Those were the best moments of her life. She had never experienced those feeling before. No one had ever explained to her what to expect on the first night with your husband. She did not have any close friends and hence never gossiped with anyone about how husbands behaved during those intimate moments. In the last one-year or so all physical intimacy between them had happened by accident and lasted not more that a few seconds. During those accidental encounters she had felt the weakening in her knees. She had felt her mouth go dry. She had felt the urge to touch her lips to his. She did not understand why she had those feelings and how to control them.
Then came the day. The fateful holi day. The day she crossed the threshold from being a lady to finally becoming a woman. The day she became his wife from being just a roommate.
She had never seen her Ahemji in that avatar before. He told her repeatedly how much he loved her. Each time he confessed his undying love to her, he kissed her. Each kiss was different from the last kiss. Each time he confessed his love to her, he caressed her. His touch invoked a feeling, which was new to her, yet felt so good. His touch was perfect, his kisses were mind-blowing. He taught her how to make love. Amidst their physical bonding Ahem told her repeatedly not to put that damn Pallu over her head anymore. He pleaded her to call him "AHEM" and not Ahemji any more. Despite the initial discomfort and her inhibitions they enjoyed their lovemaking. The young bride in her wanted to be in ecstasy forever. Alas, the daughter in law had to return to her duties after the husband fell asleep after their passionate encounter.
Cruel as it sounds, but Ahem had shed his inhibitions, under the effect of Bhaang. His memory had lapsed, but for her the memory was fresh in her mind even after a month. She yearned for his touch, for his attention, for his love ' just like he had expressed that beautiful afternoon. He showed his love, but for her that was not enough anymore. She wanted her husband to love her and not show just the care and concern of a roommate.
That morning Baa, Chirag Kaka, Hetal Kaki, Papaji and Maaji had left for a two-week pilgrimage. The moment the elders left, Rashi convinced Jigar to take her and her mummy to a nearby resort. Jigar being Jigar, agreed and they left by early afternoon. Since most of the family members were away, Meethi decided to visit her family and left for a week.
Gopi still wished against all odds that she and Ahemji would eventually enjoy matrimonial bliss. That evening she took extra effort to get ready. She chose a sari that would accentuate her curves, she decided not wear any makeup, just lip-gloss. She wore simple ear-rings and only her Mangalsutra. Gopi wished Ahem would notice the difference. She wanted to seduce her Ahem.
She was ready; the food was ready to be served once her Ahem was back from work. The shrill sould of the landline broke her trance. It was her Ahem. "Gopi, the meeting is still not over, have no idea when it will be over. Please have your dinner and don't wait for me, go to sleep" However Ahem wanted to say "Darling, I know you are all alone and I want to be with you as soon as possible, but the client wants to finalise the deal today. Sweetheart, I promise I will spend the whole day with you tomorrow, just excuse me for today. I love you a lot baby." Ahem cursed himself, why, why, why, can I not confess my love to my own wife. Why am I so formal with her all the time?
That phone call devastated Gopi. Another dejection from her Ahemji. Did he not realize that she loves him? Why does he keep rejecting me, she kept thinking. That night she did not cry. Her tears had finally dried. She must have fallen asleep at some point of time. It did not matter when and how she fell asleep. What mattered was in what state he found her.
He walked in at three a.m. He had wished she were still awake. He had imagined and dreamt a million times that he was making love to her. How he wanted to make it a reality. But something was stopping him. He cursed himself for his inhibitions. He thought he was worse that teenager in love.
He had to kiss her, before he went to sleep, even if it was just a quick brush of his lips against hers. He had to feel her before he went to sleep. She was burning with fever. The whether was hot and was she shivering. She seemed unconscious. 3.15 am on the clock, would it be advisable to call Dr Tejas? To hell with politeness, he dialed the family doctor. Give her paracetamol and put wet strips on her forehead. If the fever does not subside in two hours, take her to the hospital, was the doctors advise.
His administered the medication and tended to her lovingly. The fever had subsided but she was still unconscious. She was muttering something, which seemed incoherent at first. He entwined his finger with hers and in a tender loving voice told her ' "Darling, I am with you. Tell me what is bothering your sweetheart when you are completely well, but for now take rest. My love please get well for me as soon as possible"
In the state that she was Gopi thought that she was imagining again. She blabbered this time and it was clearer. "Gopi, stop dreaming. Ahemji has forgotten that we made love on Holi. He is comfortable being your room-mate for his mother's sake, so enjoy his company. Be his friend, don't try to be his wife. Love him unconditionally". She cried her heart out.
MADE LOVE? MADE LOVE? MADE LOVE? God when did he make love to her on Holi? He kept asking himself. He felt the physical attraction towards her more after that day, but he did not know the reason why. Yes he had probed her, but she was too shy to say it in words. How could she explain such a thing you in words you silly Ahem, he told himself. She was trying to tell you a lot thru her body language. It now makes sense, her dressing up on the night of Holi, her sudden aloofness after Holi.
Ahem were you waiting for Christmas 2050 to express your love to Gopi, he asked himself. Your heart yearns for her, your body wants her. Do not deny yourself and her the pleasure of a married life. She lives to see a smile on your face Ahem. Show her that it means a lot to see that heartfelt smile. Show her that you want to see her first thing in the morning. Show her how you want to snuggle in bed with after making love every night.
Just as in the state of intocxination, Ahem had made love to Gopi, Gopi in her state of intoxination, finally managed to tell Ahem what had happened between them. Ahem was finally ready to express his feeling without any inhibitions. He was ready to share his life in totality with Gopi.
The morning rays found Ahem snuggled with Gopi. The fever was gone, but Gopi was still sleeping peacefully. Ahem managed to wake up before Gopi. No he did not know how to make tea. All he managed was a glass of canned juice with a bowl of cereals with a single red rose on the breakfast tray.
We woke her up with a kiss on the forehead. Gopi smiled in her sleep but did not wake up. He caressed her lips with his fingers before placing a gentle kiss. Gopi woke up with a startle. A mix of shock and scare overtook her seeing Ahem so close to her.
As they say love melts rocks, it melted Ahem too. His actions were tender, his words were gentle. "My Jaan Gopi, I still do not remember what happened on Holi. We made love, I am sorry I do not remember. I do not know what happened and why I do not remember the most special moment of our life. But today, I Ahem, husband of Gopi Ahem, promises to love his wife Gopi every second of his life. There will not be a second in my wife's life when she will not feel my love. Gopi will be a part of every small and big decision Ahem makes. Gopi will be the mother of Ahems children and Grandmother of Ahem's grandchildren. There will be no Ahem without Gopi. Ahem will never forget any memories which involves Gopi even when he is 90"
There was no more room for any words. The embrace was first gentle, and then fiery passion took over. Ahem may remember the Holi incident at some point in his life. Today it did not matter, as they were making new memories, which they will both cherish, as a couple.
I leave it to your imagination, what Ahem and Gopi did the two weeks when all were away.
GOOD NIGHT FOLKS. Leave your comments.
Jhanak
Shiv Shakti
