Omkara's happiness knew no bounds and a huge grin broke on his face. It was strange that Gauri never felt as complete before as now, when she saw how happy he was with her decision.

The two love birds then began to know each other the right way. They talked about their childhood and their families. Omkara told her about his passion to paint , create art, his love for his family,his brothers and Anika's due date while Gauri told him her passion to dance, her future projects, her habit of spending time with children , her students and her love for her adoptive mother. They ordered coffee and pastry and were about to taste it when they were interrupted by the noise at the café entrance. Omkara got to his feet immediately when he recognized what the fuss was about. Gauri saw that Dandi and another man were covering a lady stopping her from entering the café before making certain that the surroundings were safe. She saw Omkara walk to the woman who visibly calmed down after seeing him and looked in her direction. She noticed that the lady was beautiful, heavily pregnant and with a huge smile on her face started to walk towards her table.

Anika was so happy when she came to know that Omkara finally decided to meet Gauri and talk things out. She couldn't stop herself from coming over to greet her to-be sister in law and seeing that Shivaay was not at home, she manipulated Khanna and Dandi in bringing her to the place. She couldn't wait to talk to her and tell her to hurry up and come to their house as a bahu so that they can have their girls time soon.

Seeing that the lady was rushing towards her, Gauri worriedly got up from her chair and with a hesitant smile greeted her half-way to their table. In less than a minute she was engulfed in a tight hug by the lady and she felt warmth course through her veins. She jumped away when she felt a not so subtle moment on her stomach. Anika laughed and explained that it's the baby's kick greeting her.

After Omkara made the introductions, they settled down again and Anika started her usual blabber.

"Aww Gauri, you are so beautiful than I saw you last time. I just couldn't stop myself not to talk to you when I heard that Omkara took you on your first date" she explained with a jubilant smile. If Gauri caught on the word 'date', she did not comment on it. "Blame my pregnancy hormones for it but I became too impulsive these days. You can call me Anika or better bhabhi – apna lagegi... Anika beamed. "To think again, I put a lot on the line to meet you. If Shivaay comes to know of this stunt of mine, he will have Khanna's head" she grinned. "Om will not disclose it to him . Will you Om?", she smiled sweetly at Omkara who only rolled is eyes in response muttering 'ofcourse'.  "Ahh!!" she said once gain turning to Gauri "So, you better call me bhabhi to make me feel better. Wont you Gauri?"

"Yes Bhabhi" said Gauri making Anika smile wider if that is possible and Omkara looked at her with an intense look . Did he just blush?? wondered Gauri or was she imagining things. Yeah, the next thing she would imagine will be pigs with wings flying in the air with cupid arrows ready to strike her. Gauri, You better maintain your sanity at least till you get married. I'm sure no one would marry a person hallucinating things. Will Omkara marry her even then?? Urghhh why does her every thought begins and ends with him nowadays??

The rest of the evening, Gauri listened to Anika talking about her best friend, her husband and Rudra her brother in law, whom she was yet to meet. She occasionally glanced at Omkara who never let his eyes leave her. Oh God if he continues to stare at her like that, she will definitely end up marrying him and have his kids even before she fell in love with him. How the hell did she even think that she might have a future with Arjun when she has Omkara?? Okay!!! now you even started comparing Gauri? You are pathetic.

Later in the evening, Omkara dropped her at her house and Anika insisted on meeting Suman to get acquainted with her family. Suman loved Anika and showered her with all the love and gifts. Finally, Omkara decided to take Anika home lest his brother comes to know that Anika is out of the mansion in her state. Gauri was sure that if Anika stayed for a bit longer, she along with her mother would be discussing Omkara and her marriage dates embarrassing the hell out of her. After a promise to meet her soon after her delivery, Anika and Omkara bid them farewell for the day.

That night Gauri slept with a smile on her face her nightmares long forgotten and fell into a blissful sleep after two long months.

***************************************Three months later

Omkara and Gauri's relationship sailed across stormy waters and currently is blissfully floating in the still waters of love. Gauri became more comfortable with Omkara, the innocent flirting and slight brush of their fingers whenever they walk by each other's side along their village lake . Sometimes, he called her to talk for hours together and sometimes he called just to make sure she is well and Gauri's heart fluttered for making her feel special. She and her mother visited the Oberoi mansion after the birth of Shivanya. She was received with so much love from his family especially the elderly clan who gushed on how beautiful she looked, how elegant she carried herself , how sweet she spoke and her mother endlessly praised their down to earth nature and humbleness.

Everything was going well until one evening when she called Omkara and sensed a storm brewing. She decided to see him at his house and reached there when she was informed by Rudra that his brother is currently busy and asked her to meet him at a place in the outskirts of the city. Gauri reached the dilapidated place and hesitantly moved inside wondering what work would Omkara have in such a place. Her questions were answered in a few minutes when she saw him punching a man mercilessly tied to a chair while the man's screams echoed through the place. Gauri watched in horror as Omkara finally pulled the trigger and the man fell back lifeless. She stood unmoving, too shocked to feel her dreams crumbling down before her, her heart break echoing within her, that she failed to notice that Omkara felt her presence , rushed towards her cursing something incoherent, pleading her to talk something. After several minutes, when she found her voice, she asked for a bottle of water to calm herself down and wiped her tears.

"Gauri, please talk something baby, are you alright?? who the hell sent you here?" asked a worried Omkara attempting to touch her face with his hand.

Gauri turned away from his touch and walked back maintaining her distance ignoring the look of hurt that crossed his eyes.

"We can never marry and never have a future together Omkarajii" she started.

"Gauri you are not in the correct state of mind .. please let us talk things out when you calm down baby" tried Omkara.

"My decision will not change", said Gauri with determination. "you and I are poles apart Omkaraji, no matter how many times I try I will never be able to come to terms with the fact that you kill people and break the law. You know that yourself."

"You claim that you love me and by the side, kill people destroying their families disregarding that those people you kill, might have loved someone, might have people who might love them waiting for them to return home. You can't claim to love someone when you can't feel others' love and their pain of loss".

"Gauri , that man I killed tried to kill shivanya... she is a baby Gauri ... she is the heart of my family and I will not give second chances to people when they make the mistake of hurting what's mine" he told her helplessly.

"There is always going to be some reason right. Isn't it even remotely possible that he might have been under pressure?? Did he really deserve to die?? Well, since you don't believe in giving second chances, you don't deserve one. It is over between us and I am done with you" saying this she left the place leaving behind a broken Omkara.

Two days later, Gauri told Suman her decision of marrying Arjun Shastry her colleague in college. Though Suman was not happy with her decision as she adored Omkara, she accepted her daughter's resolve after hearing to her reasons and Gauri finally broke down in her mother's arms. After multiple failed attempts to contact Gauri and make peace, Omkara decided to rest the matter for then.

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Gauri and Arjun's marriage celebrations started in full swing. Relatives began coming to Sharma house to bless the to-be bride. Omkara made sure that he attended every function of his beloved with his family much to the annoyance of Gauri. Richa her friend, never left the chance of scolding her for being thick skulled. She would point out that Omkara loved her with his heart and she is a fool not to acknowledge that.

"Even a blind person could see the love for you in his eyes Gauri. I cant believe you still claim that he doesn't love you".

"Then why is it so hard for him to choose me Richa, why can't he choose me over his lifestyle and reasons of killing people. Its not about me or him its about us, our family, our children. I cannot have a broken man, who doesn't let go of his past, who cannot give a second chance to people to live their lives, as my husband."

"Then mend him Gauri... you love him don't you? May be your love can heal him. May be its you that he needs to let go of his past. Isn't it your responsibility"?

"I cant build my future on maybe and may not be Richa" said Gauri though a part of her still yearns for his love. The love that she conveniently decided to bury deep in her heart

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Location: Thakur mansion

Kaali thakur sat on his king-sized bed, looking at the man quivering before him sitting on his knees on the floor. Surrounding them were his men on alert, ready to strike him when commanded by their master. His son Daksh sat on the chair beside the man, scrolling through his phone.

"What say professor saab, how are your marriage preparations going on ?" he asked in his cold tone.

Arjun felt a chill down his body hearing the voice. " Everything is going according to the plan Sir. Gauri will marry Daksh sir as you ordered. On the day of marriage, just before the ceremony starts, I will swipe places with Daksh sir"

"Hmm" said Kaali menacingly. "It better be done as per the plan. Otherwise you know what would follow. Don't you ??"

"Please sir don't hurt my parents. I will do whatever you say" cried Arjun.

Kaali thakur was waiting for the right chance to take over the Oberois when he heard of Omkara's love for Gauri. He wondered if it was true and confirmed that the girl really holds the ruthless Oberoi's heart. By getting her to marry Daksh and trapping her on their side he will have the reins to pull the heart of the Oberois. Omkara singh oberoi is the mind behind the empire and taking him down by holding him at his weak point will surely bring the empire down since the brothers are dependant one each other and when divided, they are bound to fall. He stared at the man Arjun before him who is his trump card. He better be doing his job without Omkara knowing his true intensions for otherwise, he is sure that the Thakur empire will crumble in no time given that Omkara is a dangerous foe to have and he does not give second chances. Kaali will never reveal to the world that he fears Omkara the most because he knew that a wounded lion is more dangerous than a hungry one and he wounded him 15 years ago. He was lucky to ditch death the first time but one cannot be lucky always. Good that Omkara listens to Shivaay and good that Shivaay doesn't like dispute. Else, he was sure he would have been six feet under ground peacefully sleeping in his grave.

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Gauri was sitting in her room, lost in her thoughts re-questioning her decision to marry Arjun. Will she be able to forget Omkara? will he forget her? will she ever manage to live without him? without his love?. Gauri was at war with herself, when the subject of her thoughts decides to visit her.

"Are you happy now Gauri??" asked Omkara.

Gauri looked at him hoping to find signs of sarcasm or dishonesty but to her utter despair all she could see and feel was his love for her. The tears she had been holding back threatened to come out and she looked away from him. After a few minutes of silence, she asked him tearfully. "Can you still not decide Omkaraji? Do you still feel what you did and are doing is right??"

She saw something akin to guilt in his eyes which he soon covered up. Omkara took a deep breath and patiently explained "Gauri, I never said I am doing the right thing but believe me when I say that I have to do it for my own sanity. I cannot give a person who wronged, a chance to live so that he can come back and take something which is precious from me again. I cant let that happen". Then changing the topic, he informed her. "Dandi will be accompanying you tomorrow, call him if you need anything. I guess we will meet tomorrow evening at the wedding then" saying this he was about to leave when he stopped in his tracks listening to her saying "I will not be needing Dandi bhaiyya anymore in my new home Omkaraji , once I marry Arjun, there will be no threat to my life and so no question of my protection. I will not be your responsibility anymore right??".

Omkara stiffened but didn't turn back "you still fail to acknowledge the facts Gauri. Let me spell it out to you again. I lOVE YOU ... just because you marry someone else, it doesn't change that fact. You still hold my heart and my enemies will still target you because you are my Achilles heel", saying this he left the room leaving Gauri to fall on her knees and cry her heart out.

That night before her wedding, Gauri decided that she cannot go on with this farce of a marriage and talk things out with Arjun. With a new- found determination, she slept that night with a smile on her face and her Omkaraji in her thoughts.

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Location : Function hall, Bareily .

The wedding pavilion was decorated with curtains of tuberoses, banana leaves , bells and gold plated ornaments. Simple curtain drapes were tied back at the centre of the pillars with clusters of flowers, flowers matching the theme colors which are red and golden. A crown of roses outlined the canopy like a ring.

The wedding was about to begin and the place buzzed with activity, caterers serving drinks and starters while hostesses catering and taking care of the guests. The dining area was filled with guests ooing and awwing the taste of the delicacies.

The guests were in awe of the preparations, murmuring among themselves various gossips involving the bride and the Oberoi family.

The Oberoi family were sitting in the first rows of guests, looking elegant in their designer wear along with the new addition to their family Shivanya. However, Omkara singh Oberoi was missing. Suman greeted them along with other guests and Anika tugged along Suman intending to help her with remaining preparations.

Anika entered Gauri's room with a beaming smile to look at a divinely beautiful Gauri decked up in a reddish velvet lehenga and choli with a golden chunri which adorned her head. Gauri looked at Anika with a smile and both the ladies walked downstairs to the mandap. Settling Gauri in the bride's position at the pavilion, Anika stood to stand beside Suman ready to watch the wedding ceremony start.

The wedding venue buzzed with noise and murmurs when Omkara singh Oberoi dressed in his Golden sherwani walked into the venue looking as handsome as ever in his open hair, his gaze unwavering from the bride. He calmly walked and settled in the guest row, taking a seat beside Shivaay who was holding Shivanya.

The bridegroom sat beside Gauri, his face hidden by a dense sehra and the priest started the mantras.

"One-minute panditji", said Gauri. "Before we start, I would like to see my groom's face".

That led to an outburst of murmurs among the guests. The priest explained that its not auspicious for them to see each-other's face before the rituals.

Gauri smiled and explained "I am sure you will understand why I asked you this once he removes his sehra", saying this she raised her hand to pull the sehra when the groom forcefully held her hand. In less than a minute , Dandi was by her side kicking the groom off his seat and helping Gauri stand. The sehra was pulled of the groom's face and there stood Daksh Thakur in all glory with a shocked look on his face which turned to pure fear once he saw Omkara singh Oberoi standing in front of him.

Omkara was about to raise his hand when Gauri stopped him. "Omkaraji you promised me that there would be no bloodshed", she reminded.

Omkara turned to Daksh and said menacingly "Ahh yes, I promised my bride a wedding gift 'no blood shed' ...and then gently whispers in his ears ..."today" with a smirk when he saw Daksh visibly shiver in panic. "Take him away he ordered his men."

Then settling beside his bride with a triumphant smile, he asked the pandit to start the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony took place with all the rituals, blessing the bride and the groom a happy future together, pronouncing Omkara and Gauri, man and wife.

The entire Oberoi family along with Suman and Richa watched the ritual with happy tears blessing them prosperity and praying Almighty to ward off the evil eyes.

At the end, Omkara turned to look at Gauri who looked exquisitely his, with the vermillion of his name in her hair partition and mangalsutra adoring her fair neck. He gives her a winning smile saying "I love you wifey, will you now believe that YOU. ARE.MINE?" and Gauri blushed in agreement. 

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yaaay they are married....... any guesses on what happened the night before? i will give a double update if anyone guessed it right.  

would love to hear your thoughts.....

signing off...................yours Soujanya.