Chapter 23

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He put his hand down but did not break the eye lock. He lifted his hand to the black thread around her neck and caressed the little pendant. "I like these habits.

"What does that mean?" asked Gauri.

"It means that you have not moved on. You still consider yourself my wife." Omkara replied.

"I have never been your wife. You have neither acknowledged that relationship nor have you accepted me as you wife." She told him emphatically.

"I do accept you now. I accept this relationship and you." he said moving to stand in front of her. "Please give me a chance. You are important to me." He said whilst encapsulating her tiny hands in his.

She had yearned for this tenderness from him for almost a year. She had prayed every day that Omkara would accept and now when she had finally accepted that this would never happen, he was here. She looked at his hands, calloused and rough, that held hers protectively. She looked up, tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

"Why are you accepting me now? What has made me more acceptable to you?" she asked, wondering if Bade Bhaiya had revealed the truth about her association with Kali Thakur.

Om looked at her thoughtfully. He knew the ensuing conversation would make or break his future with Gauri. He would love to tell her that he loved her, but she may not believe him. He definitely did not want to reveal that the entire Oberoi family believed her to be dead and were currently mourning on her behalf, for two reason.

Firstly, because he knew that Gauri would immediately want to call them and assure them that she was safe, hale and hearty and as fast as they could run to the chopper, they would all descend on Gauri's doorstep and demand or coerce her to return.

Secondly because he wanted her to discover their love not the way she had worshipped him. But to love him as her partner, an equal. To accept him flaws and all, without the interference of his family.

And then there was the sinister devil in him that wanted revenge from his family who actually believed that he did not love Gauri. He needed her to himself. For the first time in his life he wanted to court a woman and shower her with love. He did not want to share this and Gauri with anyone else.

He lifted his hand to the stray strand of hair that streaked across her cheek and tucked it behind her ear.

"Gauri, I do not want to pressure you into making decision. I seriously believe that we need to get to know each other. Although we are married for a year, you were Chulbul for three months, then the accident that left me unconscious for another three month and finally you left. So we really did not have time to get to know each other. Something I hope to rectify and hopefully you will love me for the person I am."

"Omkaraji,.." she started but was interrupted by Om "Firstly stop this Omkaraji nonsense. We are equal unless you want me to address you as Gauriji." He asked.

"But that is respectful." she said looking up at him.

"Call me Om or Omkara. Get used to it. I have to get back to Mumbai. I am not asking you to join me this time because I want you to think about what you want. I want you to think about what you really want. Call me. I will be waiting." He said. Gently turning over hands and placing a soft kiss in the centre of her palms.

He turned and strode out of the room turning at the door giving her a salute as he left. She stood looking at the door astonished and speechless.

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