FF: It wasn't just love -Chapter 45-The End(03/28) - Page 12

Update for today.. A short one I apologize.. But I went out to see Christmas lights.. Will make up for this tomorrow. Again thanks for the comments and feedback. You have all been fantabulous.

Chapter 11

"The review you sent was good and by the way why do you think that the protoganist was that

good? According tO me, he seemed to have lost his mind." Aham teased Gopi. They were having

one of their weekly calls. "Well ji.. He had his reasons to behave the way he did. So I would never blame him for it." Gopi defended her favorite character. She had found herself getting attached to the hero of her story. She did not realize but the character was very similar to Aham and she had immediately taken to him. Aham had not realized it either. Aham laughed. "Ok Ok.. Lets not get into an argument Gopi. It is getting very difficult to win any argument against you." Aham teased again. "Ahamji.. Come on.." Gopi blushed at the veiled compliment. "You know Gopi, I have a lot to tell you. Remember I told you about that stupid party I had to go to.. The one Anitha had arranged.." "Hmm.." Gopi listened to Aham talk about how dreary the party was while a part of her mind thought back to the first time she heard Aham tell her he met Anitha again..

... FB ...

Gopi walked into Jigar's room to give him some milk. "Devarji.. Milk.." "Ji Bhabhi.." Jigar turned to the phone and listened for a second. "Why? do you want to hurt her again Bhai?.." She heard Jigarji and realized that Ahamji was on line. He seemed to want to talk to her. She knew that Aham had wanted to talk to her everytime he called home after that day. Her Maaji was too angry. So she had curtly replied that her Gopi vahu did not wish to talk to anybody and had forbidden her to talk to him. But she could not see both mother and son in a fight. She wanted Aham to stop asking Maaji about her. Her Maaji did not need reminders of the other night.

"Please Devarji. Let me talk to Ahamji." Gopi pleaded. Jigar as usual could not say no to his bhabhi. "Please don't hurt her again Bhai." He told his brother and gave her the phone. Gopi slowly took the phone and saw Jigarji leave the room. "Gopi. Talk to me.. Are you there.." Ahamji was talking on the phone. "Yes Ahamji. I.." "Gopi. See I did not realize mom had put me on speaker. I never meant to hurt you that day. Really. I was angry about something else and when mom and the others started teasing, something gave away. It was stupid and what I said was uncalled for. I did not mean it. Please Gopi. I really do not know what else to say. I seem to be asking you forgiveness all the time. I have made so many mistakes and am still hurting you." "Ahamji. Please. I understand. Don't worry about it. But please don't ask to Maaji about me again. It will be better that way." "Are you still angry Gopi? I am really sorry." "Ahamji. I am not angry with you." "Then why don't you want to talk with me." Gopi was suprised. "Ahamji. I thought you did not want to talk to me. So I figured.." " Did I tell you that? Why do you think that? I know you are finding it hard to trust me. But Gopi, I was telling you the truth when I said I wanted to be your friend. I

would like us to remain friends Gopi. And I surely want us to continue being in touch with you.. That is if you do not mind.." Aham added at the end as though he was reluctant to let her have a choice. Gopi did not know what to say. "ok." was all she could get out.

Their conversation started warily. Both seemed to be unsure of how to proceed. Gopi felt awkward and also realized Aham felt the same way. But slowly they became comfortable. Soon Aham started to help her with her studies and the camaraderie they had in the months before he left for his project returned. Gopi started to be less inhibited and shared her day to day experiences with him. On one such call Aham started telling her about a dinner he went to with Anitha. When Gopi first heard her name, her heart sunk. "He has rediscovered his love." She thought and was waiting for Aham to give her the blow.

"Gopi.. Anitha is here. I saw her a couple of days after I came here. She goes to a university her and has rented an apartment nearby. I went out with her one night." "Ji." Gopi could not get another word out. She was paralyzed. Her worst fear was coming true. Her husband was going to tell her he had found his true love. "I wanted to apologize to her. I wronged her. We fell into a conversation. It was awkward at first but now I am happy. I know.." "Do you love her still?" Gopi blurted out. Silence. Then.. "My mind has confirmed what my heart knew already Gopi. I do not love her and I am sure now that I never did before." Gopi felt herself releasing her breath. She had not realized that she was this tensed. A warm feeling started in her heart. "I do not know what love is Gopi and I did not know it then either. I am afraid Gopi.. that I never may" Aham finished in a defeated tone.

"Ahamji.. I.." "You know , the first day I met Anitha I thought she was overly confident. But she impressed me with her knowledge on the project we were bidding for. We went out with

a group of associates for lunch and that evening she gave me her number. I was first surprised. I think also a little annoyed but the other executives thought that she was way forward in her thinking. I should have known then or maybe I did know.. She was way too forward for our family. But she was different from all the other women I knew.. Gopi, After that we went out a lot of times. Our relationship lasted for around 7 months. Sometime into our relation, I remember her talking about taking our relation forward. I kept postponing it till the day my mom told me she had decided on my wife." Aham was telling her about his past. It seemed that he wanted somebody to listen to all that he had bottled up.

"I did not say no Gopi. I reasoned I did not want to disappoint my mother. Do you know in some corner of my heart I was actually relieved when my mom chose someone else?" Aham would have heard Gopi's sharp intake of her breath. "I know Gopi that it was wrong. I never realized how much wrong until I saw Anitha breakdown during our engagement. I saw her cry and felt like the

lowest being on earth. But it was too late then. Later she met me and asked me to go with

her. And leave mom and the family. She just confirmed my fears Gopi. That she was never the

right choice." Aham continued, "But still what I did hurt her and I felt very guilty because of that. On the day I found out about your illetracy.. I.." Aham had stopped and Gopi remembered back to the day she was slapped. "There is no forgiveness for what I did.. And this is not my excuse but I know I threw my love for Anitha at your face. But I wanted to hurt and make you suffer for the way I was hurting. It had nothing to do with my love for Anitha. I remembered Anitha's words and I felt hurt and angry to be cheated... I wronged another person, you this time and I hurt you. I cannot make it uo to you for that. But when I saw Anitha, I wanted to apologize. She has moved on. And I am happy for her." Aham concluded.. Neither Gopi nor Aham were able to talk further than that. The call ended suddenly when Jigar came in. Gopi said a quick goodbye and again asked Aham not to blame himself. She however knew that he was suffering from guilt. But she did not know how to soothe him.

On retrospect, Gopi realized that maybe she did help Aham that day. She may have been the first person Aham shared his buried past with. She felt happy he trusted her and there was a new

sense of security in her heart. She realized that Aham trusted her too. It felt good.

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".. Stupid,idiots. They call themselves as students of business admisnistration but you should have heard their ideas on business expansion Gopi. I would have given them a class that they would never forget." Aham was still talking about the way he hated the parties and the bunch of Anitha's friends who had come there. Gopi smiled. "I know Ahamji. You would have. I know" She said. "You think so? Thanks.. In all this crap I forgot, Thank you so much for your idea. If the idiots at the party had half as much as common sense as you do, they would be at a better place now. Anyway, your idea worked like a charm and the employees are very happy. You know, they came up with the best ever creative presentation till date. You are a wonder!!" Gopi blushed. "It was nothing Ahamji." "How is it nothing? You did something really big. As a token of my appreciation, I have sent you a gift." Aham said formally. "You will get it in a couple of days. Let me know how you like it. I hope you do." He concluded. "Is it the book you were talking about? Tell me Ahamji. I want to know. I hate suprises." Gopi went on childishly. Aham laughed. "No Gopi. Not this time. I will not give up the secret. No.. Don't dare to send me a picture with that pout of yours in the email. I will not melt this time.

And listen.. I met Jigar's hellcat friend Deepu" "Oh..Who is he? Is he devarji's friend." "It is not a 'he'.. It is a 'she' Gopi. Deepika and Jigar were best friends in college. I remember during our holidays when these two used to create a storm at home. The noise... Iwould have locked my door but would still hear them.. God..They always ended up getting punished by Mom. But both never minded. I even think they wanted to be punished. Really wierd."

"She would be just like Jigarji then." "Oh yeah.. Two happy bunnies they were. She has changed though. But not much. Oh Gopi.. I just wish Jigar is able to move on and start living again.." Aham finished.. Don't worry Ahamji. He will be alright. You now take care. Bye. And remember its Jigarji's birthday soon"

Gopi completed her call and looked up. Jigar was coming in. "What did Bhai say Bhabhi that

made you smile at the end? Was he teasing you?" Jigar asked. "No devarji. He was just.." Gopi looked up, "nothing.. just nothing.." Something stopped her from telling him about Deepika.

After what her Raashi ben had done, Gopi felt that her devar was broken. But she had admired

his resilience to face things head on. And had helped and supported him like a sister. He

had been there for her at all the times. So she wanted to help him in his hour of need. She had taken Aham's help to order, coax and cajole him to travel to places and visit different people

As she watched Jigar go, Gopi felt that Aham was right. "Devarji needs to start living again. I need to talk to Maaji and inquire about Deepika." Gopi thought as she started on her routine for the night.. She also needed to plan her Devarji's surprise..

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There.. Comments and feedback please.

Yup..😉 Had to make sure that the pieces were laid out after yesterday's confusing end 😆. I would have hated if Jigar died by Aham's hand because Gopi came between the brothers😃

Jigar has been missing in action in my story for quite some time now. I was able to give him a few scenes. But that will not do. He was very good in today's episode and I liked how he looked like he gave a damn when he saw Rashi in pink. So this chapter is for him.

Chapter 12

"Happy Birthday!!! Many more happy returns!!!" Jigar woke up with a start. He could see all his family members around his bed with a ... Jigar wiped his eyes to make sure.. Yes!! A cake... A white and brown cake.. Shoot a vanilla and chocolate cake... "Jigar get up.. Happy birthday.." He heard his mom telling him excitedly. He smiled at all. There they were. His family. His Mom, dad, Kaka, Kaki, Gopi Bhabhi and Mani ben. They were all there to wish him on his birthday. At twelve in the night. Only Bhai was missing but it could not be helped.

"Come on.. Cut the cake. Gopi and your kaki made it especially for you." His mom continued.

Jigar grinned at his Bhabhi and Kaki. "Thanks Kaki, Bhabhi" "Come on Jigar. Thank us later. Now cut the cake. It is your birthday already." His Kaki tried to sound stern but failed. She smiled at him. Jigar got up to cut the cake. Everyone surrounded the coffee table in his room. "If only

Aham was here, our family would be complete." Hetal said. "Why do you worry Mota Bhabhi?

Aham may not be here physically. But he is here on the screen" To everyone's surprise Parag

switched on the laptop to connect to Aham through skype. And true to his word, his Bhai came

on screen smiling. "Happy Birthday Jigar!! Did you cut the cake without me?" He asked. Jigar

was surprised and happy. He did not fail to notice a smile cross between his Kaki and Kaka

and he followed their sight.

He turned sideways to see his Bhabhi. Her expression had changed from surprise to happiness. But she was trying to supress her eagerness. Jigar giggled mentally. "Sorry Bhabhi. But your secret is now no secret. Everyone here knows that you and Bhai are in touch. What the heck.. Not just in touch.." His mobile if it had a voice would now scream of overuse. So would the old laptop. His Bhai now called so often and Bhabhi wrote to him so much... Jigar smiled mentally. Even Mani ben knew something was going on..

"Cut the cake Jigar. It is time." Chirag said. Jigar cut the cake and fed it to his mom and then to his Kaki. He then took the blessings from the elders. He could not help but tease his Bhabhi "Hmm.. Aham Bhai's favourite. Even on my birthday Bhabhi?" "By Devarji.. Chocolate is your favourite.." "And vanilla is Bhai's" He saw his Bhabhi blush.

They all wished him and he as presented with gifts. And finally after a lot of hugs and smiles everyone left his room. Only his Bhabhi was left and "oh yes.. His Bhai.. Now when his Bhabhi was here how could his Bhai take his leave?"

"Devarji.. Happy birthday. Here. A gift from both of us." His Gopi Bhabhi gave him a box and a file. Jigar first opened the box. "Watch. Not any watch but the exact one I wanted. Bhabhi how did you know?" He asked her excitedly. "I saw you talk about it to Mehta Ji and told Ahamji. He helped me order it." Jigar then opened the file. He read the first 2 paragraphs and his eyes started to glaze.. "Damn. He had tears.." Jigar looked up and could see his Bhai smiling at him. "Congrats Jigar. You have your own project. You are in charge of everything in it from now on. We are all very proud of you." His bhai was telling him. "Thank you so much Bhai.." Jigar could not get the words out. "You deserve it. You put all your effort in for this bid and so you should be the one to lead this deal. I already talked to Kaka. So be ready. And remember, I am always here for you." His Bhai's words brought a sense of pride. Jigar was touched. He just nodded.

"Congrats devarji. I know you will do well. All the best and Happy birthday" His Bhabhi wished him as she cleared the cake from the room. "Good night Jigarji and Ahamji. Take care." Gopi Bhabhi left the room.

"Jigar.." Jigar turned to see his Bhai still on call. "Yes Bhai.." "Jigar. How are you?" "I am fine Bhai. Why this sudden question? You just saw me.." "Yes Jigar. I saw you laugh and smile with the others. But I did not see you smile.. really smile.. Are you still thinking of Raashi?" Jigar was not surprised. His Bhai may not be very open but he was straightforward. "I.. I do not know Bhai. I am not thinking of her like you think. I.. Bhai I am just so angry.. Angry that I have been so gullible.. Angry that I let her play me, us in this way... Angry that you and Bhabhi are where you are today because I was stupid. Bhai.. Only if I had not taken such a step on the day of my marriage. So much could have been avoided.. I hate that bhai.. Not a day goes by without me remembering something Raashi did to serve her own need."Once Jigar started, he could not stop. All the hurt he had felt came out tumbling.

"When we married Bhai, I wanted to make our marriage work. We had not the best of starts but I thought that Raashi would soon get over it. I kept working on the marriage and she kept pulling back. I was afraid I was going too fast for her. But I never realized that all she wanted was the luxuries at our house. She did not want a husband, she just wanted a money making machine.. Do you know Bhai, I once gave her my savings to pay for what she said was Dhawal ji's loan installment. Even when I saw her with a costly necklace set, I did not ask her where and how she got it.. Stupid right?.. Oh God Bhai.. I thought she was just childish and lazy.. maybe a little selfish. But she was nothing like I thought her to be bhai.. She was such a bad person.. Why did I not see through her bhai? Why?"

Aham let Jigar vent his feelings out.. " Jigar. Jigar.. Now look at me and listen.. " He heard Aham say sternly. "You were not at fault. Oh God.. You and Gopi are so alike.. How did you finally end up with the guilt all the time? Now listen. Yes Raashi played us.. But you were not the only one who fell for her. Every one of us did. As for you trusting her, well she was your wife and you tought she was normal like us. And how could you have known her intentions. None can imagine that such people exist . And finally about me and your Bhabhi. We are were we are because of me.. Not becuase of YOU. Ok.. Now forget feeling gulity and from today start afresh. Just one more question. Do you still love Raashi?"

Jigar looked at his brother surprised. Whatever he had expected Aham to say, he had not expected this question. "Honestly Bhai. I did not. I tried to make our relation work but it failed because there was no relation. I don't even hate her now." "You do not miss her, do you?" "No Bhai.. What was there to miss. She was never around when I was there. She made so many excuses. And I kept accepting them... You know Bhai.. When I think about it now.. I am sorry to have caused Sonal so much trouble. She would have gone through so much. And so would have Damini aunty. How do I apologize to them?"

"Jigar, it turned out alright. Sonal is now well settled and happy and Damini aunty is again talking to Kaki. It will get better. So lets not even go there. But I need to ask. Did you love Sonal?" "No Bhai. I liked her. She was a childhood friend and we both had a lot in common. But other than that, love.. No.."

Jigar saw his brother sigh a little. "Jigar. I wish I can be there. A hug goes a long way. Although I cannot do that, just remember that you are the best son and brother one can have. Ok." "Thanks Bhai. I really feel good now. I promise I will try hard to make sure the project a success." "Jigar. It is not about the project. Along with that I would like you to be the old Jigar again. I miss you Jigar. I miss the old you.." Jigar was speechless for a minute. Then he grinned. "Oh Bhai.. You are sweet" He told a embarassed Aham who looked like he wished the earth would swallow him up.

Still smiling Jigar bid Aham good bye. But just before they ended Jigar could not help but ask, "Bhai I miss you too so does Bhabhi.. Do you miss her.. and home?" he added..

"Good night Jigar" He heard Aham say.. Jigar was disappointed. He was just about to end the call when "Yes Jigar. I miss home.. and I miss Gopi.. Everyday.." And his Bhai was gone..

A huge smile spread on Jigar's face. "You gave me the best birthday gift ever. Thanks Bhai" he mentally thanked his brother and fell into the most peaceful sleep in a long time.

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Feedback and comments please.. I just had to do the short update.. Could not get Jigar's expression off my mind.. 😊

I always like the interaction between the Modi Boys and I love the way everyone is a lot more relaxed with each other!!

Now that my preious confusion is cleared up I can enjoy Gopi and Jigar's closeness with no problems!!!😆

And Ahem misses Gopi!!!!

great update.loved it.loved jigar n ahem .modi sons are truly to die for