FF: It wasn't just love -Chapter 45-The End(03/28) - Page 19

Chapter 18

"I always come here. When I am happy, sad, angry, frightened, tensed, this place gives me a sense of peace. Nobody knows this place exists. It was my secret till today. Now it is ours." Aham said proudly as he took Gopi's hand and sat on the bench facing the lake. 

He had accidently found the spot when he was aimlessly driving one night to calm himself. He had found peace here that day and every other day from then on.. It was an isolated spot with no human traffic.

"You shared it with no one? Not even Maaji?" Gopi asked astounded.

"No Gopi.. I do not share secrets or problems that easily. I always try to keep it to myself so that others are not affected by it." "But Ahamji why? Everyone loves you at home. They will only help you." " I do not know why Gopi. I never share my pain or sorrows with others because I always thought it would make me feel vulnerable. Sharing them would be a sign of vulnerability. And I was afraid of people taking advantage of the fact. I never realized when and how I built a wall around my heart in the name of protection. A wall that I myself found difficlut to scale..." Aham continued looking at the crystal blue water..

Gopi looked up at Aham and held their entwined hands tighter. She laid her head on his shoulders and stared at the water herself. She was slowly realizing how lonely Aham had been till recently. Just like her. She felt Aham move his hand to make her more comfortable. He brought his right hand around her and kissed her on the head once. Their silence continued broken only by the chirping of birds..

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"God.. She looks beautiful" Jigar thought silently as he watched Deepika come down for the party. His Gopi Bhabhi had been true to her word. She had helped Deepika get ready and then had left with Aham. Deepika was now wearing a blue sequined sari with matching accessories. She looked gorgeous and Jigar knew he was staaring at her.

"Jigar?" "huh.. Can we go?" He asked, bringing himself back and turned around to march off to the car. He felt Deepika's eyes on his back as he walked quickly to the door. He knew he was behaving silly. But when he saw her coming down, he had felt something that made him uncomfortable. He had for the first time looked at her and had not seen her as his friend.

Deepika was disappointed. She had hoped that Jigar would comment on her dress or how she looked. Gopi had taken great care in dressing her up. They had both helped each other to get ready and Deepika had felt she had gained a sister in Gopi. But now Jigar was acting stand offish and she wondered if he was pre occupied by work.

The journey to the banquet hall was made in silence. Jigar could not meet Deepika's eyes and  Deepika was tired of having her questions answered in mono syllables. She felt that Jigar was regretting bringing her to the party with him. 

"Welcome Mr. Modi and your lovely wife..." The minute they stepped out of the car, the ursher welcomed them.. "She.. She is just a friend.." Jigar corrected as he felt himself and Deepika turn bright red.. Their car trip here had been bad enough. Now this mistake was making it worse. Jigar wished he had come alone..

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"I am afraid of injections." Gopi said softly. "Hmmm?" "I am afraid of injections. Badly." "I know that.. I should.." Aham touched his cheek remembering the slap she had accidently given him and smiled. Gopi went quiet. She was embarassed. "Ahamji I.." "It is ok Gopi." He laughed. Again they fell silent. Each thinking.. "Why are you frightened of injections?" Aham asked lightly. Gopi did not answer. He waited for her giving her the time she needed..

"I was a healthy child when I was young. There was no need for docters or medicines and whatever small cold of fever I got, I used to drink Kaada or Tulsi concotion and I would be alright again." Gopi fell silent again.. 

"There was so much to do around the house and Raashi ben had to go to school and work. So I used to make sure that she was not troubled. But when I fell sick Maami used to tell me how much Raashi ben had to work to make up for my part of the chores.. So I usually tried working even when I was sick. Once Maami had a house party. Maami wanted me to prepare dinner for her friends. I remember that I had cold that day and I felt dizzy. But Raashi ben told me that she had work from school and left for her friend's house. It was late when the last of her guests came in. I did not notice and burned the rotis that was served to them. I think Maami's guests made a mention of that. Maami got really angry. After everyone left she came to the kitchen. I begged her to forgive me for the mistake but she was not able to forget the insult she was put through.." Gopi swallowed. She could even now remember how angry her maami was that day and that still frightened her.

"It was raining heavily and as punishment maami sent me out to stand in the rain." Aham looked down at Gopi. He heard her talk about her trials with no accusation in her words. She had taken her cousin's and Maami's words on face value. Aham was slowly understanding the extent to which she had been manipulated. His heart felt heavy as he heard her talk of the punishment as though it was an everyday occurance. He tigtened his hold around her.

Gopi continued starring at the deep water. "It was very cold. Cold and wet. I begged maami to let me in. But she was very angry. Finally I think I fainted. When I woke up, I could see Maama hovering over me trying to wake me up. Somebody mentioned about a hospital.. The next thing I remember is waking up in a bed surrounded by white walls. Then maami shouting at a nurse that I was fine enough to go home. I remember walking home supported by Maama. I was asked to sleep in the room adjustcent to the kitchen.. I should have got worse because it is difficult to remember what happened for the next 2 days. But I remember after that.." Gopi's voice caught. 

She was unable to continue as she saw herself staring at the maami with an injection in her hand. "She told me it would make me better. And that I needed to get better. There was a lot of work to do. I remember the injection.. It hurt Ahamji.. very badly. I shouted that I was hurting and she just jabbed it in more.. Ahamji it hurt.." Gopi had tears in her eyes now and she had turned herself into Aham's hands. Aham wrapped her tightly in his embrace. "I could not move my hands for 2 days. But Maama told me that night that Maami will not do that again. He also applied medicine on the wound. It became alright after sometime.. But since then I have been frightened.." Gopi mumbled and held on as Aham rocked her back and forth.

"How old were you Gopi?" Aham asked knowing that the answer would hurt him even more.. "I do not know exactly.. Maybe 10 or twelve.. I think I was a little older than Panna." Gopi said. 

Aham looked down at her horrified. He had understood what she had gone through from Raashi's words and her own ones before.. But not in this level of detail. He felt disgust at her maami and anger. Anger that nobody stopped her from hurting Gopi..

Aham felt Gopi trembling and her held her close to him. "She cannot harm you anymore Gopi." He whispered close to her ear. "I will make sure nobody harms you ever. I promise."

Gopi sobbed as she heard his words. Aham's words were soothing her.But just when she thought there were no more tears to shed, she felt Aham lift her face and look at her face intently. His eyes were filled with love and pain. Pain for her. She felt herself drawn to him and she could not avoid his gaze.

Aham slowly bent down to kiss her eyes first, then her cheek. He used his thumbs to wipe her tears away and then lightly bent down once more to place a kiss on her mouth. He felt her lips tremble against his and then more tears run down her cheek. This time he knew they were from happiness.

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Deepika watched as Jigar again made a move to another part of the room. She felt deflated but also angry. Jigar had been avoiding her all night. As soon as they had entered the party, he had left her to talk to one of his clients. From then on, she had tried to approach him and he had found different ways to dodge her.

Deepika walked slowly to a window. She had hoped that Jigar would atleast complement her. But now she wished she had not come to the party. Atleast Jigar would have been normal with her when he returned home. Now it seemed he was avoiding her like plague.

"Hello sweety. Did your date leave you? Don't worry I am here for you.." Deepika turned to see one of the guests leering at her. He was half drunk. "No thank you. I can take care of myself." Deepika replied back. She tried to move away from the window to avoid further altercation. "Oh come on.. Don't fuss. I am there sweetheart.." Deepika was shocked when the man held her wrist and turned her around. "You.. Ba.." before she could even continue, "She is with me. Now take your hands off before I make a pulp out of your face." Deepika turned around to see Jigar at her side. He pulled her to him and was standing beside her with a hand on her shoulder. The man looked stunned and immediately dropped her wrist.

Deepika brushed Jigar's hand off. "Thanks. But I can take care of myself." She said as she angrily left both the men. She heard Jigar rush to catch up with her.. "Err.. Deeps. Stop. I am sorry. I was behaving like an idiot. Now will you please stop?" Jigar asked as he walked beside Deepika. Deepika turned to face Jigar and anger was clearly written on her face. "If you so much dislike bringing me to the party then why did you even offer to? Jigar, you know I do not know anybody here and yet you let me alone here? What is your problem?" "Deeps. I am sorry. Ok. Please forget it.." Deepika looked at Jigar and turned again. She was not getting any answers and was hurt.

"Will you dance with me?" Jigar asked out of the blue and Deepika turned around surprised. Without waiting for her, Jigar took her to the dance floor. Deepika glared at him butacqueised. They started dancing to a slow number.

As the music went on, both got comfortable with each other. Deepika put her hand on Jigar's shoulder while he had one hand on her waist. They swayed to the music.

"I was jealous. When I saw you with that guy" "What?.. Jigar he was half drunk and came to me... I did.." "I know. I realized immediately.. I am sorry." 

"Wait.." Deepika said, "You were jealous?" Jigar now looked definitely guilty. "I.. yeah.. Oh Deeps.. Yes. I did feel jealous. I do not know what happened. You are my friend and today.. I.. My feelings.. I am feeling.." Jigar could not find words to say what he had felt all evening. He stopped and looked at Deepika. He was findig it hard to explain what he was feeling. He was worried how Deepika would take it.

She looked at him surprised but there was no confusion on her face. She just looked thoughtful. The music ended and all other couples broke up. Jigar let go of Deepika and both slowly walked to the tables lost in thought.

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Both Jigar and Deepika were seated opposite to each other. Silence reigned after Jigar's speech or the no speech. Jigar was finding it difficult to meet Deepika's eyes and she also seemed deep in thought.

"I felt jealous too when you told me about Sonal.." It was Jigar's turn to look up surprised. "That is why I left. I did not know what I was feeling Jigar. I started seeing you in a different light. You were becoming more than a friend and I was frightened that it would ruin what we had." Deepika finished at a stretch. She was paralyzed about Jigar's reaction. But she wanted to get it off her chest.

"You were jealous of Sonal? Why? But then why did you not tell me then?" Jigar questioned confused. "Why did you hesitate today Jigar? I guess I went through the same thing. I just took the long way out. Well.. You were going to be married to another person and I wanted to get over you.."

"Get over me..." Jigar repeated dazed. He was finding it difficult to come to terms with what Deepika was telling him. The girl he considered his best friend had had 'Feelings' for him?.. Jigar did not know how he felt about it. A part of him that had admired Deepika was rejoicing. Another part that considered her a friend was fighting him.. His emotions were in conflict. 

Jigar looked up. "Jigar I know all this is frightening. But can we just take one step at a time. I do not want us to ruin our friendship because of these new developments." Deepika said.

Jigar was surprised but he felt disappointed. It sounded like Deepika wanted to just be his friend and it seemed he had wanted her to say the opposite. "What was I expecting?" He thought. "I understand Deeps. And I apologize again. I will make sure that I never do something to ruin our friendship.." He replied.

"I am happy Jigar. Let's not over analyze what we feel and just ride with the tide. We do have a strong friendship to start out with and maybe this new development will strengthen it further. I just want you to be open with what you feel. We will take one step at a time and see where it leads us to. Aham Bhai was right. I should have let you know what I was going through and should have trusted you.. But it is alright now, Isn't it? You think we will make it?" Deepika held Jigar's hands in hers and asked innocently.

Jigar felt himself smiling. "So she wants to see where this new feelings of our's goes." He thought silently.

"We will take it a day at a time Deeps. And no running this time. Ok." He said. He was engulfed by a sense of calmness for the first time that night and he grinned at Deepika. It would be alright her knew. He starred at his best friend and now maybe.. Just maybe a little more than that.. 

"So did you manage to get over me?.." He asked cheekily as both started back home.. "I was waiting for you to ask me.. I knew you will catch on to it.." Deepika replied laughing..

After some time she replied back sincerely. "No I did not.. I just missed you more. Specially because I could not ask my best friend to help me out this time. Why do you think I came back?" Deepika questioned looking sideways at Jigar.

The car came to a screeching halt outside Modi Bhavan. "I am glad you did." said Jigar smiling as both made their way inside. 

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"Ji. Your bracelet.." Gopi extended her hand to give Aham his bracelet. Aham looked up and smiled. He just extended his arm so that she could put the bracelt on for him. As she walked near him to reach for his hand, he placed the other hand on Gopi's shoulder and pulled her a little closer to him. Gopi just kept her eyes down as though concentrating on the bracelet. She fumbled with the clasp as though affected by his nearness. But Aham saw her blush and smile shyly. She looked lovely.

...FB...

...FB...

Gopi's hand seemed to have a mind of is own. She continued fumbling with the clasp. She knew she was blushing crazy. But she had never ever felt like this in her life. It was as though she was floating. She felt Aham move a little more near her and her thoughts went astray. Not that she was not enjoying the closeness..

...FB..

...FB...

Gopi finally finished the job at hand and looked up. She could see Aham smiling at her and she again blushed. "Aww! No not again Gopi! Don't blame me now.." He said and quickly bent down to place a kiss on her cheek very near her mouth. Gopi's heart burst with unknown feelings and she quickly turned around freeing herself and ran out.. 

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That night was never mentioned again by the four. But to all the four, it was the night that changed their relationship forever. It was the night they took the initial steps in taking their relation to the next level from where they never turned back.

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How do you like it? The couples needed to take their relationship to the next level. So now everyone is clear of the others intentions. For Aham and most of all Gopi, there was a need for both of them to understand how physically comfortable they are with each other and how attracted they feel. Again, although it is just a start for Jigar and Deepu, they are now already accepting the fact that they are more than friends. Their relation is bound to pick up fast. Your comments and feedback please!!!

Chapter 19

Gopi's heart burst with unknown feelings and she quickly turned around freeing herself and 

ran straight into Kokila who was coming into their room. "Gopi vahu. Careful. Watch where 

you are going. You will be hurt." Kokila said. "Maaji.. I am sorry. I.. did not see.. Maaji,  I am going to make tea.." Kokila looked at the stammering Gopi. "But Gopi vahu, tea is made.." before she completed, Gopi had rushed downstairs. Kokila shook her head and walked into her son's room. She knew something was up when she saw Aham trying to hide his smile.

"So it is all your doing, beta.." she thought to herself. "Jai shree Krishna mom. You need me?" Aham asked trying to control his laughter. The kiss had been totally impulsive on his side. He had just wanted to get closer to Gopi and had used the bracelet as his excuse. But when he saw her smile and blush, he had been unable to hold himself. Her nearness was making him do crazy things. 

"Aham, I am looking for this book but was unable to get it. Gopi vahu told me that you  ordered some books online.. Books that were out of print now. Can you see if you get these too? I wanted them early next week." Kokila handed a small piece of paper with the names of books in it. "Sure mom." Aham took the paper from her hands and looked down at the books. 

"These are books on philisophy and poems." Aham looked up surprised. "Yes Aham. These are for your father. A gift on his birthday. Its coming up next week." Kokila replied. Aham looked on with a mixture of surprise and happiness.

When Aham came back from his exile, he had been quick to notice the change in his parent's 

relationship. He had actually had an inkling about it when he found his mother mention his dad more during the calls to home. She had even passed the phone to his dad some times and

Aham had talked to his dad. But when he came home, he was surprised to see the extent their 

relation had improved.

Aham loved his parents. But he loved his mother more. She had always made sure that he had the best in everything. His father had never been close and unconsciously he had taken his mother's attitude towards his dad. But it always saddened him when his parents fought. He empathized with his mother because he was like her in nature. But as he grew up he also could not bring himself to blame his father totally. But their relationship was always uneasy.

But when he came home he had been happily surprised to see his parents being more open with each other. Slowly as days rolled by Aham could see his mom and dad care more for each 

other. And this gift was another surprise. 

"Yes mom. I think I can get it. I will order it and make sure it is delivered to you." He said. "Thanks beta. I knew I can depend on you." Kokila replied and Aham felt the same feeling of pride he got everytime his mother praised him. Kokila turned to go and then turned back. "Aham I've always been proud of you. You have exceeded my every expectation. But this time you have gone beyond that. For some time though, I felt you were wrong.. But now I am proud of the way you are handling your relationship with my Gopi vahu. I can see the happiness reflect on her face everyday and I see how much you have changed positively. I am proud dikra.." She said.

Aham was touched. He knew his mom forgave him for the mistakes. But it felt really nice to hear her say all that. "I love you mom and thanks for bringing Gopi into my life." he said sincerely. "God bless dikra. Now I need to start. I have a lot of work." Kokila buzzled out leaving Aham.

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"Deepu beta.. Are you ok? See the pan is getting hotter. You need to put oil in it.." Hetal touched Deepu's shoulder and brought her out of her day dream. Deepika was still remembering back the previous night and how Jigar had bid her good night. She remembered how he had grinned and held on to her hands a little more than necessary. And most of all she remembered how he had ran after her as she neared her room and asked breathlessly if she would come out with him that evening. "A real date Deepu. This time, I promise not to leave you unattended." He had said with a sheepish smile. She had eagerly accepted.

"Oh. Yes Maaji. Got it. I was just thinking.. Maaji, can I go out today?" She asked Hetal. "Sure beta. Do you need the car. I will inform the driver.." "No Maaji. I mean, Jigar told me he will take me out today evening. I mean take me out for.." Deepika stammered. Hetal looked at her puzzled but then a slow smile crept on her face. "Go on Deepu. Anyways we were not planning to do anything special today. Enjoy." Hetal said. Hetal wanted to share the news with Kokila. Something was certainly up by the looks of the blushes Deepu had on her cheeks. Hetal turned around when she ran into Gopi..

"Kaakiji. Sorry. I did not see you." Gopi was breathless. "You are always running downstairs Gopi beta.. You need to be slower.." Hetal laughed when she noticed Gopi's expression. Gopi was blushing pink.. "Well.. Well.. It seems to be a day of pink.." Hetal thought as she thanked her Kanhaji for her children's happiness. Definitely something to talk to Kokila about she thought.

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"Jigar... JIGAR.. Where are you? I am asking about the party." Chirag called to Jigar who was seated opposite to him on the dining table. "Chirag Bhai. Jigar seems to be in a dream." 

Parag laughed. He saw through Jigar's expression of discomfort. Parag could see Jigar face 

reflected happiness.

"No Dad.. I was just thinking about yesterday. The party was nice and I had a good talk with Mr. Sharma. He was pleased.." Jigar replied back. He was indeed speaking the truth. He was thinking about yesterday except his thoughts were on the girl standing in the kitchen with his mom. Her laughter made him smile. Deepu had agreed to go on a date with him and he was 

excited. "I need to make sure of we go to someplace special. Should I book a table at.." Jigar's thoughts were interrupted by Aham's voice. 

"Kaka.. Jigar.. I may leave a little early today from office. I promised to take Gopi to the temple." Aham declared. The entire table became silent. Aham had never been open like that before.. "Good. Go on Aham. Jigar and me will manage.." Chirag chipped in.  "But dad." Jigar started but then thought the better of it.. 

"Chirag Bhai. Can you send Jigar home early too? I need his help in getting some information." Parag suddenly spoke up. "Sure Parag. And anyway there is not anything urgent that needs either Aham or Jigar. Both of them can leave early." Chirag concluded and started out for office.

"Kaka. When do you need me to be here?" Jigar asked. He was worried about telling Deepu on 

the change of plans. "Well Jigar, you can come back at the time you had planned. I just told Chirag Bhai to get you off the hook for today." Parag smiled softly at Jigar. "Oh" Jigar 

looked at his Kaka surprised and then hugged him. "Thanks Kaka. Jai Shree Krishna" He said 

as he left for office with excitement

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"Ahamji are we going to the temple? Are we not going to shambhunath temple? This is not the 

route.. Kanhaji temple then?" Gopi kept questioning Aham. Both of them were racing towards what Gopi considered was a trip to the temple. "You should be a guide Gopi. How do you know 

the route to all these different temples?" Aham questioned. He had been astonished by the amount of knowledge she had on the various routes. Gopi had not missed one temple on the 

way.

"Ji.. Maaji, Kakiji and me used to visit one temple everyday when you were away. I got used 

to the route and I remember places after visiting them once." Gopi replied as a matter of  fact. "Why doesn't that surprise me? Gopi you are indeed unique. You know every small temple 

from home to here but you get lost in a small mall.. "Aham could not help teasing.

"Ji. That was my first time and you found me.." Gopi replied softly. She was embarassed by how she had lost herself in the big crowd. She had not known that she was lost.. But then..

...FB..

...FB...

"We are not going to Kanhaji Mandir either.. Ji.. Where are we going?" Gopi asked as she saw the route to the next temple being passed over by Ahem. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sir. I am sorry. But I see no reservation for a Jigar Modi today. Maybe you got the wrong date?" the head waiter would not let them in. Jigar looked at him frustrated. He had made the reservation for his date through his assistant and it seemed somebody had goofed up.  "Maybe there is some mistake. Can you please check if the reservation is for somebody from the Modi inductries?" Jigar asked again. He turned around and smiled at Deepu. "Hopefully it looked reassuring" he thought. Deepu just looked back at him and smiled. She was flattered by Jigar's care for their date. He had come home on time with a bunch of flowers and had met her in her room. They had quickly left and Jigar had been a gentleman all along the way. He had excitedly explained how he had booked a  table in the most prestigious restaurant and she had listened as he explained how the ambiance and food was in it. But there seemed to be a problem. It was already an hour into their date and they still did not have a table.

Jigar finally came towards Deepika with a sheepish smile. He could not get a table and his reservation had vanished into thin air. "Deepu.. They don't have a table and the wait is another 45 minutes. Do you think we could eat elsewhere?" Jigar asked. "Come on Jigar. Lets get moving. I don't have a preference of restaurants. And I know the perfect place we can go too.." Deepu dragged Jigar by his hand outside to their parked car.

That was half an hour ago and now both Jigar and Deepu were sitting on a rock near the stream running their hands through the water. Deepu had a packet of hot Samosas with her and she was munching it. Jigar was holding a cup of tea and smiling at Deepu.

"I never imagined." He started. "What?" "..that we would be her on our first big day together. But it is rather poetic.. This is where we first met remember.." "Yeah.. And you pushed me into the water that day.." "It was an accident.." "So is this.." Deepu pushed Jigar from the edge into the flowing water below. 

"Deepu.. That's not fair.. I wasn't even looking. Give me your hand. I need to get out.." Jigar struggled in the flowing water half angry and half amused. Deepu laughed and held out her hand to him. Jigar caught her hand and pulled. "Well that will not work dear Jigar. You do realize that I am holding on to the rock with my other hand.. Come on out or you will catch a cold."

Jigar grudgingly came up. He knew he could not win.. "You are heartless Deepu and I am 

freezing. brr..." Jigar shook his head at her sending droplets everywhere."Now see what you have done." Deepu was getting wet by his actions and she concentrated on wiping the water off her pant and tea shirt.. SPLASH.. It was Deepika's turn in the water as Jigar stood laughing his head off..

"You beast. Wait till I get out. I will get you for this.." Jigar took off towards the car as he saw Deepika climb out of the water and take after him.

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"This place is beautiful. I love it.." Ahem grinned as he saw Gopi run through the trees. He had brought her to a small grove, a plantation that his friend owned. He loved the place just like Gopi had. "I love this place too.. Actually I used to insist we have picnics only here when I was young." Ahem continued. He found a place near a large mango tree and set up a picnic basket. "But I thought we were going to the temple?" Gopi turned back questioning Ahem. "We will go, after sometime. Why don't to want to spend some time her?" "No. I mean yes Ahemji. This place is so nice. I love how the sunlight dances along with the shade. It is so.." "Beautiful and serene. Yes I know. I used to come here just to watch the shadows dance. But then the others were not very interested and soon work took over. I hardly come here now." Ahem was musing again. "We will come here as many times as you want. Ok Ahemji?" 

Ahem looked on as Gopi seated herself next to him leaning on the tree. Her words immediately brought a smile and he turned to lay down with his head on her thighs. Gopi looked at the trees, the wind and started to hum a slow tune.Ahem listened on as she soon lost herself to the music. He was mesmerized. He closed his eyes to let himself drown in her love. Gopi had started to methodically run her fingers through his hand and he was feeling drowsy by the minute..

"Ahemji.. wake up. It is getting dark."  Ahem awoke from a deep sleep and starred at his wife's anxious face. "Hmm.. No. I want to sleep more.." He turned sideways to hug Gopi by her waist and hid his face in her pallu. "Ahemji, Maaji will be worried. It is getting late now.. Let us start." He heard Gopi try again. 

"Hmm. Ok. But on the promise that you will lull me to sleep the same way at home too. Ok? And by the way Gopi, you will make a very good mother to our children" "Ok Ahemji. Now let 

us go..." Gopi started and then blushed. She looked down immediately. 

Ahem had surprised himself with the comment. But then he grinned from ear to ear. "Of course she will make a great mother. Hmm. I need to work on that next.." He thought cheekily as he saw Gopi busily trying to collect the picnic things avoiding his eyes. He saw her smiling quietly. 

"I will gather the things and follow you to the car in a minute." Gopi started putting the things back into the basket still unable to meet Ahem's eyes. "I will help you. Oh Shoot.. that basket cover just flew off.." Ahem was about to go after it when he heard Gopi tell him that she would get it. 

Ahem listened to her footsteps as she rushed to get the lid. He finished arranging the basket and looked up. Still no Gopi. Ahem looked in the direction she ran and called out for her. There was no answer. A slow panicky feeling was rising up his stomach. He called out again, this time a little louder and waited with bated breath to hear her voice back. Ahem was completely panicking now. He ran forward in the direction he saw Gopi run. He passed a few trees and kept calling out 

her name when he suddenly came to a standstill.

His wife was lying sprawled near a tree. It looked as though she was unconcious. 

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"Deepu.. Come on.. " Jigar was trying to appease Deepika. Both were sitting on a bench in a nearby park trying to dry themselves a little before starting back home.

"My new shirt Jigar and you ruined it.." Deepu thundered. "I said I am sorry. And you did start it first..." Jigar was mumbling.. "Oh Jigar.. Don't try that sad face with me again.. You are an idiot.. But it was fun wasn't it?" Deepu asked as she laughed. She had enjoyed the evening with Jigar.

"Yup. Although I got wet and all.. But yeah.. it was good. Do you know, it has been months since I came here. I love it here.." "I know.. Me too.. Hey can we get something to eat? Maybe the old restraunt is still there.. I am hungry and you still need to feed me on our date.." Deepu teased.

Both walked towards the reatraunt and to their surprise and happiness it was still up and 

running. "One pav bhajji please and spicy." Deepu said. "One for me and 2 teas." Jigar added to the order and both sat watching the crowd go in and out of the restaurant.

"Just like old times... Hmm... this is delicious." Jigar saw Deepu enjoy the simple food with relish and he felt an unknown sense of happiness. He had thought that the date was going to be disastrous after the cancelled reservation. But being with Deepika had made him happier than he had been in months. She brought back his sense of mischievousness. He wanted to be with her more now just to see her smile and see himself smile along with her..

"Hey don't stare or I'll eat you food too... And now listen to me.. We need to plan a surprise for Bhai and Bhabhi. Poor guy was wanting to talk to her this morning and nobody let him.. So do you think we should..." Deepika explained the plan as Jigar watched her talk. "There is never going to be a dull day with her" were Jigar's last thoughts as he saw  Deepu fire out ideas to get his Ahem Bhai and Bhabhi together.

"Sir the bill." Jigar looked at Deepika go to the washroom and nodded at the waiter. He put his hand in his pocket to take out the purse when.. "Damn. I forgot my purse in the jacket. It is in the car. Oh God.." Jigar looked at the server who was waiting for him to pay the bill.. "Err.. Can you just hold on for a minute. I left my purse in the car. I will just be back in a minute.." " No sir. Do you not have the money? I cannot let you leave without paying the bill... Manager sir.. This man says he does not have money for the bill.", the waiter turned around to call his manager. The whole restaurant looked on and Jigar was red faced in shame.

"Stop it. Who do you think you are to talk to him like that? Did he say he will not pay. He just does not have his purse with him right now. Say how much is the bill. 40 rupees. Here take this and apologize now." Deepika was fuming. She handed over a 50 Rupee note to the waiter and stared at him accusingly, The waiter shriveled under his glare. "Sorry Sir, Madam.." He stammered. 

"Lets go Jigar." Deepika pulled Jigar along with her to the car. "Deeps I think.. Hey what happened? Why are you crying? I will pay that 50 rupees back.." Jigar tried joking, but he 

was frigtened when he saw Deepika cry suddenly.

"I am really sorry Jigar.", Deepika hiccupped. "Here have your purse. I just took it with me for fun. I did not know that the waiter would create a scene.. I am very sorry.. Jigar.. Jigar.." Deepika was crying and talking as Jigar watched her. He found a tide of protectiveness come over him as he saw her tears but then decided to play a little.

"Deepu, how could you? I never expected this. DO you know how humiliated I was?.." Jigar said in mock anger. Deepika's eyes grew wide and more tears started down her face. "I am sorry. I was just playing. Stupid me.. I never know the limits.. Jigar.. Please.. What? why are you laughing? Jigar are you alright?" Deepika was puzzled and worried at Jigar's reaction.

"Oh.. No.. You.. idiot.. I am not angry." Jigar could not get the words out. He controlled himself. "Deeps dear.. You look so cute when you apologize.. I am not angry. Now here wipe your tears off.. With you there is never one dull moment Deeps.." Jigar said as he offered Deepika his kerchief to wipe off her tears. "That is why I am in love you.. Here.." Jigar saw Deepika extend her hand and then freeze at his words. For one second he was confused. 

Then he realized.. "I am in love with her.. I am in love with Deeps.." Jigar felt no pain. He did not feel guilty either. All he felt was a small fountain of happiness from the depth of his heart. He looked at Deepika who seemed to be.. Jigar looked again. Deepika was embarrassed.. No.. She was shy. But she was smiling... 

Jigar slowly leant forward to wipe her tears away.. "Now come on. Its been too much excitement today. Lets go home. Ok?" he asked to find Deepika nodding. He smirked to himself  and started for home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"GOPI.. Gopi wake up.." Ahem was immediately by Gopi's side and he shook her. His heart had 

stopped for a moment when he saw her down on the floor.

"Ahemji.." Gopi came to her senses slowly. She clutched Ahem's shirt as she tried to get up. "I am alright Ahemji. See.. I am ok." Gopi saw Ahem's face as white as snow and she knew he 

was worried sick. She wanted to re-assure him..

"Well. My foot. We are going to the doctor's now and no questions. Come on." Ahem lifted Gopi up in his arms and started towards the car. "Ji.. The picnic basket." Gopi started as she found Ahem glaring at her. She kept quiet.

Ahem buckled Gopi up and started the car. He drove towards the hospital wishing his car to 

go faster.

Gopi was frightened to look at Ahem. He seemed to be angry at something and was not talking. She closed her eyes and sighed. Her husband sometimes was very hard to read. But she knew he was worried for her. She missed seeing Ahem throwing her looks of concern as he drove to the hospital.

"Why did I not listen.. I should have taken the test when he told me.. What if?" Ahem was killing himself with doubts..

..FB...

..FB...

Ahem was calling himself every bad name as he raced towards the hospital. "Fool. I just looked at the short term stress and overlooked the importance of the test. What if something is wrong. No.. No.. It will not be.. Oh God.. Please don't punish her for my mistake. Let Gopi be alright.." Ahem was praying.

"Doctor... Is she alright? What does the test say?" Ahem questioned the doctor as soon as he came out of the observation room. Gopi was getting dressed. 

"Mr. Ahem Modi. Nothing seems to be wrong. But the test results will be back in another 2 hours. We can confirm then. Relax. It will turn out to be alright." Ahem just looked on worried and the doctor shook his head. He knew a gone case when he saw one. The minute Ahem had come into the hospital, he had taken up the hospital by storm demanding his wife be examined quickly. "Poor girl. She looked so embarrassed.", the doctor chuckled as he went to the room.

In his experience, he had seen quite a few besotted husbands. But Ahem ranked over all of them. Even after he had assured Ahem that this fainting incident could have nothing to do with her accident, Ahem had insisted on being assured by a test. The doctor was glad on one side. After Ahem explained about the accident, for a second he had been worried. But when he heard that the accident was quite a long time ago, he had gone over the hospital records to study Gopi's case. He had noted that Gopi had indeed been tested during the time of the accident and then her test had come out negative. But the family had declined to have a second test done 4 months before.. So he had decided to just confirm by doing the test again.

"Ahemji can we go home?" Gopi came out and looked at Ahem. He seemed too stunned to talk. He just nodded and took her hand as they made their way to the car.

Ahem turned towards Gopi in the car, held her hand in his and blurted out,"Gopi.. Promise me.. You will never ever leave me..Promise me now.."