'Bhai what do you think I should say?' Jigar whispered over to Ahem without trying to make it obvious.
Ahem coughed in response, 'erm you could talk about...the...' think Ahem, think desperately of something boring, 'yes the weather' he said with enthusiasm, 'I'm sure that's a comfortable topic for the both of you' he finished feeling pleased with himself.
'Do you think I should go over there and sit next to her?' He asked again while fiddling with his collar.
'No!' Shouted Ahem but yet making it look like he was whispering. 'I mean, she would feel much too uncomfortable for that, just look at her, she's already avoiding eye contact with you.' He said bluntly, not caring that he'd made Jigar slightly worried. 'I know just what you should do, why don't you start making conversation with Rashi first, and then slowly make short conversation with Gopi in between'suggested Ahem further, knowing this would kill more than enough time, so that Jigar wouldn't be able to get too familiar with Gopi.
Gopi and Rashi wondered what the boys were discussing for so long; it was like they weren't even aware that the girls' presence was amongst them. 'Jigar keeps on looking at you,' nudged Rashi to Gopi in slow murmur. 'Rashi behen, please help me, I don't know what to say, and I'm very nervous. What if Jigar Ji asks me something I do not know' feared Gopi.
'Don't worry Gopi, you know I'll handle things,' comforted Rashi sly fully. Besides what can a gawar like you say to an educated man like Jigar Ji, she thought silently as she looked over to him again warily, she was sure that he was much more interested in her by now then Gopi anyhow.
'Rashi Ji,' began Jigar, but before he could carry on, he was interrupted suddenly by Rashi's outburst.
'Rashi Ji!' She literally threw back repeating after him. 'Please Jigar Ji, don't call me Rashi Ji, that really makes me feel like...' she stopped to tense her shoulders to show her agitation toward the gesture, while twisting her lips pulling funny faces
'...like, like an old woman' she let out after much thought.
'Oh god, Rashi Ji...I mean er, Rashi I'm sorry to have offended you, I just meant to be humble that's all, but if you'd like me to address you by only your first name, than I shan't have any problem' he finished with a smile. 'So Rashi it is.'
'Much better' flattered Rashi with a huge grin.
Things seem to be going better this way, but Ahem could notice Gopi feeling left out, as Jigar had been engrossed with Rashi for a while, that he'd forgotten Gopi completely. He felt terrible for her, so he decided that small talk wouldn't matter much, as it was pretty clear that she didn't recognise him at all. Before he could get up and walk over to her, Jigar had finally decided to include Gopi in the conversation as well.
'Gopi Ji, how about you, do you prefer restaurant food better, or home cooking?' He asked.
Ahem couldn't help thinking of what a stupid question that was and rolled his eyes with skepticism, 'Jigar of course Gopi don't like restaurant food, she hardly dines outside much, and it's clear that she loves home cooking.' He said like it was so obvious. Shortly realising what a mistake he'd made. According to everyone else this was the first time he was meeting Gopi, so how could this information be known to Ahem.
'Bhai how did you know that?' Jigar asked genuinely.
Rashi's open mouth was more than enough to show her shock, and strangely it was only Gopi's eyes that looked at him with a welcoming curiosity, which had reached her lips in form of a subtle smile. For a moment Ahem had forgotten where he was standing, like he was held prisoner in Gopi's gaze, not allowing him to move. Her smile had the message of sheer happiness that someone; well a stranger for her, had understood her without having to ask her. He hadn't realised when his lips had curved up at the ends returning her smile back to her with warmth. 'It's obvious' he said without removing his gaze from her, like the words had found their own way out.
Jigar and Rashi looked from Gopi to Ahem and wondered if they'd missed something, or if maybe these two had met before.
Ahem realised the unnecessary attention he'd drawn to himself, and even supported Jigar and Rashi's questioning look, of what was going on, why he just allowed himself to wander in Gopi's gaze. He shuffled in haste and figured that he better straighten the situation up, otherwise these two were sure to get confused.
'What I meant to say is that, Gopi just doesn't seem like that type of girl, she looks like the quiet and shy type girl who would prefer home cooking,' he said in defense.
Jigar let out a loose chuckle shaking his head and put a stop to his wandering thoughts, whereas Rashi sensed something that she couldn't quite place her finger on so soon. Gopi now sprung up upon hearing Ahem's most recent reply. 'Ahem Ji...' she said with her coy voice.
Wow, had it been so long that he'd heard that, inhaling a deep breath without trying to make it obvious, Ahem let those two words absorb into his mind like soil absorbing rainwater naturally in order to allow the flower to bloom properly. He never knew how much he actually missed hearing that, it felt like having his old life back for a moment. Now why all of a sudden did that thought appeal to him?
'You couldn't be more right Ahem Ji' Gopi finally spoke brightly.
'Gopi' alerted Rashi in a sudden tone, 'of course Ahem Ji's right, it's so obvious to notice that detail about you because you're so plain and it shows that you hardly go much places' she interfered trying her level best to make Gopi sound as boring as possible.
That was a little harsh, for Rashi to make such a bland comment about her personality in front of Jigar and Ahem, sure Gopi was different to other girls but it was her plain appearance that made her stand apart from the rest of the average looking girls. Come to think of it, Ahem was surprised to see Gopi in a simple salwar suit with her hair tied up in a pony, after so long. He'd always seen her in those typical Gujarati type Sari's with her hair pinned up at the sides, whereas now she looked interesting and fresh. In fact she'd looked so mesmerizing with such little effort; he remembered how long it took Anita to get dressed even though she would be wearing such little clothes, which Ahem failed to see how it could take so long in getting into them. It would take him less than five minutes to get her out of them, but Gopi on the other hand had a dress sense that showed she didn't pay much attention to herself, and yet had unknowingly forced Ahem without any physical nature to keep him lured to her. He didn't know why it was a big deal every time Jigar tried to talk to Gopi, but each time this happened his heart was doing flips in awkward positions.
It was time to go and the engagement was confirmed. Ahem felt relieved that they were finally leaving from there, but yet failing to feel internally happy by the alliance that had taken place. Partially due to the fact that Hetal and Kokila had wanted to introduce both their daughter-in-laws to family and friends officially at the Garba that was to take place, and they had wanted Jigar to take Gopi shopping the very next day, so they could get to know each other and also buy her a lavish outfit suited to the upcoming occasion.
On the way home these words were echoing through his mind over and over, not knowing how to avoid the new problem at hand, he was forced to suggest to his Mother that he and Anita also go along with Jigar and Gopi, as Anita can too find a suitable dress.
'That is fine Ahem, but do you think Anita would enjoy the company of Gopi,' she reminded. 'You know more than anyone Ahem that Anita is very particular with whom she keeps company with.'
'I'm aware Mom, but Jigar and I haven't spent some good quality time together so I just thought it would be good family progress.'
'A family progress, I don't understand how this applies to you Ahem, you and Anita have already decided to...' she couldn't allow her herself to carry on and let it go amiss, 'never mind, you know already' she finished flatly.
'So that's a yes?' He asked not worrying what his Mother was on about, as that wasn't important, whatever it was he could deal with it later.
Confused at Ahem's sudden eagerness, Kokila wondered what had gotten into her son lately; he had been behaving rather strange since Janamashtami. 'Yes Ahem if that's what you want, then yes' she replied reluctantly.
'Jigar' Ahem glanced toward him in the passenger seat while keeping his focus on the road, 'call Gopi now and tell her that we'll collect her midday.'
'Sure Bhai, I'll call her as soon as we get home' he replied sheepishly.
'No, erm, do it now, you see I don't want to face any cancellations on the last minute you see, so I'd prefer it if you call in front of me' Ahem said more determined.
Jigar felt shy to speak with Gopi in front of Kokila and Ahem, but he wasn't successful in talking himself out of it. 'Bhai, I'm sure Gopi won't mind, how about you call Anita, 'cause she's the one who has a busy schedule' he attempted one last diversion.
'I've texted Anita already, you just do as I say' Ahem said this time with flared nostrils, why didn't he get it. He could sense that Jigar wanted to call Gopi when he got home, so he could speak with her privately, which is exactly what Ahem was trying to avoid.
He didn't have a clue on why he was behaving this way, regarding Gopi, but right now he was too busy with preventing Jigar and Gopi getting any closer. A part of him kept convincing him that he was just making sure that he was doing everything he possibly could to keep Gopi out of his life, but somewhere along the lines something was telling him that this wasn't entirely true.
As Gopi got on with the house chores, shortly after her in-laws to be had left, she couldn't help wonder about Ahem Ji. Though her proposed rishta was for Jigar Ji, she couldn't help her eyes stretching over in Ahem Ji's direction the whole time; it was like she needed an excuse to look at him. And the way he spoke so confidently of her choice, she didn't realise when he'd managed to plant a seed of attraction in her mind, baffled by the thought of what it was to nurture itself into, she was unable to deny the feeling itself, which happened to be too pleasant to ignore.
Since they'd left all Gopi had been daydreaming every second, no one had ever paid much attention to her, but Ahem Ji was different, regardless of the fact that Gopi hadn't kept a close eye on Ahem Ji at first, she could feel his eyes caress over herself during the whole time he was there, and when they shifted into the room they were even more captured. The single moment Gopi had dared to return his gaze, she was unable to turn away, fixed in place she tried to search for something that had felt immeasurably close to her, but the small fact of what that closeness was yet undiscovered.
Tomorrow she was to meet Jigar Ji and Ahem Ji again, to go shopping for the Garba, she could hear talks of Urmila Mami planning to send Rashi with them, of course Gopi didn't mind, as Rashi was more talkative and had already got on with Jigar Ji.
Anita was over the moon, as Ahem was taking her out shopping tomorrow to spoil her rotten for the Garba. She'd decided to buy the most best and expensive clothes to ensure that she kept Ahem's attention on herself only throughout the nine days, this was the time where all single girls dressed their best in order to draw attention to themselves so their marriages would get fixed in wealthy homes. However she was determined to keep her man to herself, and not even so much as let another girl lay eyes on him, let alone their hands.
'Gopi, Gopi are you ready?' Shouted Rashi pacing around the room, 'we're late as it is, and we need to get to the Bus stand quickly, otherwise we won't get a seat.'
'Rashi behen, I'm ready to leave' she said as she brought Panna out along with her, dressed and ready to go with her.
'Where is she going?' Squealed Rashi, not letting Gopi answer, 'she can't go with us, we don't have money for her, and besides Jigar Ji didn't say to bring her along.'
'Please Rashi behen, Panna has never been to a big Shopping Mall, I promise to take care of her, you won't even know she's there' Gopi begged.
Panna could see right through Rashi, she wasn't as gullible as her elder sister, and was always witness to the torture her evil Mami and Rashi put Gopi through, but she was never allowed to retaliate as Gopi always held her back.
Panna was eventually told to stay back once Urmila Mami had arrived at the scene, leaving Gopi immensely disappointed for her younger sister.
Waiting for the bus in the blistering Sun, it had finally arrived, that too jam packed but they hadn't a choice, if they delayed any longer they would be sure to let Ahem and Jigar down. Gopi had never been shopping in an expensive area, and she wasn't sure how to keep composed while being in such stranger surroundings.
Ahem called Jigar to find out whether he'd collected Gopi or not. He'd found out that Rashi had called Jigar and delayed the time further, informing that her and Gopi had to attend elsewhere first and they would make their way to the Mall, which clearly meant that Rashi would also be there. This was good; Rashi was a good diversion for Jigar, if only he could keep this distance growing further.
Anita was also on her way there, but she was oblivious to the small detail that they were not alone. Ahem hadn't considered Anita's point of view, as his only efforts in place were targeted on his brother and sister-in-law to be, this title itself was a living nightmare. He had to try harder to make Jigar see that Gopi could not marry him, concluded Ahem as he accelerated, and shifted into a higher gear.
'Gopi, Rashi, what took you so long, I was beginning to get worried' Jigar said rushing to them at the entrance. 'It was nothing Jigar Ji, there was a lot of traffic on the way here and the buses were jam packed' replied Rashi with a big grin, noticing that Jigar had only looked at her when he spoke.
'Where is Ahem Ji?' Rashi pointed out as she searched around for him, and not noticing Gopi's sudden interest.
'He'll be here any minute, he's also running late' said Jigar casually checking the time on his wristwatch. 'I'll get us some cold drinks in the meantime,' he said leaving the girls alone.
'There's Ahem Ji,' Gopi said lighting up as she stood on her toes to get better view. Rashi threw a double look to Gopi wondering what she was so happy about upon seeing him, 'where I don't see him' she answered uninterestedly.
'Hi Ahem Ji' she found herself saying. 'Hi Gopi, hi Rashi,' he gestured back, 'is Jigar not here yet?' he asked. 'He's here; he's gone to get us drinks. Shall we catch up with him-?'
'No Rashi, we better wait here some more, I'm expecting someone' he said avoiding eye contact with Gopi for some unknown reason.
Jigar had bought the drinks and Anita had also turned up by now. Ahem took the courtesy of introducing Anita to Rashi and Gopi as his fiancee, while keeping a close eye on Gopi's reaction, which didn't seem like much.
He was assuming that maybe if Gopi had shown some kind of agitation towards Anita then he would be sure that there was some of the old Gopi hidden in there somewhere, however not being able to summon any kind of conclusion he began wondering whether he would have preferred for her to feel tense around Anita or not.
They proceeded to the shops, and saw many things, none which were of satisfaction, but Jigar had told Gopi that his Mother Hetal had told him to strictly buy her any two outfits of her choice. Rashi felt intimidated by this news, as she knew she hadn't even had any money to buy herself a dozen of the cheapest bangles in this whole Mall.
Anita had managed to take Ahem to one side during this trip to give him an ear full. 'How could you Ahem, I thought you was treating me!' She accused, 'you didn't tell me you were planning on taking the whole Brady bunch with you' she taunted further as she poked a rude finger in his firm chest.
'Look Anita it was unplanned okay, it just happened, and besides they're not joining us, we're joining them' he tried to explain calmly, 'and anyway what's wrong if we all go out together, I mean Gopi is marrying Jigar, so you may as well get used to her now, wouldn't you say.'
'What! Me and get used to that low class cheap trash-'
'Anita!' Warned Ahem, 'watch your tongue.'
'How dare you Ahem, you dare to threaten me over some girl who you barely even know. What is it with you lately, your behaviour is beginning to baffle me terribly these days, and you're so...unpredictable nowadays.'
'Look that's not true Anita, all I'm saying is that is it so bad for you to show a little respect for your younger sister-in-law, you are after all going to be living together.'
Anita shook her head in disbelief 'what did you just say, live together? Have you forgotten everything Ahem...?'
'What are you talking about here Anita, I'm losing my patience,' he said abruptly as he saw Jigar place an earring over Gopi's earlobe.
'Are you having a joke on me, or have you seriously forgotten everything' Anita said rushing through her words as she noticed Ahem's attention divided and in reflex trailed his gaze back to Gopi. 'God Ahem, can you at least look at me when I'm talking to you!' she blazed back at him, 'after our wedding' she emphasized through gritted teeth, 'we are moving out' she said very slowly and clearly.
'What??!!'
'Oh don't act like that Ahem, you were with me the day we signed on the dotted line, you knew all along I'm not interested in extended families and all that, and your Mother is such a god damn control freak that you know in any case I could never survive a week with your Mom let alone a life time!' She said heating up.
That's what his Mother had meant when she made a comment about him to trying to make good family progress, she knew that he and Anita were going to move out after the wedding! No he could never let that happen, when and how did his Mother agree to such a thing, this would mean losing his Mother forever, this was never what he wanted. 'You listen to me Anita, whatever happens I'm not moving out, I love my Mother too much to do such a thing. If you have a problem with that then you need to make some sort of compromise...'
'But you-'
'I don't' care what I did Anita, this is me now, here telling you that I may have done whatever I did back then, but I've changed my mind now, and I'm not about to go back and change my decision, for no one' he said focusing only on Anita now and making sure each word had registered to her, just so she would know that he meant every word.
'I like this one Jigar Ji' said Gopi shyly.
'Why don't you try it on Ma'am' offered the sales assistant, 'no I couldn't' she hesitated as she quickly placed the lengha back down.
'Why ever not?' Asked Jigar, 'you need to try it on so that the outfit can be tailored to your measurements' he said trying to brief Gopi of the normal procedure.
'Rashi behen why don't you try it on,' Gopi said diverting the attention on Rashi's shoulders. 'Me?' Rashi gasped aloud, 'but it's for you Gopi, how can I try it on' she acted humble. 'Yes Rashi behen, we only need to get an idea of how it looks' Gopi cleverly replied as she handed the outfit over to Rashi, who had left for the changing rooms without further ado, before the nature of the conversation repelled against her doing so.
'Bhai where is Anita?' Asked Jigar as a red and flustered Ahem headed back alone.
'She has an important appointment she can't cancel, so she left early' responded Ahem staring at something of no importance to keep him calm. 'What about Anita Bhabi's clothes for the Garba tomorrow?' Jigar concerned. 'Er Gopi and Rashi are here, they can help pick something out for her, I'm sure she wouldn't mind.' He said making a quick excuse. 'You wouldn't mind helping me Gopi?'
'Of course not, Ahem Ji' she said with her cotton soft voice.
'Excuse me, can you please show us something heavy with intricate embroidery on it.' She could judge from Anita's appearance that she had a figure worth showing off in a heavy skirt and high top with a net scarf supporting it.
From many of the dresses she had picked a few that was mainly focusing on the colour green, with splashes of other colours such as pink or red. 'Oh what a coincidence Gopi, Bhai's favourite colour is also green, I'm sure Anita Bhabi would be impressed with your choice' praised Jigar. 'Green must be your favourite colour too.'
'No Jigar Ji, I don't have a particular favourite, but in these designs green seems to stand out the most' she explained, 'but it's a good sign that Anita Ji will wear her husband's favourite choice' she comforted with a smile.
'I'm not her husband yet' Ahem slipped in naturally, 'and it may help that Anita don't like the colour green.'
'It doesn't matter Ahem Ji, when a girl is engaged she is considered his wife from that day onwards. And please allow me to tell you that there is no greater joy in wearing a favourite of your loved one.'
'What difference would that make, it's only a colour' said Ahem not understanding Gopi's theory behind it.
'Not exactly, it's a colour I mean, but when it's your favourite, it automatically draws your attention to it, and when you combine those two things together, it enhances both the beauty of the colour itself and the one who wears it' she said serenely, 'which let me tell you results in you Ahem Ji trailing your wife the whole night envying your favourite colour' she said mischievously.
Ahem was forced to smile at Gopi's naive answer, it was such a simple heartwarming theory, it was like the love in her head, was the one you come across in books but never in real life, the one you know is not possible. However hearing Gopi's little explanation today felt like it was within arm's reach, it was like he'd never known Gopi at all after meeting her today. She was still the shy and reserved Gopi, but her talks were freer, rather than the one's he'd ever had with her in his previous life. She always spoke with fear or on edge when she shared the same space as him, but here she was open to sharing her ideas however bizarre they may have sounded to him, but yet he wanted to go on hearing more.
'So I'm assuming your dress is also green' he asked raising his eyebrows in question.
'No mine is pink' she said feeling embarrassed for no apparent reason, she wasn't used to people taking interest in her likes and dislikes, maybe because she always remained in the background and invisible to everyone else, but not for Ahem Ji. Through his eyes she felt like she was always under constant watch, where her every move was being observed, and with every interaction they shared, something more pleasant was brewing inside of her.
When Rashi had come outside, everyone was stunned at how gorgeous the lengha had looked. Gopi immediately bedazzled by the appearance had already made up her mind to let Rashi have this dress, as it could never look that good on her in a million years.
Jigar didn't know what to say, although he was also taken back by Rashi's beauty which enhanced her physique a hundred percent more than the churidaar suit she'd been already wearing, he couldn't help his heart drool over her. 'You look amazing Rashi' he let slip. Rashi hadn't expected such a direct response from Jigar Ji, but now that she had, she was already on cloud nine, as she knew the look in his eye wasn't of friendship.
Ahem could already see Jigar being drawn in by Rashi, and Rashi to him, which must surely mean one thing, that Jigar and Rashi were surely made for each other, it was becoming more obvious to him of course, which meant that Gopi would be left heart
broken.
That wasn't what he wanted, he did want Gopi to settle down, but just not somewhere where he would be in constant view of her, that was all, but now he felt like he was only thinking about himself.
'Rashi behen you must keep this dress, it's like it's made for you' Gopi offered graciously, 'I'll buy another dress, and you can keep this one,' she turned to Jigar Ji, and sought permission 'please Jigar Ji you don't mind do you.'
Jigar not wanting to say no, but knew in hindsight that his Mother and Kaki Ji would be disappointed in him for not following their instructions, but without considering this any further, he'd given his consent. Ordering the outfit to be tailored to Rashi's measurements who had went off to have them noted.
During which time Jigar noticed the time and told Ahem that he needed to go, as he was to meet with a Construction Company before they went on holiday for the Navratri.
He had told Ahem to finish up with the girls and to drop them back off, Ahem agreed at the soonest, as he didn't mind anything as long as Gopi and Jigar were separated. He waited for Rashi to come back to bid her farewell, but much to his surprise Rashi was in a rush herself, and told Gopi that they need to leave too.
'But Rashi Gopi hasn't finished her shopping' said Jigar.
'Jigar Ji you don't understand I need to get back to my rehearsals for drama, and if I'm late today I'll surely be kicked out' she whined. 'Gopi we'll find you something else to wear for tomorrow.'
'Jigar Kaki Ji and Mom told you particularly that Gopi is the one who needs to be dressed according to the occasion, so how can you neglect their decisions' infuriated Ahem, fully aware of Rashi's selfish manner which was more evident than ever, he knew Gopi wouldn't defend herself, and Jigar was already swaying to whatever Rashi would say.
'Jigar you go and I'll finish up with Gopi, and drop her off home when she's finished, and besides she also needs to select a dress for Anita yet' he opted instead.
Gopi looked on in shock, at first she was confused but then overwhelmed by Ahem's sincere generosity, he was willing to stay back with her to finish her shopping.
'I don't understand why you don't try anything on' complained Ahem after going through so many embroidered clothes, 'it is after all you that will be wearing the dress.'
'No Ahem Ji, I don't feel comfortable in trying the dresses here' she confessed. 'I'll try them when they arrive at home.'
'Fine, as you wish' he said in a tired voice. 'Don't you girls ever get tired of shopping?' He said rhetorically.
Gopi let out a pleasant sounding laugh, 'Ahem Ji I won't be any longer, and it's almost done.'
'Ma'am shall we take your measurements for this dress, as the assistant is about to leave, we need to hurry you up' said the Manager. 'Yes you may' replied Gopi, as she separated her own clothes from Anita's and explained the style of the dresses, making sure it was low from the back and front, with a high top and low cut skirt which hugged the figure like second skin.
She certainly judged Anita's taste well within five minutes thought Ahem, but wondered how she would have her own dresses sewn.
'These dresses need to be short armed, with a full top and no skin revealed at the midriff, and the dupatta must be georgette material and not net' she detailed the assistant who was clearly rushing to be elsewhere.
The young boy had grabbed a tape measure and headed toward Gopi and Gopi's eyes grew restless as she looked over at Ahem Ji.
At first Ahem looked away knowing that Gopi probably felt awkward while being measured in front of him, but then he felt his fist clenching as the boy removed Gopi's dupatta without permission, and he noticed Gopi's hand rushing to get grip of it. 'What the hell is this don't you have some kind of lady help?' Ahem stood up asking in frustration.
'I'm sorry Sir this is how we operate all the time, if you feel offended for your wife, then you may measure her yourself and read them aloud to the assistant' the Manager suggested instead, as he could see Ahem's anger beginning to gush over his face.
Gopi's face was turning red, as she watched Ahem Ji throw a tantrum in the store which was closely about something much too uncomfortable to be drawing attention to right now.
'It's okay Ahem Ji, let him do his job' Gopi tried to wrap up the situation meekly.
As the guy lifted Gopi's arms, he spread the measurer around her bust and took his time to get the correct measurement, and then moving down to her hips and eventually her backside.
Ahem's fist was clenching tighter as the assistant progressed, Gopi could see the tension in his arms, but keeping silent to keep the situation in control was the only option best for her.
'It's done Sir' said the Manager, 'we are sorry for any inconveniences caused.'
'Come Gopi, let's go.' Ahem said without responding to the Store Manager.
Ahem helped Gopi get into the car, and fastened her seatbelt reaching over and taking the opportunity to spread the whiff of his cologne around her, not realising the effect he was having on her, as he was too occupied in cursing the assistant who was taking her measurements.
'Don't these people have any bloody shame' he muttered under his breath while walking over to the drivers' seat.
Gopi could see Ahem was bothered by something, surely it couldn't be the whole measuring fiasco, why on earth would this even begin to bother Ahem Ji, and it was different while they were inside, but it couldn't be enough to still keep him mad. Perhaps it was Anita Ji that was on his mind.
As the car began moving Gopi felt the need to make small talk. 'Thank you' Gopi said as it was the only appropriate thing to say at that moment and also so Ahem Ji was aware that she appreciated him staying back for her.
'For what?' he responded coldly as he sped up, but without letting Gopi reply, 'for putting you in that awkward position while that man...' he pressed his lips together like he'd wanted to say something that was clearly not suitable to say in front of Gopi, and squeezed his grip on the steering wheel until his palms turned sweaty, '...while that man put his filthy hands over your body wherever he desired' he spat out and brought the car to a halt suddenly as the tyres of the car screeched against the road. His chest was letting out heavy sighs as he kept his eyes down and his jaw flexed with tension, and eventually resulting to him hitting the steering wheel, 'damn!!'
Gopi jumped at the sound Ahem's sudden outburst, 'Ahem Ji what's the matter?' She asked as she placed a careful hand over his broad shoulder.
'I just, I just...felt so mad and helpless that you had to go through that in front of strangers while I was there, I mean how do these people work, have they no respect these days' He said as he felt Gopi's touch over his left shoulder.
Why was it such a big deal, Gopi wondered, maybe he felt guilty because he was the only person I knew there, and he shouldn't have witnessed something like that, she thought. 'It's okay Ahem Ji, it wasn't your fault it's no one's fault, that is how they do things there, it's just their job' she explained so he wouldn't feel guilty further.
'Maybe I'm mad at myself,'said Ahem knowing this was something else that had triggered his nerve. Aware of what he was doing, he reached for Gopi's hand and stared directly into her eyes, she was unsure of removing her eyes away from him as her lashes flickered left and right, and scooped her hand into his and held onto it snugly, 'Gopi I'm sorry, but I don't know what came over me today. When I'm with you, I feel like I have this right over you, which allows me to judge how people should be treating you, I know this sounds weird but believe me when I'm saying this, I feel like I know you more than you think Gopi, and I just want you to know that you can trust me.' He said, knowing that none of that meant anything to Gopi, but for some reason he found himself wanting Gopi to know that.
Gopi swallowed hard until it actually hurt to get the knot out of her throat, 'Ahem Ji, I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say, but I do know that I feel like I've met you somewhere before, and that I don't feel awkward around you,' she said as she tilted her head to one side and responded with a subtle smile, 'and I know I can trust you Ahem Ji, you don't need to tell me that.'
Ahem returned her smile feeling much lighter now, and felt glad that he and Gopi were able to get on, maybe it was the fact that mentally Gopi had been his wife previously and it had bothered him, to see another man close to her in such silly circumstances, but he knew now that he'd over reacted with the whole situation, but at least him and Gopi were on better terms now, more like friends, he confirmed as he looked at her in the side view mirror.
Gopi got out of the car, once Ahem had released her seatbelt and reached over to open the door for her, she avoided looking at him, but she felt him pause over her as he opened the door, but acted unknown to this detail. 'Goodbye Ahem Ji and thank you for everything.'
Ahem's lips stretched into a smile as he raised his hand to indicate a short wave to her, 'no problem Gopi, the pleasure of having your company was all mine. I'll see you tomorrow at the garba, and that dress had better be perfect' he teased making the finishing between them lighter.
He reversed his car and held his hand up to bid a final goodbye for the day, as he drove away.
So as promised I made this update mega long lol, and I hope everyone is happy.😊
I am sorry for the delay, as the Navratri are at hand its very busy, so trying to fill the gaps during the spare minutes whenever I get a chance.
I do hope I didn't bore anyone during this time. 😳😳
I hope everyone is enjoying the occasion, and having a ball of a time!
Kindly press like and leave your valuable comments.
Tink😉
Anupamaa
