SS-No One But You - Last Part /Page 27 - Page 7

Thank U vmpp 😊

Gopi, just like before, vanished before he was up and got back in late. She, more often than not, had a workload from her sessions. Six months seemed too short a period to be learning to live: to look forward to things in an unknown future, But, the unknown had certain magnetism which she found too hard to resist. She for the very first time in her life was not scared or apprehensive and was looking forward to it. But she also knew deep down that these six months were too long a time to stay around someone who despised you and jumped at the first offer made to him to be rid of her.

The first couple of days were most uncomfortable, neither of them knew how to handle it. Both of them, as though bound by an unspoken code, decided to remain courteous to one another and treat the other with the respect they deserved. The change in Aham's behavior was drastic, it was almost unbelievable. A sense of calm descended on him almost immediately, and it was there for everyone to see, esp. Gopi. 

A couple of days later, as promised, Aham moved his appointments to free up a slot for the lawyer. He had asked her about her study schedule in order to fix a slot which would not affect her sessions. This was the first of the many firsts, of which Gopi was unaccustomed to.  He sent the driver to pick her up and get her to his office. This was the first time she saw his lair. She was anxious of the change in him, but liked it nonetheless. She made sure she reminded herself each day that this was a farce and would all end one day.

Aham played the redeemed husband to the hilt and was always courteous to her, took her out to social outings and did not need Kokila's pointers. He at times even surprised himself by going out with her to get her study material, by picking her up or dropping her off at the computer center. He was beginning to take a keen interest in her learning sessions, trying to contribute wherever possible. He was concerned about her future esp. since she was not aware of the ways of the world. He would ask her about the progress she was making and get her more books. He encouraged her read newspapers and magazines, and would clarify her doubts.  She, on the other hand, had never seen this side of Aham and was surprised at his generosity and kindness. Uncomfortable silence made way for companionable discussions.  After one of their discussions on the internet, she was most amazed when he gave her his old laptop and showed her how to use it over the weekend. From Aham's point of view, he kept thinking, this was the least he could do her after whatever she had done for his family and all that she was doing for him.

Gopi had changed as well and for the better. She was more confident around him, did not jitter, stammer or make a fool of herself in his presence. She was not slavish anymore, did not rush to do things for Aham or seek his approval. She was learning when to back off and stay away. She looked forward to the time they spent in their room, where Aham was Aham and she was she, no pretentions, no pressure: just two real people. The room they shared became a sanctuary for both of them to be real.

On the work front, Aham's project was moving at a break neck speed and he was to coordinate with his European counterparts for the next phase.  This required him to travel to Europe for a fortnight. Gopi upon realizing that she falling in love with Aham all over again, decided this a time to rein her feelings. She did not want to ruin their relationship by doing something stupid. She was determined to end this on a good note. Aham, on the other hand, wanted Gopi to experience the world first hand, wanted her to see, all that she had read about. He was slightly disappointed when she decided against the trip, despite the family's insistence, but was impressed by her dedication to the sessions.  

Aham's trip gave Gopi time alone to put things into perspective. She still loved him, more than ever. It hurt her to see that their plan for the separation had made Aham a totally different person. She knew, he never felt anything for her, but this was too much for her to handle. She could hear her heart break and she had to keep her heart out of it, but how could one control it? She was resolved to move on, not only for her sake but also for Aham's. She had never seen him happier and that is what mattered to her the most. She was determined to stay away from Aham henceforth and reserve their interactions mostly for the public.

Aham's trip was going great. He would call home each day to talk to his mother, who in turn passed it on to Gopi. She was taken aback, esp. since she least expected him to talk to her and also cause it would affect her decision. Before a routine set in, Gopi began avoiding being anywhere around Kokila at the time of the call. As for Aham, it did not take a scientist to figure out what was happening. He was too egotistical to acknowledge that it annoyed him and led himself to believe that she was busy. He had never before been ignored or avoided by Gopi. But then, this was the phase of the firsts.

One day, he called home late in the night to discuss an issue with Kaka and Gopi answered the phone, he never realized, until then that he could freeze like that at her hello, but then again hadn't he called fully aware that everyone was out that evening visiting family friends. And also, did he not have his Kaka's cell phone no. to call on. 

Aham replies "Hello, Gopi where is Kaka, I needed to talk to him?" 

"He is out, visiting the Mehtas, maybe you should try calling his cell phone?"

"Yepp, I will!! So how are you, how are your sessions progressing?"

 "I am good thanx Ahamji, I have final report due for my computer class tomorrow, I will ask Kaka to get in touch with you, when he's back."

"No don't worry about it, I shall call him myself," he paused and the said" good luck with your report."

"Thank you, Bye"

"Bye" and with that Aham hung up the phone, trying to block Gopi out as well.