Here's the next chapter! I hope you all enjoy it. Please leave comments and suggestions, I want you all to enjoy the story as much as I enjoy writing it!
Chapter 2:
From her brightly colored suits to her dangling earrings, Gauri had been known for her love of brightly colored clothes and jewelry. What color was lacking in her life, she made up for in her attire. But here she was, adorned in lavish jewelry and clothes, yet this was lowest moment of her life. The bangles that dangled from her wrists were beautiful, but they had been given to her by the vilest man she had ever met. As she stared at her image in the mirror, her own sad eyes reflecting back to her, she willed herself not to cry. Not only would it make Thakur angry, and who knows what consequence that would have for her mother, but it would also give him some kind of sick pleasure to know what pain he had caused. While she may be helpless in her circumstance, she could at least attempt to keep her emotions in control.
Gauri took a deep breath and forced a smile on her face. However, she could still see the sadness reflecting in her own eyes and her smile faltered. If she couldn't even lie to herself, how was she going to convince others, especially Thakur that she was happy. And how long was she going to have to keep up this charade? For the rest of her life? At this thought, Gauri's face crumbled and tears began to fall.
The sound of the hard knocks at the door echoed throughout the room. Quickly standing up, Gauri wiped away her tears and steeled herself to face the rest of the night, or perhaps even, the rest of her life.
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In another room, two women sat closely together on the bed, each holding onto the other for support. When Jhanvi had heard that Omkara was going to Bareilly to meet the man her friend had married, she had been so happy. After so many years, she was going to have her childhood friend back again, someone to share her troubles with, troubles that had taken over her life. But, coming here, Jhanvi realized that Nadini's problems were as worse as her. Under the guise of providing comfort and assuring Nadini's compliance, Jhanvi had convinced Thakur to let her meet her friend. Now, the two woman discussed the horrible events that had unfolded in just a few days.
"I woke up that morning thinking about changes I would have to make around the house to prepare for your visit. But by the end of the evening, my world had been completely uprooted. Nadini held on tightly to Jhanvi's hands, tears dripping down her cheeks. "Thakur was always a horrible husband, but at least I had the comfort of knowing this was my home. But now? Where is my home now?
"This is still your home Nadini, no one can take that away from you, Jhanvi tried to console her friend, but her mind kept returning to her own husband's actions. She knew what it was like to feel insecure in your own position in the family, especially when a woman's life was so connected with her husband's.
"But that's what that girl is doing Jhanvi! That beautiful young girl is going to take everything from me. You probably saw the smile on her face, does she look like the type of woman to refuse any of the luxuries she will have as Thakur's wife?
Jhanvi thought back to the woman she had seen upon her arrival. The girl was definitely beautiful, stunning in fact. And she had been adorned with jewelry and was clearly not putting up a fight. Just like Svetlana, this girl seemed to be an equal part in this affair.
Squeezing Nadini's hands, Jhanvi again tried to reassure her friend, "It doesn't matter what either Thakur and that girl are trying to do, they will get what is coming to them. But what matters now, is that you don't accept defeat, don't blame or hurt yourself for any of this. You have to be strong for yourself, and don't give them the pleasure of knowing that they have any effect on you.
As Jhanvi spoke these words, she thought of her sons, her strength during those trying times. But Nadini had no one to support her. Again, she clasped Nadini's hands, hoping that a friend's presence would be enough to stop Nadini from crumbling.
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Omkara had thought that the haveli was extravagantly decorated before, but now during the sangeet, it seemed as if every corner had enough lights to blind anyone who walked by. People mingled happily all around the hall, as if this was just another wedding for them to attend. As if, Omkara thought angrily, a woman's life wasn't being destroyed by selfish people.
Jhanvi placed a hand on her son's shoulder. She too was distressed at the clear denial on everyone's shining faces. Nadini was upstairs crying her heart out, and here people were celebrating her heartbreak.
"How is Nadini aunty, Ma? Is she okay? Omkara hadn't wanted to risk asking Thakur to meet Nadini. But having seen his mother go through Tej Oberoi's affairs, he had an idea of the pain Nadini must be going through.
"She's not good Om. But what can she do? Even in the city, a woman is helpless in the face of this kind of situation. And this is Bareilly, and Thakur is a powerful man.
"Isn't there something we can do. Thakur may be powerful, but we're Oberois. And I can't sit back and let these vile people ruin a life.
"Om, we're surrounded by people who are loyal to Thakur. We'll discuss this later. Jhanvi patted his shoulder. Hopefully, they would be able to do something to help Nadini, if not put a stop to this marriage.
Before Omkara could reply, music began playing loudly and everyone in the room stared up at the top of the stairs where Gauri was standing, surrounded by Thakur's men. As she made her way down the stairs, Omkara was taken aback by her beauty. Although the jewelry and her lehenga were stunning, they had no comparison with the woman who was now walking past him and his mother. But when she momentarily looked up, Omkara caught a glimpse of her water eyes. Confused, he stared at her back as she made her way to Thakur.
"And finally, here is my wonderful bride. Isn't she a jewel? Thakur exclaimed loudly, one hand holding a glass of whiskey and the other grabbing onto Gauri's arm.
Thakur's voice broke through Omkara's thoughts. Beautiful? Maybe, but this woman was also despicable. He looked up at the bride and saw a wide smile on her face.
Omkara shook his head and turned away from the happy couple to face his mother, "How can people be so duplicitous Ma? Some people look so innocent but are deplorable under the surface.
Jhanvi looks at Gauri, trying to glimpse a bit of that cunning woman Nadini had spoken of. But when she made eye contact with Gauri, she caught a sight of the same watery eyes that had confused her son. Jhanvi narrowed her eyes, as she recognized the smile on Gauri's face. The same smile that she herself had used so convincingly every time she was faced with another one of her husband's misdeeds. This girl might have a smile on her face, Jhanvi thought, but even I know that smiles can be forced, especially when one if fearful of the consequences of not smiling.
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I think my face hurts from smiling, Gauri thought. Finally, that horrid function is over. But the thought of the events to follow this night stopped Gauri in her pacing.
The door thudded open, and Kaali Thakur walked in with a smile on his face.
"Tonight was amazing; you were amazing my blushing bride. He grabbed Gauri and made to pull her closer.
Gauri pushed herself away, "You promised that I would be able to speak to my mother if I behaved. Can I please speak to her now?
"Of course, how can I deny my bride anything, he leered. Thakur dialed a number of his phone and handed it to Gauri.
Gauri quickly took it and began to turn away, but when she saw that Thakur was still standing in his place, she faced him.
"I would like to take to my mother alone. I haven't even seen her in days, please can you leave?
Thakur took a step forward, and Gauri quickly took a stumbling step back.
"We're going to be husband and wife tomorrow, there shouldn't be any secrets between us. Thakur crossed his arms and indicated his head towards the phone.
Wanting to yell at him, Gauri quickly turned away to prevent herself from doing exactly that. She quickly put the phone to her ear, eager to know of her mother's condition.
"Hello, Ma? Are you there? Are you okay?
There was silence on the other end. Then, a quiet voice responded, "Gauri, is that you?
Gauri could feel tears falling down her cheeks, "Yes Ma, it's me. How are you?
"I'm okay beta, but I'm not sure where I am. Are you okay? Who are these people?
Looking over her shoulder to see Thakur staring intently at her, Gauri sighed, "I'm fine Ma. But are you sure you're okay, have you taken your medicine?
But before her mother could respond, Thakur snatched the phone out of Gauri's hand.
Gauri quickly turned around, "Please, I have to know if she's okay. She needs to take her medicine every day. Please, she's very sick. Gauri pleaded to Thakur, but the smile on his face quickly told her that her efforts were wasted on him.
"You were able to talk to her and she's clearly fine. You'll be able to talk to her more after our wedding. He smiled again. "Well, only if you behave.
He walked out of the room and Gauri collapsed onto the floor. Her tears didn't even touch her cheeks before they fell to the floor.
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Jhanvi sat quietly on the bed and watched her son pace the floor of their room.
"I just can't wait until we can leave. If this weren't my first solo deal, I would have left by now. Omkara ran his hands through his hair.
"Me too Omkara. But we can't leave Nadini here to face this alone. And something about all of this doesn't feel right Om.
"Of course something doesn't feel right Ma. Thakur is marrying that woman even though Nadini, his wife, is still alive. And he's looked her up in her room without any care for her wellbeing.
Jhanvi stood up and moved towards her son. "No, I think something else is wrong. That girl, Gauri, she didn't seem to be happy during the sangeet. I think she may have been forced into this.
Omkara scoffed, "She looked plenty happy in all of that jewelry. And she was dancing Ma. Would she have been dancing if she weren't happy? You know as well as I, that some people will do anything for money, even marry a man like Thakur.
Frustrated with her son's dismissive attitude, Jhanvi replied, "I also know what it is like to be forced into a situation where one is fearful and what I saw in Gauri's eyes wasn't happiness but fear.
She walked out of their room. Sometime Omkara was so difficult, the events with his father had made him begin to see everyone is a black or white manner, especially woman.
As she moved through the hallway, Jhanvi came upon a bright window. When she looked inside, she saw Gauri sitting on her bed, weeping. After looking around for anyone else out for a nighttime stroll, Jhanvi quickly entered Gauri's room.
When she saw Jhanvi enter, Gauri quickly stood up and faced away from her to wipe her tears. However, Jhanvi saw this gesture and slowly approached Gauri.
"My name is Jhanvi beta. Is there something wrong? Why are you crying? Jhanvi asked calmly. If this girl was afraid of something, she didn't want to scare her further.
Quickly turning around with a small smile on her face, Gauri replied, "No aunty, I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous, you know, for tomorrow. Gauri hoped she looked like a nervous bride.
Again that forced smile, Jhanvi thought. "I'm sure you're also missing your family right? I didn't see anyone from your side at the sangeet today. Where is your family?
Gauri looked down, not wanting Jhanvi to see the tears that were forming in her eyes against her will. "No aunty, I only have Ma and she is too sick to go anywhere.
Jhanvi approached Gauri and placed her hand on Gauri's shoulder. "It is important that a bride have her mother there to support her through her wedding. But since your mother isn't here, I hope I can offer you some support. If there's anything wrong, beta, you can tell me.
Hearing those words, especially after that every brief conversation with her own mother, Gauri lost the small amount of control she had and rushed towards Jhanvi, tightly hugging the woman.
Suddenly, the two women heard footsteps approaching the room and they quickly separated. Thakur strode into the room, but stopped in his path when he was Jhanvi and Gauri together, tears in their eyes.
"What is this? Gauri isn't meant to have any visitors. You will have to leave. He gestured for his goons to escort Jhanvi out of the room.
Jhanvi put up a hand and stepped towards Thakur. "I'm sorry for the intrusion but I was just explaining to Gauri what her duties would be as a wife. I'm sure you can understand that it is important for a girl to be aware of her responsibilities to her husband. I didn't see anyone from Gauri's side at the wedding so I decided to be of some help, to make things smoother for you Thakur. Jhanvi smiled politely at the man who struggled to find a response.
Not wanting to Jhanvi to suspect that Gauri was being held against her will, he quickly agreed. "Yes, yes, thank you. But now my bride needs her rest. Tomorrow is our wedding after all. And you should get your rest too.
"Of course Thakur. Good night, Jhanvi turned around and hugged Gauri. But as she enveloped Gauri in her arms, Jhanvi slipped her phone into Gauri's hand and then moved back to smile reassuringly at the girl.
As Jhanvi stepped out of the room and Thakur's attention was still on Jhanvi's figure, Gauri quickly hid the phone behind her back.
Gauri stepped forward towards Thakur, "I'm sorry Thakur saab, but aunty didn't give me a choice. I know she's here to make a big land deal with you and I didn't want to offend her lest it cost you the deal. She looked down shyly.
Thakur smiled and caressed her cheek, "See you're already becoming the perfect wife. Now, rest up, tomorrow is a very special day. He laughed and walked out of the room, followed by his goons, this time making sure to lock the door.
After checking to see if he had indeed left, Gauri quickly took out of the phone. Why did Jhanvi aunty give her this phone, Gauri thought. She stared at the phone, wishing that she knew how to contact her mother or anyone else who might help her. But she sighed and closed her eyes. She didn't know anyone who could help her, she was alone.
CID
