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Both of them stared at each other, full of passion, the love evident in their eyes. After a few minutes, Roshni pulled her hand away from him.
“Roshni, you know our marriage is not complete until…” He glanced towards the bed, and Roshni understood him – he was talking about Suhaag raat. This was the day, almost a year ago, that Deepak had told her he was forced into this marriage, and now he was ready for the union. The past reflected in front of her, but she forced herself to ignore it.
“I know, b-b-but not now?”
“Why not?”
Roshni very lovingly explained while Deepak patiently listened.
“Deepak, Suhaag raat is a very special time, a very important ritual for the couple. Both husband and wife submit to each other completely; hence it is usually done on a good…I mean, an auspicious day. That is why most people perform it on the wedding day itself or perform a special pooja prior to letting the bride and the groom unite. I hope you understand.”
She cupped his cheek with her hand and continued, “In our case…firstly, I really want these bandages on my foot and hand removed, and secondly, let’s go to a temple, at least, on an auspicious day before the ritual…please,” she requested.
She came forward and rested her head on his chest while he hugged her. “Deepak, we have come a long way in this journey. Why not wait for a few more days?” She looked up to his face.
Deepak respected her sentiments. “Okay, as you wish but…”
Roshni lifted her head to face him, and she understood him well.
Out in the living room, Akash held Sheetal’s hand and assured her that he was making the right decision and he would be with her always. Sheetal acknowledged him and confirmed the same. Both talked about their wedding, their future, Sheetal’s move to Mumbai, and a few other topics, and went to bed late into the night.
~ ~ ~
The next day was a busy day.
Roshni and Deepak were all excited to inform Sashank of Akash’s wedding while Sheetal was nervous about informing her father. Sheetal told her parents, and they were very excited to hear this news. They had met Akash in Poona and were satisfied that Sheetal had made a good choice. Sashank and Kusum were also very pleased to hear this news. Sashank congratulated Akash, and he was restless to meet Sheetal’s parents to move forward with this alliance.
Sheetal’s father called Sashank, and they talked about their families, their jobs and other topics and discussed the marriage of Akash and Sheetal. Sheetal’s father invited Sashank and Kusum to visit them in Poona, and they agreed. Several phone calls went on between Bangalore, Poona and Mumbai; everyone updated others regarding the developments. Akash left on a high note on Sunday to return to Mumbai.
~ ~ ~
Monday, November 27th
Roshni ha
d her doctor’s appointment, and Deepak and Roshni were getting ready. The appointment was later in the morning, and Roshni mumbled, “I hope this is the last appointment. I’m tired of this sling and cast.”
Deepak overheard her mumbling. He came closer, holding her shoulders. “Roshni, we’ve made it this long. Be patient…I’m sure if this is not the last appointment, your casts should be off very soon.”
Roshni felt comforted.
Bhaskar, the project manager for Roshni’s project, called. Roshni and Deepak had the phone on speaker mode to converse with Bhaskar. Bhaskar thanked Deepak for all the support he provided to his team, and then he talked with Roshni. Since the project had been verified and validated, the team saw no reason to wait until the first week of December for the launch of the project, and the launch date was moved to the 1st of December, Friday of that week.
Bhaskar suggested that since the project was complete, Roshni could move back to Mumbai, or they could bring her on board for a new project. Roshni asked if she had to stay in Bangalore for the new project when Deepak interrupted.
“No, Bhaskar, I’m taking Roshni back to Mumbai, I guess either this weekend or early next week, since you mentioned that the launch has been scheduled for Friday.”
Bhaskar communicated that it was up to them to decide and that the company would honor either decision. He asked Roshni and Deepak to come to the company on Friday, December 1st, so they could meet all the team members before leaving. Roshni and Deepak agreed and hung up.
Roshni was amazed at Deepak’s statement. She wanted to ask Deepak when Deepak interrupted her again and came closer to her.
“Roshni, you were here in Bangalore for this project, and now that it’s complete, we will go back to Mumbai. Let us spend some time together with the family. There’s a lot of excitement regarding Akash’s marriage; let’s be a part of the celebrations. Moreover, who knows? Sashank bhaiya and Sheetal’s parents may decide on an early date for the wedding, in which case, I expect Sheetal to move to Mumbai as well.”
Roshni looked forward to going back to Mumbai and seeing Sashank bhaiya and Kusum didi. “Yeah, let’s go to Mumbai. I miss it. Let’s talk with Sheetal too. I’m sure she and Akash have talked about their plans.”
Roshni and Deepak left for the doctor’s appointment. Doctor Swaminathan examined Roshni. Her bones had healed well, so he removed the cast and sling. She was free to move as long as she took precautions not to exert her arm or foot for a few more weeks. Deepak and Roshni were pleased. They discussed their plans to move to Mumbai, and the doctor okayed their move. Roshni was still weak, and Dr. Swaminathan prescribed some medicines for Roshni and instructed Deepak to continue to take care of her. Deepak smiled and nodded in agreement.
~ ~ ~
