SS: Ahem and Gopi Leave Home. Updated 04/08/2013 - Page 4

He turned back to Kokila. But she was totally engrossed in her new grandson. He pulled up another chair and guided her to sit down.

"Hetal Kaki is here?" It was more of a statement then a question. He went to the door and opened it, thankful for the diversion from his mother's request. As soon as Hetal saw Ahem she got up and smiled broadly. Ahem touched her feet and she gave him her blessings, and then hugged him.

"Ahem, many, many congratulations. You have made me so proud." Ahem then realised she wasn't alone. The whole family were there. Well, almost. Jigar stepped up.

"Congratulations Bhai." He shook him by the hand and hugged him. Closely followed by Chirag and finally Parag. Parag looked at him with tears in his eyes. Words could not express how he felt and he hugged Ahem in a strong embrace which Ahem returned. Finally, Parag stepped back and wiped his tears.

"I am so proud of you." He finally whispered. Both father and son looked at each other for a moment, lamenting their previous bond and anticipating the new relationship.

"How is the baby?" Hetal asked looking at the door. Ahem smiled.

"He is doing fine. They checked him over in the delivery suite. He is perfect."

"He!!!!!" they all spoke in unison. Then Ahem realised that they would not have known the sex as he did not know they were here. He opened the door and peeped through. Gopi was awake and was talking to mom. He held the door open and the family rushed through. The three elders practically ran him over in their rush. Jigar stood by him and smiled.

"You are not worth anything to them," he laughed. "From now on it is baby, baby, baby!" Ahem laughed.

"For once, I don't mind." He looked at Gopi. "As long as the person who matters doesn't forget."

For the next fifteen minutes Ahem watched as the family fussed. There were tears as to be expected. Most from his father and then all too soon the ward nurse came and ushered them all out with the exception of Ahem.

Before she left Kokila turned to Ahem.

"Dikra. I shall have your room ready at home. Why not come home with us now?" Ahem's heart sank. Until she was given an answer she would not give up.

"Mum. I '" he thought very carefully. Today a relationship had mended. But it was one that needed time to heal. "For now, I want to stay with Gopi. I will call you." He said without committing to the statement. Kokila looked at him for a moment and then nodded. She joined the rest of the family. Hetal put her hand on his shoulder.

"Ahem. Don't worry." She reassured him. "The past few years have been tough on her. But she will be fine and now with the little one she has a new lease on life." She touched his cheek and left.

After ensuring that both Gopi and their son was secure, Ahem went home that evening and slept in his own bed.

On the third day he entered Gopi's room and found her in tears. Immediately concerned he went to her.

"Gopi? What's wrong? Are you in pain? Is the baby alright?" He stood by her bed. The doctor who had entered the room after him looked at Gopi and smiled sympathetically.

"Mr Modi. Everything is fine. Your wife has what we call 'the baby blues'. Her hormones are all over the place at the moment and she is feeling emotional. It is normal." For a moment Ahem forgot where was. He sat on the bed next to Gopi and gathered her into his arms and let her cry. Rocking her like a young child, soothing her. The doctor smiled at the scene before her and slowly backed out of the room. She came back moments later, checked to see if everything was fine. "Mr and Mrs Modi. I came back to tell you that all the test results for mother and baby have come back fine. You may take them home today if you wish. Ahem was on top of the world. He would take his family home.