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Roshni was in pain. It was unbearable, and her eyes became moist. She tried to lift her foot but lost her balance and crashed onto Deepak’s chest, hugging him tightly so she did not fall. She wept…she was frustrated and angry with herself for her weakness and her handicap.
Deepak held her tightly and consoled her. They had not been this close before, and this proximity certainly arose emotions between them. No man had touched her before with such exquisite tenderness, and Deepak felt the warmth of her hug on his chest. He did not want her to move, but Roshni came to her senses and moved away. Her eyes were wet with tears, and Deepak was still holding and supporting her.
“Deepak, I would like to sit on the chair. Can you please wheel me to the bed? My foot and arm hurt a lot,” Roshni requested.
Instantly, Deepak lifted her in his arms with Roshni holding onto his shirt tightly. She was caught off guard when Deepak lifted her, and their gazes locked. After a few minutes, Roshni looked around and saw Aunty, feeling embarrassed…
“Deepak, please put me back in the wheelchair. You can wheel me to the bed,” she requested.
Deepak looked towards Aunty and then at Roshni. “It’s okay, Roshni. Aunty understands. You’re my wife.”
Roshni closed her eyes for a second. You don’t get it, Deepak. How many times have I told you that I am not your wife? She shook her head in denial.
“Please, I would like to sit in the wheelchair,” she requested again.
Of course, Deepak ignored her and walked to the bed with Roshni in his arms and laid her on the bed. She was tired and exhausted. Deepak helped her with the blanket, and she settled in a comfortable position.
“Thank you, Deepak,” she said, and looking over her body with its bandages, she became sad.
Deepak came next to her and pulled her to his chest with his hand around her shoulder. “Roshni, it’s okay. This accident has had a major impact on you, both emotionally and physically. Please give it some time to heal. I am always there to help and support you.” He comforted her.
“I know, thank you, Deepak.” She moved away from him and looked at him, sincere gratitude in her eyes for him.
Sheetal arrived a few minutes later. Deepak’s computer was set up so he could communicate with the team, and Sheetal and Deepak talked about going to the market. Roshni took this opportunity and suggested again that Deepak go home since Aunty was with her. Deepak was not happy and emphatically told Roshni that he was coming back. They gave instructions to Aunty and left.
On the way Sheetal enquired about Roshni, and Deepak was concerned that she was distancing herself from him.
“Don’t worry. She’ll come around. I know her enough to tell you that she is a very warm-hearted person and cares for everybody. There’s no reason why she should reject you. Just be patient.” Sheetal paused and then updated Deepak that she’d given a few details to Aunty, so Aunty would cooperate as well.
“Thank you, Sheetal, this is a great help. Let’s see how all this will unwind. The pro
blem is Roshni does not open up very easily, unlike me – I get angry and I blurt out everything. Sometimes I offend people too. I have already caused heartbreak to Roshni, and I am paying a big price for it,” he said.
Sheetal believed him; she had experienced it when he arrived.
Deepak continued, “Her silence is her strength and weakness too. She cannot get annoyed at anybody very easily but does not open up either. I can see she is burdened with pain. She appears to be happy, but in reality, she is not.”
Sheetal agreed that Roshni was a very private person when it came to sharing any sorrow or pain.
Sheetal and Deepak arrived at the store. Deepak bought a new phone, and the first thing he did was call Roshni, letting her know of his new number. After that, Deepak asked Sheetal to take him to a boutique or a store where he could get some gowns for Roshni. Sheetal realized that Deepak probably overheard their conversation, and without much discussion, she took him to a store.
They visited a few stores, and Deepak was not happy with any of the designs or colors. Finally Sheetal took him to a boutique, and after looking at a few gowns, he selected three. All of them had a zipper opening in the front and were Roshni’s favorite colors: peach, aqua and light pink with very intricate, beautiful designs. They were expensive, but he wasn’t concerned about the price. After paying for them, he gave the bag to Sheetal and told her to give them to Roshni herself.
“You bought these for her; why don’t you give them to her yourself?”
“She may not take them. She has done this in the past, so please give these to her.”
Sheetal nodded, and they headed back to the hospital.
~ ~ ~
Meanwhile at the hospital, Roshni’s phone rang, and Aunty answered the phone, “Hello?”
“Can I speak with Mrs. Roshni, please?” the voice at the other end requested.
“Who is this?”
“I’m calling from the accounting department of the hospital.”
