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Hello All š¤
This story is very special because it is a birthday present for Jyoti š³ Jyo I am extremely sorry for being super duper late but I am sure you will like this story.
EPISODE ONE
"Gauri, how many times do I have to say that I would love to hire you as my professional dresser? You have always been good at that sort of thing, dressing, making clothes, being mommy-ish. And you would still be in the wedding pictures. The photographer is taking shots of the entire wedding day and one might be in the magazine. Especially, if you dress right, not in those old Anarkali like rags you wear to every other event that you attend."
As always, her perfect model sister Ridhima knew exactly what to say to make her feel as inferior as possible. "I would have had you in the wedding, but my designer just doesn't make dresses that would look good on you. You are so small and your hips and bust size make it impossible to make the bridesmaids dress look good. You look like a school girl Gauri. By the way what do you plan on wearing?" UHHH, she is so self-centered. "I plan on wearing the same turquoise colored lehenga I showed you last week, Ridhi," Gauri replied exasperated.
"Why don't you buy something else? I saw the perfect dress in my designer's boutique the other day."
"Ridhi, I know that you have a hard time understanding that I love my job, even though I don't get paid much, but I do. I love my low paying position at The Primary School. I can't afford anything from that store, unless you are willing to help me pay for it."
In her ever so beautiful way, her sister rolled her eyes and said "I'm not helping you. I told you, you are never going to freeload off of me."
She has never, ever wanted Ridhima to support her. "Ridhi, I have never asked you to support me or help me in any way, but this is your wedding. If you want me to wear what you want, I need help. It was hard enough paying for the plane ticket and hotel," I said. It was hard, almost all of my savings had gone to getting me to Jaipur and a room in the hotel where all of their meager family was staying.
"Gauri, I told you I hate when you call me "Ridhi". Please stop it before I tell Chacha and Chachi. You know how much they hate it when you make fun of me," she whined with a smile.
Chacha and Chachi were their father's brother and sister-in-law and had raised the two of them after their parent's passed away. They were absolutely enamored of Ridhi and treated her like the daughter they never had. Their four sons protected her at all costs. She was there but, Gauri had to fend for her self.
Ridhima always took good care of herself and so she looked the prettier one. All Ridhima had ever wanted to do is to be a model. That is all she has ever worked for. Sometimes Gauri understands her desire to rebel against what happened to them. That they had become orphans. But it makes Gauri sad that over the years Ridhima turned out to be an arrogant and cunning career woman.
Gauri been sewing since she was four years old. Her grandmother taught her how. She had said she was teaching Gauri to sew the good times together and cut out the bad. Sewing was very comforting to Gauri while she was growing up. That had become her cure. Living with her Chacha and Chachi she learned to love photography and drawing. Those became her hobbies, while they were carting Ridhi to beauty pageants, their sons to sports, Gauri was at home playing with a camera her grandmother found for her at a local store... Their grandparents had a little more affection for gauri, but everyone was still attached to Ridhi... at free times, drawing in the sketch books that Gauri bought with the money she earned doing minor sewing jobs for the people in their neighborhood.
"Ridhi, is the only reason you called me here, directly from the airport after a tiring flight, to criticize me? I would love to get to the hotel and get some sleep. I have a lot of plans for tomorrow since it is the only day I'll have free for doing these things."
"No. I wanted to make sure that you know to behave yourself during the pre-wedding festivities. And to ask you to pleeease be my dresser on Saturday," Ridhima said the latter half with her big puppy dog eyes and baby voice that Gauri knows gets to her.
"Fine. I won't tell your husband and his family about how you fell off stage in your first beauty pageant . And yes, I'll help you dress on Saturday. May I please go get some sleep now?"
More eye rolling, "Yes. Go. Sleep. Enjoy what ever it is you plan on doing tomorrow." Gauri left gratefully and went to the hotel.
The day got better from there. They accidently double booked her room and she had to be upgraded to a suite, free of charge. She took advantage of the terrace garden and offer of a free bottle of wine. Dinner from the restaurant was superb. And the light from the sunset was perfect for sketching. She drew a wedding dress with out even noticing what she was doing. When she looked down she realized that is was the wedding dress of her dreams. It had a simple a line skirt with a scoop neck bodice and long sleeves. The back came down under the shoulders. The sleeves were long and flowing. The neck, waist, and bodice were decorated with golden embroidery. It was breath-taking.
The next day she took her camera, her sketch kit, and some cash that she had and went wandering. As she was walking down a small street she saw a man deeply involved in painting a portrait. She asked if she could snap a few photos while he worked. He grunted a yes and she began snapping away. She started over his shoulder and worked her way around catching glimpses of his face but, never the whole picture. Until he looked up. When he looked up her breath was lost. She was looking into the most handsome face she had ever seen. Black hair, chocolate eyes, an aristocratic nose, and deep skin were accentuated by luscious lips. Their eyes met for a moment and she raised her camera, took one last shot, and prepared to flee. As she turned he took her arm and asked, "What is your name?"
It took her a full few seconds to catch her breath and answer "G-G- auri Kumari Sharma."
He gave a brief chuckle and said, "Well, Gauri Kumari Sharma, how about I, Omkara Singh Oberoi , take you to dinner tonight?"
"Why??? She fumbled.
"Because you took some of my time and now I want yours!
Her mind badgered her with a "Say yes, stupid" and eventually her mouth said "I would love that."
"Meet me in front of the royal palace at 7:00 and wear a nice dress. I have some place very special I want to take you."
CID
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
