Hi Everyone. Okay I am now all caught up. I just couldn't post the update without thanking you all.
I am splitting part 5 into two parts, because if I try to get it done in one, it just won't work so here is 5A
Thanks again everyone for your comments and feedback.
Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible.
Part 5A
Gopi rushed up to her room, closed and locked the door. She flung opened the balcony doors and anxiously darted her eyes across the beach area. She finally found what she was looking for and breathed a sigh of relief. She clutched the doorframe and slowly lowered herself to the floor. She could see him on his knees his head bent, she could feel his pain in her heart but held herself from flying out the door and running to him to ease his pain, to tell him it was all a lie. Please god, make him believe her lies, give him strength to move on. Please be there for him.
Three and half years ago: Daytona Beach, Florida.
Gopi walked behind her friend without paying attention to her surroundings or the chattering of her companions. She knew Rashi would get them where they need to be. She had appreciated the warm weather of Florida for few minutes after they got off the plane. Voiced her appreciation of Florida for having warm weather in middle of December. Once they were in the shuttle that would take them to their Hotel, Gopi had pulled out her Nook and continued reading her notes.
She had been reluctant to take this one-week vacation but her brother and best friend had been relentless and once her grandmother also joined the campaign Gopi could not refuse.
It had started out with Rashi's mom registering Rashi for the three days Youth Convention without telling Rashi. It wasn't just any youth convention it was the youth convention for the young marriage age children of Gujarati Samage residing all over the United States.
Purpose is to not only learn their culture, but also attend different educational seminars and then mingling in the evening getting to know everyone. If you are lucky enough to find someone whom you might want to get to know better then the convention has done what it set out to do. To put it simply it is an opportunity for the parents to arrange their kids' marriages without arranging it.
Rashi had outright refuse to attend no matter how much her mom threatened or begged her. Finally Rashi had agreed when her mom started blaming Gopi of influencing Rashi, but with condition that she get to spend a week in Daytona not just three days. Rashi's dad had intervened and agreed. Then once Gopi's brother found out about the trip he insisted Gopi also join Rashi. He even paid for her vacation as an early birthday gift.
"Gopi put that away, we are at the hotel." Gopi looked up when Rashi spoke and looked around. They collected their luggage and moved towards the lobby. Rashi halted in the middle of the lobby when she saw the huge line to the check in desk. Gopi had buried her face back in her Nook and bumped right into her friend.
Rashi turned and caught Gopi the placed her hands on her hips to glare at Gopi. She snatched the e-reader out of Gopi's hand. "I told you to put this away." She placed the device in her own bag and when Gopi protested she held up her hand.
"Gopi we are on vacation not back at college, you can live without your books for a week." When Gopi opened her mouth to argue Rashi continued without letting her interrupt. "I know this will be your last semester and all, but all the better for you to relax. You are going to pass with flying colors."
"Hey Rashi! That's what you get for bringing the bookworm with you." The small group that they came with laughed when Rashi's cousin Sweta joked. Gopi closed her eyes and counted to five and opened her eyes just in time to hold Rashi's arm before she started arguing with her cousin. "Rashi leave it, she is not worth it." Sweta smirked at Gopi. "Oh really Nightingale? I see the mouse has a mouth on her too."
Gopi smiled at her sweetly. "Hey thanks Sweta, that is the highest compliment you could have given. You couldn't have given me a better nickname than that. By the way do you even know who Nightingale was or did one of you side kick just came across it somewhere?" Sweta glared at her and started to walk away. "One more thing Sweta, if you ever need to be hospitalized some day be sure I am not working at that hospital just in case I end up being your Nurse Nightingale for that day." Sweta stomped her foot and walked away in a huff and her side kicks were quick to follow. She looked at the people around who had laughed at Sweta's joke but none of them were able to meet her eyes. Gopi's head snapped around when she heard a husky laugh behind her.
She met the twinkling dark brown eyes of a very tall and handsome man. He looked to be in his mid twenties. He was about six feet tall, with dark hair that curled at the nape of his neck, he was clean shaven, had high cheekbones, his nose was straight and narrow, with strong jaw and chin. He had long lashes and a very sensual mouth. Gopi felt her heart race as she moved her eyes down to his broad shoulders and muscular chest and arms. She didn't have the nerve to move past his chest. He was wearing a well fitting grey suit with a baby blue shirt.
Her gaze moved back up to his face and was startled and embarrassed when she realized he was staring at her just as intently. She broke the eye contact and turned away. She could feel his gaze burning a whole in her back.
Present...
That was her first glimpse of Ahem Modi. She hadn't dared look back at him. She had put the incident out of her mind until she met him again that night.
Ahem walked until his legs gave out on him. He fell to his knees in the sand and bowed his head. He wanted to scream out in pain. How could he have been so wrong about something? For three years he had wondered about her, loved her and felt guilty for abandoning her only to find out she hadn't loved him at all. He raised his head to the sky and closed his eyes. Please help me understand, how can something that felt so right be so wrong?
Three and half years ago: Daytona Beach, Florida.
Ahem glanced down at his watch impatiently. Why the heck is check in taking so long? Thank god he had arrived a day ahead. Three more days and he could enjoy himself. He didn't know how he got talked into sponsoring the convention and also an educator and mentor for one of the Seminars. He knew his parents had plotted to get him here in hopes of him finding someone suitable to marry. He had no interest in the spoiled brat Divas that were arriving in abundance at this convention. He didn't know why parents of these kids thought this was a good idea. He pretty much kissed getting any rest for next three days goodbye, after that they were on their own. He hoped they don't get too drunk and too out of control like the previous conventions he had heard about.
He was looking around at the next group that arrived when she caught his eye. She had her head buried in a reading device and wasn't paying attention to her surrounding at all. He just shook his head and turned away. But in the next moment he was compelled to turn back. His lips twitched when he saw her attempting to talk to her friend who was talking mile a minute not giving the girl a chance to speak.
The rude comment from one of the girls made people laugh but Ahem clenched his fist in anger. He didn't know why it upset him but when he saw the petite girl close her eyes to brace herself, he wanted to yell at everyone to stop laughing. She stopped her friend from saying anything but handled the situation herself. He couldn't help but chuckle at her last comment.
She had turned her head to look his way and one look into those somber, dark brown eyes had wiped the smile off of his face. There had been curiosity, then appreciation but what had captured his heart was the deep-rooted sadness. He hadn't been able to move past her eyes to study rest of her as she had obviously studied him.
He had always been practical but also always believed that some things were meant to be and somehow he had known that she was his Destiny. When their gazes clashed again he had noticed the awareness reflected in her eyes. She turned away before he could read more into them. He had stared at her back willing her to turn back and give him one more chance to look into those eyes, but she had stubbornly kept her back to him. She had rushed her friend out of the lobby as soon as the check in process was completed.
It had taken him five minutes to find out her name and room number. He had relaxed when he found out they would stay on for rest of the week after the convention. Suddenly things had looked brighter for him.
Present..
Ahem opened his eyes and stared out at the ocean. His mind was whirling with thoughts of past and present and nothing was making sense. His ears heard what she said, his mind interpreted the words but his heart refused to believe it.
One scene played in his mind over and over. He closed his eyes to picture it exactly as it had happened.
Gopi tilted her head to the side and clutched his biceps. He kissed the side of her neck, moving his hand up from her waist to the side of her breast, pausing, gently caressing.
Gopi pulled back slightly. "Ahem.." She whispered.
Ahem pulled back and cupped her face with both hands. "Do you trust me?"
She looked into his eyes, he let her see all his feelings holding nothing back. He could see the love and trust she was trying to hide from him. He held his breath waiting. She finally nodded her head slowly. "Yes, I do, more than myself."
He was humbled. "You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you right?" Again she nodded yes. "Tell me, what is wrong?"
He was surprised to see the tears in her eyes. "I am scared. I feel as though this is all a dream. I am afraid this is all we will have, that I won't see you again after tomorrow."
Ahem opened his eyes. He took a deep calming breath. "I am so sorry baby. I broke your trust, didn't I?" It's not that she hadn't loved him, in fact she had loved him too much. Whatever has happened in her life in the past three years has made her stop trusting life. And it started with him not showing up for their meeting. She had been at their meeting place but he had failed to show up. He couldn't imagine what she must have been thru that night.
He destroyed whatever feelings she had for him by giving into his family. She no longer loved him. He would have to learn to live on the memories of the time spent with her.
Gopi pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs and rested her head on her bent knees. All she had now was the sweet memory of that one-week spent with him.
FB
Gopi breathed a sigh of relief once they were on the elevator. She glance at Rashi, thank god she was busy reading the agenda and didn't pay attention to her reaction to the incredibly handsome man in the lobby. Gopi wondered who he was. Whoever he was she needed to forget him. Men that gorgeous didn't give plain looking girls like her a second look. She probably won't see him again.
Little did she know that she would run into him again exactly three hours later. Gopi left before Rashi started her teasing again. How had she thought her little exchange with the stranger in the lobby would go unnoticed by her best friend? As soon as they were in the room Rashi had asked hundred's of questions and made just as many suggestions.
Gopi got off the elevator and looked around the lobby. The in room guide stated they had computers with Internet in the lobby for guests use. She and Rashi wanted to see the areas of interest around Daytona Beach. Neither one of them were into water sports so spending time on the beach for rest of their vacation was out of question. She spotted a rack of brochures on the side wall and walked towards it to look. She didn't notice pair of dark brown eyes following her slight form.
Ahem, who had been talking to one of his staff, had sensed her presence before he saw her. The air around him changed as soon as she stepped off the elevator. "Get a hold of yourself Ahem, you haven't even spoken to her yet." Ahem's head was right but his heart refused to listen. He excused himself and walked over to her.
"May I help you find something?" He smiled at her startled look. She looked around nervously. "Sorry didn't mean to scare you." He held out his hand. "Hi, I am Ahem Modi, GM of this place." He waited for her to take his hand. The anticipation was killing him.
Gopi looked at his hand and slowly placed her right hand in his. He held her hand and squeezed, Gopi felt a tingle go down her spine. She gave his hand a quick two shakes and pulled her hand back, he gave her a knowing look.
"So do you have a name?" Gopi flushed, she had been so busy trying to avoid staring at him that she forgot to tell him her name. "Gopi" She spoke softly. Ahem realized he needed to move quick or she will run. He didn't bother asking her last name. He can find out later. "So miss Gopi, anything in particular you want to see?"
Gopi glanced at him to see if he was teasing her or being serious. All she saw on his face was a friendly smile but his eyes were twinkling as if he had a secret and he wasn't willing to share. She cleared her throat. "Umm..I was looking for local sight seeing areas. After the convention is over my friend and I want to explore the area around Daytona Beach."
"So you are here for the convention also?" She nodded her head absently still looking over the colorful pamphlets in front of her to avoid looking at him. "I suppose Disney World is out of the question" She glanced at him questioningly. "It is only one hour drive from here if you are interested." Gopi shook her head. "Rashi has been there three times when she was younger, she will not want to go." She sounded disappointed.
Ahem studied her averted face. "What about you, how many times have you been there?" He had a feeling she missed out on that adventure. "This is my first visit to Florida." Gopi couldn't believe she was sounding so wishful in front of a stranger. She moved away from the brochures. "I think I will come back with my friend so we can decide together on where we want to visit. Thanks for the offer of help. It was nice meeting you."
He stopped her before she could walk away. "Gopi," she stopped and waited, "I will see you at the introduction dinner later." She frowned, he clarified. "I am one of the sponsor person for the convention." He chuckled to himself when she swiftly turned and rushed out of the lobby.
On the second day of the convention he managed to corner her again, but this time Rashi was also present. They were discussing the places they wanted to visit and Gopi was excited because Rashi wanted to visit Disney World. She knew Rashi was only doing it for her because she knew how much she had missed out on as a child.
Rashi and Gopi decided to spend the evenings on their own instead of many parties that were being organized. They had no desire to drink and cause ruckus as some were planning to do. On this night they decided to eat at the restaurant in the hotel and they were just finishing dinner when Ahem approached them.
Gopi felt her mouth go dry when she saw him stroll towards them in his custom fitted suit. He looked like someone from a GQ magazine. She had heard that he received his MBA from very prestigious school up north and his family is very well to do. He wasn't a GM of the hotel but a part owner of the place. He was only here temporary, his home is in North Jersey. More than his looks, Gopi admired his confidence. She had stayed out of sight at the introduction dinner, but noticed him making rounds around the room. He answered questions regarding his education and work with ease. She had seen many girls openly flirting with him but he had easily avoided them without offending them.
Rashi noticed Gopi had been quiet for last five minutes and was staring at something behind. She turned to look and smiled when she spotted Ahem striding towards them. The bartender stopped him before he made it to their table; she turned back to Gopi. "He is very handsome and if he didn't already have his eyes on you, I would try to make a play for him." Gopi looked at Rashi in surprise. "He already has too many admirers, you and I are way out of his league. No that's not right, you would definitely have a chance."
Rashi glared at her friend. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop putting yourself down?" Gopi looked at Rashi steadily. "It doesn't change the truth." "What truth? Those are all lies fed to you by your mother." Gopi sighed, this was an old argument between the two friends. "Rashi, lets forget it, I really don't think it is a good idea to get involved with anyone right now." Even as she said this, she couldn't help glancing towards Ahem wishfully. The look didn't go unnoticed by Rashi.
Gopi looked away hastily as he started strolling towards their table with measured, determined steps. He didn't take his eyes off of her the whole time. She could feel his gaze on her even though she was no longer looking at him.
"Hello ladies, how was the food?" Gopi flickered a glance at him and looked away. When it was obvious she wasn't going to say anything, Rashi sighed and looked up at Ahem. She smiled. "Food was good, thank you. At least I liked it, but I can't say same for Gopi." When she received a kick and glare from Gopi, Rashi stopped smiling.
Ahem turned to Gopi, he glanced down at her barely eaten pasta dish and frowned. "Was there something wrong with your food?" Gopi had no choice but to look at him. "No, it was fine, my friend is just joking with you." Ahem turned to Rashi and raised an eyebrow. Rashi wanted to kick Gopi back but she knew just what to do. "She is being polite, Gopi is more into Indian food than any other food, and she gets irritating when she doesn't get her spicy food."
Ahem knew when he was being given a hint and he didn't miss a beat. He had officially met Rashi the night before and thought she was very nice, but now she was being helpful and he was grateful for it. He guessed he hadn't been able to hide his intentions from her. "Well in that case you are in luck." He looked at Gopi. "Would you please join me for dinner tomorrow night, because I am the same, and I could use company tomorrow." Rashi was quick to shake her head. "Not me, I also love Indian food, but I am committed to be with my cousin tomorrow, but Gopi can go with you. She and Sweta don't get along and probably argue all night anyway. It will save me from playing a peacemaker." Rashi grinned at her friend, who just gave her an "I will get you for this" look.
Ahem hid his amusement at the exchange between the two friends and asked Gopi, "So how about it, will you join me?" When she hesitated he was quick to reassure her. "I am trustworthy, no hidden agenda's I promise, but if you need references I can manage to get few of them."
Rashi's phone rang before Gopi could say anything. "It's my mom, excuse me." She walked towards the lobby with her phone. Ahem took the seat vacated by Rashi and looked across the table at Gopi. He knew she had avoided him the night before and all day today.
Looks like he is going to have to back off. "Look I am sorry, I don't mean to be pushy. I genuinely want some company for dinner and I can't go too long without Indian food myself either." Gopi gave him a "yeah right" look and he laughed. "I know what you are thinking."
"I doubt it very much." He widened his eyes. "You want to bet?" She leaned forward. "No, I don't gamble." She couldn't stop being amused at his persistent. He is very nice and likable. "Seriously, it's hard to believe that you would lack a dinner companion." He raised an eyebrow. "What is so hard to believe about that? I am particular about whom I want to spend my time with."
"Why do you want to spend time with me?" His come back was, "Why not?" Gopi shrugged her shoulders. "From what I observed last night there were many very beautiful girls who would have jumped at a chance to have dinner with you." What he said next surprised her. "Yeah but they were not the ones I wanted to spend my valuable time with. But I can see the one I want to take out doesn't want to be with me. Just my luck." He sounded like a little boy whose mom wouldn't let him play with his favorite toy.
Gopi smiled and couldn't help but fall for his charms. "Hey Kanaji help me" She prayed silently. "Okay I will go out to dinner with you tomorrow. Only because Rashi is right; I would only end up getting indigestion if I have to eat dinner with Sweata."
Ahem couldn't help but laugh. "So I am the lesser of the two devils right? Is it just me or are you like this with every man who asks you out?" Gopi didn't mean to hurt his feelings. "Err…I am sorry that came out wrong. You are not a devil at all, but I can't say same for Sweta though. I am not used to someone going out of their way to spend time with me, and you took me by surprise with your persistence."
Ahem could see he is going to have to work hard to gain her trust. She was obviously weary of people's intentions. "Then it's their loss, because I think it was worth going out my way and being persistent. I, now, have a pleasure of your company tomorrow." "How do you know dinner with me will be pleasurable? For all you know I might be the most boring person on this planet." He grinned at her. "Oh I have no doubt I will enjoy myself. Stop trying to discourage me, I don't scare easily."
Gopi shrugged. "As you wish, it's your valuable time." She stood up to leave. He also fell into step with her. He walked her to the elevator. "I will come by your room at six to pick you up." He smiled when she nodded. He winked at her before strolling towards the check in desk. Gopi watched until he disappeared from sight before pressing the button to call the elevator. She hoped she doesn't come to regret her decision to go out with him.
*~+~*
Cricket
Kumkum Bhagya
Tum Se Tum Tak
Sampoorna
Jhanak
