AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Deepak wheeled Roshni back to the room after dinner and helped her to the bed. She was very quiet. Deepak suspected she was sad because Aunty would be leaving soon. He got her settled on the bed and worked on his laptop and corresponded with the team in the US. Roshni relaxed with her hand across her forehead.
Deepak looked at her. “Roshni, are you okay?”
Roshni removed her hand. “I’m just a little worried for Aunty.”
“Why?” He put down his laptop and made himself available for Roshni as she spoke.
“We have gotten used to Aunty. We will miss her, and she will miss us too,” Roshni expressed.
I know, that’s why we are sending her away. Hopefully this will help us in our relationship, Roshni, Deepak thought. He moved closer to Roshni and put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s all right, Roshni. She’ll only be gone for a few weeks. We can manage without her for a few days,” he consoled her.
She shrugged her shoulders and moved away from him, but there was only so far she could move!
Then she talked about the money Aunty was paid for her services. Deepak was astounded but respected Roshni and Sheetal for their decision. Aunty was not aware of this fact, and Roshni decided to discuss this with her. Since Aunty would still work for their family in Mumbai, they agreed to continue to pay her.
Deepak held her hand. “Great, thanks for doing this, Roshni. I’m sure she will be indebted to you for this arrangement. You can tell her tomorrow, and I’ll look into the tickets for Saturday. Sounds good?”
“Yes, thank you for helping me through this.”
“My pleasure, don’t mention it. I’m glad I am here to help.” He paused and continued, “Roshni, I think you should sleep and get some rest. Did you take all your medicines?”
“Yes, I did. Good night.”
“Good night,” he whispered, “sweetheart!”
~ ~ ~
On Friday, Sheetal left for work as usual, and Deepak looked into getting tickets for Aunty to fly to Mumbai. Aunty overheard this discussion between Deepak and Roshni, and she was nervous. She’d never flown before. Deepak observed the anxiety on her face and came next to her and very affectionately held her hand and gave her the courage. Aunty was touched to see how caring Deepak was. Roshni also was grateful. He is certainly very caring and affectionate. I am very happy! she thought.
Deepak purchased the air ticket for Aunty, and he called Sashank to let them know when Aunty was arriving on Saturday. Sashank agreed to pick her up and mentioned that he would bring Akash since Akash had met Aunty in Bangalore. After he hung up the phone, Deepak turned towards Aunty and explained to her that Akash and Sashank would be at the airport to pick her up. Aunty was relieved to hear Akash’s name and went to her room to do the packing.
After dinner, Roshni and Sheetal talked to Aunty about her account and financial situation. They explained to her that they’d been paying her and all that money was in her name in the bank. For security purposes, Roshni had included her name as a joint account holder, but that should not stop her from using her money. Aunty was dumbfounded and could not believe it. With tears in her eyes, she raised her hands in Namaste and thanked Sheetal and Roshni.
Deepak watched all this but remained silent. It was Roshni’s and Sheetal’s business so he stayed out of it. How well she managed this relationship, and to keep Aunty secure, she helped her financially, thought Deepak. He was very proud of Roshni and gently smiled at her. At one point Roshni also looked towards him, and he nodded to her in acknowledgement. Roshni gave Aunty her passbook and other account details.
Deepak helped Roshni to the bedroom and onto the bed, making her comfortable. He changed into pyjamas and climbed next to her on the bed.
After a few minutes, Roshni asked, “Deepak, can I ask you for a favor, please?”
“What do you need, Roshni?” Deepak looked at her.
Roshni discussed transferring more money into Aunty’s account for emergency purposes and a security for Aunty so she wouldn’t have to depend upon her son. She wondered if Deepak could help her, and he agreed.
Roshni nodded, and Deepak assured her that he would take care of this Saturday morning.
Roshni began to notice that Deepak never forced his decisions on her. He was very considerate and asked for her opinions but never interfered in matters she was concerned with. She wondered if this was his personality. She had sufficient evidence and her conscience told her that this was genuine of him.
~ ~ ~
It was Saturday morning, and Aunty woke up earlier than usual and began to cook several dishes that would last for at least two or three days. The aroma from the kitchen was alluring to Deepak, and he went into the kitchen and noticed the steam rising from the pans and skillets on the stove. Deepak took a deep breath and inhaled the smells, wondering why Aunty was cooking so many dishes this early!
“Aunty, why are you making so many dishes?” he asked.
“Just enough for the next two or three days, beta.”
“Don’t worry, Aunty. You know I can cook.”
Roshni overheard this conversation from the family room. “Aunty, please don’t worry. We will manage.”
