FF: Aham Modi Falls in Love Pt20 pg 62-complete - Page 32

what happen to your FF.....
Waiting to read it yaar.

Sorry my friends about the long gap. As I mentioned earlier, I had to give a talk on Friday. And then, suddenly something started working in my research problem and so I wanted to cash on that momentum and finish that. I could start writing only on Sunday in the night. I give you two updates now and so dont send your angry vibes to me.

Love is more than a noun -- it is a verb; it more than a feeling -- it is caring, sharing, helping, sacrificing. - William Arthur Ward.

Part 16

Aham sat at the dining table for a little while observing Gopi. He felt that she was very different in the kitchen – very sure of herself and very decisive. His management-trained mind said that she was controlling things there in her own way. She even seemed to have done the impossible – took control from his Mom, partially if not fully. He suspected that his Mom does not yet know that Gopi is slowly taking over. It would be interesting to watch how the dynamics plays out. He realised that in some ways Gopi is like him – workaholics who have no life outside their work. It is time to change that. This is what is wrong with me. I have been so focused on work that I didnt notice life moving past me.

He was brought out of his thoughts by Kinjal calling him. She said, "Bhai! What are you doing here? So, now you moved from holding Maa's pallu to Bhabi's? I didnt think you would change like this!".

Aham decided to use this opportunity to talk to Kinjal. He asked her, "Kinjal! Are you planning to stay for dinner? Or will you be leaving earlier?" That came out a bit abrupt. She looks hurt. But then, she deserves it after the way she spoke to Gopi.

Kinjal said in a lowered voice, "We are staying for dinner. You know Gopi's Mami. She never misses anything that is free" and rolled her eyes. Aham looked at her sternly, as usual, and said, "I would like to talk to you Kinjal. Can we do that now? Will Dhawal need you for anything?"

Kinjal again rolled her eyes and said, "Come on Bhai! You too? What could that Gawar want from me? But what do you want to talk?".

Aham was not very surprised about Kinjal's attitude but was actually surprised that Dhawal puts up with it. How will I take it if Gopi talks to me like this? Gopi! Talking with such attitude! Bah! Never! If there one thing I am sure about, that is my Gopi will never dismiss me like this! Wow! Am I using Gopi as my baseline or is that Kinjal? Ah! Too many things to process. Let me take care of Kinjal now.

"Kinjal! Can we go to the study? I want to talk to you in private and dont want others to interfere."

They went to the study and closed the door. Kinjal started, "What is this Bhai? What is going on with you and Gopi? Dont tell me that you like that Gawar now? I was so happy when you sent her back and thought that now that you have sent Gopi back, I could also be free of Dhawal. See our fate! Both of us married to stupid persons. I dont know what Maa was thinking. All problems in our family started when this stupid Gopi entered. She and her innocent acts. I am still surprised how she could con our Mother while that annoying Mami of hers always puts her in her place. For me, I wish I never saw her."

Aham was really taken aback. He wanted to interrupt her but then decided to listen to her full diatribe. What do I see here? Is this my sister? What is her problem with Gopi? I dont believe even for a second that she acting out of concern for my happiness. Is she so taken in by Umang? And she says that Mom is conned. What a mess? Will this stupid girl ever change?

"Wow Kinjal! Take a breath. Are you done or do you have some more plans for our lives? Before, I say anything else, let me make one thing very clear. Gopi is my wife and your Bhabi. You better treat her with respect and dont ever call Gawar or by anyother name in my hearing. I will not tolerate it. If you are unhappy about your marriage, you brought it on yourself. All the drama and troubles you created for us! Dhawal must be a far better human than either of us, if he can marry you and put up with your atrocities. About sending back Gopi, I was wrong about that. I dont want her to leave me and I hope that she forgives me enough to stay with me. But, this is not what I wanted to talk with you. I wanted to let you know that I have learnt of a few things you did soon after my wedding – the things you did and put the blame on Gopi. I am very upset with you Kinjal! How could you? Is this what you learnt from Mom? To cheat and to lie? I want to know why did you ...".

Kinjal was looking worried. "Bhai! What are you telling? Did Gopi .. Bhabi croak to you? She is telling lies! Dont believe her! How could you believe her over me?"

"Cut this crap, Kinjal! I told you to respect her and you better do it. You know that Gopi never complains about anything. And, if you are guilty of doing something wrong, how does it matter if Gopi complains about it or not? Let me come to the point. Why did you order that necklace and put the blame on Gopi? What did she do to you that you had to make her suffer? I know of only this incident. I am sure you would have tried more to make her look bad in front of Mom and others. When did you turn into a shrew Kinjal? "

"Please Bhai! Dont try to act as a good husband now! You were worse than me. If I blamed Gopi, why did you believe? You wanted some stupid reason to hate her and send her out. You just used me. So what if she bought a Rs. 5 Lakh necklace? Dont tell me you cant afford it. I did that because Umang said so and I love him. You better accept the fact that you and Gopi wont suit and seperate. Then I can do the same with Dhawal."

"Kinjal! I think you have crossed your limits. I know that I am to blame too in whatever happened. But from now on, keep your tricks to yourself. Dont you dare to even think of doing anything bad to Gopi. She has me now and you will have to answer me. First, I want you to apologise to Gopi for all the things you did to her and told her. Gopi is very forgiving but you know that I am not. If you want some relationship between us, you better clean up your acts. I am your brother and I know all your tricks well."

He could see the shock and desperation in Kinjal's face. He felt a little sad for her. He continued, "and what is this with seperating from Dhawal? I can understand that you need some time to adjust and living with that Mami is not a walk in the park either. If you are thinking that Umang is waiting for you, forget it. That will never happen. He used you to settle his scores with me. I am sorry that you were a victim of my mistakes. Listen to me and learn from my mistakes Kinjal! I wasted my time and energy by hating Gopi. You dont do that. Accept your mistakes and make amends. Though I have never made an effort to know him, Dhawal seems to be a nice man. Give him a chance. Give your marriage a chance. If it is his lack of money that troubles you, we can help. Kaka, Jigar and I will talk to him and help his business. We all love you and want you to be happy. Think about this and remember what I said about Gopi."

His Kaki was calling for Kinjal and she left with a defeated face. What a pair we are? I was mean to my wife because I loved Anita and Kinjal hates her husband and my wife because she loved Umang! Will we ever be happy? Will I ever stop feeling guilty? What could I do for Kinjal and why, Jigar too? He does not seem to be happy. I am pretty sure his marriage is as much in shambles as mine though he is too nice to complain about it. I have atleast kissed my wife. Oh Lord! dont go there! Let me start with the easier of the two and talk to Dhawal.

Aham went in search of Dhawal and found him being interrogated by Nani. If he can really have that complacent smile for Nani's questions, he must be a really patient person.

"Nani! I would like to talk to Dhawal about some business matters. Are you done with your questions?"

"Oh Aham! you are always thinking of business. Anyway, I am feeling sleepy after eating that wonderful ksheera made by your wife and you children carry on!"

Ksheera? She likes it? But then it was good! How will it not be if it is made by my Gopi? I should look into releasing her recipes as a book. Will she serve kheer for dinner? If not I can ask her to compensate! If she makes kheer then I will thank her for that in our room! Mmmmm! Now, this is an idea! Aham Dikra! Today you have proved you are intelligent. This idea is full repayment with interest for your education.

"Aham Ji! you wanted to talk to me and now you seem to be lost in your thoughts! Am I disturbing you?"

Dhawal? Why is he interrupting when I am thinking of my Gopi? Oh yes! I wanted to talk to him!

He heard Jigar say, "Dhawal! Business? That might have been so some time back. Nowadays Bhai is dreaming only about Gopi Bhabi! Bhai! Should I ask Bhabi to join you in your dreams?"

The others laughed and Aham glared at Jigar and said, "Very funny Jigar! I dont need your help with my wife. And where are you going? I want you too to be here!"

After Nani left, the three of them with the three older men spent several hours talking. Aham found that Dhawal was very focussed but quite soft like Gopi. He was quite relieved that Dhawal was not greedy like his aunt and was determined to earn his comforts and not depend on his in-laws. Aham could see similar relief in Jigar and other's faces. Kaka invited Dhawal to thier office sometime in the next week to discuss more about his business and talk about investments.

Thank God! Dhawal seems very sensible and very much in love with Kinjal. I cannot believe that he is related to Gopi's Mami and not Gopi! He is more like Gopi's sibling than her distant cousin. I hope for his sake, things work out with Kinjal! Mmmmm! Pakoras! Gopi! Enough of this family business! How long before I can get her alone?

He turned around and followed Gopi with his eyes and a grin. She served Dhawal and Jigar and then only looked at him.

"Bhabi! take pity on Bhai and look at him. He has been distracted all day today and often goes to the dream world. Who would have thought that my bhai will sport a goofy grin?"

"Jigar! Shut up and eat your pakora! Gopi! dont serve him any more pakoras if he doesnt stop."

Gopi giggled softly and Aham had to use all his self-control to not kiss her right there. Gopi seemed to understand his look and gasped a soft "Oh!" and moved away telling she will get the tea. Aham felt smug. When she came with tea, he asked her, "Gopi! did everybody else eat? Did you eat pakoras?"

There was stunned silence in the room and he could feel that everyone was looking at him. Aham blushed a little and Gopi saved him by answering, "Ji! yes! I just served them in the dining room. I will take mine later as I am not very hungry."

Aham just jumped at this chance and said, "Oh no! you cant escape like this. You have to eat now!"

Mamaji joined him and said, "Gopi Dikra! Listen to you husband! you should eat. You never take care of yourself. I am so happy to see Aham and your in-laws caring for you. My sister and brother-in-law would have been very happy to see you like this."

Oh my! What is he telling? He is happy for just asking if she ate the pakoras that she made in her house? Did my behaviour set such low expectations? These people are making me more guilty. And now, Gopi is tearing up! Thanks very much Mamaji!

Aham followed Gopi who had just nodded her head to her Mama and walked away quickly. He pulled her into an open room and fortunately it was empty. Gopi was not looking up and Aham lifted her chin. When he saw the tears in her eyes, he just hugged her and held her. Gopi was crying silently and after some time, she looked up and smiled through her tears. "I am sorry Ahamji! I want to stop crying for every thing, but then always end up crying." "Gopi! dont worry too much. You were missing your parents and what is wrong about that? I can never imagine living without my parents and I wonder how you can still be so good after all that you went through in life. But, you should change one thing. Whenever you really feel upset and want to have a cry, come to me. What are my shoulders for, if they cannot be of use for you?" Ha! I cant get any more cheesy! Gopi looked at him in wonder and her mouth formed a perfect "o". Aham could not resist and bent down to kiss her. As usual, he heard somebody call Gopi!

"Goodness! Gopi! It looks like everybody wants a piece of you. Do I get preference as your husband? No! not in this house! Gopi! do me a favor and pray to Kanhaji to make us invisible whenever we are alone! Just one kiss and I cant do that in peace in this house." Gopi giggled at his rant and Aham said, "Now you asked for it and I dont care who sees us" and gave her a deep kiss.

Aham felt happier during dinner and even had a good chat with Dhawal and Mamaji much to the surprise of the others. He caught Gopi alone for a moment when they came back into the house after seeing off Kinjal and her in-laws. "Gopi! finish your work quickly and come up! I want to talk to you."

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The next part is posted below. R&R as usual.

"As a little white snake

with lovely stripes on its young body

troubles the jungle elephant

this slip of a girl

her teeth like sprouts of new rice

her wrists stacked with bangles

troubles me." - By Chatti NAthanAr- Song 119 in "Kurunthokai" - A collection of Tamil Love Songs from around 100 to 300 A.D.

(Translated by A.K.Ramanujan)

We need not think alike to love alike.- David Ferenc

Part 17

Aham went to the room to finish some work for his Mumbai trip. He could not focus and not a single word in the files registered in his mind. Every small thing in his room was someway or another associated with Gopi now. And then it struck him! It is not just my room anymore! It is our room. She has not only taken over the kitchen but also our room. Just a few days back I thought she is usurping! but no! she is not usurping. She is sharing and I love to share it with her. It feels very comforting to wait for her and know that she will be here soon and that I am not alone anymore. What a fool I had been to think that I want her out of my life? What must have gone through her all these days? She was lonely in her Mama's house and she was lonely in our house. She told me that she wanted somebody to love her. I hope to show her that she can trust me with her life. What is she doing still? Gopi! come back soon!

Gopi came earlier than usual and after changing, picked up her books. Aham asked her, "Gopi! Do you have to study today? You have been working from morning and you must be tired. Why dont take you leave from school? It is anyway saturday! Can we talk for sometime before sleeping?"

Gopi nodded and stood hesitantly. Aham sat on the diwan and signalled her to sit next to him. He took her hands in his hands and caressed it silently. He felt happy and content to just sit with her. After a few seconds, he heard Gopi, " Ji! you wanted to talk to me! Did I do something wrong? I am sorry ...". Aham stopped her mouth with his fingers and said, "No Gopi! Dont say sorry anymore! You did nothing wrong - not that I know of. Let me make a deal with you now. From now on, if I think that I am not happy with something you do, I will let you know and I will try not be too angry or rude about. I will also tell you if I like something. Can you do the same for me? I know that I have never given a chance to you to talk to me. Can we try this? Ok! Now, I just wanted to talk to you and know about you. You know a lot about me - at least when it comes to my food and habits and comforts. But I have no clue of your likes, favorites and dreams. I am sure you want to know more about me. "

"Oh! what do you want to know?"

"Everything! I want to know everything about you. But before that, Gopi! dinner was wonderful. If you keep feeding me like this, I have to go for a longer run. Otherwise I will become two Ahams."

Gopi's face brightened and she smiled brilliantly. "Ahamji! I wanted to make kheer for you but then I know that you wont eat sweets for both the meals. So I decided to make it some other time."

"See! this is what I meant! I dont even know one dish you like but you know all my eating habits. I will start with this itself. Tell me all your favorite dishes."

"I like all food we make at home. I cant think of one thing as favorite."

"Ok! This is not helping. Tell one sweet you crave for"

Gopi thought for sometime and said, "I dont like sweets much. But I dont mind sukhdi! Oh! I remember! Once Mama got us some special rasagulla! It was not made of regular sugar and Mama said that it was made of sugar from date trees. I really loved it. I have never had it again! I would love to eat it again!"

Good God! She is gorgeous! Her eyes! Her face! Her smile! I never even imagined that I would be so attracted to her! Oh God! Give me strength to control myself! I need to change the topic from sweets!

Gopi stopped and asked, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No! No Gopi! Oh! I know of something you love to eat! Ice cream! Soon I will make sure that you eat all the flavors and choose your favorite. So what is your favorite vegetable? Dont tell me 'everything'!"

"Ahamji! I really dont have any favorite. In Mama's house, we could not afford a lot of vegetables and most of the time there will be little left for me and Pannah! So I got used to eating whatever vegetable is made."

How can she say this without any bitterness? This is the opening to ask about her childhood and Mami.

"Gopi! I am going to ask you something and I dont want you to get upset about that! I am asking to know about you! Do you remember your parents?"

Gopi became silent and looked at him in confusion.

"Gopi! If it is too difficult for you, you dont have to take about it. See, you know everything about my family and I have no clue of even your parents. I have not even seen thier photos."

Gopi got up and brought her parents' photo and showed it to him.

"You look a lot like your mother. Do you miss them?"

"I dont know. I vaguely remember my parents. There are some flashes of me crying over a dress and my father waking me up from sleep to show the dress. I remember hugging my mother around her waist when she dried my hair. I remember her smell and that I would say "aaaaaaaa" just to hear that sound vibrating when she dries my hair. Somehow, I remember this whenever I dry my hair. It is almost a routine for me. Years back, whenever I was sad, I would think about what would have happened if they were alive. I would think about how they would send me to school, get me things of my choice and talk to me, hold me when I am upset and so on. But then, as I grew up, I realised the futility of those dreams and learned to appreciate whatever I am given. I am glad that at least I have Mama and Maaji and our family after marriage."

"Gopi! Will you include me in that list? In fact, I want to be the one who knows everything about you more than anybody else. I want to give you everything you have been denied - education, dresses, jewels, trips - anything you want. Tell me what do you want to study? Do you have interest in anything particular? Do you want to pursue any subject - literature, maths, management? which fascinates you most?"

"Ji! I dont know! Everything is so new and interesting to me. But, if I can, I want to get music lessons. I have always wanted to learn music and all the songs I know are bhajans and the movie songs I hear on radio. So, if you dont mind, I would like to learn music."

If she can sing so nicely without training what will she do with training? I will arrange for a teacher and inform Mom. She will make sure that Gopi has free time for lessons and practice. But right now, I should ask her to sing for me.

"Sure Gopi! But I didnt know that you can sing movie songs. Which is your favorite song? Dont tell me you like the bhajans in movies!"

Gopi giggled and said, "I only know the songs they put in radio. Mama likes some old songs and asks me sing for him."

There she giggles again. Stupid me! Why could I not have this realisation earlier? Then, I need not worry about controlling myself. I would have gotten lucky months earlier. hmmm.

"Can you sing one song for me? May be a few lines? I dont have much idea about music. Papa and Jigar are the music lovers. I have never cared much for music and could never listen for long. Now, I want to listen to you. Will you?"

Gopi nodded her head vigorously and sang a song which went as "Unko yeh shikayat hai ki hum kuch nahi kehte" (he complains that I never say anything).

"Did you like it? Mama loves this song and tells me that I sing this very well."

"I loved it. But you know, I have always wondered why people have to use some complicated musical routine to say something as simple as "he complains that I never say anything" or say "You are beautiful!" or "I am happy", "I am sad" and so on. Like now, I will simply say, 'Gopi! you are very beautiful and you looked gorgeous in that blue saree today.' I will also say, 'I loved your singing and love it even more when you smile like this'. Why should I sing that? In fact, if I sing, you will run atleast some 20 km away from me. Right now, I want to kiss you and why should I sing about it when I can actually do it?"

Then he kissed her and it was not the one of the light tentative kisses he gave her earlier. He expressed all his passion and desire and possessiveness in that kiss. He didnt give her a chance to be passive. He made her kiss him back. When they came up for air, she looked drugged and did not even open her eyes. Aham looked smug and rained kisses all over her face and neck. She opened her eyes and blushed at his smug look and raised eyebrow. She buried her face in his chest and said, " I am very happy, Ahamji! Thank you!" and gave a brilliant smile to him.

"God Gopi! Do you even know what you are doing to me?! I do want to wait until you can trust me and are comfortable with me. I dont want to seduce you. But if you keep smiling at me like this, I am not responsible for the consequences."

Aham got up abruptly and started pacing. I need to think of something else. Everything in this room leads me to the same idea. To think that I could not stand her few weeks back and now I lust after everything of her. Oh no! Change topic!

He went and sat next to her again. She was following his movements with confusion in her face. He held her face and said, "Sorry Gopi! I dont know what came over me! No! Strike that! I know what came over me. But I want to talk to you today about your Mami. I did not like the way she was talking to you today. How could you put up with that Gopi? Did you not protest even once?"

Gopi became sad and serious and said, "I remember Mami beating me and denying food when I was younger and disobeyed. I guess I got used to obeying her to escape from beating. But, what could she do too? Mama is not very rich and then Mami was saddled with me. So, I guess she was expressing her desperation to me. At least, it turned out good in one way because, otherwise, Maaji would have never seen me and I would have never married you. I am now happy that Kanhaji has answered most of my prayers."

Ok! she now doesnt want to talk bad about her Mami! It will be sometime before she tells me everything. And, if she is ready to move on, I should too.

"Hey! what is this about most of your prayers? What did you pray for? What did you get and what did you not?"

Gopi blushed again and avoided his eyes. When he insisted on an answer, she said, "that is ... I prayed for a mother-in-law who loves me like a mother and a husband who loves me and supports me and stands with me always. I also prayed for ..." and stopped there.

"For ...?"

Gopi looked at him and blushed again. She looked down and said, "Children. I wanted to have several children. A few years after I came to Mama's house, one of our new neighbours had a small baby girl, few months old. I loved to take her and play with her and loved to see her looking at me with big eyes and give me a toothless smile. I spent a lot of my time with her and she would always play with me. They left after a few years and then I thought that I want my own children who will never leave me and will always love me unconditionally. They will love me even though I am stupid or illiterate or clumsy or wrong. They will love me openly without fearing other's opinion."

Gopi's voice broke and it was barely a whisper when she finished. Tears started rolling down her cheeks and when Aham hugged and held her, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

Aham was not sure how console her and just held her. After what seemed like a long time, he heard the sobs stop and she looked up at him contritely. He held her face in his hands and said, "Gopi! I never realised you are hurt so badly. I still dont know if I love you. But I know that I want to love you. I realise that it doesnt matter if you are illiterate or clumsy. I think I like you as you are. You are beautiful, strong and courageous. By the way, I dont think you are stupid. You think quick on your feet and you make the most wonderful meals I have ever eaten and your singing is magical. You are now studying and soon enough you will get your diplomas. I am happy that you are my wife and if we are blessed with children, they cannot ask for a better mother. I am looking forward to see you big with my children and feed them, sing to them, teach them and scold them and discipline them. I am looking forward to you telling me everyday about what they did when I was at work and scold me when I spoil them rotten. Please Gopi! dont cry! You are no way less than any of us. Rather, you are better than many of us in many things. I am going to tell you these things more often till you get your confidence. Oh! and more than anything, I look forward to making our babies with you" and winked at her.

Gopi was looking at him with eyes full of love and wonder. At his last sentence, she blushed to roots of her hair and said, "Ahamji!" with mock horror.

"What? what did you think? That I am not interested? You are a beautiful woman and I am a man! Of course I am interested. But then, all in good time. By the way, dont think that I forgot and you can escape. You did not make kheer for dinner, whatever be the reason and I have to be compensated for that." With that, he kissed her again and this time she did not need any coaxing from him to kiss him back. They both simply held each other and enjoyed the nearness of each other.

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That is it friends! I am hoping that it will be two or three more updates before I end this. I am telling you, Aham's mind is now flooded with hormones and it is increasingly difficult to read anything PG rated! It looks like I may have to pry on Gopi's brain soon!

Thanks @bollyrockstar, Anjula, Angie, @zee10, Tina and @vmpp for your comments and interest.

Originally posted by: suvaaslondon

Especially these days when the show is Crap,it is the lovely FFs that keep us going.

Wow That too double treat.Very good and Thanks

Hben that was great.. The sweet talk betwn gohem was kewl. Thank god, he didnt sing😆
Kinjal as usual was rolling🤣
btw continue prying on ahem's mind.. I'm sure its going to be really entertaining now on😉

Originally posted by: Jake-neil

Hben that was great.. The sweet talk betwn gohem was kewl. Thank god, he didnt sing😆
Kinjal as usual was rolling🤣
btw continue prying on ahem's mind.. I'm sure its going to be really entertaining now on😉

Thanks Bee for 2 chapters, you are spoiling us now...lol.

Originally posted by: Nafisa_blossoms

Thanks Bee for 2 chapters, you are spoiling us now...lol.