Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo: Chapter 14 to END

*The next day*

Rudra: (Shouting) Kahaan reh gaye sab?! Arre Aaj haldi hai! Chalo! Chalo! Jaldi!

[A few minutes later Gauri descended down the stairs wearing a pretty yellow suit while Anika accompanied her, and she sat on the seat while the whole family circled around her.

Everyone except Om.

He stood in the corner, with his arms folded and watched the ceremony take place in a rather grand manner.

First, Dadi took a handful of haldi and applied it on her cheeks, before blessing Gauri.]

Dadi: (To Gauri) Humesha khush raho, beta. Main rab se praarthna karti hoon ki tumhaari shaadi-shuda zindagi khushiyon se bhara Ho

Gauri: Thank oo, Dadi. Aap ne jo Kuch bhi kiya hai, humaare liye, isske liye hum jindagi bhar abhaari rahenge

Rudra: Yaar haldi mein Rona-Dhona?! Hadd hoti hai !

[Then, Gauri's Mother applied haldi, followed by Shivaay and Anika and then, Rudra.]

Rudra: Accha ab agar yeh Ho gaya Ho Toh main music shuru karun?!

Anika: Nahi! Sab ne Gauri ko haldi nahi lagaaya hai

Shivaay: Lagaaya hai, Anika, sab ne lagaaya hai

Anika: (To Om) Om..? Tum Gauri ko haldi nahi lagaana chahte?

[Immediately, Gauri looked up to Om, who was already looking at her, with hopeful eyes.

She wanted him to be a part of this ceremony. She wanted him to be a part of her happiness.

At that moment, as Om walked towards her, the lights around them dimmed. Almost like Gauri could only see Om, and Om could only see Gauri.

It felt like a movie.]

"Tum Ho Gham ko chupaaye
Main Hoon sar ko jhukaaye
Tum bhi chup Ho, main bhi chup hoon
Kaun kisse samjhaaye

Ab dooriyaan
Kitni hai Toh
Milna yahaan,

Kal Ho na Ho"

[As he went on his knee and applied a bit of haldi on to her skin, he noticed the tears that streamed down her face. Immediately, his hands reached to wipe them off.

Somehow, Gauri didn't know the reason behind her tears, but Om did.

Why was she so overwhelmed by her emotions?

Why was she crying when she was supposed to be happy?]

Rudra: Accha Chalo, Iss baat par photo Toh bannti hai! Chalo!

[Rudra pulled out his phone and the family circled around Gauri while he took a selfie.

However, Om and Gauri were oblivious of the fact that they were getting their pictures taken.

Because they were still lost in each other's gaze.

Gauri saw tears form around his eyes as he looked at her.

Om broke his gaze and looked away, while Gauri did the same, immediately realising what had just happened.

Hours after the ceremony got over, Gauri was still having trouble trying to understand what was happening to her.]

*In Om's room*

Shivaay: (Put his hand on Om's shoulder) Om, are you Okay?

Om: (Lost) Huh? Mujhe Kya hona hai? Main theek Hoon, Shivaay

Shivaay: Om, I know this is going to be tough for you, but---

Om: I'm fine, Shivaay. I'm fine. Please, Mujhe kuch derr ke liye akela chod do

*A few hours later*

[Om was woken up when he heard a few knocks on his door and heard it creak open. Dazed and confused, he rubbed his eyes before looking to see who it was.

Amidst the darkness, he saw a silhouette of a woman dressed in a pink suit, looking radiant as ever, and immediately he knew it was Gauri.]

Om: Tum? Tum yahaan Kya Kar rahi Ho?

Gauri: Hume aapse baat karni hai

Om: Kya baat? Gauri, tumhari shaadi hone waali hai, Tumhaara mujhse iss tarah milna Accha nahi hai

Gauri: Aap Aaj ro Kyun rahe the?

Om: Kya?

Gauri: Aap Aaj ro rahe the, Kyun?

Om: (Looking away) Agar yeh bakwaas karne aayi Ho Toh please Chali jaao

Gauri: Aap humse nazarein Kyun nahi mila rahe hai?

Om: (Annoyed) For gods sake! Kya chaahti Ho?! Bolo! Vikram se Ho rahi hai na shaadi! Aur Kya chahiye! Khush Kyun nahi Ho?!

Gauri: Hum chaahte hai ki sab kuch pehle jaisa Ho! Aap pehle jaise bann jaaye! Aap Itna Kyun badal gaye hai!

Om: Pehle jaise kuch nahi Ho sakta! Samjhi! Tumhaari shaadi Ho rahi hai! Chup chaap shaadi karo, Aur jahaa bhi Jaana hai, Chali jao!

Gauri: Ka Ho gaya hai, Aapko! Itna gussa? Kyun?

Om: Gauri, Chali Jaao yahaan se, go!

[Gauri wiped her tears and left the room, while Om fell on his knees, And burst into tears.

Why did love have to hurt so much?

Why couldn't she just get married and leave his life and house forever?

Gauri, on the other hand, couldn't stop crying, until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to see Anika, and immediately wrapped her arms around her, before crying uncontrollably.]

Anika: (Worried) Gauri, Kya hua? Ro Kyun rahi Ho? Bolo na, Kya hua?

Gauri: (Crying) Hume kuch samajh nahi aa raha, didi! Kuch samajh nahi aa raha!

Anika: Kya samajh nahi aa raha?

Gauri: O-Omkaraji...W-Woh itne udaas Ho gaye hai...itne gussail...K-Ka h-Ho---

Anika: Gauri, tum Kya kehna chah rahi Ho?

Gauri: (Crying) W-Woh khush nahi hai... n-nahi hai Woh khush...Aur unnhe taqleef mein dekh Kar, hume k-kuch Ho jaata h-hai

Anika: Gauri, shaadi ki wajah se tum bass thak Ho gayi Ho, Aur kuch nahi---

Gauri: Woh khush Kyun nahi hai?

Anika: Arre, Om khush hai. Sab khush hai. Tumhaara vehem hai, bass

Gauri: U-Unki aankhein...Aaj...h-humne dekha didi...Aaj Woh ro rahe the...w-Woh ro rahe...

Anika: Accha shaant Ho jaao, aaraam karo, Chalo.

[As Anika had put Gauri to sleep, her mind kept hinting at several instances.

For some reason, her mind was unable to understand why Om and Gauri were behaving in such a manner.

She spoke to Shivaay, and that evening, both of them had discovered something.]

*In Shivaay and Anika's room*

Anika: Main Bata rahi hoon, Shivaay. Gauri Mujhe theek nahi lag rahi thi. Unn dono ke beech zaroor Kuch Hua hai

Shivaay: Aisa kuch nahi hai, Anika

Anika: Shivaay, Maine Gauri ki aankhein dekhi hai. Pata nahi Kyun, lekin Mujhe lagta hai ki...

Shivaay: Ki?

Anika: Gauri ko Om se...

Shivaay: No, Anika! 2 hafte mein shaadi hai, Gauri ki!

Anika: Shivaay, usski aakhon mein Woh dard, Woh fikar, Woh pyaar...Pata nahi Kyun, lekin Maine kabhi Vikram ke liye nahi dekhi hai

Shivaay: Jo Kuch bhi Ho, Faisla Gauri legi. It's her life

Anika: Lekin---

*Gauri's Mother suddenly enters*

GM: Maaf kijiye, Anika Aur Shivaay!

Shivaay: Arre, maafi kiss baat ki, Aunty! Kya hua? Sab theek Toh hai?

GM: Haan beta. Anika, Woh mehendi kahaan rakha hai? Kal mehendi hai na, isliye socha ki sab kuch taiyaar rakh doon

Anika: Haan Aunty, aayie, main Aapko dikhaati Hoon!

[No one knew what tomorrow's Mehendi held for them.

Not even Om and Gauri.]

*The next day, at the mehendi*

[Gauri was sat in the centre while the rest of the family began celebrations for the mehendi.

Everyone was present.

Except for Om.

As Gauri looked around the hall, for Om, Anika noticed the disturbed look on her face and went to talk to Shivaay.]

Anika: Shivaay, mujhe aapse baat Karni hai

Shivaay: Haan bolo, Kya baat hai?

Anika: Pata nahi Kyun, Lekin pichle 2-3 dino se, Gauri mujhe bahut Khoyi khoyi si lag rahi hai

Shivaay: Kya matlab?

Anika: Gauri ka Chehra dekhiye, woh khush Kyun nahi lag rahi?

Shivaay : Yeh tumhaara vehem hai, Anika, she's probably nervous.

Anika: Accha? Toh phir Om kaha hai? Gauri se baat Kyun nahi Kar Raha?

Shivaay: Om ka isse Kya Lena Dena?

Anika: Arre hai! Bilqul hai! Gauri Om ke sabse zyaada kareeb hai, Shivaay

Shivaay: Om ko kuch nahi Hua hai, woh bass...

Anika: Shivaay, aap puri duniya ka pappu bana sakte hai, mera nahi! Main jaanti Hoon ki kuch baat hai, jo aap mujhse chupa rahe hai

Shivaay: Anika...Om...Om Gauri se pyaar karta hai

Anika: Kya? Yeh aapko kaise pata?

Shivaay: Om ne mujhe bataaya, Anika...Woh...woh bahut hurt hai

Anika: Kya isliye woh mehendi mein nahi aaya?

Shivaay: Shaayad, Maine Rudy ko bheja hai, woh Om ko laata hi hoga. Arre, Gauri tumhe bula rahi hai, Jaao

[Anika rushed to Gauri's side, hoping that she was okay.]

Anika: Haan Gauri, bolo, sab theek?

Gauri: Didi, Omkara ji nahi aaye?

Anika: Om...Haan, woh aa raha hoga, tum tab Tak mehendi lagwaao

Gauri: Ji, Lekin---

Mehendi woman: Didi, mehendi lagaana shuru karoon?

Anika: Arre Haan bhai! Mehendi ekdum kamaal ki honi chahiye! Theek hai?

Mehendi woman: Ji, bilqul!

[As the woman began applying mehendi, Gauri's mind was somewhere else.

All she could think of was Om.

Where was Om? Why wasn't he present?

She was so dazed that she didn't even realise the woman was asking her a question.]

Woman: Naam kiska likhna hai?

Gauri: (Lost) Omkara ji...P-Pata Kya hua hai unhe achaanak se, mera dil bechain hota jaa raha hai...

Woman: Kya? Omkara? Didi, bataayie na!

Gauri: Kya hai! Hum bahut pareshaan hai, aapko nazar nahi aa raha?

Woman: Woh naam likhna hai Kya?

Gauri: (Irritated) Haan! Jo likhna hai, likho!

Woman: Ajeeb aurat hai!

[While her mehendi was being applied, Gauri's eyes instantly darted towards the stairs when she saw Om walk down.

He finally came!

She immediately got up and rushed to him, with a wide smile on her face, while he looked at her in dismay.]

Gauri: Aap aa gaye! Hume pata tha! Pata tha!

Om: Haan, aa gaya

Gauri: Aapko pata hai humne---

Om: Vikram kaha hai?

Gauri: Vikram? Yahi kahi honge, Kyun?

Om: Vikram mehendi mein hissa Kyun nahi le raha?

Gauri: Hume ka pata?

Om: Tumhaari shaadi 5 dinn mein Ho rahi hai, yaad hai na?

Gauri: Baar baar yaad dilaane ki koshish nahi hai! Accha ee dekhiye, humaari mehendi!

[Om's eyes fell on her hands, and he looked at her in shock.

What the hell was she thinking?]

Om: Kya hai yeh?!

Gauri: Arre Accha hi Toh...hey bhagwaan!

['Omkara' was written clearly in Hindi and Gauri looked at her hands in horror!

Immediately, Om grabbed Gauri's hand and took her behind the wall, furious.]

Om: (Angry) Kya Ho gaya hai tumhe?! Tumhaara dimaag Toh theek hai?! Arre meri izzat ki kadar karti Ho bhi ya nahi?!

Gauri: (Shocked) H-Hume Pata nahi tha...hum ee pehli baar---

Om: Tumhaara problem Kya hai?! Kyun problems badha rahi Ho? Pehle woh card, Aur ab mehendi!

[Om grabbed tissues and furiously began removing his name off her hands, while Gauri looked at him confused.

Why was he so angry?

Why was nothing going right for her?

She pushed his hand away before running upstairs to the bathroom, and rubbing his name off with water. As she did, she burst into tears.

She had never felt so frustrated before.

What annoyed her was that she didn't even know why she was angry. She didn't even know why she felt so confused.

She looked at her Engagement ring and Om's words kept playing at the back of her mind.

"Tumhaari shaadi 5 dinn mein Ho rahi hai, yaad hai na?"

In 3 days, she'd become his Wife.

She saw the door open and slowly Vikram walked in, before crouching and sitting besides Gauri, trying to understand why she was crying.]

Vikram: Gauri...Kya hua? Tum ro Kyun rahi Ho?

Gauri: (Wiping her tears) K-Kuch nahi...

[His eyes fell on her mehendi, and he glared his eyes when he saw 'Omkara' written, but he decided to not mention it.

He would handle it, his own way.]

Vikram: Tumhe pata hai na tum mujhe tum rote hue acchi nahi lagti?

Gauri: H-Haan bass...shaadi 5 dinn mein hai Aur...

Vikram: 5 dinn? Arre main Bataana bhool gaya...shaadi parso hai

Gauri: (Shocked) K-Kya? Parso? Vikram lekin---

Vikram: Arre sab kuch taiyaar hi Toh hai! Shaadi parso Ho ya 5 dinn baad, Kya farak padta hai?

Gauri: Vikram kuch zyaada Jaldi nahi hai?

Vikram: Nahi Toh! Kyun, tumhaare shaadi se pehle Aur shauk pure karne hai Kya?

Gauri: (Confused) Kya matlab?

Vikram: Arre mazaak Kar raha Hoon! Tum mood theek karo, main neeche intezaar kar raha hoon

[After Vikram left, Gauri quickly wiped her tears and headed down, where Vikram was stood in front of the family.

He turned and looked at her and put his hand out, before guiding Gauri downstairs.]

Vikram: Toh ladies and gentlemen, main yeh announce karne jaa raha Hoon ki Gauri Aur meri shaadi 5 dinn baad nahi, balki parso hogi!

[Gauri's eyes immediately turned towards Om, who tried his best to look indifferent but the hurt in his eyes was clearly visible.

Shivaay and Rudra, on the other hand, looked at each other in confusion.

Why was Vikram in such a hurry?]

Shivaay: Itni Jaldi? Kyun?

Vikram: Bhaiyya, shaadi kal Ho ya parso, hone waali hai na! Isliye! Gauri bhi yehi chahti hai! Kyun, Gauri?

Gauri: J-Ji...

Dadi: Main panditji ko bula Leti Hoon phir!

[As the family dispersed, Gauri saw Om rush into his room, and she felt pain as she saw him.

Why did Gauri feel like she wasn't ready to marry Vikram?

Or was this just her mind?]

----------------------
As you guys can Guess, this book is sort of going to end soon!!! (1-2 chapters more)

*The night before the wedding*

[It was no lie that Gauri was undeniably nervous.

Only one more night until she became someone's Wife.

She would spend her whole life with Vikram, and for some reason, that thought scared her.

She didn't know how she felt about Vikram. Just a couple months ago, she fled Bareilly just to be with Vikram, and here she was, afraid.

She kept pacing up and down the room, and her eyes fell on her wedding lehenga that was hanging by the cupboard.

This was actually going to happen tomorrow.

Her train of thought was disturbed when she heard a knock on the door, and soon, Anika entered.

Anika knew Gauri was disturbed; and here she was, to help Gauri calm herself.]

Gauri: Didi, aap?

Anika: Haan, tumse baat karni thi, baitho

Gauri: Ka hua?

Anika: Wahi Toh tumse puchne aayi hoon

Gauri: ka Matlab?

Anika: Gauri, mujhe aisa Kyun lagta hai ki tum Iss shaadi ke liye taiyaar nahi Ho?

Gauri: Aisi koi baat nahi hai, didi, A-a-apka vehem hai

Anika: Accha? Tumhaari shakal toh kuch Aur keh rahi hai.

Gauri: Didi, woh---

Anika: Gauri, tum mujhse jhoot keh sakti Ho, Lekin khud se nahi. Yeh tumhaari zindagi ka sawaal hai, isliye please soch samajhkar faisla lo. Yeh mat bhulo ki yeh sirf Vikram ki khushi ki baat nahi, tumhaari khushi ki bhi baat hai

Gauri: Didi, aise koi baat nahi hai, hum shaadi ke liye taiyaar hai, bass thode nervous hai, Aur kuch nahi

Anika: Tum khush Ho?

Gauri: Haan didi, khush Kyun nahi honge? Waise ek baat mann mein chubbh rahi hai

Anika: Kya baat?

Gauri: Omkaraji humse khafa hai ka? Itne Dino se humaari unse baat nahi hui hai, woh humaari taraf dekh bhi nahi rahe hai. Shaadi se pehle hum unse ek baar baat karna chahte hai. Uss mulaaqat mein hum apni puri zindagi bita denge

Anika: (To herself) Kaun samjhaayega usse? Kaun samjhaayega ki woh jo Om ke liye mehsoos karti hai, woh pyaar hai, Aur kuch nahi

Gauri: Aapne kuch kaha?

Anika: Nahi, Nahi Toh. Main abhi Om se kehti Hoon ki woh yahaan aaye Aur---

Gauri: Nahi! Nahi! Yahaan nahi, chhat par milne ko kahiye, Hum wahi aayenge

Anika: Accha theek hai, uske baad jaldi so jaana, kal jaldi uthna hai na?

Gauri: Haan theek hai didi, thank oo

[Anika then made her way to Om's room, and upon entering it, found Om stood besides the window with his arms folded.

Judging by his reflection on the window, Anika immediately knew that Om was rather solemn and upset, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, before he turned around, revealing his red and bloodshot eyes.]

Om: (Wiping his tears) Bhabhi? Aap?

Anika: Haan main, koi nahi Om, tum ro sakte Ho

Om: Nahi, aisi koi baat nahi hai, boliye, kuch kaam hai?

Anika: Om, Gauri tumse milna chahti hai. Main tumhe Bata nahi sakti ki woh kitni bechain hai Aur---

Om: Main usse nahi milna chahta, Bhabhi, nahi hai mujhme itni taakat

Anika: Tumhaari mohabbat itni kamzor hai Kya? Main jaanti hoon ki yeh sab tumhaare liye bahut mushkil hai Lekin---

Om: Mushkil? Bhabhi jab main usse Vikram ke saath dekhta hoon tab aisa lagta hai jaise koi mujhse meri saansein cheen raha Ho.

Main nahi chahta tha, Bhabhi, nahi chahta tha ki usse mohabbat Ho jaaye, nahi hona chahta tha fanaa, Lekin main ab iss kadar tabaah Ho chuka hoon ki mujh mein ab koi taakat nahi rahi hai

Anika: Main jaanti hoon, Om, Lekin kal ke baad shaayad tum kabhi Gauri se nahi mil paaoge. Kal woh kissi Aur ki biwi bann jaayegi. Haan tum usse pyaar karte Ho Lekin usse pehle tum dono ki dosti thi na? Woh tumse baat karna chahti hai, Om, shaadi se pehle ek baar Toh mil lo

Om: main saamna nahi Kar paaonga, Bhabhi

Anika: Om, mohabbat mein khud ki nahi, dusro ki khushi dekhi jaati hai, isliye usske khushi ki khaatir Jaao, mil lo. Woh chhat par tumhaara intezaar Kar rahi hai

Om: Theek hai, Bhabhi

[Om and Anika didn't know that there was another person overhearing their conversation.

Gauri.

Gauri's eyes watered when she heard Om speak, and when she got to know that Om loved her.

"jab main usse Vikram ke saath dekhta hoon tab aisa lagta hai jaise koi mujhse meri saansein cheen raha Ho"

"Main nahi chahta tha, Bhabhi, nahi chahta tha ki usse mohabbat Ho jaaye, nahi hona chahta tha fanaa"

She quickly ran upstairs to the roof, while wiping her tears, but she was still in shock.

That's why Om was avoiding her.

Because he couldn't bear the sight of Gauri being with someone else.

A few minutes later, she heard footsteps and instantly knew it was Om, but she kept her eyes fixed on the view ahead.]

Om: Gauri...

[Gauri turned around and ran towards him before wrapping her arms around him and hugging him, before silently crying.

Om, letting go of his pain, hugged her back, before wiping her tears.]

Om: Tum ro Kyun rahi Ho?

Gauri: Bass, Aise hi...

Om: Tum mujhse milna chahti thi na?

Gauri: Humaari shaadi kal hai...humne aapko kabhi dhanyawaad nahi kaha

Om: Dhanyawaad? Kiss baat ka?

Gauri: Hume Vikram se milwaane ke liye...

Om: Tum mujhse chaand bhi maang leti Toh shaayad woh bhi la deta tumhaare liye

Gauri: Aap bahut acche insaan hai, Omkaraji. Haan thoda bahut gussa karte hai, thoda akadte hai, Lekin aap hai bahut Acche, hum chahte hai ki aap humesha khush rahein

Om: Tum bhi Kam akadti nahi Ho, Lekin phir bhi, tum bahut khaas Ho Gauri. Vikram bahut zyaada lucky hai

Gauri: Humne aapke saath bahut jhagde kiye, uss sab ke liye sorry Aur---

Om: Accha bass, bass

Gauri: Aap kal shaadi ke liye aayenge na?

Om: Haan, Kyun, tumhe lagta main nahi aaonga?

Gauri: Nahi bass pooch rahe hai

[They spent the rest of the night talking, but little did they know that someone was observing them.

He pulled out a phone and began dialling a number before calling it.]

*On the phone*

Man: Bhai, aap yakeen nahi karoge main Kya dekhkar aaya hoon!

[Tomorrow was going to be quite a show.]

--------------------

Ahh!! Hope you guys like it!!

Male voice: (on the phone) kal kissi ki doli uthegi Aur kissi ki arthi. Aayi baat samajh?

Another voice: Ji sir

[She walked down the stairs dressed in an exquisite red lehenga, but even under the veil her eyes fell on the seat that was empty beside Rudra's.

Something felt awry and wrong.]

Gauri: (To herself) Hey shankarji,
humaari khushiyon par kissi ki buri nazar na lage

[She was about to step foot into the mandap until something stopped her.]

------------------------

Get excited!!

Thanks for reading! Hope you guys like it!

"Soni banno chan si chamke

Mathe uthe jhumar damke

Palka uth diya ne tham thamke

Main vaari javaa

Tu vekh te lai aaj rajke

Apne sariyan nu

Cheti apne nahi milde

Ja banno paave khushiyan

Te dil dariyan tu

Paave armaan sab dil de"

The song echoed throughout the Oberoi mansion as Gauri got dressed. She sat in front of the vanity, her eyes constantly fixed on the mirror that showed her reflection.

Dark kohl lined her eyes, a maangtika rested on her forehead parting,a bindi below it, A nath on her dainty nose and a light pink shade on her lips. Anika careful brought the shiny pink and golden dupatta over her head and adjusted the palla of her lehenga. Dressed in a royal pink and gold shade, Gauri looked beautiful as ever.

Dadi: Haye, nazar na lage kissi ki! Kinni sonni lag rahi ho! Rajj rajj ke sonni!

Anika: Accha Gauri, tum khud se baaki ki taiyaari karna chahti ho na?

Gauri: Ji didi, aap log chalein, hum kuch der mein aate hai.

Anika: Accha theek hai, chaliye dadi, chaliye aunty

[Gauri continued looking at her reflection in loneliness and silence, and instantly, tears rolled down her face.]

Gauri: (Quickly wiping her tears) Kyun ro rahi Hai to? Bass Kar! Tu yahi chahti thi Gauri! Ab Kyun ro rahi hai? Ab Kyun Tera dil bechain sa Ho raha hai?

[Truth is, Gauri wasn't ready.

She wasn't sure if she wanted to marry Vikram.

She wasn't even sure if she loved Vikram anymore.

But the problem is, Gauri kept convincing herself that running away from the truth would solve problems, and unfortunately, it didn't. ]

*Meanwhile, downstairs*

Shivaay: Itna time Kyun lag raha hai? Anika tum jaakar check karo

Anika: Shivaay main busy Hoon---

Om: Main jaata hoon

[Om walked upstairs and knocked on the door, before slightly opening it and peeking in.

Her eyes, that were still staring at the mirror, fell on the reflection of Om, and through their reflections their eyes met.

Om saw the red in her eyes, and was confused as to why she looked so distraught.

She continued following his reflection as he walked closer and closer to her.]

Om: Neeche aa Jaao, Sab intezaar Kar rahe haied

[Om was about to leave until Gauri gripped his wrist and held his hand.

"tum hi socho jara, kyun naa roke tumhe
jaan jaatee hai jab uthake jaate ho tum

tumko apni kasam jaanejan, baat itni meri maan lo

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo"

She looked up with her big and teary eyes, before wrapping her arms around him and crying on his chest. Her eyes then fell on her ring, and slowly she moved away and wiped her tears.]

Om: (Concerned) Kya hua? Ro Kyun rahi Ho?

Gauri: Kuch n-n-nahi...a-aaapse k-kuch kehna---

[Om's phone began ringing incessantly, disrupting their moment.]

Gauri: Aap jaayie, hum aate hai, kuch minto mein

[Om left answering the phone and Gauri quickly wiped her tears.

She couldn't run away, she wasn't going to. She was a disappointment already, she didn't want to annoy everyone further.

She pulled the veil over her head and walked out the room, and quickly Anika, Jhanvi and Gauri's Mother walked Gauri down the stairs. Vikram was sat at the mandap, waiting for her, but her eyes immediately began looking for Om.

Rudra was present, Shivaay was present, Dadi was present. The whole family was present, except Om.

She was a few steps away from the mandap until she stopped in her tracks and began looking around.]

Anika: Gauri, Kya hua?

Gauri: O-Omkara ji...O-Omkaraji kahaan hai?

Shivaay: Yehi kahi hoga, Gauri, tum shaadi shuru karo, woh aata hi hoga

Pandit: Bitiya, Jaldi baitho, shubh muhurat nikalta jaa raha hai

[Gauri hesitantly sat besides Vikram, but a feeling on uneasiness began taking over her.

The first stage of the marriage began taking place, and the pandit began reciting the chants. Gauri kept looking around, hoping Om would be there, but he wasn't present.]

Pandit: Var-vadhu phere ke liye khade Ho jaayein

[This was it. This 7 pheres would complete the ritual, but Om was still not present. Shivaay walked to the mandap for the gatbandhan, and Gauri began worrying.

She couldn't complete her marriage without Om's presence. She couldn't let it happen.]

Gauri: (To Shivaay) Bhaiyya...Omkaraji, kahaan hai?

Shivaay: Main usse lagaatar phone laga raha Hoon, woh nahi utha raha...Usska phone bandh hai, Lekin---

Vikram: Gauri, phere shuru karein? Muhurat nikla ja raha hai

[Gauri silently nodded and she took her first step into the pheres. They finished the first phera, but Om had still not arrived, they finished the second phera, but Om had still had not arrived.]

Gauri: Rukiye.

Vikram: Gauri, tum ruk Kyun gayi? Kya hua?

Gauri: Omkaraji ke bina hum ee shaadi nahi karenge

Vikram: Kya bewakoofi Kar rahi Ho tum? Gauri---

Gauri: Omkaraji ke bina hum ee shaadi nahi karenge.

[She stepped out of the mandap, and rushed to Shivaay and Rudra.

Gauri felt uncomfortable and uneasy. She felt like something was wrong.]

Gauri: (Crying) B-Bhaiyya, hume kuch sahi nahi lag raha...Pata nahi Kyun, Lekin Aise lag raha hai jaise woh kissi khatre mein hai

Rudra: Om ka phone switched off jaa raha hai

Shivaay: Khanna! Tumne Om ko baahar jaate dekha?

Khanna: Haan sir, woh phone par baat Kar rahe the aur---

*A sudden gunshot is heard*

[Gauri's face went blank and she immediately ran out, to the sound of the gunshot. Her face went blank at the sight she saw.

Om was bruised and battered, lying on the floor. Thankfully, he wasn't shot.]

Gauri: (Screaming) OMKARAJI!!!

[She ran to Om and sat behind him, resting his head on her shoulder before bursting into tears.

Her tears were incessant and Rudra and Shivaay began beating the goons. Immediately, Gauri recognised the man- he worked for Vikram.

Her face went cold when she realised Vikram was behind this.

Just as she realised, she felt a strong grip on her arm, and turned around to see Vikram, with rage filled eyes.]

Gauri: (Angry) A-aap...A-aap ne Omkaraji ko...g-g-goli maara? Unhone kitna kuch kiya humaare liye! A-Aur aa-aapne---

Vikram: Chup beghairat! Besharam! Shaadi mujhse, Aur aashiqui isse!

Gauri: Bilqul sahi kaha! Kaash pehle ehsaas hota Toh aap jaise zaalim Aur manhoos insaan se Kabhi shaadi na karte! Aap itne nahshukar insaan Hain! Chee!

[Vikram raised his hand but Om quickly came in between gripping Vikram's hand tight. ]

Om: (To Vikram) Aur kitni ladkiyon ko phasaayega?

Gauri: Ka Matlab?

Om: Tum jaanti Ho uss din Vikram station par Kyun nahi aaya tha? Kyun 2-3 mahine baad, woh achaanak se nazar aaya tumhe?

Vikram: Wah! Tum mujh par nazar rakh rahe the?

Om: Vikram 2 mahino se shaadishuda hai!

Gauri: (Shocked) K-Ka?

Vikram: Tum---

[Vikram landed a punch across Om's face, and instantly, he fell to the floor, where Gauri stood. Gauri bent down, and immediately caressed Om's face, wiping the blood off his face.

Gauri stormed towards Vikram and slapped him in anger, to which he looked at Gauri in shock.]

Gauri: Aap jaise shakhs se mohabbat kaise hui, Pata nahi, Lekin ab Hum bhole nahi rahe! Bhagwaan ke liye yahaan se chale jao!

Vikram: Tumhe Kya lagta hai, main tumse shaadi kiye bina jaaonga? Tum meri ghulaam Ho, Samjhi? Meri ghulaam!

[Vikram held her wrist and took her, until Shivaay and Rudra quickly came and held Vikram back, setting Gauri free.

Om instantly stood up and wrapped Gauri in his arms, before they both burst into tears. He was drenched in blood, but that didn't matter to either of them.]

Om: (Caressing her cheeks) Tum theek Ho na? U-Usne k-kuch kiya nahi?

Gauri: (Crying) H-Hume ka hona hai...A-aap t-theek hai? w-woh g-goli...

Om: Nahi lagi, main Bilqul theek hoon, Bilqul theek

Gauri: (Hugging Om) Humaari Toh Jaan nikal gayi thi! Aapko andaaza nahi hai ki---

Om: (Hugging Gauri) Main tumse mohabbat Karta Hoon, Gauri. Bepannah mohabbat

[Gauri looked up at Om, and she finally realised the truth she had been hiding from, for the longest time.

She loved Om.

She burst into tears and hugged Om tight again, before placing a kiss on his cheek.]

Gauri: Aap hai Toh hum Aaj Tak zinda hai, Omkaraji, Bahut pyaar karte hai hum aapse

Anika: Chalo! Dono mein akal Toh aa gayi!

[The family cheered at their reunion, while Vikram was taken away by the cops.]

Shivaay: Ab aap log Kya dekh rahe hai? Shaadi baaki hai, doston!

--------------------
Aahhh, the next will be the epilogue guys!! And that's it!

Please vote if you liked it! Thank you for reading!

Love y'all

*That same day, in the evening*

Rudra: Nahi! Nahi! 'I love you' bolne se kuch nahi hota, tumhe propose karna padega!

Om: What? Kyun? Isn't it obvious ki hunaari shaadi hone waali hai?

Anika: Kar Li na SSO waali baat? Hey bhagwaan, Billuji ne Toh aapka dimaag kharaab karke rakh Diya hai!

Shivaay: Ek minute, main iss sab mein se kaise aaya?

Anika: Aur nahi Toh Kya! Aap mein Kya, Kam tadi thi?

Shivaay: Listen, tum---

Rudra: Arre aap log kahi bhi shuru Ho jaate Ho!

*Gauri suddenly enters*

Gauri: Ka Ho raha hai?

Rudra: Arre Bhabhi aa gayi!

Gauri: Bhabhi?

Rudra: Aur nahi Toh Kya! Ab O ko propose hi Toh karna hai!

Gauri: Woh kahe Karenge? Akdu insaan jo hai!

Om: Kya kaha?

Gauri: Akdu! Aap hi bataayie na Bhaiyya, agar shaadi karna chahte hai, Toh propose Toh karna chahiye na!

Shivaay: (Putting his arm around Gauri) Bilqul sahi!

Om: Wow, mere bhai mere khilaaf!

Anika: Waise bhi, shaadi ke saare rasam Ho gaye hai. Gauri ke haath ki mehendi bhi Om ke naam ki hi Toh hai!

Shivaay: Chalo Om, propose karo! Hum oberois ka izzat ka sawaal hai!

[While Gauri was talking to Anika, Om stood behind her and went on one knee, before pouring his emotions out to her.]

Om:

Tumse mohabbat tab Ho gayi thi jab mujhe ehsaas Hua ki tumhaari hasi ne mujhe ajeeb si khushi di thi, jab tumhaari khushi ke liye main Kuch bhi Kar lene ke taiyaar tha.

Mere paas filhaal koi anghoota nahi hai, Lekin main vaada karta Hoon ki marte dum Tak tumhaara saath dunga, tumhe bepannaah mohabbat Aur izzat dunga.

Haan, main khadoos Hoon, thoda badtameez bhi Hoon, bahut zyaada daant ta Hoon, Lekin agar tumhe paane ke liye mujhe saat samundar bhi paar karne pade, Toh Kar lunga!

Mere iss pagal, ajeeb Lekin khoobsurat zindagi mein mera saath dogi?

[Gauri wiped the tears that formed at the end of her eyes before hugging Om tight and crying in his arms.

The person she hoped to find in Vikram, she found in Om.

Someone who loved and respected her unconditionally.]

Gauri: Kyun nahi denge aapka saath?

[Shivaay. Anika and Rudra cheered and clapped before hugging Om and Gauri tight.]

Jhanvi: Yeh lo! Yahaan hai bacche! Chalo, shaadi nahi karni hai Kya tum dono ko?

Anika: Itni Jaldi Aunty?

Dadi: Haan! Agli taareekh 3 mahine baad hai!

Om: (Grabbing Gauri's hand) Accha? Chalo! Chalo! Abhi shaadi Kar lete phir!

Anika: Badi Jaldi hai! Aap dulhan ko nahi dekh sakte! Chalo Gauri, taiyaar hone!

[While Gauri was taken by Anika to her room to get ready, Om was looking at Gauri with longing eyes.

Shivaay, for the first time, had seen genuine happiness in both their eyes, and was happier than ever.]

*In Gauri's room*

[As soon as Gauri and Anika reached the room, Gauri hugged Anika tighter than ever.why, she didn't know.]

Anika: Arre, Kya hua?

Gauri: Thank oo, bass yahi kehna tha

Anika: Pagal! Chalo, Chalo, taiyaar hona hai!

[Soon enough, Gauri slipped into the prettiest and most exquisite lehenga.

Yes, it was the same lehenga she wore before, but she looked more beautiful this time because she looked happy.

After placing a tiny bindi under her maangtika, Anika placed the dupatta over her head, completing the final look.

Ah, Gauri looked like an absolute dream.]

Anika: Haye, Chalo, Aaj main didi se jethani convert hui!

Gauri: Nahi, hum aapko bhojai bulaayenge!

Anika: Bhoj...Kya?

Shivaay: (From downstairs) Anika! yahaan aana Zara!

Anika: Aayi! Accha Gauri main abhi aati Hoon theek hai?

Gauri: Haan bhojai, hum taiyaar Ho jaate hai

[Gauri twirled in her lehenga in happiness as soon as Anika left.

This was the happiness she was longing for, and she finally had it.

Never did she ever think that she'd fall in love with someone apart from Vikram. That she'd ever meet someone who protected her, loved her and most importantly, respected her.

She felt exactly like how actresses felt in movies when they were in love.

She ran to her idol of shankarji and went on her knees, in a prayer.]

Gauri: Shankarji, Aaj jindagi mein pehle baar aise lag raha hai jaise hum asal mein khush hai. Aap ne omkaraji ko humaare liye chuna hai, Aur hum vaada karte hai ki zindagi bhar mohabbat sirf unse karenge. Aap bass kissi ki buri nazar na lagne Dena...Aap bass Hume sambhaal lena

[Soon, Jhanvi, Anika and Gauri's Mother came to get Gauri, and gracefully, with the widest smile on her face, descended down the stairs (for the second time!). This time her eyes didn't wander to look for Om. Om was sat at the mandap, waiting for her.

Her Om.

Om couldn't believe he was marrying Gauri. Something that seemed unthinkable and unimaginable 3 days ago was actually happening.

She sat in the mandap next to him and soon the rituals began.]

Pandit: Var-vadhu phere ke liye khade Ho jaayein

[Om and Gauri stood up, and instantly, clasped their hands into each other's, before looking at each other with loved looks. Shivaay did their gatbandhan, before Shivaay and Rudra gave Gauri's hand in Om's.]

Shivaay: Apni behen saunp raha hoon tumhe, dil Bilqul nahi todna hai isska

Om: I promise, Shivaay

[Hand in hand, they circled the fire 7 times, vowing to be their for each at times of health and sickness, happiness and sadness, and to be each other's pillars.

Om took a pinch of sindoor and finally applied it on her forehead parting.]

Pandit: Vivaah sampann hua

[The whole family cheered and clapped, while Om gazed at Gauri while she laughed and smiled in happiness.

This was the Gauri he longed to see.

Slyly, he leaned in for a kiss on her cheek, and Gauri looked at him in surprise and shame.]

Gauri: Haw! Kuch Toh sharam kijiye!

Om: Sharam gayi tel lene, Mrs. Omkara Singh Oberoi!

Shivaay: Congratulations! And welcome to the family!

Gauri: Thank oo Bhaiyya!

Rudra: Accha O, Aaj raat koi gadbad mat karna, please!

Om: Shut up Rudra!

Anika: Gauri, mere saath Chalo, main tumhe apna kamra dikhati Hoon

[Gauri blushed shyly when she entered the room, and sat on the bed, waiting for Om to enter.

Soon enough, Om entered, and Gauri hugged him tight.]

Om: Kya baat hai, apne pati par Itna pyaar?

Gauri: Aapne humaari Jaan bachaai hai, Omkaraji. Agar uss Vikram se shaadi hoti Toh---

Om: (Putting a finger on her lips) Shh...Shaadi mere saath hui hai, Mrs. Oberoi, Shaant Ho jaayie

Gauri: Waise, hum apna surname nahi badalna chahte

Om: Kyun?

Gauri: Aise hi. Accha, Gauri Sharma Oberoi kaise lagta hai?

Om: Aur Omkara ka Kya?

Gauri: Naam mein Ho ya na Ho, dil mein toh hai!

Om: (Pulling her close) Kya baat hai! Meri biwi shaayraane andaaz mein baat Kar rahi hai!

Gauri: Aur nahi Toh ka!

Om: Jo bhi naam rakhna hai rakho, Duniya ko bass Pata chalna chahiye ki main tumhaara hoon

Gauri: Aur hum, aapke

[Om and Gauri spent the rest of the night sleeping in each other's arms, talking about almost everything.

Maybe true love did actually exist.

If someone like Om could fall for it, then maybe it really did.

That night Gauri was Glad that she boarded the train to Mumbai a couple months ago. Not because she finally got true love, but because she found herself and her inner strength in someone else - Om.

Her Om.]

-------------------------
That's it folks!!

Thank you for all the love

This book is complete!!!

Read on for a super special VM!! (Which I think is perfect for this book!)

Sooo,

I found this AMAZING AND GORGEOUS VM which I think exactly fits AJKZNK! Here it is:

https://vimeo.com/249216197

I heard the song and i was like "omg this is perfect for this book"

This is NOT MINE! All credits go to Pari Creations for this fabulous and beautiful work! Please do like this video!

I'd like to think of it as an unofficial trailer to this book ;)

Hope you guys liked it!!

-Chandni <3