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“All right, what is the name of the company you are collaborating with here in Bangalore, Deepak ji?”
Deepak told her, and it was the same company that Sheetal and Roshni worked for. All were happy to hear this.
“Sheetal ji, if you wouldn’t mind, you could take my computer to work and talk to a certain gentleman…hold on a minute.” He opened his phone book and gave the name to Sheetal. “He needs to set up the computer so I can work remotely.”
“Okay, I’ll come here first and pick up your computer,” she said.
Deepak nodded when Roshni interrupted them. “Deepak, you can go with her to work. That way you’ll get to meet the people at work and also get whatever you need. I’ll be fine here; don’t worry.”
Sheetal and Deepak exchanged glances.
“Roshni, it’s no problem. I can get this done for Deepak. He can come later when you’re feeling better.”
“Yeah, Sheetal is right. Plus, Roshni, I need to be here when the doctor is here. I can’t leave you alone,” Deepak replied, looking at her.
“I’ll be all right. Don’t worry,” Roshni insisted.
“I know you’ll be all right, but now that I’m here, I will take care of you. Please don’t argue,” said Deepak.
Roshni got the message and agreed hesitatingly. Akash bid good-bye to Roshni and left the room. Deepak followed him outside.
“Deepak, do whatever it takes to prove you are worthy of her. You will get her back in your life!” Akash reiterated.
“Yes, Akash bhaiya, that is my priority.”
Akash patted Deepak’s shoulder and assured him of his support and left.
Deepak brought a chair close to Roshni’s bed and sat on it. “Roshni, how are you feeling? You’ve been in this position for some time now. Do you want to take a nap?”
“Not now, maybe later.”
“Okay, can I get you something to drink? The doctor recommended that you eat and drink often to boost your strength.”
“Deepak, I just had my sandwich. I don’t need anything now.”
Deepak pulled closer to Roshni and held her hand. He stared at her, becoming grim and feeling empty, and Roshni noticed.
“Deepak, are you okay? What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing!” A few seconds later, he said, “My apologies, Roshni.”
“Why do you feel remorseful?”
“I feel responsible for all this. I mean, we should have talked about this assignment of yours in more detail before you left for Bangalore.”
Roshni felt worn out after a few minutes. She was ready for a nap. Deepak helped her relax on the bed and pulled the sheet and blanket over her. He sat next to her, gently stroking her forehead and hair. His touch gave her security. She closed her eyes and smiled with satisfaction, and soon after, she slept.
Deepak moved away from her to the other bed next to Roshni’s and relaxed himself. He glanced towards Roshni every few minutes to check on her. A few times he heard Roshni move very gently, moaning and groaning because of the physical pain, and his heart ached to see her suffer.
~ ~ ~
Later that afternoon, Roshni slowly opened her eyes and looked around. She saw Deepak relaxing on the bed, and he glanced towards Roshni, and their gazes met. He went to her and enquired if she needed to use the bedpan. She nodded, and he called the nurse to assist her.
He reclined the bed and helped her get comfortable. The nurse came over and helped Roshni while Deepak left the room, respecting Roshni’s privacy, for which Roshni was grateful. Later, Deepak asked Roshni if he could get some chai and snacks for her, and she nodded and gave him directions to the café.
As he was ready to leave, she asked, “Deepak, do you have Indian cash? I don’t think they take credit cards. Can I give you some money?”
Deepak smiled at her. “I’m okay for now. Thanks for asking, though.”
