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Part 2...
Ahem sat on his bed with his hands on his head thinking of what Gopi had just told him. He knew Gopi was afraid of him, but to think she still felt like he would be upset with her for anything, did not sit well with him. He decided to let Gopi know the truth. He could no longer get mad at her, even if he tried. She had completely mellowed him out. Ahem Modi was still the revered business man. But at home he had turned into a man in love with his wife, and grateful for having such a loving family. What more could a man want? Then Ahem thought confessing my love to my wife is what I want. He went about his routine of drinking his tea, and then went downstairs to join the family. Just as he came down, his mom called out to him and he went to her. Koki said Ahem dikra, I need your help. Gopi is too innocent and she does not realize Rashi has no love for her. Gopi still thinks her sister is a victim of misunderstandings. So Ahem, I want you to talk to her, and try and make her understand that not everything is what you see. Sometimes you can find a wolf in sheep's clothing. Ahem said I will try Mom. Gopi and I have been friends for a while now, and she may open up to me. Koki just stared at him and nodded. Ahem left his moms side to join his Kaka and Papa on the sofa. Ahem looked for Gopi and just when he turned towards the kitchen he saw her coming towards him. She had a tray of snacks and tea for everyone. She saw Ahemji and smiled. Ahem smiled back at her, confident this is a good start. He then proceeded to say Gopi, I already had my tea, but can I please have another one. Gopi just nodded and smiled and went to bring his tea. Everyone in the family looked at Ahem like he had grown another head. The Ahem they knew would never have requested in such a manner. He would have demanded. Koki was the only one who had a slight smile on her face. Not that you could notice, but it was there. And pride shone thru her eyes at her Vau's effect on her son.
After dinner, in the GoEm room, Ahem was busy with finishing his latest project on his laptop. Gopi came in the room with the water jug and set it on the table and went to the almari and got her night saree and went to the bathroom to change. She saw Ahemji was in deep concentration and did not want to bother him. So she went about her nightly chores quietly. Ahem had seen her come in and was waiting for her to say something so he could look up at her and answer in a calm manner. He thought he would show he could no longer get mad. But to his dismay, Gopi went about her routine quietly. He saw her go into the bathroom and tried to think how else to make her see. He then went back to work. And when Gopi came out of the bathroom, he went to her and said Gopi I need to clear up something. Gopi turned around and asked what Ahemji? Ahem said Gopi earlier you said you did not want to make me angry and so you try to avoid me, but Gopi, I am not the same Ahem as before. Do you not see a change in me. Gopi looked at him and said yes Ahemji, I do see the change, and I am so happy you talk to me about everything. But Ahemji, I don't want you to think I take all your time. I know you have a lot of things to do at office and most of the time at home also. So I just want to make sure you are not disturbed. Ahem looked at Gopi for a sec and said Gopi, there was a time when these things bothered me. Now I look forward to you coming and talking to me. Do you know I am a better person because of your influence on me. I am serious Gopi, I feel like I just started living. Up until now, life for me was work, work and more work. Since I have started to give you room in my heart, I look forward to coming home and spending time with you. I look for reasons to come home early, just so I could talk to you longer. And also Gopi, you have taught me about family values, so I like to come home and spend quality time with my family. And Gopi, another thing...you are my family. Please don't take that away from me. Gopi smiled and said ok Ahemji. Ahem smiled back and said Gopi, I want you to also know whenever you are around I find peace. I want to give you the same peace and comfort that you are showering on me. Gopi looked at him in surprise and said I never knew I gave you peace. Ahem went closer to her and said Gopi, there are a lot more things about me you still don't know. But if you give me a chance I will tell you all. Gopi just nodded and looked down blushing, so Ahem put his finger under her chin and said Thank you Gopi for making me a better person. The person standing in front of you is not the same one as before. And I am going to show you...promise.
The next morning, Ahem had just gotten up and saw Gopi sitting at her dresser and finishing up her morning routine. Ahem said, Gopi could you bring me my tea here. I want to finish up some work. Gopi looked at him and said first we need to do puja, and then you can have your tea and work. Ahem smiled at her and said your wish is my command, Gopijee. After Ahem went in the bathroom, Gopi just looked at the door and thought, I feel like Ahemji is in love with me...could it be even possible. He worries about how I feel all the time. And now he has started to even tell me his heartfelt wishes. All she could do was smile and went downstairs. At the puja, everyone was assembled. Today only Mota Bhai and Mota Bhabhi were to do aarti. The rest of the family joined their hands and started the prayers. Ahem stood next to Gopi and he felt like teasing her...so he nudged her with his elbow and when she looked at him, he looked away and pretended he was praying. Gopi was confused for a minute then went back to praying, thinking I thought he was trying to get my attention. But he was just praying. Ahem opened his eyes after a few minutes and smiled at her. He again elbowed her and this time he got caught. He looked at her surprised and then they both smiled. Gopi looked down blushing again and went closer to him and whispered Ahemji, what are you doing? Ahem looked at her with the most innocent of faces and said Me? I didn't do anything. He then smiled at her...she knew he was being a nathkhat just like her Khanaji. She could barely contain her happiness. Ahem saw this and smiled thinking, you are going to seal this deal Mr. Ahem Modi...it is just a matter of time. At the breakfast table, Ahem kept bothering Gopi. When she tried to serve him, he would move his dish so that the food was about fall on the table. He then would move it back in time and say be careful Gopi. You almost spilled it. Koki looked at Gopi and then at Ahem and could not believe her own son was openly teasing his wife. No one at the table could tell, but to Koki, she knew her son well. And all she could do was send a silent thank you to Krishna Bhaghwan.
In the evening Gopi was in her room changing the bed sheets when Ahemji came home. She saw him and without thinking she ran to him and stopped just short of bumping him and said give me your bag Ahemji. Ahem saw her reaction and thought how wonderful it would have been to be greeted with a hug. He never knew he wanted it till he saw her coming towards him. And when she stopped, he felt dejected. But he knew good things come to those who wait...and so wait he would. He went into the bathroom to change and outside Gopi could not help but blush at her reaction. She was well on her way to hug him tight. She wondered how he would have felt if they had hugged. She never knew how much she wanted to hold him till she saw him. And she ran with her instincts. Thank god she caught herself in time. But then again...was there a hint of anticipation on Ahemji's face...Could it be? When she was lost in her thoughts, Ahem came out and saw her in deep thinking mode. He went to her and patted her shoulder to bring her back to earth. When Gopi turned around and saw Ahem looking at her she blushed again and said sorry Ahemji, I was in deep thought. Let me go and bring you your tea. Ahem said don't worry about it Gopi. But what are you thinking? Is everything ok. Gopi just nodded and said yes Ahemji. Ahem then said Gopi, I want you to know if there is anything you want to talk about or you want to say something...please don't hesitate. I am always here for you...ok? Gopi again looked down and blushed and said yes Ahemji, if there is anything I promise to come to you first.
Veer Hanuman
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
