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Part One
"Gauri..." he screamed as he ran in full speed towards her, and she was forced to turn around to look at the one who yelled out her name. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?" he said between quick laboured breaths, "At least, wait for today's function. It's our farewell and this would be the last time our whole batch may be meeting..." Gauri smiled softly, "I wish I could, but Bade Papa asked me to be home by 6. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay back, Omkara..." "...Just like you never stayed back for any function in these six years..." he said with a sad smile while pursing his lips into a thin line. She shrugged her shoulders, "I would if I could. I'm helpless. Sorry..." she said and walked out of the college gate, crossed the road and boarded the blue coloured bus, like she always did. The only difference was that this would probably be the last time she might be talking to him. The thought was unsettling. Picking out his phone from the pocket, he dialled his friend, "Shivaay, I'm taking your bike. I'll be back before our band performance starts." After Shivaay okayed it, Omkara fetched the keys from Shivaay's friend's friend's friend, and rode off behind the bus in which Gauri Sharma currently commuted home.
Omkara smiled to himself recalling the first day he had met this silent girl named Gauri. She never spoke much, and always buried her nose into thick books. How he had tried to tease her by dodging that basketball into her tracks and making her drop all her books in the college corridor, but had felt guilty when those tears had made its way down her cheeks, making her nose turn into a rare shade of pink; and how he had silenced everyone, including his own friends- Riddhima, Annika, Shivaay, Rudra RASOR as they liked to call their gang, with just a glare when they all laughed at her expense, calling her a clumsy-cry-baby. He had apologised to her with a bouquet of white lilies, only to have her place it in the college chapel at the foot of the statue of Infant Jesus, after assuring him that she had forgiven him. Then, what started out as a simple handshake of friendship went on to become one of the best bonds he had ever shared with anyone in his life, again, including the RASOR.
Omkara's personal life was an open book; his strained and rebellious relationship with his parents was known to all. It was only when, once, that Gauri had heard him talk to his father in an extremely rude manner, she had given him a disapproving look without saying a word, and Omkara had felt the unexplained need to explain himself. "My father has a mistress, and my mother won't divorce him even though he tortures and beats her." That was the first time Omkara Singh Oberoi had turned into a eight-year-old Omi, who had cried his heart out in the farthest corner of the canteen, while Gauri only sat next to him and heard his pain. And it was that faith, which she did not break by discussing his pain with anyone, which led Omkara to see her in a new light.
And it was this very faith that made Gauri confide in him as to how much she missed her parents, who died in an accident when she was very little, and how she wished her Bade Papa would love her like he loved his own daughter Saumya. The pain and tears had found its way to build stronger friendships, which had slowly made Omkara realise he was gradually falling for this little birdie named Gauri Kumari Sharma. Unfortunately for him, he hadn't confessed it. He had heard from her how strict her Bade Papa was, which was quite evident with the way she left the college campus for her home within ten minutes of the last bell. He had heard that Rudra had once made a mistake of going to her house to ask for literature notes, and was seen by her Bade Papa, and the next day Omkara had seen Gauri with swollen red-rimmed eyes. On insistence, when he had asked her, she had reluctantly told Omkara that her Bade Papa had threatened to discontinue her college course if she continued "fooling" around with random boys. Omkara had almost punched Rudy for it, but had calmed down when Rudra had convinced Omkara that he was no where interested in the future Mrs. Gauri Omkara Singh Oberoi. Omkara's blush had then been a rare sight, which none of them would ever forget.
Omkara saw Gauri alighting the bus, and walking to the cross road, towards her house. "Gauri..." he called again, and stopped the bike in front of her. "Omkara?" she said, stunned and then turned around to see if any known person was observing her. the locality was small, and it did not take long for gossip to travel. "Why did you come here? Don't you know that Bade Papa would..." "I think I love you Gauri!" Omkara said, shocking her for a whole minute. "What?" she whispered, with a frown. Omkara grinned, "No, sorry. I don't think so. I know so. I love you Gauri. I always have. I never understood what I felt until I saw you walking out of that college gate, and realised that this might be the last chance; that this may be the last time I would be meeting you. I wanted you to know, that in this world, there's someone who loves you a lot; beyond conditions, beyond anything else."
Gauri took a deep breath at the sudden load of information. Then, looking into his eyes, she said, "Omkara, you've been a great friend to me. And I am grateful to you for that. But, we can only be friends. Because I know that even if I say yes to you, it will not lead to anything. Bade Papa has done a lot for me, all my life, and I am indebted to him. And knowing him, I can very well tell you that he would never be okay with me having any relationships that may or may not..." Omkara held his hand up, "I understand Gauri. But what if I am willing to talk to him?" Gauri shook her head and a humourless laugh escaped her lips, "What will you talk to him about? Omkara, you're just a college graduate! Yes, you do come from an elite and rich background, which is another reason why we' won't work out. I am from a middle class family, Omkara..."
"Give me one year, huh?" Omkara said, with a new hope in his eyes, "I will convince my parents to come and ask for your hand in marriage? Can you wait for a year? Gauri, please?" He held her hand in his, and for a moment there, Gauri forgot she was standing at the junction, where so many neighbours could see her. And just like that, she drew her hand away from his hold, "Don't keep hopes, Omkara. We' can never happen. Never." Gauri said in a soft, sad tone. Omkara grinned as he put on his helmet, and kicking the engine to life, he said, "Of all the things I have learnt in life, this one's the most important- Never say never. Wait for me, Gauri, and I will be back to ask your Bade Papa for your hand in marriage."
Gauri stood there, watching him speed away. If only she could tell him that she was willing to wait for him her whole life. If only she could tell him how she had fallen in love with her only best friend. If only she could tell him how she had to refrain from screaming to the whole world that the man she loved, loved her too. "Wait for me, Gauri, and I will be back to ask your Bade Papa for your hand in marriage." She recalled his words. Could it be possible? Would her Bade Papa, who caged her in a golden prison, agree?
***
"Of course, Didi!" Saumya exclaimed, "You should definitely talk to Paa." She said, enthusiastically. Gauri shook her head, while combing her hair, "There's no point Sumo. Bade Papa would never agree!" "But Omkara asked you for a year's time. I think it's only fair to fight for a chance..." The ringing of her phone interrupted her, and she beamed like the star of Christmas. "Rudy's calling..." she said, surprising Gauri. "And how do you know Rudy?" she said with a smirk. Sumo grinned, "Why do you think Rudy kept coming here asking for your notes and assignments?" Gauri's jaw almost dropped to the ground, while Sumo stuck her tongue out at her Gauri Di and picked up the call.
"Hi sweetheart..." Rudy said over the video call, and Sumo giggled, causing Gauri to roll her eyes. "Okay, getting to the point, where's Gauri?" he asked, and Sumo handed the phone to her, while peeping into the screen. Rudy waved at Gauri, and Gauri smiled, "Are you backstage?" she asked enthusiastically, knwoing that the band had to perform tonight, and Rudy nodded, "'The crowd is crazy, Ri, and I wish you were here... But, no fear when Rudy is here, because Rudy is going to take you live through this performance, that is dedicated by this long-haired singer of our college to this sweet little birdie called Gauri Kumari Sharma..."
Gauri smiled, as he said, "Okay, I'm going to leave this camera here on this podium so you can watch our performance. After all, if Gauri Sharma cannot come to the farewell concert, the concert comes to Gauri Sharma!" Gauri giggled at Rudy's melodramatic words, but then fell into silence when she saw Omkara on the screen, who grinned at her with a wink while peeping into Rudy's phone. Soon the curtains were raised, and Gauri could hear the crowd hoot and cheer crazily, while all she could see was Omkara and the rest of the band members in the background.
"So this song, is very special to me, and I dedicate it to a very special girl who has captured my heart, mind and soul. She's been my best friend, my philosopher, my strict teacher during exam times, my problem-solver, my counsellor, my guide; she's the one who's stolen my heart, making me feel what love truly is." The whole auditorium echoed with cheers, and Omkara smiled as he turned his head and looked straight into the camera that was placed at the podium, "This one's for you, my chiraiyya..."
The lights dimmed around, and a single spotlight focused on Omkara. An absolute silence fell in the auditorium, as Shivaay took the lead and strummed the guitar with a few chords for the introduction. And then Omkara's voice filled the room...
"Tum Ho Toh Gaata Hai Dil
Tum Nahin To Geet Kahan
Tum Ho Toh Hai Sab Haasil
Tum Nahin Toh Kya Hai Yahan
Tum Ho To Hai Sapno Ke Jaisa Haseen Ek Samaa
Jo Tum Ho To Yeh Lagta Hai Ke Mil Gayi Har Khushi
Jo Tum Na Ho Yeh Lagta Hai Ke Har Khushi Mein Hai Kami
Tumko Hai Maangti Yeh Zindagiii... Ooo..."
Saumya, who was watching the screen, grinned as she hugged Gauri, "You're really lucky Di, he really does love you. I think Omkara Jeeju deserves a chance..." Gauri could only stare at the screen, watching him sing so soulfully. She had been present for their practice sessions that took place during lunch breaks, but watching him on stage, singing so magically, was a different feeling. And even though she was disappointed she couldn't be there in person, she was thankful that she had a way to watch him sing, for her...
"Tum Ho To Raahein Bhi Hai,
Tum Nahin To Rastey Kahan
Tum Ho To Yahan Sab Hi Hai,
Tum Nahin To Kaun Yahan
Tum Ho To Hai Har Ek Pal Meharbaan Yeh Jahaan
Jo Tum Ho To Hawa Mein Bhi Mohabbaton Ka Rang Hai
Jo Tum Na Ho To Phir Koi Na Josh Na Umang Hai
Tum Mile To Mili Yeh Zindagiii... Ooo..."
Omkara opened his eyes when the auditorium roared in cheer, and he looked at the phone at the podium. "Ek saal, chiraiyya. Mera intezaar karna..." he said and blew a kiss, and Gauri couldn't help but blush. She knew she had to give them' a chance, and had to speak to her Bade Papa. She only hoped he would understand that her happiness truly lay with Omkara.
***
"So when are you proposing Gauri Kumari Sharma?" Shivaay asked Omkara after the performance, who grinned, "On our Graduation Day, in front of our families." Riddhima rolled her eyes, "But Graduation Day is in eight months! Don't tell me you're going to wait till then?" Omkara nodded, "I am. Because, till then, I'll be moving to Sweden, to my Uncle's house, for some short-term on-the-job experience into business." Rudra hooted, "Sahi hai, bhai. First naukri, then chokri... Your life seems set, eh?" Omkara nodded with a determined smile, "I hope so too..." he said, thinking about Gauri.
Omkara knew she would never be allowed to meet him before he left to Sweden, courtesy, her Bade Papa. She hadn't answered his calls or anyone else's calls either, and so, he just bade her goodbye via text, and smiled when she wished him a safe journey along with loads of luck. As the flight took off from Mumbai, he leaned against his seat and closed his eyes with a smile. He couldn't wait to see her at Graduation Day again; he couldn't wait to officially propose to her and ask her to marry him, in front of their families; he couldn't wait to make her his.
***
Part Two- Page 4
Part Three- Page 10
Part Four (A & B)- Page 18
Part Five- Page 23
Epilogue - Page 28
Anupamaa
