Hi friends, hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Okay, here is part 5B, sorry for the delay, but just couldn't be helped. I wanted to stop on a right note so it took longer. Hope the length of the update makes up for the delay.
Thanks all for the comments and encouragements.
Enjoy!
Part 5B
"Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart."
Next evening Gopi checked herself in the mirror for the tenth time. She had changed her mind just as many times since the night before. She couldn't believe she agreed to go out with him. Why did she paint herself in the corner like that? She glared at Rashi, who was calmly sitting on the bed with her chin in her hand observing Gopi.
Gopi turned towards her friend and put her hands on her hips. "Why did I let you talk me out of calling him and cancelling this date? And why did I just let you talk me into accepting this outfit?" Rashi had surprised her with the white knee length ruffled skirt and rust orange, cap sleeved, tired top that was just the perfect size for her. It is a perfect first date outfit, but Gopi felt apprehensive about going out with someone like Ahem. She just knew the looks they are going to get from people watching them together
Rashi stood up and went to stand in front of Gopi. "Why are you so anxious about this? Just go and enjoy yourself." Gopi sighed and tried to relax. Rashi was right it's just a date.
At exactly six they heard the knock on the door. Rashi disappeared to the balcony. Gopi took a deep breath to slow her heart rate and opened the door. Her heart jumped and started beating at a rapid rate. He looked so handsome in black trousers, powdered blue lounge shirt and charcoal grey blazer. His brown eyes flared with unknown emotion and Gopi was lost in them.
Ahem as usual caught his breath at her simplicity. Whenever he saw her it was her eyes that pulled him to her first. Most people would dismiss her after the first look thinking she was plain, not pretty at all but for him she was very beautiful. Her skin is smooth and clear; she had soft rounded cheek, pouty lips and a slight dent in her chin. Her hair is long and dark, they looked soft and silky and his hands itched to run his hands through the long, dark, tresses.
For him it wasn't her looks that pulled him to her, from the moment he saw her, his first reaction had been to take her in his arms and protect her from the cruel world. He didn't know what it was about her that made him feel like that, may be it was the vulnerability that surrounded her like a cloak or her weariness to the people around her.
He didn't know how long they stood at the door lost in each other but he came out of his trance when he heard the door to the next room closing. He smiled. "Hi, you look very nice. Ready to go?" Gopi opened her mouth to tell him she changed her mind but he spoke first. "Please don't tell me you changed your mind."
Gopi raised an eyebrow to hide her surprise. "You think you know me so well. I was just going to say you also look nice." He smiled but she could tell he didn't believe her. She turned to take her purse and the room key from the table and joined him at the door.
He slowed his pace to match hers as they walked towards the elevators. Once they were in the lobby Gopi felt the stares of his staff as they walked by, she had expected this but it still made her uncomfortable. She could just imagine their surprise at seeing their handsome boss with someone so ordinary. She breathed a sigh of relief once they were outside but she knew that was just the beginning she is sure there will be more of those looks once they are in the restaurant.
Her reaction nor did the stares go unnoticed by Ahem but he did not say anything. He decided to keep quiet for now and let her come to trust him first then she will believe him when he tells her he does not care what people think only thing that matters is how they feel about each other.
Gopi stopped in her tracks when he stopped by the silver luxury SUV, he chuckled at her look. "It is a rental." He opened the door for her then walked around to the driver's side. Gopi waited for him to start the car before saying anything to him.
"Did I say anything about the car? I was just admiring your car." She said innocently.
Ahem glanced at her then pulled out of the parking space. "You didn't have to say anything, your look said it all."
"There you go making assumptions again."
"Is that so? Then tell me exactly what you were thinking." He said with amusement.
"I was thinking, what a nice car this is, it suits you." Gopi groaned inwardly. He is not going to let this pass.
Ahem wanted to call her on it but let it go for now. "Glad you think so because I own an exact same model and color as this SUV. I flew down here this time but I like to drive to places instead of flying. I try to rent the same type when I can't drive my own."
Gopi turned sideways to look at him. "Do you travel often?" He looked at her and grinned. "I do, but next six months I will be home more. The construction of our new house is almost finished and mom wants all of us at home to give our inputs into our room decorations"
"You sound very excited about the house. He threw a smile her way. "We are all excited, my parents, my uncle, aunt, my cousin and my sister. We finally get to be together again." He turned into a huge shopping center and parked the car. "This place has the best Indian food here in Daytona Beach." Gopi nodded absently. She was still thinking about his family. She didn't know there were Indian families in America who preferred to live in a joint household.
Ahem noticed Gopi had gone quiet on him again and wondered about it. He walked around to her side of the car and opened the door for her. Again she looked surprised and smiled at him faintly. He wanted to take her hand in his to feel the softness of her skin but didn't push his luck.
They were seated as soon as they walked in the restaurant. Ahem was pleased to see they had followed his instructions when he made the reservations. The table was for two only, in a quiet corner, away from larger tables. He seated her then took the seat across from her.
Gopi felt her heart flutter at the intimate setting. She ignored the fact that their knees were touching under the table. She distracted herself by going back to their earlier conversation. "So your family believes in living together, I have never met anyone who belongs to a joint family." He leaned forward. "We are an unique bunch. We have been living apart for too long but my mom, my aunt and my dad's sister are very close. When the chance to build the house came up my dad and uncle acted on it quickly to bring the family together again. What about your family?"
Gopi's mind went blank at that. She didn't want to share any details but he deserves an answer. "My dad only has one sister, she is older and married late in life. She is a fashion designer and now lives in India with her husband. I have one older brother, who just got his MBA and still living at home and one younger sister who is training to be a model."
Ahem could tell she did not want to discuss her family. When she mentioned her aunt and brother she sounded like a loving niece and sister but when she mentioned her younger sister there was wistfulness in her tone. She looked relieved when the waiter came to take their order and he let it go for the moment. He had every intention to find out all he can about her.
Once they placed their order the conversation turned to general subject and Gopi breathed a sigh of relief.
They were silent at times just enjoying their food, and it was a comfortable silence. Gopi pushed her plate away and looked across the table at Ahem. She crossed her legs under the table, leaned forward to place her elbow on the table and placed her chin in her hand. "Thank you for the invitation, this was really nice, and you were right the food is really good here."
He also pushed his plate away and leaned forward. "Glad you enjoyed it, but we are not yet finished." He winked at her and signaled the waiter for the check.
Gopi met his gaze across the table and once again was pulled into the dark depths of his brown eyes. His eyes were telling her so much, nothing was hidden from her, but her mind rejected what she read in those eyes. She looked away before her heart started building sand castles in the air. She would not survive if she were wrong in reading his intentions towards her.
As they drove towards the hotel Ahem asked Gopi about what her plans were for rest of the week. "So did you and Rashi decide on what you wanted to do for rest of the week?" Gopi smiled automatically. "We decided to visit Mickey Mouse, it seems Rashi wants to make the trip to Disney World."
Ahem smiled at her excitement. "I thought you said she has been there three times." Gopi agreed. "Yes she has, she thinks she is fooling me, but she is going because she knows I want to go." Gopi looked away from him. He stopped at the red light and studied her averted face. Something was bothering her, but she probably wouldn't share with him, so he decided to take a different approach. "Have you been friends all your life?"
Gopi turned back to him with a smile. "No we met two and half years ago. First year of College, she and I were to be roommates. She took one look at me and requested to be roomed with someone else. She didn't like me at all." Ahem was shocked. He couldn't believe the girl he met last night, who was so protective of Gopi, did not like her at their first meet.
"Then how did you become friends?" Gopi laughed. "She couldn't change rooms, so ended up staying with me. It was not pretty at first, but one day we finally understood each other and rest as they say is history."
Ahem thought for a minute, there was more, but she was again going to hold back, then he remembered what she said. "Wait you said you met two and half years ago, but I thought I heard Rashi say this will be your last semester."
Gopi squirmed in her seat and twisted her hands. "I started taking college classes in my last year of high school. I finished my general courses in one year, including the summer classes and applied for nursing school and was admitted. So now I will be finished in one semester." Ahem was impressed. "Wow, that is quiet an achievement." He could see she was getting embarrassed. "Where exactly are you from Gopi? You never told me."
Gopi had hoped he wouldn't ask her too many questions. "I live in Philadelphia, also attending school there." She told him reluctantly. They both grew silent after that and Gopi turned back to look out the window. This time the silence was notable in the car. They were both lost in their own thoughts.
Gopi realized they were going past the hotel so turned back to him. "You missed our turn to the hotel." He turned his head, taking his eyes off the road, to answer her. "I told you we are not yet finished. I want to show you something." Gopi tried to relax back in the seat, but was unable to relax completely. She had hoped to end the date right after dinner, but he was not going to accommodate her.
Ahem pulled up in the parking lot next to the boardwalk and got out of the car to come to her side. She stepped out of the car to see crowd of people on the boardwalk. She could handle this; at least they won't be alone. He escorted her to the boardwalk.
The air was cool and breezy making her hair fly in her face. She pulled it to one side as they walked along with beach going people. There were so many activities along the walkway. Young teenage boys showing off on their skate boards, elder couples out for evening walks, young mothers pushing their small babies in the strollers and the street vendors selling many different things. Ahem stopped at one of the flower stalls.
The man at the stall smiled at them. "What can I get you sir?" Ahem looked at variety of flowers then at Gopi and turned back. "One single deep burgundy rose please." The man raised an eyebrow, while Gopi looked on shocked at his choice of flower. She wondered why he asked for that specific color. The man selling the flower grinned at Ahem and asked, "with thorns or without?" Now Gopi was really confused. Ahem again turned to her and answered the man. "Definitely without thorns, don't you think?"
The man behind the counter studied Gopi. "Perfect choice sir." He handed Ahem the flower after wrapping it carefully in the clear, plastic cellophane. Ahem paid for the rose and turned back to Gopi.
They walked further down the boardwalk where the public dwindled to only few people. It was very quiet, they could hear the waves clashing with one another, and in the distant they could see various groups of people sitting around on blankets.
Suddenly Gopi felt a chill go down her arms and she rubbed them to warm them. Ahem noticed and put his hand on her arm to stop her. He took off his blazer and wrapped it around her shoulders. Gopi immediately felt warmth engulf her; she smelled his spicy after shave on the blazer and became even more aware of him. She looked up at him to see him staring at her intently. He held the rose out to her. "For you." He said huskily.
She took the rose with trembling fingers. "Thank you, how did you know that this is my favorite flower of all flowers?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't, I picked it for a different reason, but it is nice to know what your favorite flower is." He grinned down at her.
Gopi took a deep breath; she had to make him stop before it was too late. She wasn't too far from believing everything he said to her, and that could end up being disastrous for her. "Ahem…" She trailed off when he put his hand on her mouth. He shook his head. "Please don't spoil the moment." She turned and took few steps away from him.
He followed her. "Gopi I know you felt something the first moment we saw each other in that lobby. You have been trying to avoid me since then, so I know you feel there is something more between us that should be explored. Why are you denying it?"
"Because this can go nowhere. You and I are world apart. I know you saw the way people looked at us, why are you turning blind eye to those looks? That would be just the beginning, what happens if we continue this so called attraction?"
Ahem took her arm and made her turn towards him. "I don't care what people thinks, and you shouldn't either. You should only care what I think. I don't know what you see when you look at yourself but all I see is a very intelligent young woman, who is obviously a very caring person from what I observed of her in the past three days. I see a young woman who has the most beautiful eyes that I have ever seen. Every time I look into them I get lost in them, eyes that are full of secrets and sorrows that I want to explore. I want to know the cause of sadness I see in them and take it away from them so all that I would be able to see in them is myself. When I see your face I don't see the physical beauty, but what is beneath it that outshines every other beauty. When I look at you I see my future."
Gopi almost believed him then her mother's words echoed in her ears. "All you have is your brain, so use it, because no good man would want a plain looking girl like you. And lets say some man choose to marry you, but I wouldn't expect him to be faithful to you that's for sure." Gopi closed her eyes to hide the pain that was caused by remembering her mother's constant taunts. She was unable to understand why her mother was so cruel and indifferent to her, and she could not understand her father's silence. The only people who ever stood up for Gopi are her grandmother, her aunt and her older brother. Now days her mother made sure no one was around when she was taunting Gopi.
Gopi turned away from Ahem. "You don't know anything about me."
"Then let me get to know you. Spend rest of your vacation with me." Gopi shook her head. "No, I am here with Rashi and we will be spending the vacation together." Ahem was getting desperate. "Fine spend the days with her, but let me take you out in the evenings. And it's not like this will be the end, we can see each other once we go back home. You don't live hundreds of miles from me. It is only a two hour drive from north Jersey to Philadelphia."
Gopi curled her hand into a fist to keep from giving into his pleas. She was tempted beyond belief, but couldn't take the risk. "I think we should go back." She started walking in the same direction they had walked from, towards where the car was parked. Ahem had no choice but to follow her quick strides.
Once they got to the car Ahem opened the door for her and closed it quietly. He sat on the driver's side and glanced at her before starting the car. He tried to think of a way to convince her but his mind discarded all the options he came up with. He realized it was best to back off for now and hoped that he had another chance to spend time with her and convince her.
She kept quiet all the way to the hotel and as they walked up to her room. She pulled out her room key and looked up at him. "Thank you for the dinner and the walk." He placed his hands in his pockets to keep from taking her by the shoulders and shaking some sense into her.
Gopi was barely holding herself together. His words kept echoing in her ears, her senses were filled with his musky aftershave. She wished she had kept the blazer around her shoulders for few minutes longer; She had left it in the car. She felt as though she will remember this one evening and this one man for rest of her life.
She was startled to hear Rashi scream from inside the room and quickly opened the door with her key. She stopped in the middle of the room to see Rashi pacing back and forth arguing with someone on the phone.
Rashi turned back to see Gopi standing few feet away from her and Ahem standing by the door. She tuned her mother out and looked at the two people in front of her. She blinked and looked closely at Gopi. She was clutching a deep burgundy single rose in her hand, and looked as though she is going to start crying any minute. She looked at Ahem, who only had eyes for her friend. He looked as though he was not ready to end the night. She tuned into her mom again, absently, her mind whirling with possibilities. "Mummy I am not coming to the wedding with you, please don't come to pick me up. This is my vacation and you promised me rest of the week to stay here if I attended the convention." She listened to her mom argue that she hadn't counted on Rashi to take Gopi with her.
Rashi rolled her eyes at her mom's lecturing and once again glanced at Ahem whose attention was now on her conversation and then glanced at Gopi who was biting her lip worriedly. "Mummy I am hanging up, I will call you back later." She pressed the end button then turned the phone off completely.
"Rashi what happened, why were you arguing with your mom?" Rashi twisted her lips in a pout. "She is coming to pick me up in the morning to attend a wedding near by." Gopi's eyes widened at this. "Your mom is here in Florida?" Gopi nodded her head. "She is at her sister's house, this is why Sweta has been unusually quiet." Gopi didn't know what to say, but she knew once Urmila aunty set her mind on something she won't stop until Rashi complies.
"I think you should go Rashi." Gopi said quietly. Ahem glanced at her sharply, but continued to stay silent. "No way I am leaving you alone here Gopi. Either you come with me or I am staying with you."
Ahem was quick to seize the opportunity to spend time with Gopi. "There is a third option." Gopi and Rashi turned towards him. "Can I make a suggestion?"
Gopi said, "No," while Rashi said, "Yes." Gopi shook her head at Ahem but he ignored her. "Rashi you can go with your mom, and I can show Gopi around. I am free starting tomorrow. This way we all get what we want."
Rashi looked at him with amusement while Gopi glared at him. "We do? Who says I want to go with mom?" Followed by Gopi, "And who says I want you to show me around?" Ahem folded his arms and rocked back on his heels. "Okay, at least I will get what I want." Rashi laughed but Gopi was not amused at all. He was making it impossible for her to run and hide.
Rashi studied them while they were not looking at her. She knew Gopi wouldn't do anything if she is not pushed and Ahem looked as if he genuinely liked Gopi. She hoped she is doing the right thing, but for once she wanted Gopi to take the risk. She wanted her friend to find love and happiness that she deserves and secretly wants.
Rashi turned to Gopi. "Say yes Gopi, or mummy will make us both miserable for rest our lives if I don't go with her." Gopi knew Rashi was only half joking. She didn't want Urmila aunty to be angry at Rashi because of her. Still she made one last attempt to convince Rashi. "You know I am old enough to take care of myself, I don't have to have someone with me to go sightseeing." Rashi shook her head. "I am not going to let you go off on your own. Now decide or I am calling mummy and telling her I am not going with her." Gopi gave in without protesting anymore. "Fine I will go touring with Ahem. Happy?" Rashi hugged her tightly "I am very happy." She winked at Ahem over Gopi's shoulder, and he winked back with a smile.
The very next day after Rashi left Ahem came to the room to tell her they were going to Orlando and for her to pack her bag, they will be spending rest of their vacation near the Disney park. Gopi had agreed since her flight back home is from Orlando it made it easier for her.
Once they checked into a penthouse suit, which had made Gopi nervous at first, but Ahem reassured her and told her that there were two rooms with a lock on the doors, she had nothing to fear. When she saw the suite she was impressed. It looked like a small luxury apartment with kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. There was a balcony that overlooked the three Disney parks. Once they were changed Ahem decided they might as well start with the main theme park and then do the rest on next day.
They spent the two days exploring Disney Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It was the most fascinating experience for Gopi. She forgot everything and enjoyed her new experience. Ahem showed her every little thing associated with the parks. In those two days she never knew when she lost her heart to him. May be it was when he held her hand in one of the scary rides or when he insisted on winning something for her at one of the games. Or when they went into a photo booth to take pictures together.
Ahem had been to the parks twice, but this would be his most memorable experience. Seeing everything thru her eyes made it even more special for him. He was captivated by her enthusiasm and her enjoyment in the smallest things. The experience was very new for her and she savored each moment. He fell in love a little more with her each time she smiled in appreciation for sharing everything he knew of the parks, for being there for her.
Gopi forgot everything when she was with him. She didn't give a second thought to what people thought of them as a couple, because he made her feel special. His every look, every touch, the way he was protective of her, the way he only wanted her happiness made her forget all her arguments regarding why they were not right for each other. In the public she forgot to be insecure but when they were alone all her insecurities returned full force.
While the days were spent having fun and experiencing everything at the parks evenings were spent in the room, talking and getting to know each other. They talked about their common interests and what they wanted to do in future, but avoided talking about their families. Ahem did mention his mom more often which made Gopi apprehensive. She could tell he was very close to his mom. Seeing her anxiety at mention of his family and his mom, Ahem stopped talking about them. He figured there was plenty of time to get to know about each other's families. He knew she was more anxious when he mentioned her parent's, specially her mom, but didn't push her for details, because he did not want to spoil rest of their time together.
On there last day Gopi woke up with a dread. She put her fear aside and got ready for the day. They decided to tour the city and do a bit of a shopping. When Gopi spotted an Indian store she asked Ahem to take her there. She decided to cook for him that night, he protested but she insisted, and he gave in after she said she wanted to do something nice for him.
That night she went all out and cooked his favorite meal for him. The kitchen was well equipped with everything. She found everything she needed to set the table on the balcony. Once everything was set she went in her room to shower and change. She wore a knee length, sleeveless black dress, and black low heeled sandals. She dried her hair straight and left it loose. Only minimum make up and jewelry to go with the dress; she wore a pair of silver dangling earrings, a silver wrist watch and a silver anklet to complete her look.
She took a deep breath and opened the door. Ahem was standing by the balcony doors staring at the table. He turned when she came out of her room. His breath caught when he looked at her. His feet automatically moved towards her. He had kept his distant physically because he knew she was nervous about that part of their new found relationship, but he couldn't help touching her at that moment. He cupped her face gently and looked into her eyes. He bent and kissed her on the forehead. "You look very pretty." When she opened her mouth to protest, he stopped her with a light kiss on her lips. They both froze for a few seconds, but he pulled back to look at her again. "To me you will always be beautiful, never doubt that." She nodded slowly.
She then looked at him in his black dress pants and the mint green shirt and thought he was the most gorgeous man, and she was very lucky to be with him. She closed her eyes to block every other thought from her mind and made herself remember only what he said to her.
They finally moved away from each other. She served dinner and they both spent their last night just being with one another, they spent more time gazing at each other and less time talking. They had reached the point where they didn't need to talk unnecessarily to fill the silence.
When dinner was finished he helped her clean up then took her hand and went back in the living room. He put on a slow music and stood in front of her. "Will you dance with me please?" He held out his hand and she placed her hand in his. He pulled her close to him and wrapped both of his arms around her waist. Gopi placed her arms around his neck and looked up at him. They swayed to the romantic music while staring into each other's eyes. Nothing was hidden, all their feeling were visible to one another. When the music stopped Ahem didn't let her go, but bent his head and captured her lips in a soft kiss.
Gopi felt a jolt go thru her body when his lips touched hers. She kissed him back tentatively at first but when he increased the pressure she returned the gesture. He probed her lips with his tongue and when she opened her mouth he deepened the kiss and pulled her closer to him.
Ahem turned and sat on one of the couches in the room without breaking the kiss. He pulled her in his lap and continued to kiss her lips, when he couldn't breath anymore, he trailed his lips down her neck.
Gopi tilted her head to the side and clutched at 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 closed his eyes to hide the pain her words caused him. She still didn't trust that they were meant to be, that no matter what happens after tomorrow, they will always be together, if not physically then spiritually. He felt her leave his arms and move away from him. He felt empty without her.
Gopi stood by the balcony doors, wrapped her arms around her waist and stared out at the dark night. She tried her best to push her fears and insecurities back, but the reality is there were still too many unknowns. They don't really know each other as well as they should, their relationship can not move forward until he knows everything about her and how she was brought up. He is four years older than her, she still had one semester of college left. She did not want him to rush into anything that he might come to regret later.
Ahem sighed and stood up to go to her, he could not see her in pain, he wanted to do anything he could to make sure she doesn't come to regret her decision to trust him. He turned her towards him, lifted her chin to make her look at him. He cupped her face with both hands and looked into her eyes. "Tell me how I can reassure you; I will do anything you want to make you believe this is not a dream. I don't know how to help you."
Gopi took his right wrist in her hand, took his hand and placed a gentle kiss on his palm. "Please don't get upset with what I am about to ask you. It's not that I don't trust you or your feelings, but I need time, and I think you should also be sure of your feelings before we move forward."
Ahem knew he was not going to like whatever she was getting ready to suggest and braced himself. He still was not prepared for her suggestion and felt a sharp pain at what she suggested. "I think we should go our separate ways for six months." She stopped him when he opened his mouth to protest. "Just hear me out first." When he nodded she continued. "I graduate in June, by then you should also be free and moved into your new home with your family. I suggest we meet after that. We set a date, place and time to meet and if we both show up then we move forward. If by any chance one of us don't make it for whatever reason, we will not attempt to contact each other or if we should ever meet again we ask for no explanations."
Ahem moved away from her, he could not do what she is asking of him. How can he make her understand that he does not need the time? He was already so in love with her, he was dreading letting her go the next day, and she wanted him to wait six months. He doesn't even know if he will survive six hours without seeing her and she wanted six months. He also knew he can't push her to admit her feelings. He needed to give her this time for the betterment of their future. She needs to see that she can trust him to not break her heart. She had too many insecurities and her self esteem had taken a beating so it will take her time to come to terms with everything.
He turned back to her, looked at her bowed head, and knew that for her happiness he is even willing to wait and do as she suggests. He took her in his arms and hugged her to him. He kissed her on her head and pulled back. "Okay, I will do as you say. You name the place, date and time I will be there, then no excuses you have to do what I say." Gopi placed her head on his chest and hugged him back. She blinked back tears. She had the overwhelming need to tell him how much she loved him, but the words were stuck in her throat, they refused to come out. When she opened her mouth all that came out was a "Thank you."
Ahem walked back to the couch with her and sat down. "Have you thought about the place, date and time?" She shook her head no and he laughed. "And here I thought you had everything planned already." She took her head off of his shoulder and looked at him. The unshed tears and the pain reflected in her eyes were going to be the death of him. "Will you grant me one wish tonight?" He asked her. A single tear escaped her eye and he caught it on his finger tip. "Anything you want Ahem." She spoke with such confidence that it took away the pain of letting her go for six months. "Will you please let me hold you in my arms tonight? Just to have you close to me for one whole night, it will have to keep me sustained for six months, until I see you again." This time it was Gopi who leaned forward and kissed him.
The kiss started out gently but deepened as they both poured all their feelings into that one kiss. All the feelings that were left unsaid were communicated thru that one perfect, passionate kiss.
Present….
Ahem stood up and automatically walked back towards the house, his thoughts still in the past. She had granted him his one wish and spent the night in his arms. They had held each other all night, and watched the night move to morning dawn rapidly. In the morning he had taken her to the airport and watched as she walked out of his life, at the time he never thought that he wouldn't see her in six months. He never thought that so many changes would take place or that she would stop loving him. Why did you stop loving me Gopi? I know you never voiced your feelings out loud, but they were always visible in your eyes. I know I was not wrong in thinking you loved me. His mind would not let him rest.
Gopi stood up slowly to keep her leg from cramping and causing pain. She went towards her bag to take out her nightclothes and went in the bathroom to change. She had seen Ahem walk back towards the house and was relieved to see he was okay. Once she changed she packed her bag, only leaving out clothes for next day and her toiletries.
She sat down on the bed and hoped that things will be smooth for her brother's wedding. She felt better now that things were cleared between her and Ahem. She hoped he forgets the past and move forward. She had known from the first moment she realized he was Ria's cousin that she would have to face him at least once, and had braced herself for the impact of seeing him, but it had been a shocking experience to meet him suddenly.
His words had pierced her heart, she didn't know how she had held in her scream of pain when he said what he said, but she had and when Rashi stepped up to them she had immediately held her hand to keep her from revealing the whole ugly mess in front of everyone. She knew the whole purpose in Rashi manipulating her to come this weekend was for this closure. She knew Gopi needed this to put the past behind her. She also knew how hard it must be for Rashi to be civil to Ahem because he was Jigar's brother, but Gopi had made her promise to not say anything. No matter how many times she told Rashi it didn't matter anymore that he didn't come to meet her she was not convinced.
The group outside noticed Ahem walking towards them and wondered where he had been to. "Hey Ahem, where did you go?" Raj called out to his friend. "Just for a walk." Raj looked at his friend sharply and studied his face. Before he could say anything Ria spoke up from the other side. "Where is Gopi?"
Everyone looked around but didn't see her. Rashi looked at Ahem intently who, to her surprise, was watching her. She jumped up from her seat and Jigar looked at her curiously. "She is probably in her room, I will go check." She left before anyone could stop her. Jigar stared after her with a frown. He glanced at his brother who was also watching Rashi rush into the house with an unreadable expression on his face. He supposed that was all the time he was going to get to spend with Rashi.
Gopi opened the door when Rashi knocked on it and called out her name. She walked back to sit on the bed. "Are the fireworks over?" She asked Rashi.
Rashi joined her on the bed. "Yeah about half hour ago. Are you okay?" Gopi looked at her friend with a pained expression. "Yeah, it's over."
Rashi put her arm around her friend. "What did you tell him?" Gopi couldn't meet Rashi's eyes. "Nothing, just apologized for not showing up for the date."
Rashi gasped. "Why Gopi?"
Gopi shrugged her shoulders. "It's the best solution Rashi. What difference does it make now? If I had met him week or two weeks after our set date and time I might have questioned him despite the promise of no explanation but now there is no need because it wouldn't make any difference." Gopi stood up and felt a sharp pain in her right leg.
Rashi saw her flinch in pain. "Did you take your muscle relaxant?"
Ahem froze when he heard Rashi speak to Gopi. He had wanted to confront Gopi and ask her why she did what she did. He thought it would be best if he walked thru his balcony doors to hers, he hadn't expected Rashi to be still there talking to Gopi.
He heard Rashi's question and frowned. He waited to hear Gopi's answer. He knew he should leave them to their privacy but he needed to know what is going on with Gopi and if this is the only way then so be it.
Gopi walked towards the balcony doors. "It's fine Rashi, just a small spasm, besides the muscle relaxant clouds my mind and I need to stay alert. Gopi didn't want to dwell on what belongs in the past to she changed the subject. You know Dadi's barsi is in two weeks."
Rashi couldn't forget. "I remember your dadi died exactly three weeks before your accident. You missed all the first year rituals. You want to plan something different this year?" Gopi turned back to Rashi.
"Sheetal aunty is coming for Bhai's wedding so will go to mandir and just pray. Dad probably has something planned already, since Bhai will also be back by then."
Rashi stood and joined Gopi at the doors. "When is your aunty coming?" Gopi smiled at thought of her dad's older sister's visit. She missed her so much. "Tomorrow evening, her brother in law called me to relay a message from her. She wants to see me as soon as she arrives so I am going to leave early tomorrow so I can go see her in the evening.
"Okay, do you want me to go back with you?" Rashi asked.
"No you stay and spend time with Jigar. I just want to get some things done before I go see Sheetal aunty."
Rashi nodded. "Alright but let me know if you change your mind. Now get some rest, you look tired. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Rashi." Gopi stood by the doors for long time after Rashi left
*~+~*
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