FF:Destiny Last part pg102 (Thank you pg 109) - Page 32

Part 8

My love, you know you are my best friend.
You know that I'd do anything for you
And my love, let nothing come between us.
My love for you is strong and true.

______________Sarah McLachlan

Gopi woke up next morning feeling light hearted but ready to take on the day. She realized last night, after Ahem dropped her off at home, that she needed to take it one day at a time; she glanced at the clock and got up to get ready. She heard Rashi moving around in her room and smiled. Her brother is getting married and she is very, very happy and soon it will be her best friend's turn and she couldn't wait. She wants the two most important people, besides Ahem, in her life to have the happiness they both deserve.

One hour later both Rashi and Gopi were ready to head over to Gopi's parent's home for Amit's haldi rasam then from there to Ria's house for Ria's haldi rasam. Gopi was calm and collected; nothing or no one can mar her happiness today.

"So did you have a good time last night?" She asked Rashi, who glared at Gopi's cheerful question. Rashi got in the driver's seat and started the car. "And where did you disappear to, may I ask?" Gopi just smiled at her faintly and Rashi raised an eyebrow, then she stopped the car in the middle of the street and turned to Gopi with an understanding.

Gopi was surprised by Rashi stopping the car so suddenly and that too in the middle of the street. "What?" Gopi looked at her friend with confusion. Rashi just shook her head and started driving again. "So where did he take you and what did he say?"

"You are still mad at him, aren't you?" Rashi shrugged her shoulders. She didn't want to comment one way or another. She didn't have a heart as big as Gopi and she can't get past the fact that Ahem broke Gopi's heart, no matter what the reason was, he should have at least shown up for the meeting in her opinion. She clenched her hands around the stirring wheel to keep from showing her anger at Ahem.

Gopi knew Rashi has not yet forgiven Ahem or herself for that matter. No matter how many times Gopi tried to tell Rashi whatever happened was not her fault. Even if Rashi hadn't played a matchmaker on that vacation it wouldn't have stopped Ahem from wanting to spend time with her. Would Rashi's presence have made a difference? She didn't think so, but maybe someday Rashi will forgive herself.

"He wants to be friends with me. He doesn't like seeing me tensed all the time so he is backing off and is not going to bring up our relationship anymore." Rashi mentally shook her head at Gopi's naivet. She has yet to realize Ahem is not one of those who will give so easily in something he believes with his whole heart. She won't say anything for now but wait and watch Ahem. If he is playing with Gopi again she will kill him with her bare hands and to hell with the consequences. Gopi has been through too much already and Rashi did not want to see her in pain again.

On the other hand if Ahem truly loves Gopi then she will give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he is able to break Gopi out of her self-built prison and get rid of her fears. Rashi hoped that Ahem showered her friend with all the love that she deserves. Rashi decided to change the subject. "Dr. Joshi will think twice before pulling a stunt like he did last night." Rashi said to Gopi.

Gopi's eyes widened. "What did the three of you do to him?" Rashi's smile widened. "Wait until you see him and Jigar later." Gopi laughed at the mischievous smile on her friends face. She had a feeling whatever the three girls did would have the men realize not to repeat the experience again.

Twenty minutes later Rashi pulled up in front of Gopi's parents' home and glanced at her. Gopi was staring at the house with blank expression on her face, she looked detached; Rashi sighed and got out of the car and prayed Gopi's mother and sisters behaved themselves.

The front yard was brimming with guests, mostly men, standing around chatting. They made their way to the front door without saying anything to each other. Gopi spotted her aunt and made her way to sit next to her, greeting relatives as she walked by them. She knew at least two pairs of eyes were glaring at her but she didn't care.

Sheetal watched her niece make her way towards her and felt proud at the way she held herself strongly. Her niece was a fascinating person, combination of vulnerability and strength. She looked beautiful in mehndi green, zari embroidered sari that was lightly decorated with small stones on the pallu. If only Gopi believed that she looked beautiful, her inner beauty outshined any physical beauty. This time before she goes back to India, Sheetal wanted to make sure that her niece gets all the happiness she deserves.

Gopi greeted her aunt with a hug and sat next to her. The ceremony was just starting, she glanced at her brother who winked at her and smiled. She didn't participate in any ceremony except for one thing. At the end she stood to apply small amount of haldi to her bhai's cheek. She moved back when her younger sister moved next to her brother. Amit tried to stop her but she shook her head and went to stand away from the crowd.

It was another half hour before they were able to take their leave from Parekh house. Rashi's mom was not happy with her, and glared at Gopi, but Rashi refused to travel with her mom and Parekh family. "Rashi…" Gopi tried to reason with her but Rashi just kept walking. Gopi sighed and followed her friend.

They couldn't find parking close to Patel home so they parked on the next street to walk to Ria's house. There were more guests at Patel's house than at Parekh house. Gopi's was stunned when she saw Jigar and Raj and couldn't help but laugh. They almost looked disheveled in their dress pants and shirt. Their eyes were blood shot as if they have been up all night. "Okay Rashi tell me what did you do to these two?"

Rashi looked towards Jigar and Raj who were both slumped against a wall glaring at Ahem who was standing few feet away from them talking to Kinjal. All of them glanced at Rashi and Gopi at the same time. Jigar rushed towards Rashi. He gave her a boyish smile. "Hi sweetheart, please tell me you have forgiven me." Gopi's mouth dropped open at Jigar's smile and Rashi walking away without saying anything. Jigar sighed and turned to Gopi. "I give up; you might as well tell me how I can fix this."

Gopi looked around then back at Jigar. "Me?" She asked to be sure. Jigar rolled his eyes. "Yes you, I have no choice but to ask you."

Gopi folded her arms on her chest and looked at Jigar. "What makes you think I want to help a rude person like you?" Jigar glared at her but was unable to reply. "Try white roses, they say sorry nicely." She turned and started walking towards Rashi but stopped and turned back. "You have no reason to feel insecure about Rashi, I would never get in the way of her happiness, but you can't drive me away from her either with your rude behavior, so let's learn to get along with each other for her sake." She didn't wait for him to reply and walked away.

She made her way to Dr. Joshi instead of where Rashi was standing with Kinjal and Ahem. "Hi, you look like you could use about twelve hours of sleep." She smiled at him.

Raj's shoulders drooped even lower. "I could, but no thanks to my best friend, I was forced to dance for hours with the belly dancers and then was made to stay up until the early hours of the morning. And to top it off Jigar and I were given the responsibility of picking up guests from the airport and drive them to the hotels and once they were ready drive them here. Oh and we had drinks also, so now I have a mother of a headache and want to sleep for days."

Gopi put her hand on her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "As a resident you should be used to going without sleep." Raj sighed. "I know but I was on duty in the ER the night before so didn't sleep much yesterday. And Kinjal is still mad at me."

"Do you blame her or Ria for being mad at you?" Gopi asked curiously. Raj looked down shamefully, "I was just trying to show Amit a good time one last time before he ties the knot for life." Besides, Ria and Kinjal were not supposed to know about the party." Raj replied.

Gopi looked at him in shock. "So let me get this straight. You wanted to show my reserved Bhai, who does not feel comfortable with that type of party a good time by taking him to a club where they have belly dancers. On top of that you didn't want Ria and Kinjal to find out not to mention Rashi. So you figured what they don't know won't hurt them, am I getting it right so far?" Raj was fidgeting like a teenage boy but finally nodded.

Gopi shook her head. "Dr. Joshi you have so much to learn about women. By the way how did they find out about the little party?" Raj glared at someone over Gopi's shoulder. "Answer to your question is walking up even as we speak." Gopi turned to see Ahem walking towards them.

Ahem had given Gopi time to join him but when she didn't he decided to stop waiting for her. "Talking about me?" He said and glanced at Raj then at Gopi.

"You look nice in a sari, especially in that color." Gopi glanced around nervously then realized what she was doing so stopped. She smiled at him. "Thanks."

Raj was watching them closely. He stood up straighter and looked back and forth between Gopi and Ahem. "Now I see why you gave up the party location Ahem." He looked at Gopi. "You were there last night, both of you." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"Bhai you were at the club last night? Why didn't you come with us?" Jigar, Kinjal and Rashi came to where Gopi, Ahem and Raj were standing.

Gopi waited for Ahem to answer Jigar but it was Kinjal who spoke up. "Yeah I asked Bhai to come just in case you clowns were already drunk."

Raj rubbed his forehead. "My head is pounding and since my girl is mad at me she won't make me any tea either. Have mercy on me Kinjal, please make me some tea."

Kinjal took Rashi's arm and walked away after glaring at Jigar and Raj. Gopi grimaced at their pained expressions. She felt sorry for the guys; it seems the girls were being too harsh. She slapped Ahem on the arm when he laughed at Raj and Jigar's predicament. Ahem looked at her in surprise and rubbed his arm. "It's entirely your fault, now fix it." She whispered to him. She started to walk away then felt bad, so turned back towards Ahem. "If you will point me to the kitchen I will make Raj some tea." When she was met with surprised looks she sighed. "I do have to work with him so I am required to be nice. Besides I feel it is my fault too."

"I will point you to the kitchen." Gopi was shocked when Jigar spoke up. "And I want some tea also." Gopi raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to drink the tea made by me? You are not scared that I might add something to it?"

Ahem grinned and Raj smiled. Jigar frowned. "Very funny, I am not scared of you. Besides Raj is going to be drinking the same tea so I know you won't add anything extra to it." He walked towards the back of the house.

"One of these days..." Gopi muttered under her breath and followed him to the kitchen.

Ahem's smile faded. He didn't like Jigar's attitude towards Gopi and its obvious Gopi also felt Jigar's dislike of her and was not happy with it. He will have to talk to Jigar soon.

He turned to Raj and felt bad for getting his friend in trouble. "Sorry Raj, I didn't think girls would react like this." Raj slapped Ahem on the shoulder as they walked towards the stairs. "Relax Ahem, everything is fine, my headache is not that bad. Besides it looks like you got what you wanted."

Ahem grinned at his friend. "Not yet but I will eventually" he spoke with confidence and this made Raj chuckle. "I have no doubt that you will."

Twenty minutes later Gopi walked in the guest room with the tea. Raj eagerly took the cup and took a sip. Gopi grimaced when he sipped the hot tea. "Be careful Dr. Joshi it is hot and you are going to burn your mouth." She handed Jigar his cup and put the tray down.

Raj grinned at her. "No worries Gopi, I always drink it this hot. This is very good, and I thank you very much. You are indeed very talented, not only are you the best person to have a around during a code but also when I am sleep deprived."

Jigar took a cautious sip of his tea and had to agree it was very good. "Well at least I was right about you not adding anything extra to the tea." Gopi smiled at him sweetly and waited for him to finish the tea. "How do you know I haven't added anything? Let's wait and see what happens later." Jigar glanced at his bhai and Raj nervously. He glared at Gopi and walked out of the room.

Raj glanced at Ahem who didn't have eyes for anyone but Gopi and took the tray and cups. "Thanks a million Gopi. I am going to take this back to the kitchen and go find some white roses for my girl." He left without waiting for a reply.

Gopi cleared her throat. "I should go down also and wait for my family." Ahem stood up from where he was sitting and walked towards her. Gopi was tempted to step back but stood still. He stopped in front of her and looked at her with concern. "How did it go this morning?"

Gopi took a deep breath, she knew he was asking because of what happened few nights ago and he is now aware of the tension between her and her family. "As well as I hoped. It was fine, I didn't stay long, just wanted to wish my brother a happy life."

Ahem was itching to take her in his arms and sooth her hurt away but he promised to be a friend first so he controlled the urge. "Gopi if you ever need a friend to vent or just to talk you know I am available." Gopi nodded. "I better go down before someone notices that I am missing." She turned to walk towards the door but he caught her hand. "I meant what I said downstairs, you look very nice in that color. Don't let anyone say anything different."

Gopi felt her eyes sting and her lips quiver at his words; she gave him a wobbly smile and nodded. She looked away to hide her emotions, but he pulled her to him and hugged her to his chest. Gopi closed her eyes to savor the feeling of being held in his arms.

Ahem was shaking on the inside and hoped he did the right thing. He didn't care he couldn't let her walk out of the room without soothing her and taking little bit of her pain away anyway he could. He kept the hug friendly, from one friend to another, nothing more or nothing less. He closed his eyes when he felt her arms go around him in the same manner. "Thank you Ahem." He smiled when he heard her softly spoken words and pulled back. He moved back a step and looked down at her. "My pleasure," she looked at him sharply, "that's what friends are for, right?" She nodded slowly then turned and walked out the door.

Next night Ahem watched as Gopi relieved his mom of the heavy tray of drinks and went to serve the guests. It was the Mehndi ceremony and it was being held at Modi house for space purpose and number of guests. After the haldi ceremony day before Kinjal and Ria had insisted the Rashi and Gopi arrive early and get dressed with them for the Mehndi ceremony. His mom and Kaki also agreed to this. Rashi hadn't needed much urging after his kaki reminded her of her soon to be relationship with the family, but Gopi had hesitated for a moment, until his mom insisted she is to be at the house with Rashi in the morning.

All day he has watched her win over each and every one of his family member one by one. First it was his dad and uncles by making them the tea that Raj praised and they were very impressed and declared that was the best tea they had ever tasted. From there all day everyone has been asking her to for one thing or another and she never said no to anyone. He was glad his mom had put a stop to it after a while and sent her off with Kinjal, Ria and Rashi to Kinjal's room to get ready.

As soon as she came down again she started helping everyone. "Where does she get all that energy from?" He heard Raj ask him as he walked up to stand beside Ahem. "I mean I see her move around at work just like this, no detail escapes her and this is why most doctors prefer to have her beside them when performing bedside procedures. She is very impressive Ahem.

Ahem didn't take his eyes of Gopi. "I think it comes from trying to make people happy, this is what makes her happy. She was brought up by her grandmother with traditional values of Indian culture, yet she blends into the western world well also and this is because she is genuinely a nice person. Most of everyone likes her." This is why Ahem failed to understand why her parents and sister don't like her. There is something really wrong with the whole situation and he needed to know in order to help her.

Ahem shook of his thoughts and turned towards Raj. "You look well rested today, I take it Kinjal finally forgave you." Raj rolled his eyes. "You know your sister is only shy and quiet with other people but with me not even a little bit. She made me sweat it out until this morning and the only reason she gave in was because of Gopi." Ahem raised an eyebrow. "Yeah you heard right, she made Rashi and Kinjal forgive me and Jigar. Ria on the other hand is still upset with me."

"I am surprised you didn't ask Gopi to help you with that." Ahem said dryly. "He did" Ahem turned to see Gopi standing behind them holding two drinks on a tray. "Sorry couldn't do anything Raj. You are going to regret what you did when it is yours and Kinjal's turn to get married." Raj looked horrified and Gopi giggled. Ahem was startled to see the playful side of her and couldn't stop staring at her glowing face.

Gopi glanced at Ahem to share the laughter but her smile faded when she saw him staring at her intently. She fidgeted and looked down at the tray. "Well I am glad you are having fun at my expense Gopi and I will expect you to keep me informed when it's my turn." Gopi was thankful to Raj for diverting Ahem's attention. "Me? I don't think so. You will have to handle that on your own Dr. Joshi." She walked away before he could reply.

Raj scratched his head. "You know that is exactly how she answers me when I ask her to relay a message to a patient. I realize this way she can never get in trouble with the doctor for saying no." Ahem couldn't help the laugh that escaped him seeing the perplexed look on his friends face.

Gopi turned just in time to see Ahem laugh at the look on Raj's face and smiled. When he glanced at her she winked at him, which wiped the smile right of off his face leaving him bemused. "Glad she is not having fun at my expense only. Poor Jigar was nervous all day yesterday after her tea comment. Whatever you said to Gopi has made her drop her guards and be playful." Ahem knew he made the right decision by going the friendship route with him. She is more relaxed now and was having fun with everyone.

Gopi breathed a sigh of relief as she made her way to where Ria was getting her Mehndi done. She was ordered to go sit and relax by Koki aunty and Hetal aunty. She had noticed the serious look on Ahem's face all-day and wondered about it. She had also noticed the distance he kept between him and his family, most especially his mom.

As soon as she sat down Kinjal asked her a question. "Gopi what was Raj saying that made bhai laugh like that?" Gopi glanced towards the men and turned back to Kinjal. "I told him Ria had something big planned for when you and he gets married. He is trying to figure out how to talk Ria into not doing anything drastic." Gopi laughed at the dismayed look on Kinjal's face. "Why did you say that to him?"

"Because I plan to pay him back with interest, he won't know what hit him." Ria muttered from the other side of Kinjal. "And speak of the devil he is coming toward us now." Gopi turned to see Ahem, Raj and Jigar walk towards them.

It was not a big party, just a simple affair with few friends and relatives from out of town. Ria hadn't wanted to make a big deal for Mehndi rasam since they were going to have a reception after the wedding the next day. So it was an informal event, nothing big. There was wedding music playing and several groups of ladies sitting around getting their hands tattooed with Mehndi. Most people were moving from group to group catching up with relatives they hadn't seen in long time.

Raj greeted Ria first. "Hi Ria, are you ready for your big day tomorrow?" He looked nervous. Ria ignored him, so he moved to sit beside Kinjal. He looked over Kinjal's hands and smiled at the big heart in the middle of her palm with his and Kinjal's initials. "That is pretty, and look our name is easy to spot." Kinjal flushed but smiled when he put an arm around her shoulder. Gopi looked away from them, the love between the two was very obvious and she envied them for being free to express their feelings.

"Gopi it's your turn now." Gopi looked over at Rashi and got up to sit next to her. "Just the left hand please." She informed the girl who was to put Mehndi on her. "Gopi dikra why just one hand?" Hetal spoke up from the side. "Auntyji all this will have to come off before I go back to work." Hetal nodded once and moved to the next group.

Few hours later as Gopi was walking to Kinjal's room to get her and Rashi's bag, when she felt Ahem take her hand and pull her to his room. "Ahem what are you doing? Let go of my hand, Rashi is waiting for me."

Ahem tightened his hold on her and walked into his room. He closed the door and turned to her. "No she is not; Jigar just took her out for a walk. She told me to tell you she will be back soon."

"Okay so why did you drag me in here?" Ahem let go of her hand.

"No reason; just wanted to talk to my friend for few minutes." He made his way to the sitting area in his room and sat in the love seat.

Gopi hesitated for a moment then joined him on the small couch. "Okay fine, but today I want to talk about you and not me."

"Do we have to?" Ahem tried to tease her. When she didn't smile or answer he sighed and turned to face her. "Okay ask anything you want."

"Anything?" He nodded his head. "Then tell me what happened to the Ahem that I met three and half years ago?" Ahem couldn't meet her eyes, so he stared down at the carpet in his room. "Do you know what I noticed today Ahem? I noticed an invisible wall between you and your family. Not the whole family, but you keep your distance with all. Why? I thought you would start to work on your relationship with your family after our talk the other night."

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