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“Good, Deepak, how is Roshni beti?”
Deepak looked towards Roshni. “She is doing better, bhaiya. We had her doctor’s appointment this morning, and except for the fractures, all other wounds have healed well. She is still very weak, though.”
“Did the doctor prescribe any medicines to help her with this weakness?” Sashank enquired.
“Yes, I discussed it with him this morning, and he had certain diet recommendations.”
“Good, let’s hope she will pick up some strength soon.”
“Bhaiya, I heard that Kaki had a fall. How is she doing?” Deepak enquired.
“Yeah, she wounded her knee and foot and is unable to walk. With this, Kusum is going through some stress managing everything at home.”
“Oh, sorry to hear about Kaki, bhaiya.”
Roshni and Sheetal overheard the conversation and looked towards Deepak. Roshni wondered what happened to Kaki.
Deepak continued, “Bhaiya, we have Aunty here. Would it be okay if she came for a few days to help you and bhabhi? Fortunately, Roshni is home now, and things are more manageable here. I’m sure Aunty would be happy to help out.”
Roshni was not pleased to hear this. Why was Deepak committing to something without checking with her and Sheetal? She looked at Sheetal, and Sheetal pretended to be unaware of this situation. She signaled her to be patient until they heard the whole story.
Deepak hung up, informing Sashank that he would talk to Sheetal and Roshni and then call him back.
Deepak joined Sheetal and Roshni at the dining table. “Roshni and Sheetal, I guess Kaki has fallen down and injured her knee and foot. She is unable to walk. Do you think we could send Aunty to Mumbai for a few weeks until Kaki recovers? I think Kusum bhabhi is a little stressed at this time because she is managing all the work at home. What do you say?”
“Sure, Deepak, this is a great idea. Plus, Aunty will get a chance to meet the rest of the family and Kaki too!” Sheetal responded and turned towards Roshni. “What do you say, Roshni?”
Roshni was unhappy, thinking of herself. If Aunty went away, she again was at the mercy of Deepak to help her with everything, and she did not like it. She looked very concerned. “Then what about me? I mean, I’m still handicapped, and Aunty helps me tremendously. I probably will need her help for the next few weeks.”
Deepak looked towards Roshni and very lovingly said, “It’s okay. I’m here to help you, and Sheetal can also help you, but there are more people in Mumbai, and with bhabhi working, I can understand the stress she is going through. As soon as Kaki feels better, Aunty can come back. Also, Mumbai is close to Gujarat, and Aunty could visit her friends and family.”
Roshni was very thoughtful of others. She was concerned for Kaki and for Kusum didi, but she was also concerned for Aunty – she should not be pressured into something she did not want to do!
“Why don’t we check with Aunty first to see if she would like to go? If she agrees, then I’m okay. I don’t think we should force her into this.”
Deepak and Sheetal nodded in agreement, and they conversed with Aunty.
Without hesitation, Aunty instantly agreed. “Would it be okay if I go to help Kusum beti until Kaki recovers? I’ve only met Akash, and it will be good to meet the rest of the family.”
Deepak, Sheetal and Roshni were amazed to hear the immediate response from Aunty. They looked at each other, and Roshni said, “Aunty, thank you for agreeing to go to Mumbai to help Kusum didi and Kaki. It certainly would be a great relief for them, but we don’t want you to feel pressured or forced into this. Do you want to think it over first?”
“No, beti, after all that you’ve done for me, how can I not think of helping others, especially your family? I can go if they are ready to accept me and my help,” Aunty restated.
“Aunty, Deepak just talked to Sashank bhaiya, and he was very happy about it. We wanted to confirm with you,” added Sheetal.
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“I am fine, Sheetal bete.” She paused and asked, “So when can I go?”
“Thank you, Aunty, I will talk to Sashank bhaiya, and we will make arrangements. Is that all right?” Deepak said.
“Okay, beta, I am happy to help.”
Aunty went back to her chores, and Deepak and Sheetal were thankful for Aunty’s co-operation, but Roshni panicked. She was certainly not looking forward to spending all day with Deepak alone at home, but Deepak was thrilled. Mission accomplished for him!
Deepak called Sashank and Kusum and informed them that Aunty would be arriving there to help them out for a few weeks. Kusum and Sashank were pleased to hear this and so was Akash. Kaki was happy to get some help.
Sheetal, Roshni and Deepak decided that Aunty should fly in on Saturday so somebody would be available to pick her up at the airport. A train journey was unfathomable – it was a long distance, and there were safety issues!
