Rikara: To Serve and to Protect | Part 12 - Pg 36 |05/18/2018|

Part 1

Pinky Singh Oberoi

I walk into the room in a hurry to catch my husband before he starts for the day. Once the Police Commissioner Mr. Shakti Singh Oberoi heads to his office, he forgets his wife, nor does he have any time for her concerns. I hurry along hoping that he has not yet left. He hasn't. There he sits, with his laptop open in front of him, intently staring into the screen. I pause at the door, looking at my husband of thirty-five years. Hey, I married when I was very young, ok?

My lips curl up merely at the sight of him and I know like I knew all those years ago that I am smitten for life. As I stand watching, he scrunches his nose and his forehead is lined with worry. Work is second nature to him. He takes his job very seriously.

I walk in as he talks to himself about some crime statistics. He says he does that only in the confines of our room. I find that adorable. I place my hand on his shoulder and he squeezes, acknowledging me. I stand beside him, giving his shoulders a gentle massage, waiting for him to finish what he is doing.

It takes him a full five minutes to look at me. He then smiles. The creases at the corner of his eyes become more pronounced but this time in happiness. Have I mentioned just how much I am smitten by my man?

He closes his laptop and then looks at me with complete attention. I know that he is back being Shakti, back to being just my husband.

He pats the seat next to him asking me to sit. I don't because I am too restless. I want to remind him about our conversation earlier about our second son.

"So, will you talk to him?

My voice surely betrays my eagerness. I see that Shakti hesitate for a moment. But then, it could be my imagination for he assures me that he will do as we agreed to. That is enough for me.

Shakti Singh Oberoi

You don't have to the city's Police Commissioner to get coffee at the Deccan Caf but it certainly helps. The entry into the caf is for members only and the members being the elite, who's who of this city. On the good side though, the coffee here is damn good.

I take a sip of the hot brew and watch him closely. He sits there in front of me, his face showing no emotion. But I can see him thinking of a hundred different things right now.

"What do you think Om? You have had the time you asked for.

I hear him chuckle drily.

"You have seen Gauri?, he asks me, curiously.

I nod yes. I have met Gauri at her school. Pinky makes it a point to make me go to the school she is a trustee at multiple times every year. I believe that she is right when she says Gauri will be perfect for Om. Gauri is like a daughter to me, just like Anika.

I see Om stare the tea cup thoughtfully. Unlike Shivaay and Rudra, my first and third sons, Om is a closed book. He keeps his thoughts and emotions to himself and rarely shares them. I worry about him. Pinky says I am partial to him. While I pretend to be offended every time she says that, I know that she is right. Om has always been special to me. Even as a small boy, he saw things differently, felt deeply. Yet, he keeps it all to himself.

I wait for his answer. His inscrutable face conveys nothing.

"I am ok dad. I am ok to get married. If Gauri is the girl of your choice, then I am good with that too.

I finally hear him say and cannot but feel relieved. This may as well turn out to be exactly what our family needs, what Om needs.

I smile, and he smiles back before extending his hand for a shake. I pat it away and walk to his side as he stands up before pulling him into a hug. I cannot explain how happy I am at this moment.

Omkara Singh Oberoi

I watch my father leave the Deccan Caf, a little smile on his face. His first call will be to my mother, assuring her that I have agreed to marry. He is smiling because he felt until the moment I said otherwise that I would decline to get hitched. I smile to myself. Two days ago, I thought the same thing.

I know my father worries too much about me. Not just him, my mom and my brothers and even Anika Bhabhi, they have been worried about me since my decision to join the Police force five years ago. I guess that came as a shocker to everyone. Being in the force was not exactly my aim growing up, unlike Shivaay who thought of nothing else since he was three or Rudy who, even as a kid dressed up as an officer following Shivaay around. I had different ambitions. History and painting were my passion and I wanted to pursue my dreams around that.

Destiny though has a way of surprising anyone. One event and I realized just how much of a policeman I am. This job is in my blood and I cannot turn my back to my original calling. Painting now has taken a backseat. It is just a hobby, a passionate one now. Nothing more.

My change surprised everyone in my family, especially my father. I have a feeling that he does not approve of my decision.

When I saw him smile and hug me today, I felt happy. Somehow, I have always felt that he felt the most let down when I chose to discontinue my studies in Europe to join the force. With this decision, I hope I have, in part made up for that disappointment.

Frankly though, I am afraid that my parents have set the bar too high for marital relationships. In all thirty years of my life, I have never seen my mom and dad being out of sync with each other nor have they ever exchanged a cross word. I have always seen their love for each other shine in every gesture, every word uttered. The respect my dad holds for my mom and the way she idolizes him have both inspired as well as frightened me. I don't know if I will ever be capable of having the kind of relationship they share.

Don't get me wrong. Relationships are very important to me. But I find it hard to meet the expectations in every relationship. While it comes easily for those around me, I have always felt burdened by the fear of failure. What if I disappoint everyone? So, I hold myself back. It is easier to be alone than face the disappointment of a loved one when you fail them. When dad talked to me about my marriage, my first thought was to say no. But I changed my decision two days ago. Entirely by chance, I heard a part of their conversation about Gauri. I realize why this marriage is very important to them. I won't let my parents down now by letting my fears about relationships stand in the way.

From the time I was ten, I have realized that coming from the family of Oberois is both a boon and a curse. Not that it is easy to have a private life when you are an Oberoi. Every one of our actions is validated in the open. We have been given the kind of status that is usually reserved for celebrities. There is something fascinating I suppose, to the media about a family that works in public service. I have never understood the frenzy though.

When Shivaay was made the ACP in-charge of Law and Order, while he deserved it completely, there were debates on TV for three days about nepotism. The fact that there was no partiality and the decision about his promotion was made by the Home ministry based on the unanimous recommendation of the promotion board did not make a difference. The fact that my dad declined to be on the promotion board was never mentioned. The truth that Shivaay more than deserved the post became irrelevant. I find this very unfair. It amounts to disrespecting my brother. Shivaay laughs it all off. He says not everyone needs to see things our way. But I cannot. It hurts.

My family is my biggest strength and I vow to protest it at all cost.

Gauri Kumari Sharma

Today

I look at the web page, and run my finger down the screen, over the list of Assistant Commissioners in the city. Omkara Singh Oberoi is listed three names down.

I smile seeing his official snapshot on the website. He looks very intense, unsmiling and brooding in this one, not at all like the man I met just a couple of days back. I tell myself that his eyes still convey the same kindness. This photo is grainy at best. I wonder if I should have taken a picture when he came to meet me and then blush again. I cannot believe that I am marrying this man in a few weeks. Sometimes it all seems too good to be true.

Everyone in this city knows the Oberois. I have too but I have also had the privilege of working closely with them. I work in the school that the Oberoi women patronize. They come here often and of course, I am their favorite teacher in the school. I work closely with them when they come visiting. Not just Pinky aunty or Anika di, even Shakti Sir and Shivaay Bhaiyya have visited the school before.

They represent my favorite dream. A family so full of love and laughter, that is something I know nothing about.

I am an orphan. I grew up alone. I would have never felt that I was missing something huge if I had not met the Oberois. At times, I envy them. One would think Pinky aunty and Anika di are mother and daughter if not told otherwise. They love each other that way. Anika di once confessed that Pinky aunty was the only mother she knew.

"Mine died at childbirth you see. My father was very loving, but I always felt a mother's absence. Mummyji came, and that one lingering sorrow of my life has been swept away. She is my mother now.

I fell in love with them both that day. Through the women, I know the rest of the family and I fell more in love. Working with the Oberoi women became a way to fulfill my secret desires of being part of a family. They are generous in their love. Anika di has taken me under her wing and considers me a sister. Pinky aunty has literally adopted me. After years of growing up in an orphanage and being alone, fending for myself, this development overwhelms me. Adversities and happiness come and go in life. This happiness though, feels God sent. I want to hold it close to myself and never let go.

Occasionally, Pinky aunty tells me to co-ordinate with the police department with regards to the security arrangements for school functions.

So, a week ago, when she asked me if I would meet Omkara, her second son, I was only mildly intrigued. I know that the Oberoi brothers all work for law enforcement. I assumed that Omkara was meeting me about the annual day function we were organizing at school, his father, the city Police Commissioner being the chief guest. I did not realize just how wrong I was.

Two days ago...

To say I am blown away by this handsome man is an understatement. He is an introvert. I know that the minute we meet. I try to make the conversation easier by telling him about the school and the annual day function we are arranging. He seems genuinely interested. I tell him about my work with the girls at school, the dance classes and the programs conducted after school for under privileged kids. He seems very impressed.

Finally, after speaking for what seems like hours, about the school, my work, the canteen food, my hateful hostel mate, the strict warden, his mother and Bhabhi and almost everything under the sun, I decide to ask him about the purpose of his visit. Don't blame me. Omkara is a very good listener.

"I can go on and on about all this, but I don't think I should bore you anymore., I finally tell him, a little embarrassed about being so chatty. He seems amused at that.

"You are here about the security details for the Annual day, right? Will you be briefing us this week?, I ask. His amusement changes into confusion.

"Security for the annual day?, he asks, and I nod.

"Isn't that why you are here?

He throws his head back then and laughs heartily. I watch, fascinated by his laughter. His eyes shine, and his entire face is lit.

"I think there is some misunderstanding., he finally manages to say.

"My mother told me that she would like us to meet. I assumed she informed you too about why we are meeting.

I shake my head. It is my turn to be confused now. Why is he here exactly if not for the annual day?

"I am here to ask if you will you marry me. Will you?, he asks, suddenly. I wait so that he can complete the joke. I wait for him to laugh but he looks very sincere.

He seems to understand my shock. His voice drops but he looks me in the eye and continues, "I know this probably comes as a shock. I thought mom or Bhabhi may have informed you in advance but looks like they decided to have some fun at my expense.. I can see that he us embarrassed. His ears have turned a shade of pink.

"My mom wanted us to meet so that we can see each other and decide. Just so you know, I did agree to the marriage.

"Without even seeing or talking to me?, I ask him both surprised and doubtful.

He shrugs and looks more embarrassed. "It made my parents happy. I trust them and of course, after seeing you, the trust does not seem misplaced., he says simply.

I blush at his compliment.

"You don't have to make the decision now., he continues after a pause, "The answer does not have to be yes either. I like you Gauri and that is not just because my parents want us to be together. No one has made me feel the way I felt today in quite some while. But I also know that you don't know me. But I will be happy if you decide that you do want to know me better.

I stare at him without uttering a word, frozen by the sudden turn of events.

He gets up then and extends his hand to shake mine formally.

"It is a pleasure to have met you Gauri. Remember, whatever you decide, you will always be a part of our family.

I make my decision then.

"I will marry you., I tell him and see that fabulous smile break out on his face again.

Today...