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Dear Friends,
Next update of AKG below, sorry for the delay. But I hope you enjoy this one.
Song ' Laal Ishq' finally!!
Aankhon ki Gustakhiyaan - Season VI - In Italy
Part 4
Gauri was really enjoying her time in Italy so far. After the delights of Florence, Siena and Chianti, they had made their way South, to Rome. The Eternal city, situated on seven hills had captured her imagination like it would. A lover of art and craft, Gauri was mesmerised by the compact ancient fabric, narrow lanes full of shops and artists, and the colourful architecture. The grandeur of the Vatican city and the Coliseum was incomparable to what she had seen so far, anywhere. They had been to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, each building had entrapped her in enthralled her to no limit. And then there was Omkara, who had so many stories to tell and so many interesting anecdotes to give her for each and every nook and corner of the city. He had been to Rome several times and even lived there for a few months, gathering inspiration for an exhibition he did on the Romans.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do'. Yes, it was Gauri who had taken this literally this time. On her honeymoon with her Jatadhari in Switzerland and now Italy, as if she had gotten wings, she feared nothing; she was free as a bird. Omkara smirked, following his thoughts and observing her from afar. They were at the MAXXI museum, a contemporary museum, architecturally distinct and excellent. She stood out against the stark white interiors, in her red mini skirt and black leather jacket, looking ever so stunning. If she was interested in the exhibits, he was interested in only looking at her, that's when he noticed. Another guy has also found an exhibit in her and was staring at her with all along. Omkara was furious, but there was nothing he could do, this was a public space where anyone could come and go. Gauri was completely unaware of what was going on, she was lost in admiring the beauty in front of her. But then, she decided to visit the washroom. Omkara had just been engaged in a conversation by an old lady, asking for directions and when he turned around to check on Gauri, she was gone. He frantically looked for her but could not find her. The lecher guy who was following her also seemed to be missing.
Omkara feared the worst, this was Rome, anything could happen, there were lechers and thieves in every nook and corner. He started running around looking for her, only to come up with nothing. He alerted the museum staff about this and they all started a search for Gauri. He was despondent and about to go out and search for her on the streets when she came with museum staff.
Sir, we found your wife in the washroom' the lady told him.
Om, what happened?' Gauri was still clueless.
Are you crazy? How dare you disappear like this without informing me?' he shook her from top to bottom after thanking the museum lady who left.
What happened? I just went to the washroom. Why are you so angry?' Gauri just couldn't understand his behaviour.
I am going mad worrying about you here, looking frantically for you, and you are asking what happened?' he was angry, just two minutes ago he had been worried sick about her and she was taking it so casually.
But why? I am a big girl and can take care of myself' she countered. By this time her temper was rising too, she was feeling embarrassed.
They argued a bit more, which led to a proper fight with each one not understanding the other and ultimately, she walked out on him. Even then he followed her, making sure that she got a cab to the hotel.
Omkara was furious. He needed some time to calm down, and so he went to the Spanish Steps for a coffee. More than anything he was angry with himself, for losing control. How could she affect him so much? How could he let her? It wasn't her in the end? Was it? A million questions were hovering in his head. They had just had a fight. She had walked out on him. What will he do now, he felt helpless. She was like water to his parched existence; he could not do without her.
Tujh Sang Bair Lagaya Aisa , Tujh Sang Bair Lagaya Aisa
Raha Na Main Phir Apne Jaisa...Ho Raha Na Main Phir Apne Jaisa..
Let's admit it' His practical-self told him.' You cannot stay angry with her for long'.
No way. I will not speak with her, that's it. She should have listened to me' his devil side, which was back after ages, counter argued.
Mera Naam Ishq, Tera Naam Ishq , Mera Naam Ishq, Tera Naam Ishq
Mera Naam Ishq, Tera Naam Ishq , Mera Naam Tera Naam Mera Naam Ishq..
Yeh Lal Ishq, Ye Malal Ishq, Ye Aib Ishq, Ye Bair Ishq
Yeh Lal Ishq, Ye Malal Ishq, Ye Aib Ishq, Ye Bair Ishq Ishq Ishq, Ishq
He knew it was a lost battle though; there was no point wasting time. He just couldn't breathe thinking that she was upset with him, that he had shouted at her, that they weren't talking to each other. He wanted to cry, he felt defeated already. Not because of the argument, not because of the fight, but because she was far away from him, because they hadn't spoken to each other for a few hours now. His energy had sapped to a level unimaginable. It was unbearable. And so, he made his way back to the hotel, to see how this can be resolved.
Apna Naam Badal Doon, Ya Tera Naam Chhupa Loon
Ya Chhod Ke Saari Yaad, Main Bairaag Utha Loon
Bas Ek Rahe Mera Kaam Ishq, Mera Kaam Ishq, Mera Kaam Ishq
Mera Naam Ishq, Tera Naam Ishq, Mera Naam Tera Naam Mera Naam Ishq
She was sitting by the window, in her black satin robe, she had been crying. It was unbearable for her; any disagreement with her Jatadhari always left her very sad. Yes, she was upset because of the fight, but what he was not aware of was that she was also in physical pain. Her period was going to start and the day before first was always very difficult for her. He knew about her cycle but the travelling around had shifted her equilibrium a bit and the schedule had gone haywire. It was coming early this month. He had known about it before the wedding and they were intimate, but every time she needed to speak with anyone, it was always Anika bhabi or Jhanvi Ma that she sought out during this time. She didn't want to trouble him, before they were intimate.
He walked to her, sat in front of her on the window sill and extended both his palms towards her asking for hers. They looked into each other's eyes, and she knew, he was asking for forgiveness. But there was nothing to forgive; she had been at fault too. She conveyed this to him with her eyes. She took his palms in hers. They forgave each other with their gestures; there was no need for words. Words only made things complicated, like the fight they just had.
He felt instant relief, blood rushed to heart and he smiled, the smile reaching his eyes. She smiled back, only that the smile didn't reach her eyes and he noticed that.
What is it' he asked her.
No, nothing' she replied, not wanting to trouble him with her trivial matters, after what had happened.
He had to deal with the police etc.
Haven't you forgiven me yet?' he pleaded.
No, nothing like that.' she insisted.
Then tell me.'
Woh, woh,' she hesitated
haan, woh?' he teased, looking at her lovingly.
My period is going to start. It is painful.' She replied looking down not able to meet his eyes. Tears were still rolling down her eyes and he just couldn't take it anymore. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead, this time feeling her pain.
He didn't have much experience, but he knew of some ways to distract her and calm her down. He was gone.
She stayed by the window waiting for him, trying to take in the sights of Rome and forget the pain, when he came back putting his arms around her he muttered come'.
Where?' she didn't want a doctor examining her.
He lifted her up in his arms like he always did and walked to the bathroom instead. The bath tub was ready for her, with warm water, sprinkled with beautiful rose petals. Several scented lavender candles were burning on the side, reflecting in the translucent water. The sight and aroma already made her feel better. Bath salts were by the side. He put her down, closed his eyes and opened her robe, his heart beating fast and her heart was swelling with pride. He had done all this for her, not that she had any doubts. She let the robe drop and entered the tub, settling in. When he opened her eyes, she was reclining inside the warm water, covered in the translucent white water with red petals floating around, her head and shoulders outside, she looked like a goddess.
The warm water and petals were touching her everywhere, the relaxing aroma filling her nerves, and the candles soothing her soul. But something was missing. She couldn't put her finger on it, it was perfect, her pain was being subdued but she was tense still, and then it occurred to her.
It was him.'
It didn't escape his eyes either, his need reflected in her eyes. He went out to the room and came back in his robe.
He looked at her eyes, almost asking for permission, before he put words to his thoughts.
May I?'
She extended her hand to him, he took it, dropping his robe, he settled in the tub behind her. She moved forward, allowing him space. And then he pulled her back, her back resting on his front. His arms went around her slender frame and she was in his embrace now. Current ran down their souls, despite of so many times they had been intimate, it was always soul stirring, their closeness.
Now she could relax. And she leaned back onto him further and closed her eyes, his fingers playing with her hair this time. He kissed her bare shoulder.
Feeling better?' he asked.
Yes.' Dusk had given way to night but the sky was lit up, flooded by the moonlight.
I missed you.' She said, referring to the fight, the mood was sombre again, a sadness enveloping her, a tear escaped her eye.
I missed you too. I was worried sick that something bad had happened to you, that is why I reacted like that. I am sorry I broke a promise, the two minute rule.' He felt her pain, her tear pricked him.
Not just you. I broke it too. I know now, why you reacted like that. I am so sorry. I promise never to do that again' she was sobbing by now, kissing his hand.
I promise Gauri. Please never ever be angry with me again.' he embraced her tighter and kissed her hair, her shoulders, her cheeks...
Tujh Sang Bair Lagaya Aisa
Raha Na Main Phir Apne Jaisa...
Mera Nam Ishq, Tera Nam Ishq
Mera Nam Ishq, Tera Nam Ishq
Mera Nam Ishq, Tera Nam Ishq
Mera Nam Tera Nam Mera Nam Ishq
Two bodies mingled in water and bathed in moonlight that night and two souls rekindled their eternal promise to each other, in the eternal city.
Ye Kaali Raat Jakad Loon, Ye Thanda Chaand Pakad Loon..
Ooo.. Ye Kaali Raat Jakad Loon, Ye Thanda Chaand Pakad Loon..
Din Raat Ke Bairi Bhed Ka, Rukh Mod Ke Main Rakh Doon..
END
Hope you liked it.
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Also, check out my other stories as part of Twist and Turn Tales collaboration - links below in the index.
INDEX of Complete and Ongoing Writing Projects:
http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4967448
Anupamaa
