future. A future full of happiness, Love and Joy.

Omkara's lips found hers and he kissed her softly but Gauri was tired of his soft kisses. She wanted him, she wanted to be with him, to heal him with her body.

Her Hands found their way in his hair and she grabbed his hair in a fist; pulling him even closer. Omkara groans and picks her up; Gauri sighs when he laid her down on the Couch and got on top of her. His lips found her neck and Gauri moaned his Name. His finger already removed the pallu of her saree and soon Gauri felt her blouse getting loose; her husband's lips kissing her now exposed shoulders, her bosom. Shyly she started unbuttoning his Kurta and soon they were both naked from the waist up- but Gauri didn't feel shy. She was ready to be his. She bit him lightly on his neck and soon placed small faint kisses all over his face and his chest. Omkara smiled and pulled her in for another kiss.

Realizing that soon they would reach a Point of no return Omkara comprehended the entire situation and stood up. He covered her with his Kurta and turned to calm down his aroused body. This is not how there first time should be, Omkara decided in that very Moment.

Gauri was confused; Why did he stop? She wore his Kurta and walked over to him. She knew he had some good reason for not going all the way.

"Om? Are you okay? Don't you want to...? Gauri asked despite being Shy.

The woman in her felt a bit humiliated that he had rejected her but the wife in her knew that her Omkara had a good reason to stop now.

Facing her finally she saw a faint smile on his face, so she smiled back.

"I want to believe me... But I want to give you the Wedding Night you deserve Gauri. I want us to marry in front of our Family and Friends, to do all the rituals, everything that you deserve before I can even dream of making you mine in that way. He said and kissed her forehead.

"But Om I don't need a grand Wedding, our remarriage in the temple was enough for me, I have your love. I have everything I have ever dreamt of.

Gauri explained him and kissed his cheek softly; indicating she was already his. Omkara shook his Head.

"I know Gauri but still you deserve that and I want to give you a proper Wedding Night, with all the decorations, the teasing in our Home. I respect you too much to just do it without giving you the Wedding you deserve and we just took a step ahead in the emotional depth of our Marriage let's work on that a little more, What do you think? He said it with such a beautiful and broad smile on his Face that Gauri simply couldn't help herself and kissed him once more. He kissed her back and then rested his forehead against hers.

"Thank you for respecting me, understanding me and for supporting me.

Omkara led her to their Bedroom and both laid down. Gauri snuggled closer to her Husband and told him how she wanted to continue her studies and also that her Boss had already planned on giving her a promotion seeing her talent , in return he told her about a new exhibition he was planning and that Shivaay and Anika were planning to go for their Honeymoon.

Soon they both drifted into a peaceful slumber with the demons of the past finally gone for good.

5 Weeks later

Omkara was finishing one of the last painting for his exhibition when his wife entered their apartment. She looked tired he noticed and offered her some water. Gratefully she gulped the water down in one sip and then studied his latest creation. It was a half finished painting of a Girl sitting by a lake, holding a beautiful water lily in her Hands. Beside her a shadow of a Man; lovingly watching over her.

"Wonderful Om. That painting looks amazing. She said and kissed him.

He smiled and hugged her before getting back to business.

Gauri quickly showered and then sat beside him as he was lost in his own world. After getting her promotion and continuing her Studies she realized that she missed home, she missed her crazy brother's in law, her sister in law Anika and soon to be sister in law Bhavya. She missed the entire family and their late night talks, the fun they had. Everything. So she had made a decision.

"Om?

"Yes? still concentrating on his painting Omkara only listed half-heartedly.

"I want to go back home.

"Honey, we are Home. Omkara said with a smile; still not looking at her.

"I meant our real Home: The Oberoi mansion. Let's go back shall we? I mean I can continue working even after we return and I feel like I am already on my way to being my old self so let's go home. There is nothing holding us back anymore.

Finally, Omkara realized what his wife meant and looked at her surprised.

"Are you sure? We can stay a little longer if you want to? You know I don't mind as long as you are happy.

She nodded and took his Hand in hers.

"Let's go Home.