Gauri hesitantly goes to Dadi to ask her something. She sits beside her and watches Dadi read a book. Dadi notices that Gauri wants something.
D: Gauri, do you need something?
G: Permission.
D: Permission for what?
G: There is a big party happening at school and I want to go. But, I need permission from you.
D: In this house, you can do whatever you want. You just tell me where you want to go and leave. I trust you so you do not need to ask me for permission.
Gauri gets ready in her usual salwar and goes downstairs. Annika and Bhavya are downstairs and their jaws drop.
A: You are going to wear that for a school party.
B: You look like an old granny. You need to wear something appropriate for the party.
G: I do not have anything appropriate though. All I have our salwars and sarees.
They escort her to Annika’s room and in one hour, Gauri is ready.
Om was downstairs, watching TV when he noticed a girl in an off shoulder purple dress walking towards him in black and gold high heels. Her purple earings were approximately 1 inch long and wore a matching necklace. Her pink lipstick and hazy purple eye shadow completed the look. It was Gauri.
O: Gauri, you look… great. Where are you going?
A: She is going to a school party.
O (Thinking) : School party, looking like this. All the guys will be flocking around Gauri. I would do the same too but now I am married man.
He also noticed that Gauri was uncomfortable in the offs-shoulder dress. She was constantly pulling it up.
O: Gauri, can you give me a minute?
He goes to Annika and ask her to get something. She returns with a purple and black netted scarf. He takes the scrap and wraps it around her neck so it covers her shoulder but still highlight the dress.
O: There, now you look perfect.
Gauri understands the reason why he did that and says, “Thanku.”
Gauri takes her phone to call an auto and Om grabs the phone.
O: You are dressed like a princess and you are going to the party in an auto. Just for today, let me drop you off. I am not a big partying person but on the way, I can give you some tips.
Rudra walks in.
R: Whatever you do, do not listen to him. He is such a party pooper. Gauri, just go wild and have fun. No one will judge you so go crazy.
Om takes Gauri with him and they both sit in the car.
O: So Gauri, this is your first party. Remember this. Do not drink.
G: You mean water??
O: I mean alcohol.
G: But, I do not drink it though. I have never tried it before.
O: Also, if you are thirsty, you go to the bar and get yourself a drink. Do not accept any drinks from anyone. This applies for food as well. When you need to go somewhere, always take a friend with you and let them know where you are. And, if you need something, just call me.
Gauri felt overwhelmed with all this information. She was going to a party with her friends. What can go wrong? They arrive at the location and Gauri heads out.
O: Gauri, also one more thing, when you are going to leave, give me a call and I will pick you up. I will text you every few hours so just txt kk when you receive it so I know nothing is wrong with you.
G: For sure, Omkaraji. (She walks inside the hall.)
As Om was driving, the only thing he can think about is Gauri and how she called him Omkaraji. He just had a huge grin on his face.
It has been a few hours and Om sends a message to Gauri. “Hey, this is Om. Is everything fine?” He waits for a response but does not get one. He just realizes that Gauri is probably talking to someone and will respond soon. So he decides to watch TV.
15 minutes later. Om checks his phone and still no response. He send another message. “Gauri, please respond ASAP.” Still no response. “Gauri, if you do not respond now, I am coming over there.” Still no response. He decides to give her a call and it goes to voicemail.
Om decides to check where Gauri is and uses the GPS app to find the location. Gauri was still at that party so he decides to wait for a call back or a text message.
As he was sitting on the sofa, weird thoughts creep up.
O(Thinking): What if someone spiked her drink? What if she needs my help and she is calling me right now? I do not care what she thinks of me. She can call me insecure for all I care. Right now, I need to see her.