Hello.. hope you enjoy this update... for some reason i found it really hard to write.. not sure if its writers block or what.. not 100% happy but hopefully you enjoy...
Part Five
Rashi was sitting on her bed, feeling very bored.. Jigar had gone downstairs as Papa had called him for some work and she had nothing else she could do... Hearing some sound, she sat up and called out... "Is someone there..?"
"Rashiben, it's me Gopi.. Woh.. I bought Prasad for you'" "Prasad? From where?" asked Rashi.
"Woh, Kanaji ki mandir... I went and did a small puja for you Rashiben and prayed to Kanaji to help you get better soon.."
Rashi was touched. Gopi always was so caring to her, despite everything her mummy said or did to her..
Only what Mummy did.. Be honest Rashi.. You have been just as mean and cruel to Gopi
Rashi lowered her head, feeling ashamed as she thought about the things she had done to Gopi. Why had she done those things? What had she been trying to achieve? To break up her marriage to Ahemjiju.. Why did she want that?
"Rashiben'" Gopi's voice broke Rashi's thought "Ha Gopi, bolo, what is it? "
"Rashiben, I'm sorry for not talking to you lately but... "Gopi spoke softly..."Rashiben.. This family means everything to me.. And you and I have the duty of making sure nothing happens.. Lately it seems Maaji and Kakiji seem to have obstacles coming between them'I don't know why, but I felt it was being caused purposely by you and Mamiji.. But why would you do this.. This is your family. Why would you want to cause rift? "
Rashi was silent, listening to Gopi's word.. She felt stunned hearing Gopi say this..
"Rashiben, I am scared, if things keep going like this, what if the family gets split up, what will happen? Baa, Papaji, Kakaji, Devarji, Ahemji.. They will all be so upset.. And for what.. Because of small misunderstandings between Maaji and Kakiji? If the family gets split, everyone in the family will be heartbroken... I can't bear the thought... I know Maaji and Kakiji love each other every much'we have to make sure they don't forget this.. Rashiben" pleaded Gopi suddenly holding Rashi's hand.. 'Promise me you will help me with this..Tumhe Devarji ki kasam? "
Rashi was in shock, unable to speak.. Gopi had been right in her thinking.. She had been causing the rift intentional.. But had she stopped to think of the impact to everyone.. and if Jigarji ever found out she had played a part.. It had taken so many months for him to forgive her and her mummy's previous kalakaries and if Jigarji ever found out about any of the recent kalakaries.. Rashi felt a shiver go down a spine..Jigarji will never forgive me..She thought..Rashi, forget Kagdi for now and think about your marriage. You have to change your ways otherwise you will lose Jigarji forever..
Rashi reached out and found Gopi's hand.. "Gopi, I promise you..Nothing will happen to our family.. If you and I are here to take care of them, how can anything bad happen?" a feeling of happiness washed over Rashi as she said the words.. While her eyes were covered with the physical bandages, Rashi felt as though the wool that had been covering her eyes since she got married was finally being lifted'
"Rashiben, you are right.. "Gopi said, happiness resonating in her voice.. "And Rashiben, don't worry.. Kanaji is with us, he will make your eyes get better soon"
"Gopi bhabhi hopefully soon means now.. "said Jigar, walking into the room, followed closely by Doctor Sahib, Hetal and Kolkila.
'Rashi dikra.. Doctor Sahib is here, to check your eyes" Rashi heard Mummyji's voice.. and then felt someone sit on the bed and hold her hand.. Jigarji, thought Rashi, smiling..
'Rashi, I am going to take the bandages off, keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open ok?" said Doctor Sahib. Rashi nodded.. Kanaji please don't let me lost my eyesight
Rashi felt the bandages coming off then heard Doctor Sahib talking to her again "Rashi open your eyes slowly, it might still hurt a little but don't rub your eyes.. just take your time and go slowly.."
Rashi slowly opened her eyes.. at first every time looked black and her eyes were still painful.. She squeezed Jigarji' s hand tightly, panicking.. She heard Jigarji clasping his other hand over hers, telling it was going to be ok.. After a few second though, the darkness started to fade, and she could make out shapes.. They were blurry and she couldn't make out the details, but she would see silhouettes that resembled Gopi, Mummyji and Kakiji.. "Doctor Sahib, I can see something's.. But it is not clear..."
"Rashi that is ok.. Sometimes it takes bit longer to get 100% recovered after an accident like this.. but the good thing is, you are getting better. Jigar, you got the medications I advised, right?" asked Doctor Sahib
"Yes I got them already Sir"' responded Jigar..
"Good, keep giving the drops every four hours for the next two days. She should rest for the next two or three days, and she will be back to normal soon."
"Thank you Doctor Sahib, " Jigar said "I will do exactly as you say." "Ok, good, I will take my leave then. If you have any questions, please call me, ok." Said Doctor Sahib.."Thank you Doctor" Rashi heard Mummyji say.. "I will walk you to the door" and heard footsteps walking away from her.
Rashi heard Kakiji speak then "Jigar dikra, you stay here with Rashi in case she needs anything.. Once dinner is ready one of us will bring up for Rashi.. Theek hai.."
"Ji Kakiji, lekin wwoh.." stuttered Jigar
"Kya baat hai Jigar, bolo?"
'Kakiji, can you send my food up as well?" Rashi heard Jigar say, sounding a bit sheepish.
"Your food.. Why" Kakiji asked..
"Ji woh.. Rashi sitting and eating by herself.. If you send my food up, I can sit and eat with her, and give her company.." Jigar's said, his voice trailing off towards the end
Rashi could feel herself turn pink.. She could only imagine how annoyed Kakiji would be at this request.. She was surprised when she heard Kakiji.. 'Saaru, I shall send for food both of you, Ab kush?" a playfully tone in her voice.
"Thank you kakiji" responded Jigar cheerfully..
Rashi listened to them all with the exception of Jigarji, leave the room,. She wondered in her head' like her thoughts on Gopi, was she also wrong about Kakiji?
~~~
Dinner was a quiet affair, with Gopi silently moving around, serving everyone. Ahem could tell Gopi had prepared most of the dishes.. They tasted so good., even better than his Mom's cooking, although he would never let his mom know that!
After dinner, Ahem headed back to his room.. As he neared his room he heard Jigar call out to him.
"What is it Jigar" he responded..
'Bhai are you free now, for me to talk to you about something" Jigar said walking up to Ahem, looking a bit nervous.
"Sure, come in and sit.."
Jigar sat and Ahem waited for Jigar to speak.. After a few seconds though, upon hearing nothing from him, he looked at Jigar and asked "What is it Jigar? Are you ok?"
"Ji, Bhai, I am fine.. I was thinking..well wondering, ummm " Jigar paused
Oh god, thought Ahem.. Jigar was just as frustrating as Gopi sometimes. Why didn't he just say what was on his mind?
He placed a hand on Jigar's shoulder to try and make him relax and did his best to not sound annoyed "What is it Jigar.. Why are you so nervous?"
"Bhai.. I wanted your help with something'Please don't be mad, but I was wondering if you could talk to Papa and everyone and see if we can go on a holiday somewhere for the next few days.."
"Jigar, why would I get mad about something like this? But why the sudden request to go on holiday?" Ahem questioned, wondering where this unexpected wish to go on holiday had come from.
"Bhai, woh.. Doctor Sahib was saying this afternoon that in Rajkot there is lot of dust and it would be better if Rashi went to some hill station to recover.. I was thinking.. It's been a long time since we all went to together for holiday so maybe.."Jigar's voice trailed off, his eyes
Oh, so this is all for Maharani Rashi, thought Ahem rolling his eyes.. Ahem initial reaction was to say no, but he stopped himself and thought for a moment, a slow smile appearing on his face.. This is perfect thought Ahem, Jigar has just given me perfect reason to put my plan into action.
Out loud he said, "That's a great idea Jigar" causing Jigar to look at him in surprise.. "Let's go talk to Kakaji now.
"Are you sure Bhai?"
"Yes I am sure.. just come with me and back me up" Jigar nodded his head
He got up and headed to Kakaji's room.. Knocking on Kaka and Kaki's room door and hearing Kaka say come in, Ahem walked in with Jigar.
"Ahem.. Jigar... What is it? You are both here so late " Kaka asked, sitting in bed with newspaper.
"Kakaji, Jigar and I were just talking that maybe we could take everyone for a holiday for a few days.."
"A holiday? Why?"
"Kakaji the family hasn't been on a holiday in a while not since we went to Switzerland. I was thinking we have that project we will be starting in Shimla soon, so why not take everyone there for a week.. The ladies can get some rest, after all the work they have done for the pujas and festivals we have had and we could go see the project site at the same time.. Anyway the office is very quiet and even Doctor Sahib was saying, getting away from Rajkot and all the dust would help Rashi recover quicker.."Ahem paused, and seeing Kakiji looking at him with a smile decided to get her support.. "Kakiji, what do you think?"
"Ahem dikra, this is a wonderful idea.. Jigar ke Papa.. I think you should agree.. Really everyone has been working so hard and we haven't had a family holiday in long time.. It will be fun" Kakiji responded
"Actually Kakiji, Jigar had the idea first.. The credit goes to him" Ahem said, looking at Jigar who nodded his head and grinned
"Theek hai, if you all are keen to go, how can I refuse.. Ahem why don't you look at hotels we can stay at, and we can discuss in the morning?"
"Ji Kakaji..Good night.. Jai Shree Krishna.." Ahem smiled before turning and walking out of the room, followed closely by Jigar
As they walked up towards their rooms, Jigar couldn't seem to contain his excitement, talking a hundred miles an hour about what they could do there.. Ahem simply smiled and nodded, happy to see his younger brother smiling. While Ahem was still had concerns about Rashi and her mother, he didn't want to upset Jigar.. He knew how heartbroken his brother had been when all the deceitful things they had done had come out into the open.. It had taken a lot of Jigar to move past but it seemed he and Rashi were rebuilding their relationship and Ahem knew no matter how hurt Jigar had been, he had never stopped caring about Rashi.. Ahem looked at Jigar and reflected.. He and Gopi were alike in that way.. They always thought the best of people and were so forgiving.. They reached Ahem and Gopi's room door and Jigar said "Bhai, thank you so much.. How can I thank you.."
"Don't worry about it Jigar.. I'm glad I could help.." while silently thinking, I should be the one thanking you
"Actually Bhai, I have the best thing, wait, I will be back soon' said Jigar, before rushing off towards his room..
I wonder what he has thought Ahem, he shrugged his shoulders and walked into his room, wondering if Gopi was there yet. Finding the room empty, Ahem sighed and sat on the couch opening his laptop to do some work..
A few minutes later, Jigar returned.."Here Bhai.. this is for you and Bhabhi" presenting him with a photo frame..
Ahem took the frame and looked in surprise at the photo. It was a photo of him and Gopi, they were standing side by side and he had his arm on her shoulder.. they looked so good together. Ahem looked up at Jigar and asked.."Jigar, when was this taken?"
"Bhai, you forgot so quickly. Having too much fun dancing and playing with colours were you?" Jigar said in a teasing tone, "I took this photo on Holi day.. Remember I took one with all the family and then I took some of you and Bhabhi.. It's such a nice photo, so I got it framed for you' Do you like it?
"Yes Jigar, it's really nice.. " Ahem said, racking his brain.. even after Jigar telling him he couldn't recall them taking this photo.. "Thank you Jigar... "
"You're welcome Bhai.. Ok good night" Jigar said smiling and walking out.
Ahem couldn't stop staring at the photo... they really did look good together' but what had Jigar said' He, Ahem, had been dancing, playing with colours? He never danced' he had never been fond of Holi.. This year he had looked forward but only because of Gopi. He had heard Gopi talking to Kanaji and recalled how sad she had sounded remembering her antics from previous year and Ahem had thought he would play Holi with her to cheer her up.. Ahem could still remember how cute she had looked when she had told him She could not live without him.. He felt ashamed thinking how he had yelled at her.. despite that she had still continued to care for him' he had done so many nasty things to Gopi, yelled at her for things which were not her fault and she had still continued to care for him'
Ahem again looked at the photo, at how Gopi.. she was smiling' her face seemed to be glowing with happiness' what had happened'why was she no longer smiling like this' he placed his hand on the photo, touching her cheek, wishing he could touch her real cheeks.. Ahem looked up to see Gopi entering the room..
He smiled and called to her "Gopi, come here' Look at what Jigar gave us" holding the photo frame out to her.
He watched as she tentatively took the frame and saw a smile break on her face as she saw the photo.. after a few seconds though, it disappeared and her face seemed to grow sad' What just happened, thought Ahem.. she doesn't like the photo?
"Gopi isn't it a lovely photo?"
"Ji, yes it's a lovely photo Ahemji.." Gopi spoke softly but Ahem heard it.. her voice, it sounded like it was broken'Ahem looked at her intently, searching her face for a clue on what had caused this sadness.. Ahem wasn't sure if he was imagining things, but her eyes seemed to be glistening as if she was about to cry' he felt a sudden ache in his chest, he wasn't unsure of what to do.. he wanted to pull Gopi into his arms, to comfort her and tell her everything would be ok.. but how could her tell her that, when he had no idea what was upsetting her.. or how she would react to him touching her?
He watched as she placed the photo frame on the bedside table, and taking her night sari out of the wardrobe, rushed into the bathroom'
Ahem took a big breath.. he had to stay strong and stick to his plan.. he couldn't rush things with Gopi'
He shut his laptop, his head thinking of too many things to focus on work. He walked over to the sofa and lay down, thinking of what he would have to do tomorrow..
Gopi came to the bed, and asked if it was ok to turn the light off. Ahem nodded, smiling.. "Thanks..Good Night Gopi."
"Good night Ahemji" Gopi said, before turning off the light, lying down and closing her eyes..
Ahem watched her, the light from outside allowing him to make out her face.. she has an angelic face he thought.. her soft skin, her rosy cheeks.. she looked even more beautiful without makeup.. his eyes fell to her lips.. they looked so soft and luscious.. Ahem drifted off to sleep thinking what her lips would feel like..
~~~
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