Week before Christmas eve:
Om and Gauri were having dinner.
G: it feels so quiet, without bhaiyya, di and Rudy.
O:hmm
Om replied not paying attention to Gauri. She understood he was not attentive and tried to see if he was listening.
G: The chicken I brought today is good right?
O: very good
He still was not paying attention.
G: And what about the fact that you have gone mad?
O: completely. Huh?
G: Ok, tell me what is wrong.
O: Nothing!
He replied finally looking up.
G: Om, something is off about you. Neither have I brought any chicken today, nor have you gone mad.
O:thanks. I'll be fine, it's alright.
Om replied with a sheepish smile.
G: no, it's not. You call me your best friend, and keep me from your problems, not done. I am here with you; tell me.
She said as she kept her hand on his and rubbed it with her thumb.
Om finally made eye contact, and spoke.
O: There is something that is bothering me. Next week you and I are going to a ball for Christmas, my father is going to be there too.
G: ok?
Gauri said confused.
O: No, you don't get it. He is going to be there with her, his mistress. And I just don't want it to be awkward, as you are going to attend it.
G: Oh, but what does this have to do with me attending it?
O: I just had this idea in my head, whenever you would meet my family, you would get a happy view not a dysfunctional one.
After hearing how much concern he had in his voice, Gauri smiled and replied.
G: Om, I know your family. Your family is Shivaay bhaiyya, Anika di, Rudy, dadi and your Mom. You yourself had told me that your dad and you are just related by blood but these all are by your heart, and that is what makes them your family. So I have a very good picture in my head when I think of your family. And please, don't think so much about me.
Om was happy on how much Gauri knew and understood him.
O: You are just a bit wrong. There is one person you missed out in my family. It is you. You too are my family, and I like thinking about you.
Om's words had touched her, she only said Thank you, but they both knew it was more than just words that came along.
They continued their dinner, talked for some time and then slept in respective houses.
Next day, Hospital:
Intern: Dr. Gauri, paramedic just called, a 28 year old male collapsed in his office today. They are reaching here in a minute.
G: Ok, any specific reasons told?
Asked Gauri as she walked with the intern to the ER door. The intern replied a no by nodding her head.
The ambulance reached to the door and the paramedics took the patient out.
Paramedic: 28 year old male, fainted about 2 times in 4 hours, pulse ox normal, possible reason, blood pressure.
