Next update below.
For the green dress, Gauri is in the black saree hair-do. Hope you like it.
AAkhon ki Gustakhiyaan-SeasonIII-Berlin Chapter
Part 6
The next morning, they found themselves on Koblenz along the Rhine. The cruise had travelled overnight from Cologne to Koblenz and docked here. They had to wake up early and get ready, as the whole day itinerary was planned around the wedding festivities. Omkara enquired about Gauri's health and she let him know she was fine. Although her inner turmoil was still alive but was she expecting too much? Shouldn't Omkara's love be enough for her? How could this be put right? What happened, happened, it wasn't his or her fault? She was lost.
But then she realised, this was not the time; she wanted Omkara to enjoy his friends' wedding. She put up a brave face and smiled as always. Whilst they got ready, Omkara told her about their friendship. Both Michael and Alicia were in the same art class as him, at first they hated each other but both were friendly with Omkara, in fact he acted as the cupid for them, and by second year they had started dating each other. That is why they considered him to be have played a big role in their love story.
They met the others for breakfast, and then the entire party disembarked from the cruise, and into a bus. There was a guide who told them about sights and sounds of Koblenz, which was a small fortified city/ town situated on the confluence of rivers Rhine and Moselle and Alicia's ancestors, were from here. Gauri somehow tried to forget about her problems, lost in the sights of the city, she was enjoying everyone's company, and she didn't want anyone to feel she was sad. They were dropped off at a cable car station, where they boarded a cable car in groups.
Omkara had been observing Richard for a while now, who had been, in turn, observing Gauri. Omkara was getting angry inside but he didn't want to create problems, so he kept quiet, at least for now. In the cable car, Gauri stood next to the full length window, with Omkara behind her, blocking Richard off. She looked down, as the cable car was moving up, felt a bit dizzy, turned around and hugged Omkara. He was only too happy to oblige his chiraiyaa, he enclosed her within his arms,' Few more minutes my love and then we will be on the top' he whispered in her ears, although he didn't want this journey to end, now that he had her so close.
At the top, they landed inside the fort; the view from there was majestic. They could see the entire Rhine valley stretched ahead of them with the town of Koblenz in the foreground. It was very beautiful, nothing like anything Gauri has witnessed before. A lunch was organised in the castle for the wedding party, which they enjoyed thoroughly together over chatters and drinks. Richard tried to flirt with Gauri,' You are looking very pretty Ri, may I call you Ri, I hope you don't mind?' he enquired. Thanks Richard, for the compliment' Gauri was being polite,' but no, only my husband calls me Ri, you know, he has a copyright. You can call me, Gauri, and if that's difficult, even Mrs. Oberoi or G would do' Richard's face dropped. Omkara was observing all this from a distance, and couldn't help smirking, she was his, yes, he wanted to announce it to the whole world' he thought.
But then something struck him. He hadn't told the world that she was his, had he? They didn't have a proper ceremony in front of the family. Yes, he had put a ring on her fingers, but he remembered how he had treated her that day. Even then, she loves me so much. She really deserves much more than this.' He thought. He made it a note to look into this matter. After lunch, the party hiked down to the town, had drinks in a local pub, where Uncle Hoffman cornered Omkara when he was with Gauri, Michael and Alicia. So, tell me Kara, I am keen to listen to your love story. I asked Gauri here last night the same question but she gave a very short answer, perhaps she was shy. But ever since I know you, you seemed to me a very deep, romantic kind of person, but not the marriage type, so I am really keen to know yours and Gauri's story' enquired Uncle Hoffman. He was one of those curious people who didn't shy away from asking questions.
Omkara stole a glance at Gauri; she looked very troubled and sad as soon as Uncle asked the question. This is when he realised, Maybe that's why also Gauri has been in deep thought since last evening.'
Uncle Hoffman interrupted his thought process,' Kara'
Yes Uncle. That is sweet of you to ask, but I will tell you our story some other time, today is Michael and Alicia's day. To Michael and Alicia' with this Omkara raised a glass to his friends and the entire room followed him in unison, To Michael and Alicia'. Omkara had dodged the question this time, but he was determined to do something about this, if not for anyone else, for Gauri, because it certainly seemed to have affected her.
They returned to the cruise where they had two hours to get ready, whilst they were sailed back to Cologne. The wedding was to be held in the Cologne Cathedral, as Michael hailed from the city. Whilst Omkara was in the shower, Gauri opened the package Alicia had sent for her, inside was a beautiful dark green gown, off shoulder and with a long slit on one side, up to the mid-thigh. Gauri was worried how she would carry it. Omkara came out, and saw her,' You will look beautiful and carry it well, don't worry' he said, as if reading her thoughts. He then took out a few things from the bag black glitter stilettoes and an emerald choker with matching ear-rings.
Gauri was surprised.' You knew what I would be wearing?' she enquired.
I chose it for you. Who do you think gave your measurements to Alicia?' Omkara quipped.
But how did you know my...?' before Gauri could complete the sentence she realised what she was going to ask him but kept quiet, just blushing.
I will be in the balcony, after shower you dress up here' with this he went to the dressing room with his suit. The small room, their close proximity was playing havoc on his senses. Every time they had to pass each other, they couldn't avoid brushing against each other as the corridors hardly had space for one.
When he saw Gauri ready, he just couldn't believe it. When choosing the dress, yes, he had imagined her, but his imagination was too small to reach the depths of her beauty, he realised. She was looking like a goddess. Her hair pinned up, shoulders exposed, the gown fitting her curves to the tee, the stilettoes and one leg playing hide and seek with the slit. He walked to her as if in a trance and kissed her on the shoulder from the back, she moaned, he kept kissing her and then turned her around, kissing her in the front below the neck-line, Gauri was lost in his touches, until someone knocked on the door.' Kara, are you ready? Its time.' He swore to kill that guy, then they walked out together, but now that she looked so ravishing, he almost didn't want anyone else to see her like that, but it was too late now.
The same reaction came from the crowd, when they got out of the car in front of the cathedral. Awww, you look stunning Gauri' said Rachel, who was wearing a different gown, in the same colour. They were all bridesmaids, there were two others and Omkara was part of the best men group, complementing the groom. They were in black suits with green bows. The Cathedral was ginormous, one of the largest and oldest in Europe, with ceilings as high as 6-8 floors, the architecture Gothic and the decoration unique.
Gauri was astounded looking at the beautiful ambience created for the wedding. The Cathedral was lit with a million candles, the organ was playing, it was magical. The bridesmaids and best men stood in a single file on either side of the priest. Alicia arrived holding her father's arms, looking beautiful in white wedding gown and a veil. Michael stepped forward and took her hand, they stood facing each other. The priest said some prayers, they exchanged vows, and then the priest declared them man and wife'. Michael kissed Alicia sealing the bond. It was done. Gauri was touched by this very beautiful ceremony. She had tears in her eyes. She was feeling very emotional.
But she controlled herself, after wishing the bride and groom, she stood in a corner, trying to calm her nerves. Omkara's eyes followed her every move, he came and stood next to her. Kya hua Ri? Are you ok'
Haan, it was beautiful, watching two people in love, exchanging vows before their family and friends, declaring they are together for the rest of their lives and beyond, I was touched. That's it.' She tried to hide her true feelings.
But she didn't realise that her eyes were the mirrors to her soul, and Omkara had lots of practice in reading those eyes by now.
He took her hand in his, looked into her eyes and said,' Would you like to do the same?'
What? Kya matlab hain aapka'
Would you like to marry me again Gauri? I want us to have a ceremony as well, before our family and friends. I want to exchange vows with you and I want you to accept me as your husband before the entire world. I know the circumstances in which our wedding happened was not ideal, but I still consider it as a wedding and I know you do too, we completed all the rituals then, we are married. But maybe the circumstances weren't ideal. Although I don't regret any of it Ri, because that day you became mine. Ever since, you have fulfilled your duties as a bahu and wife, but I have not been the husband you deserve, until recently when I realised my love for you. I want to do this to create new memories, to share this amazing feeling with our loved ones. Will you give me this pleasure Gauri?'
Gauri was shocked beyond words. She was worrying all this while, how to relate her inner turmoil to Omkara, but there was no need. They were soulmates, he understood her like he understood how to breathe.
She immediately hugged him and started sobbing. She kept hugging him; he hugged her back, and then kissed her head. She stepped back, looked at him and kissed him passionately. She wasn't bothered if anyone was watching, she just had to show him how happy he had made her. Yes, yes, I will marry you again and again and again. But for me, even this acceptance of yours that you want to marry me again is enough. I don't need a huge ceremony, we can just complete the rituals in the temple' she smiled. No, Ri, I want to marry you before the family, I want to announce our allegiance to the world, I want this Ri, for us, please say yes.' Omkara pleaded.
Yes, yes, yes, Om. Can there be any other answer to this question when you ask?' Gauri blushed.
After wedding dinner went smoothly, the newly wedded couple cut the cake, drinks were poured, speeches were given, and Om and Gauri found themselves in each other's arms dancing until wee hours of the morning, close, they were so close, they could not only hear each other breathe and each other's heartbeat, they could even hear each other think and read what they were feeling in each other's eyes. This is where their love had got them and they were ready to accept this before the whole world, especially Omkara.
He had never felt this much inner peace ever before in his life. He was truly happy.
And Gauri? She had put her inner storm aside and was now sailing on the calm seas of love and bliss.
END
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