Ishqbaaz – Rikara Trust 34

Om was in his room and Gauri’s school just asked him to be a chief guest for their local exhibition. The exhibition was a fundraiser for a school so he decided to give one of his painting as a prize to the best artist. He decided to take the most recent one as he believed that it was one of his best pieces.

O: Would Gauri be there? She said that she just took a beginner course but according to the invitation, it said that it was only for art major. Maybe she will come visit. I cannot just walk in baggy pants and kurta. What should I wear?

G: Wear the red shirt with black overcoat and pants. And do not tie up your hair or put it in the bun. Loose hair suits you well. I was going to my room and heard your concern about your dressing sense. If you do not like it, then I will not be offended. Also, the artwork at the exhibition is really good.

Om dresses according to her recommendations and come downstairs.

R: So, you listened to Gauri, huh… She does have good taste.

O: Shut up Rudra!

A: What is wrong with that. A wife will always tell the husband what to wear as she knows what works for him.

Om turns his face embarrassed at the fact that they are calling his wife.

O: Guys, stop. Gauri is here. Do not embarrass me.

A: She is gone a long time ago. She went to school already.

O: I would have dropped her.

A: OOoo, now Om wants to drop her.

S: Om, I need to talk to you in private. (He takes him aside.) Om, Gauri has been paying money back to the trust. Does she have a job? Her last payment was 15000 rupees.

O: From my knowledge, she does not have her job but I will ask her when I see her. Thanks.

O (Thinking): Where is she getting all this money from? Is she taking out a loan? I need to find out before I leave.

Om just walks outside and heads towards the college. The principal greeted him and had the usual greetings from each teacher and it was painful.

O (Thinking): I just want to see the artwork so I can finish judging and leave.

Om finally enters into the exhibition and starts walking around.

As he walks around, he notices a girl with turquoise salwar dress. She turns around and it was Gauri. Gauri smiles at him.

O: I thought this was only for art majors. How did you get in?

G: I begged the art teacher and he gave us all tickets.

O: Us? Who else?

Friend: Omkie?? How are you?

Gauri glares at her.

Om: Ohh them.

Friend: Om. Why are you possessive over him? You act like he is your husband.

G: He does not like when you call him like that. Why are you annoying him like that?

Ritik: Om sir, I am sorry for last time. It was my fault that we were driving like that and I posted that video.

O: Do not worry about it. Also, one more thing, Thank you. Thank you for being a good friend. (The real reason for the thank you was because he was the one that opened his eyes about Gauri.) Gauri, let’s walk around and look around.

Both, Gauri and Om walk around. There were typical pieces, like roses, sunset, sunrise, flowers, couples holding arms and other piece. But, there was one piece that really caught his eye. It was called Friendship = Strength. The piece had an arm reaching out for the arm. It was a close-up picture of a person reaching out for another person that is hanging on the cliff. But, the focus was only on the hand grip. On the corner, it said, “True friendship is not about the number of people that follow you. It is when the person is willing to reach out and help you out anytime, no matter what the situation is, even if you are on the brink of death.” – ??

Om thinks about the time Chulbul saved him when he was about to fall off the stair balcony. And then there was another picture. This one was called The Power of Siblings. An older boy putting his arm around a younger boy and girl. On the other side, now, people treat their siblings, like a complete stranger. No matter how old you are, even if your teeth is failing out, your siblings will be like another mother or father. ” – ?? Om remembers the time when a young Shivaye played with a young Rudra, Om and Priyanka.

O: Gauri, this reminds me of my childhood. Shivaye was not just a brother to me but like a dad. The Great Wall of Shivaye. (A lone tear runs down his cheek and he turns to see that Gauri is not there. Gauri was at the drink station.) (Thinking) Only an artist understands artwork. I want to meet this person. She needs to first understand the meaning of this if she wants to do well in that course. I will teach her later)

Principal: So Mr. Oberoi has decided on the artwork that won the exhibition and will be purchase the artwork for 60000 rupees. Furthermore, he will gift one of his pieces to the winer and donate 2 lakhs to the school. The Oberoi family has been funding several students’ education through their trust so please give him a huge round of applause to express our gratitude.