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Later that afternoon, Roshni called Lakshmi to help her with cleaning the house. Lakshmi agreed to come on Sunday, the next day. Roshni had everything planned for Diwali.
At the dining table, Deepak asked Roshni when they could go to finish the shopping for Diwali. She had forgotten that most of the stores were closed on Sunday, so they postponed their shopping trip until Monday.
Roshni was busy Sunday cleaning with Lakshmi. She took great pleasure in getting the house ready for Diwali. She cleaned the altar and the various Gods’ pictures and rearranged them properly. She asked Lakshmi to buy her some jasmine garlands on Monday so she could decorate the pictures with flower garlands. Deepak watched the excitement in her eyes, and he was very proud of her. The physical handicap did not stop her enthusiasm.
On Monday, Deepak and Roshni went shopping in the morning. They had a good time together in the stores, looking around for clothes for both of them. Roshni’s walking had improved significantly, but still there were times when she needed help with her balance, and Deepak was always around to help her.
They entered a huge showroom – a one-stop shopping center for the entire family. Roshni and Deepak first went to the men’s side and picked up a couple of kurta pyjama sets for Deepak, and of course, Roshni had to approve until the final selection was made. Then Roshni, with Deepak’s help, came to the women’s section. Even before Roshni asked, Deepak requested that the salesperson show them beautiful salwar suits.
Roshni was taken by surprise and looked at Deepak.
“Roshni, this time I am going to buy dresses for you, and you will not object.”
This was more of a command from him, and Roshni certainly did not want to create a scene. They discussed the dresses. Roshni was indecisive; she went back and forth and finally picked a dress but was not sure if Deepak approved of it. This was the first time she felt she wanted his approval of her dress – a big shift in her thinking!
He noticed that she waited for his approval and felt very elated. She was ready to ask for a bill when he said, “Roshni, you just picked one dress, pick a few more.”
Roshni was startled. “A few more! Why? I just need one to wear tomorrow. I’m fine.”
“No, you are not fine.” He insisted she buy more. He stared at her very lovingly. “Would you mind if I picked something for you?”
Roshni nodded her head in approval, and he picked a couple more dresses for her. He was familiar with her color and design choices, and she readily approved them! She was surprised – he understood her choices. Again, progress in their relationship!
A few minutes later he ordered the salesman to bring some of the latest designer saris. Roshni was speechless. Who is he buying saris for? She took a negative turn, but she forced herself to think otherwise. She looked at him, hoping he would help her understand who he was buying the saris for, but he was in a mischievous mood, and he completely ignored her curiosity.
Very soon the salesman brought a whole bunch of beautiful designer saris. Deepak selected a sari and asked her for her opinion. She shook her head in disapproval. Although she liked some of them, she disapproved each of them. This continued for some time, and Deepak was frustrated.
“Roshni, how come you do not like any of these saris?”
“Whom are you buying these for? Unless I know, I cannot approve.”
Finally Deepak gave in. “Who else would I buy for? You, obviously.”
“I don’t need any. Why are you buying them for me? Please–”
Deepak interrupted her. “I am getting these for you, and that is final. I know your preferences so whether you approve or not, I will get them, and you have to wear them. No argument on this,” he commanded.
He was pretty stern when he mentioned this, and Roshni, although lost for words to respond, liked this. She knew he was serious about it, and with a little discussion, Deepak finally settled on getting her two saris.
The bill was ready, and this time Roshni did not argue with him about payment. They left with Deepak holding all the packages and supporting Roshni.
As they came out, Deepak spotted a jewelry store. “Roshni, you wait here. Let me leave these bags in the car and come back.”
“Why? I’ll go with you. Aren’t we going home?”
“Not yet, let’s go to the jewelry store.”
“What for? Please don’t even think of buying any jewelry for me. Let’s go home.”
Deepak left her even before she finished her sentence. She tried to follow him, but he was back within a few seconds and held her hand and took her to the jewelry store.
Deepak looked very lovingly towards her. “Roshni, please, I really wanted to get some jewelry for you, so let’s try to find a few things.”
“A few things…what do you mean a few things? This is a jewelry store, Deepak, and I hope you know that.”
Deepak nodded his head and began to move inside, holding her hand. Finally with a little argument here and there, Deepak bought two gold sets for Roshni; each of them consisted of a necklace, matching bangles and ear tops. He definitely was in a mood to buy things for her.
