FF:Destiny Last part pg102 (Thank you pg 109) - Page 37

Part 9

"Love without passion is dreary; passion without love is horrific."

"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 may be 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."

Ahem closed his eyes. "That Ahem of three and half years ago was very different from the one in front of you Gopi. He was secure in the knowledge that his family loved him; he was unaware that his family's love for him was conditional. That Ahem thought that, as usual, his family wouldn't deny him anything, but he was wrong."

Ahem turned his head to look at her. "You know I am the oldest so most of their expectations were from me. I was the responsible one; I was the one who had to set good example for the younger kids in the family. I went along with all of their plans for me, down to the fact which school I would attend and what I should study. I never minded this because I knew my family knew what was best for me. They never denied me anything either, and so I was secure in the knowledge that they wouldn't deny me choice of my life partner either."

Ahem stood up and walked to the window that looked out on the garden. "Month after we moved into this house it was announced that I was to be married. I was elated thinking this is it, I can tell them about you, but then I remembered our pact and kept my mouth shut. Two months later we were invited for a dinner at Kaka's friends house, what I hadn't realized was that it was actually to meet the girl they wanted me to marry. I was shocked to learn this and when we came home I said no to the alliance. Then I learned that my family didn't want to hear my no, as a matter of fact it was not even my choice. As far as they were concerned everything was already set."

"To make the long story short none of my reasons swayed them. I finally said yes but my plans were something else entirely. I asked them to please give me one day to sort things out. That one-day was the day we were supposed to meet. I was going to come to meet you but the day before it was announced that we were to have an informal engagement the next day." Ahem turned his back to the window and looked at Gopi. "Do you know why the plans changed suddenly? Because my mom found out that I loved someone and she decided she knew what was best for me and was not going to give me a chance to mess things up. I tried reasoning with her, I begged her to at least reconsider, but she wouldn't budge. Finally she gave me an ultimatum. It was my love or her life, choose between the two, and I chose her life." Ahem clenched his hands. He still remembered that day, how he had felt letting go of his dream. On that day something inside him withered and died.

Gopi went to stand next to him. She realized how he must have battled with himself. No matter what path he chose, the pain of the decision was inevitable. "Ahem I understand why it made you angry, but you have to look at it from your mom's point of view also. She must have had a strong reason for insisting on this alliance." She took his hand in hers and made him look at her. "Your mom loves you very much and she is hurting because she hurt you. Ahem she also has regrets and it is time to let go of this anger and pain."

Ahem cupped her face and just gazed at her sweet face. Ahem couldn't deny her anything but this one thing she is asking him is going to kill him. "For you I will do my best but I will need time to do this. I don't want them to take me for granted like they did before. Gopi I…" He couldn't say anymore. How can he explain to her that forgiving his family is not easy? What they did to him cost him his life. He didn't want to take a chance on his family interfering in his life again.

Gopi knew he was still not ready to forgive his mother, but he can at least make an effort to participate and mingle with family during this wedding. She took his hand and pulled him back to the love seat. She turned to face him. "Ahem Ria loves you as her older brother for her sake make an effort to participate in this wedding. You will make her very happy."

Ahem thought about it for a minute then one thought struck him that would ensure that she was by his side at the wedding. "I could ask the same of you." She looked at him inquiringly. "I want the same from you. Your brother loves you very much then why don't you grant his and Ria's request to participate in this wedding."

"Ahem I don't want to cause any problems for this wedding. They both deserve better than the trouble it will cause because of my participation. Yours and mine are two different situations" She made to get up from the sofa but he pulled her back.

"No they are not, this is not about your family or mine; this is about the two people we love. How do you think your brother feels seeing you sidelined like a stranger? He doesn't say anything because he knows it would only hurt you but I am sure he wants you next to him on his happy day. We both need to participate. You need to do it for you brother and I need to do it for Ria. So how about we make another deal today." Ahem held his breath.

"What kind of a deal?" She asked him wryly

"We agree to anything they ask of us tomorrow. Whatever rituals or ceremony that they ask us to do we do them and not worry about what others will think or say." He waited to see if she would agree. All he needed was for her to say yes and he will make sure that not only did she participate but also required for her to be at his side for the day and the evening.

Gopi hadn't anticipated this but now that he has agreed to this she also couldn't say no for her brother's sake. "Fine I will agree to the deal, but I want to see you fully participate and not stand to the side and observe only." She said in a serious tone.

Ahem grinned. If only she knew what will be required of her. He had what he wanted. Neither spoke for a moment. He drew circles on her hand with his thumb. Her skin felt soft and smooth. He turned her left hand over to see her mehndi. "You scraped your mehndi off, why?"

Gopi looked down at her palm and smiled faintly. She had been on verge of asking the designer to make a small heart in the middle of her palm with Ahem's initials in the center of the heart but changed her mind at last minute. It was not good for her to wish for things that could never be. "It will still get dark as long as I don't put water on it. I just scraped it off once it dried." They both fell silent again, both reluctant to break their fragile connection.

Awareness took over gradually and they both realized how close they were sitting to one another, yet neither made effort to let go of the other. Gopi knew she needed to move away from him before it was too late but she felt at peace when she was with him. His touch was soothing to her soul. She wanted to lay her head on his chest and forget the world outside of his room. Just once she wanted to be kissed by him, to be held by him like before, like their first and last time.

She was saved from giving in to the urge to move into his arms by the knock on his bedroom door. Gopi jumped up from her seat and moved away from him. She looked at the bedside clock nervously and realized she has been with him, in his room, alone for thirty minutes. What if someone came to look for her and found her with him in his room?

Ahem saw Gopi's fear and realized she was scared of what the person at the door would think of her being alone with him in his room with the door closed. He moved to her and cupped her face. "Gopi don't be scared, I will take care of whoever is at the door." He gave her a reassuring pat and moved to the door. He opened the door slightly and made sure he placed himself in away so that no one could see Gopi behind him. He was glad it was his sister at the door. "Kinjal what's wrong?"

"Bhai Rashi is back and she is waiting for Gopi downstairs. Is she with you?" Kinjal asked anxiously. She knew Gopi could only be with him but she still asked. "Yes she is, give me a minute and I will send her to your room." Kinjal nodded and left to let his brother say his goodnight to Gopi.

Ahem closed the door and turned to see Gopi standing close to him. She bit her lip nervously and looked everywhere but at him. The spell was broken and her barriers were back up. Outside world invaded their private moments and now there is no going back to capture the feelings again for tonight. He saw her take a deep breath then move towards the door. He moved aside to let her pass.

Gopi put her hand on the doorknob to open the door but felt an overwhelming need to get a last glimpse of him. She looked at him over her shoulder and the pain in his eyes stopped her cold. She couldn't leave him alone with this pain. She let go of the doorknob to fully turn towards him. She took a step towards him, then another and another until she was standing toe to toe with him. This time she made the first move and hugged him. She felt his arms go around her tightly; he buried his face in her neck and sighed. "Kanaji be with him tonight and always; take care of my love as I can't be here to take care of him." Gopi said a silent prayer and moved back. He released her reluctantly and looked down at her. "Goodnight Ahem, I will see you tomorrow."

Ahem placed his hands in his pant pockets to control the urge to pull her back in his arms and nodded his head. "Goodnight Gopi, drive safely and yes I will see you tomorrow." He watched her turn and leave without looking back again.

"Gopi help!" Rashi exclaimed. Gopi turned to see Rashi struggling with the dupatta of her very beautiful lavender and silver lehnga. Gopi shook her head at her friend's clumsiness and moved to help her. She took the ready-made butterfly pleats in her hand and adjusted it over Rashi's left shoulder. "Stand still" She ordered when Rashi started fidgeting nervously. Rashi rolled her eyes but didn't move for next two minutes. She turned to admire herself in the mirror when Gopi finished pinning the pallu.

She turned back to Gopi. "Well what do you think? How do I look?" Gopi looked at her friend from top to bottom and winked. "Well if Jigar is smart then he will make sure he makes it known that you are taken. I can see lot of hearts breaking today." Rashi flushed at Gopi's teasing then stuck her tongue out at her friend. They both laughed at each other's antics.

They had arrived at the wedding venue early this morning. The wedding and reception was to take place at one of Modi's grand hotel. Before they left the Modi house the night before Kinjal had surprised them with a key to the room next to her and Ria. She had informed them that they had to arrive early and get ready at the hotel and then to help Kinjal and Ria also later. Rashi and Gopi had accepted the generous invitation without any protest.

Rashi looked at Gopi critically. Gopi was in royal blue and silver lehnga designed by her aunt especially for her. Gopi looked beautiful in the dress. "I don't think it's Jigar who will have to worry Gopi, but certain someone is going to have hard time keeping his eyes off you today for sure. And this is just the wedding outfit, what will he do when he sees you in the outfit you plan to wear for the reception?"

Gopi looked down at herself and frowned. "Don't even think about not wearing that other outfit Gopi." Rashi said seeing the look on Gopi's face. There was a knock on the door before Gopi could reply.

Rashi opened the door and was surprised to see Jigar, in off white sherwani, leaning against the doorframe. He grinned at her and held out a long stem red rose for her. Rashi flushed at his intimate look and took the rose shyly. "Hi, what are you doing here?" Jigar raised an eyebrow. "Well it is my cousin's wedding.." He trailed off when Rashi punched him lightly. He took her hand and pulled her closer to him. "Jigar let go, what are you doing?"

Jigar lowered his voice and spoke softly to her. "Okay I will let you go, but first you have to promise me something." Rashi looked over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. "What?" Jigar leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You have to promise to dance with me and no one else at the reception tonight."

"Fine, now let go." He held her tightly. "One more thing." She looked at him inquiringly. "You look gorgeous." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, winked and sauntered off down the hall leaving her astonished. She closed the door slowly then grinned.

Gopi came out of the bathroom to see Rashi staring in the space, smiling to herself. She grinned at her friends flushed face. "Didn't I tell you he would stake his claim once he saw you today?" Rashi came out of trance when she heard Gopi speak. She flushed at her friends teasing smile and grinned back at her.

Gopi took a relieved breath as they arrived at the wedding mandap without any problems. She stuck close to her aunt through the rituals of greeting the girl's side of the family. Rashi had been taken away to the back of the hall where Ria was waiting to make her entry. Rashi and Jigar were part of the wedding party. Jigar will escort Rashi down the aisle with a candle, then Kinjal and Raj, the third couple was Ahem and one of Ria's cousins from her dad side of the family.

"Gopi come on Ria is calling you." Gopi frowned at Rashi and wondered what was wrong. She followed Rashi to the back of the hall. She was further worried when she saw the tensed faces of Ria and Kinjal. "What's wrong Ria? Is something wrong with the dress?" Ria looked beautiful in dark red bridal lehnga with gold decorations thru the whole dress.

Ria smiled at her. "No Gopi the dress is perfect, but I need a favor." Ria glanced at her family then back at Gopi. "My cousin who was supposed to walk down the aisle with bhai is not feeling well and I want you to take her place, please." She said pleadingly to Gopi.

Before Gopi could react she saw Ahem standing to the side waiting to hear her reply. "Gopi dikra I think you are the best choice to take Chandni's place; please don't say no." Kokila aunty said after putting her arm around Gopi. Gopi looked at everyone's expectant faces and couldn't refuse. When she gave her consent Ria jumped up and hugged her. "Thank you, thank you, you are the best sister ever." Kinjal pretended to glare. "Hey I thought I was the best sister ever." Ria turned and hugged her also. "You are too" then she hugged Rashi, "and of course you too." They all laughed.

Ten minutes later Gopi took her place beside Ahem. Jigar and Rashi were first, few paces behind them were Kinjal and Raj then Ahem and Gopi. Ria's other cousin would walk with Diya for Saat Phere and then Koki and Hetal. Her two mamas', Chirag and Parag, would escort Ria to Mandap.

Gopi leaned towards Ahem and spoke softly. "Was this your idea?" Ahem looked at her with innocent face. "Me? Of course not." He caved in when she kept looking at him. "Okay I suggested your name when Chandni started feeling sick."

"Hmm..by the way you look very handsome" Gopi said offhandedly. Gopi hid a smile at his startled look. Her mind had been occupied trying to decide whether she should say yes to Ria or not, to notice earlier but now that she was standing next to him she was having hard time keeping her eyes off of Ahem in his cobalt blue raw silk sherwani.

"And you look beautiful." He said. His look dared her to argue. He saw her smile disappear and she chewed on her lower lip worriedly. He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm to escort her down the aisle. "Gopi put everything out of your mind and just concentrate on one thing," when she looked at him he squeezed her hand, "that you are doing this for your brother and Ria." And for us, he added silently. He smiled down at her when she squeezed his arm to acknowledge his words.

Gopi and Ahem did not notice several pairs of eyes observing them, for them no one else existed outside of each other.

"Kokila," Hetal nudged Koki to get her attention, "look at Ahem, he looks happy." Koki glanced towards her son and her heart gave a quick thump at seeing the genuine smile on his face. His smiled wider at something Gopi said and it made Koki's eyes sting with unshed tears. "Motabhabhi he is smiling like he used to." Seeing Koki's astonishment Hetal laughed. "Yes Koki he does. I think he genuinely likes Gopi. She could make anyone smile with her sweet ways."

"Motabhabhi are you thinking what I am thinking?" Koki asked still watching Gopi and Ahem.

Hetal nodded her head in agreement. "Let's not rush things; give him time to decide on his own."

Jigar has been observing his Bhai for last two days and has reached his own conclusion. "Jigar you didn't hear a word I said, what are you staring at so intently?" Rashi turned to see what he was looking at and her smile dimmed a little. Jigar was watching for her reaction and narrowed his eyes when he saw her smile disappear when she looked towards where his bhai and her best friend were engrossed in a conversation.

Before he could question her they were asked to take their places. Jigar put the thought aside for the moment and held out his arm for Rashi. He needed more information before he decided how he was going to approach this new development. He will wait for the right opportunity to let the family know his decision regarding his and Rashi's marriage.

Two hours later his brother and Ria were married. There had only been few odd looks when people saw Gopi in the wedding party, but most took it in stride. Her brother had grinned widely when he saw her and had given her a thumb up for getting involved. His happiness had overshadowed everything for Gopi, even the glares she got from the two people who hated her most.

After everyone ate lunch, most of the wedding guests returned to their rooms to change clothes or rest until the cocktail hour before the reception. Gopi had just finished getting ready in her bottle green choli sari when her phone beeped to let her know of incoming text message. She smiled when she saw that it was from her brother. "Hey sis I need your help, please come quick."

She texted him back to let him know she would be there in five minutes. She gave herself a critical look in the mirror. She wore the sari bengli style, curled her hair then piled it on top of her head, with few curls loose on both side. She had matched the sari with an Emerald set given to her by her grandmother on her eighteenth birthday. Her right wrist was adorned with a matching Emerald bracelet that was attached to an Emerald ring. On her left wrist she only wore her watch.

Gopi had wanted to leave her hair down but Rashi and Kinjal vetoed the idea by saying it did not show off the sari well. She felt uncomfortable with the low back of the choli, but if she wore her hair down then the design and decoration in the back would not show. After lot of arguments and pleading she gave in and let them put her hair up. Gopi sighed, she seems to be doing lot of that lately, giving into everyone's wishes and she is starting to question her own decisions now. She decided to put everything aside to make her way to the room that was currently occupied by all the men. Their respective partners already called Kinjal and Rashi to the room earlier. Ria was with the beautician, getting ready, that left Gopi to attend to her brother.

She knocked on the door softly and her brother opened the door immediately. She went in and closed the door softly. Her brother was alone in the room. "Where is everyone?" Amit gestured to the adjoining room. "In the other room arguing over ties and cufflinks." He gave her a full appraisal and smiled. "Princess you look beautiful, you are going to break hearts today."

Gopi just shook her head at her brother, "not you too bhai," Amit gave her a serious look, "Gopi don't do this to yourself; it's time to look forward not back."

"Bhai let's not talk about all that for now, tell me what you needed help with." She said looking around. Amit wanted to argue but let it go, he knew when she got that look on her face, it meant she has closed herself off. "My shirt button is broken, please sew it back on." He handed her the shirt and showed her where the needle and thread were located.

Gopi sat on the bed to sew the button on the shirt. She could hear Kinjal arguing with Raj about the color of his tie. Gopi's head snapped up when a familiar tune started playing nearby. She looked up to see her brother holding up the phone, he grinned at her. "Remember this?" Gopi smiled back with watery eyes. "How can I forget?" It was the song he played for her since they were kids, on every Rakshabandhan.

Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka Sabka Kehna Hai

Ek Hazaron Mein Meri Behna Hai

Sari Umar Hame Sang Rehna Hai

Ye Na Jaana Duniya Ne Tu Hai Kyon Udaas

Teri Pyaari Aankhon Mein Pyar Ki Hai Pyaas

Aa Mere Paas Aa Keh Jo Kehna Hai

Ek Hazaron Mein ...

Amit stopped the song as soon as the second verse was finished; they never made it past the second verse because rest of the song always made her cry. He didn't want her to cry today, he just wanted her to know that nothing has changed for them; he will always support her in whatever decision she makes with her life.

"I don't want to make you sad Gopi, just wanted to let you know I am getting married but I will always be with you, nothing has changed for us."

Gopi placed the shirt on the bed carefully and stood up. She hugged her brother and swallowed her tears. "You are the best brother in this world and I am very happy for you. Ria is very lucky."

"Alright you two, no more of this sappy stuff its time to party." Amit and Gopi turned to see Raj, Kinjal and Ahem standing behind them watching them. It was Raj who had broke the emotional moment between brother and sister. Gopi turned away and wiped the lone tear from under her eye.

Gopi turned back to her brother and smiled. "You should finish getting ready, you don't want to be late or Ria will skin us all." Amit laughed at that and went into the bathroom to finish getting ready.

"Kinjal will you please decide on which tie you want me to wear, I don't want to make Ria more upset than she already is with me." Raj said to Kinjal, who just rolled her eyes at her fianc and went into the adjoining room with him. Gopi glanced at Ahem who was still standing by the door to the adjoining room watching her. She gave him a faint smile and turned to the bed to fold her brother's wedding Sherwani.

Ahem walked further into the room and picked up the cufflinks from the dresser table. He glanced at Gopi in the mirror and froze when he saw her back. He gaped at her exposed back and blinked to clear his vision. He has never seen Gopi in such a revealing outfit, he wondered who talked her into putting her hair up. He didn't like it, he didn't want anyone else, but him, to see his Gopi this way. He sighed he knew he didn't have any say in this matter; he will have to control the urge to say something to her. He muttered when the cuff links dropped from his hands to the carpet.

Gopi felt a tingling sensation on her back and knew Ahem was staring at her. She could feel her heartbeat increase and wondered what he was thinking. She turned slowly when she heard him mutter something. She watched him pick up the cufflinks from the carpet and attempt to attach them to his shirtsleeve. His large hands were having trouble fastening the small buttons. She moved to stand in front of him and took the cufflinks from him. She attached them with no trouble.

Ahem was awed by her, she looked even more beautiful standing close to him. He wanted to caress her soft cheeks with his finger, lean forward and kiss her forehead to thank her, but he stood still until she was finished. She looked up at him when she was finished, frowned and reached up to adjust his tie, but froze midway. Ahem grabbed her hands before she pulled away and brought them to his tie to finish what she started.

Gopi adjusted his tie and looked up at him again, she felt her eyes sting again at seeing the love in his eyes. It all looked so normal, but it was far from it. How she wished she had the right to do this for him everyday, something so simple to show the person you love that you care for them. Gopi moved away from him slowly and reluctantly. "Gopi," Ahem said softly when she turned away from him, "you should have left your hair down." Gopi turned back to him with wide eyes.

"It looks bad doesn't it?" He shook his head. "No, it looks too good and I am having hard time controlling the urge to cover your back so no one else can see you like this." He turned and walked away leaving her to make what she wants of his comment.

Amit gave Ahem a speculative look as he walked away from Gopi. They had been so lost in each other they hadn't noticed Amit standing by the bathroom door watching them. At first his sister standing close to Ahem had surprised him, but Ahem's last comment confirmed what he had been thinking since the first day Ahem and Gopi came face to face.

One hour later Gopi walked in to the back of the reception hall where wedding party was waiting for the DJ to introduce them before they introduced the happy couple. They all turned to her at the same time; each face wore a different expression upon spotting her. Kinjal smiled knowingly and nudged Raj, Rashi glared at her, Jigar looked confused and Ahem smiled pleasantly. She looked each of them one by one daring anyone to say anything.

Gopi knew she shouldn't have done it, but she couldn't help but grant Ahem his wish. She had let her hair down and pinned back one side only. Now her back was completely covered. She took her place next to him and looked straight ahead to wait for their turn.

Ahem couldn't stop smiling, she just proved that she cared about him more than she was letting on. Thank you baby; soon I will have you by my side granting me all my wishes one by one. Ahem glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and saw her glance towards the entrance of the hall nervously. He took her hand and squeezed gently. "Relax, it's going to be fine, you will see." He escorted her to the hall just as the DJ started to introduce them; they walked in right on time to a loud music and applauds; Ahem twirled her around twice just as they reached their place in the front. She flushed when he winked at her.

They took their seats at the table as the DJ started preparing the guests for the entry of the wedded couple. Gopi glanced at the projection screen in the back and smiled at the slide show of pictures. The pictures were all of Amit and Ria with their families from childhood to present.

Her attention was diverted from the screen when the DJ introduced her brother and Ria. Everyone stood up to greet the newly wedded couple as they came in and took the dance floor. The DJ played the song they had chosen for their first dance as a married couple. Thy looked beautiful together. Amit was in a gray suit and Ria had chosen a purple and white lehnga.

Once the dance was over they took their place at the head table with the wedding party. The speeches were not long just few words about Amit and Ria from their close friends. The couple cut the cake after the speech and made rounds of the receptions room greeting friends and relatives while other guests were served the appetizers.

An hour later Gopi needed a break badly, all the picture taking and also the pictures of the past flashing on the screen in the back were suffocating her. She walked towards the bathroom, unaware of Ahem's eyes following her every move. She freshened her make up and was about to go back out when she ran into her younger sister.

Gopi started to walk past Avni and couple of her friends when her sister grabbed her arm to stop her. "You are flying high these days sis, but how long do you think that will last?" Gopi pulled her arm back. "Leave it Avni and mind your own business."

Avni gave her a calculating look. "Really? Well enjoy it while you can I am sure it won't last long." Gopi didn't feel like arguing with her sister so she just moved past her and walked out the door. She needed to get fresh air after that, so she looked around for the outside door and spotted the door to the gardens on the right side of the bathroom. She didn't stop to look back and moved towards the door as fast as her feet would take her. Once outside she walked to the dark corner of the garden where she was sure she could be alone to get her emotions under controlled, enough to face the crowd again. She will never let anyone have the satisfaction of knowing they have rattled her.

Ahem had seen Gopi's sister go in the bathroom as he waited for Gopi. As soon as Gopi came out of the bathroom he knew something had taken place in the bathroom to cause Gopi to run out to the gardens. He followed her and stood back to wait for her to gather herself. He didn't want her to know he had followed her.

Gopi felt him before she saw him. She turned slowly to face him. "What are you doing here?" Ahem took her hand and walked her to the gazebo that was close to the doors of the reception hall. It was in the corner so not visible to anyone. "You left before I could claim my dance so I came looking for you."

Gopi glanced around and then back at him. She couldn't hide the pain in her eyes from him. "Ahem…" He placed his index finger on her lips and shook his head. Just then slow dance music started playing in the reception hall, and they both heard it clearly where they were standing. Ahem held out his hand, "May I have this dance please." Gopi slowly put her hand in his. He kissed her knuckles and took her in his arms.

Gopi placed her left arm around Ahem's shoulder and looked up at him. The three-inch heels of her shoes brought her head just under his chin, which made it easier for her to look up at him. One look in Ahem's eyes and Gopi forgot the rest of the world. She opened her mouth to thank him but he shook his head once again. "Listen to the music and the song only." He said softly. Gopi closed her eyes and put her head on his shoulder to do as he said.

Kuch is tarah teri palkein

Meri palkon se mila de

Aason tere saare

Meri palkon pe saja de

Ahem pulled her closer to him and kissed the top of her head softly. He wanted her to listen to these words to let her know he will always be there for her.

Tu har ghadi har waqt mere

Saath raha hai

Haan hai yeh jism kabhi duur kabhi paas raha hai

Jo bhi gum hai yeh tere

Unhe tu mera pata de

Kuch is tarah teri palkein

Meri palkon se mila de

Aason tere saare

Meri palkon pe saja de

Gopi lifted her head off of his shoulder to look at him. Ahem brought her other hand to his shoulder and wiped the lone tear from her eye that had escaped.

Mujhko to tere chehre pe

Yeh gum nahi jajjta

Zaij nahi lagta

Mujhe gum se tera rishta

Sun meri guzarish ise chehre se haata de

Kuch is tarah teri palkein

Meri palkon se mila de

Aason tere saare

Meri palkon pe saja de

They had stopped dancing before the music ended and continued to hold each other even as a new song started playing in the background. Gopi had no doubt Ahem loved her and would go to any length to show her she can trust him. He is willing to take her pain for himself but how can she do this to him when she loves him just as much?

Ahem could see her withdrawing from him but he just couldn't let her go yet. He gave into the urge to taste her just once and not think about the consequences. He leaned down and placed his lips on hers. He put all his feelings into the kiss to show her that no matter what happens next, he will always love her.

Gopi was surprised at first but didn't resist either. She had wanted to be kissed and held by him for so long. She lived on dreams of that one kiss they shared years ago and now she wanted to experience the real thing once again. She wrapped her arms around Ahem's neck and pulled him closer to her.

Ahem nipped her bottom lip gently and Gopi opened her lips to give him access to her mouth. For Ahem it felt like he had come home after a long time. This is where they both belonged, with each other, if only he could convince her to let go of her fears and trust him to love her like she deserves to be loved. Ahem ran his hands up down her back soothing her even as the passion between the two threatened to explode.

It was a long while before Gopi and Ahem became aware of their surroundings, they both stepped back but still held on to each other. "Gopi we need to talk." Ahem finally broke the silence. Gopi pulled away from him and took another step away from him. "No Ahem not now, maybe never. There is nothing left to talk about. We are friends and we will remain friends; this was just a moment that went out of hand."

Ahem thought quickly before she withdrew into her shell again. "Okay, I am sorry I took advantage of the moment. I promised to be your friend and will remain your friend no matter what the future brings us." He took a deep breath to control his emotions. "Let's go back inside before someone misses us and comes to look for us." They both walked towards the door. Gopi stopped Ahem, "You go ahead I am going to stop at the restroom. I will meet you at the table." She turned toward the restroom without waiting for him to acknowledge her request.

Next morning the Modi family was sitting down for breakfast discussing the previous nights events. Everyone was delighted and relieved that wedding and reception were successful and there were no last minute problems with all the arrangements. Most of the out of town guests had early morning flights and were already gone, only few remained at the hotel. "Now we can start preparing for Kinjal's wedding but before then Jigar needs to tell us what he has decided." Chirag said to the family.

Baa looked at her grandson with a teasing smile. "Ha Jigar dikra, tell us what have you decided about your marriage and Rashi? We all like her and approve, we are just waiting for you to make it official."

Jigar looked around at his family's expectant faces then glanced at his older brother. "Baa I have decided that I will not marry until Ahem bhai also agrees to marry. He has to get married first and I will only marry after him." Jigar stood up and left the dining room leaving his family in stunned silence.

*~+~*

Hope you enjoyed the update.

The lyrics for the first song is from the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

The lyrics from second song is from Atif Aslam Album Doori.

The song is Kuch Is Tarah

Thanks everyone.😊

wow...u made it for the late update by the sheer length of this one...😃