Rikara OS - Omkara Ki Dulhania

Omkara got out of his car and stood just gazing at his house. Where he spent his childhood and his teenage years. There wasn't a spot out of its place. It was exactly the same. The house, the trees around it.. everything. He remembered he used to climb those trees with his friend Arnav to pluck mangoes numerous times despite his mom's scolding.

It felt good to be back. He thought as he locked his car and walked towards the main door, with his bag on his shoulder. He rang the bell once and waited for his mother to open the door. This was a surprise visit as he had come to attend Arnav's wedding. And no one knew about his arrival as he had purposefully informed everyone that he couldn't come due to his busy schedule.

"Who in the world came so early in the morning - ? His mother grumbled as she opened the door to just fall silent in shock as she laid her eyes on him and whispered, "Om? as if she couldn't believe her eyes. Then she grabbed him in a bear-hug almost knowing the breath out of him.

"Ma! Are you trying to kill your son by hugging so tightly?! He gasped out.

"Shut up! Don't speak such nonsense to me! Almost a year I haven't seen you for almost a year! Tej! Look who has come! She called his father, who came running holding the newspaper that he was reading.

"Jhanvi, what happened? Why are you - ? Omkara?! His father walked towards him and grabbed him in an equally strong hug. He stood back and asked, "How I mean, when did you arrive, son?! We thought you wouldn't come. Why didn't you inform us? We could have sent the driver to pick you! How did you come anyway?!

"Dad! Calm down! Aren't you guys going to let me in? Or are you going to continue your Spanish Inquisition on me right at the door?

"Oh! We are so sorry, son! Please come inside, and freshen up! I will get the breakfast for you! Come on! His mother pulled him inside and led him to his bedroom.

After having breakfast with his parents and in the meanwhile explaining to them his plan to give Arnav a surprise at his wedding, he went back to his room to take a cat nap. He was woken up a couple hours later by his mother to be taken to the mall for shopping for his Sherwani and some casual wear since he didn't bring anything along with him from the UK.

After their shopping where he also bought a saree and some jewelries for his mother and a gift for Arnav and his bride as well, they finally sat down in a restaurant for lunch. They spent the entire time talking about everything and nothing. He asked about the girl who had captured Arnav's heart and felt happy as he watched his mother's eyes light in happiness. There was no one in the world who could judge a person like his mother. And if she likes the girl then it means that she is good for Arnav. His mother kept on chattering about the girl when she suddenly said something that grabbed his attention.

"I have also chosen a girl for you. She is Arnav's to-be bride's best friend. She is well educated and is handling her own fashion boutique. Her family is also good. Your father is good friends with the girl's father. If you say, should we give them a proposal for you? His mother said, smiling at him.

"No, mom. You know I am not ready for this marriage thing yet. What's her name anyway? Maybe I'll just flirt with her? Omkara said, as he teased her.

"Why not? Arnav is marrying now and he is of your age... And no, you won't do any such thing. She is a good girl and belongs to a very good family. And her name is Gauri Kumari Sharma. Well, I know one thing.. I will even challenge you on this that you will definitely change your mind once you see her. His mother grinned at him.

"No, mom. You'll see. And I accept your challenge. Omkara grinned back at her.

At the wedding

He parked his car outside the convention hall center where the marriage was booked and walked inside with his parents. His parents headed towards the section where all the grownups stood together, while he searched for the groom and found him standing closer to the mandap area where the marriage was going to take place with some of their other school friends. He walked to them and stood behind them as they kept talking.

He cleared his throat loudly making them turn in surprise, and said, "Miss me?

He was answered with a tight hug from Arnav and claps on his back from others. Arnav stood back taking him in and said, "Welcome back, man! When did you come?! I thought you said you won't be able to attend!

"I arrived today in the morning. My parents didn't know as I wanted to surprise them as well. What about you! So you are getting hitched, huh? We are going to have to sit and have this conversation one day! I am going to let you go today as it's your special day. Omkara said, and they both laughed as they hugged each other again.

"Hey Arnav! Your bride is coming! Look! Someone said and they both looked towards where some girls were leading the bride.

Arnav was lost, busy watching his bride and whispered to Omkara, " Isn't she beautiful?

To which Omkara hummed as he continued to watch the girl in the left who was leading the bride towards them and replied, "Yes.

Arnav looked at Omkara to realize he wasn't watching his own bride but Gauri, who was standing to the left side of her. He laughed aloud, breaking Omkara out of his trance.

Arnav raising his eyebrows asked Omkara, "So... do you like her?

Omkara, whose cheeks turned pink reluctantly answered, "Yes. So, what's her name?

Arnav grinned at him and answered, "Gauri Kumari Sharma.

A couple of days had passed since Arnav's wedding and he still couldn't stop seeing glimpses of the girl everywhere. He was literally going crazy!

He searched for his mother around the house, and finally found her in the lawn watering the plants.

"Ma! I need to talk to you! He called her out, as he walked to her, taking hold of her hand and brought her to sit with him in the swing.

"What happened to you?! Why are you behaving like this all of a sudden? Are you alright? His mother asked him as she looked at him worriedly.

"No, mom. I am not alright. I am having this... this weird feeling.. I just.. I just can't seem to forget her. You were right mom.. I can't get her out of my head! Omkara said as he laid his head on his mother's lap. His mother laughed as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Who? Are you talking about Gauri? His mother asked him in a teasing tone.

"Yes.. Omkara grumbled lightly.

"So... should we send a proposal from us? She asked him lightly.

"I don't know, ma. Will they like me? What if she doesn't like me? Omkara asked her nervously as he sat up straight and looked at her worriedly. His mother laughed aloud at his expression.

"Why wouldn't they like you? You are a handsome man.. you have your own business. And you are a good-hearted person. Frankly, if you weren't I wouldn't force you upon that girl because it would be unfair on that sweet girl. But I know, you both will be good for each other. Trust me on this. His mother reassured him.

"Ok, mom. Then you and dad go ahead with this proposal thing. I have no problem from my side. I really like her and if you say she will be good for me then I believe you. Omkara said to her.

"Ok, then. You rest easy and leave all of this to me. And by this year's end I will make sure that you will be a married man. His mother stated, and he felt like a huge weight lifted off his chest.

His parents had called in Gauri's parents for Dinner one day. They arrived but sans Gauri. It seems that she was busy at the boutique and therefore couldn't come for the dinner.

The elders talked among themselves after dinner while he went up to his room and strummed his old guitar. Words suddenly came into his head and he wrote down the lyrics, while he hummed and strummed the music on the guitar. He realized after these many years, he hadn't got the inspiration or want to create music, which he used to do during his school days. Yes, he did sponsor other music bands through his own company, but he never thought or found the inspiration to create his. And now he did. In the form of a girl. In the form of Gauri.

After the guests had returned back home, his mother came into his room and sat on the bed as he played his guitar. He began to stop playing but kept on playing when his mother signaled him to keep playing.

After he finished playing, he kept aside the guitar and sat straight. He tried to figure out what his mother's facial expression meant but he was clueless and finally asked, "So, what's the verdict?

"They have accepted the proposal and asked for time, for asking Gauri's opinion. After she says yes, they will invite us for dinner so that you can meet her and have a face-to-face conversation. She said, and her face broke out into a wide smile. She quickly got up and hugged him as she said, "My son's going to get married soon!

"Not so quick, mom. First we will have to wait for her response. He said, even though he couldn't stop the wide smile from spreading through his face.

"She will say yes. Trust me. No one can say no to my son. His mother said as she kissed his forehead.

Omkara groaned as he said, "Mom! You are just biased because I am your son!

His mother smiled proudly at him as she said, "Of course, I am!

Omkara smiled lovingly at her as he said, "I love you, mom!

"I love you too! His mother said.

A week had passed and yet there was no response from the Sharma family. On a Friday, when they were lounging and spending time with each other, they got a call from Mr. Sharma, inviting them for dinner on that day.

Omkara felt nervous as he parked his car in front of the Sharma House. His parents were confident that everything will go well. But for some reason, he felt that he won't feel relieved unless Gauri gives the green light.

Everything went well until Omkara and Gauri were sent to the lawn to get to know each other. They sat beside each other on a bench.

"Please, say no to this marriage. Gauri said, looking forward.

"What?! But... Why? I.. I like you.. Why would I -? Omkara exclaimed at her, looking back at her with a shocked expression.

"Because I already have a boyfriend. I didn't mention about him to my parents because I was waiting until he got established in his business... But I am telling you one thing.. if you go on with this.. then I'll run away with him. So, please say no. Gauri said, looking at him, almost begging.

"I can't. My mom has chosen you for me.. and her choice is always perfect... and moreover I have told her that I like you. I am sorry. But now, we have to get on with this... And you will have to break-up with your boyfriend. Omkara said, his expressionless as he stood up. His heart almost gave out to her when he saw the anguish in her eyes. But he stood stoic and walked into the house without looking back at her.

Why was he doing this when he knew that she liked someone else? Wasn't this almost like he was forcing himself upon her? His... His heart didn't want to accept that she liked someone else... Maybe that's why...

As days passed, Omkara and Gauri were forced to spend more time together. They were sent to go on dates.. to the movies.. for shopping.. As they spent time together Gauri melted towards him enough to strike up a friendship... well sort of. They never once mentioned anything about the conversation they had on that day.

Perhaps she had heeded his words and had broken-up with that guy..

Almost three months had passed, and there marriage date was fixed. In just a few days, he will be married to Gauri... He couldn't wait... They had gotten quite close. Well except for the physical part, which Gauri was clearly not comfortable with. And respecting her wishes, he kept a control on his wants, despite his imaginings taking him long far...

It was in their Haldi function that he was forced to remember the first conversation they ever had...

Today, he was going to express his feelings to Gauri. He was going to tell how much he loved her... His monologue was interrupted when he felt his phone ringing. He looked at the screen to check if it's from Gauri, and his guess was right!

But before he could speak, he heard her broken voice... He felt his heart freeze when he heard his crying voice saying...

"Please, Om! Om... please, can you come and get me? I am at the railway station..

He dropped his call and ran without caring of anyone saw him.. He quickly got into his car and drove to the only railway station close to their town. He parked his car without caring, and got out and ran in search of her. He stopped short when he finally found her sitting alone on a bench, sobbing hard. He slowly walked to her and sat beside her.

"What happened? He asked, looking forward when realization struck him.

She had tried to run away... Just as she said she would.. But they were about to get married the next day then why would she - ? Oh! She was about to run away with him!

"I am so sorry... I am sorry.. It's all my fault.. Gauri said as she continued to cry.

"Why are you still here? And where is your boyfriend? Omkara asked her stoically.

"He ran away... he was a cheat.. I should have known... He always tried to encourage me to take away all the money from my parents and run away with him.. I never realized that his plan was to run away with the money and leave me behind.. She whispered hoarsely.

"Did he run away now? With all of your money? Omkara asked her, with a tint of worry in his voice. He was scared for her. The embarrassment she and her family will have to go through...

"No.. No.. I have no idea, but I had this idea in the last moment to transfer all the money in my credit card and take none in cash.. So he ran away with a bag full of normal clothes, sans jewelries and sans any cash money. She said emotionlessly.

"So... now - ? He asked, not knowing what to say.

"For a moment I hesitated today. I hesitated because you are such a sweet guy.. you respect me and take care of my wishes like no one does.. And.. and you liked me.. I am so sorry... I know you are going to call off this wedding... How could you marry someone like me... Gauri said, as she cried hard.

"Who said I am going to call off this wedding? To call off the wedding at the last moment is going to taint your and your family's reputation and I wouldn't want that. But.. I know one thing.. mistakes happen.. And I forgive you. I would like to also give you a chance because I know your intentions weren't bad. That man just mislead you. I will let you on in a secret... I had ran away from my house when I was about 17. I took drugs.. and my life had taken a very bad turn. But my parents... they forgave me and gave me a chance, and here I am.. because of them. I owe to them my whole life. We are only humans... we are bound to mistakes in life. But I am glad there wasn't any serious loss in your case. Omkara said, as he took hold of her left hand.

"Me too. Maybe god wanted to teach me a lesson.. But I am really lucky he sent you to me.. Thank you for forgiving me... for giving me a chance.. Gauri said, as she looked at him with gratefulness.

"I also forgave you for another reason... Because I love you, Gauri. And I couldn't contemplate to even let you go away from my life.. Omkara said as he caressed Gauri's cheek.

Gauri smiled tearfully at him as she got closer to him and whispered,"Kiss me, Om..

Omkara didn't waste any time and accepted her request.