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Deepak was very agitated. How could she make a decision like this? He was restless. “What, what do you mean?” This decision troubled him. He certainly did not want this relationship to end like this, but… He was lost for words. How should he respond to Roshni?
“I don’t understand why you have come to that decision, Roshni?” Deepak asked.
Roshni was a woman of principles. She was agonized and felt belittled when Deepak expressed his ideas on their wedding night. She had already made a decision not to pursue this relationship; however, her promise to Babuji haunted her, and she had to do something about it. She was a private person and never openly discussed her pain or sorrow with anybody. But this time, she needed some support to fulfill this promise, and she decided to discuss this with Deepak.
Since Roshni had not responded, Deepak repeated, “Roshni, I still don’t understand–” He was interrupted.
“Deepak, look at us now. Are we comfortable with each other? We are here to satisfy Sashank bhaiya. We went to Vaishno Devi temple because it is a family tradition, and do you see us continuing in this relationship with different ideologies. Especially for me…I don’t want you to feel obligated to accept me as your wife. I certainly will not be happy in such a relationship.”
Silence followed.
Roshni waited for Deepak to respond, but Deepak was in deep thought and unable to respond to Roshni. He sat on the sofa, his hands to his mouth, and occasionally ran them through his hair or rubbed his forehead, completely shaken! What should he do? What Roshni mentioned a few minutes ago – not being obligated – made sense to him, but he believed in rituals. He believed there was a reason he was married to Roshni. He was not ready to make such a bold decision before giving it some thought.
Roshni looked at Deepak. “I have a request.”
“What is it?”
She gathered some courage to share Babuji’s promise with him. “Before our marriage, Babuji wanted me to make a promise…”
“A promise! What is it?”
“Yes! Babuji knew how much you all suffered because of your sister-in-law’s behavior and the ill-feelings you all developed towards women…in different ways. He believes Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya are depressed, and they are very sad.”
Deepak raised his brows. “So?”
“Babuji wanted me to promise him that after my marriage, my behavior towards everybody in the family should be exemplary and that with love and affection I should help Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya in their healing process, and hopefully one day they will change their attitudes and develop healthy feelings towards women…and maybe become ready to accept women in their lives.”
She sighed; a daunting task lay ahead of her. “He wanted me to keep them happy.?
??
Deepak just stared at her. Unbelievable! Is this possible? he wondered.
Roshni continued, “I promised Babuji that I will do everything in my capacity to influence both brothers and you, and bring some positive changes in the family.”
She wiped her tears. “And of course, I had no idea my life itself would have such a disastrous end!” She paused. “But, Deepak, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“What is it? You think changing both bhaiyas is a possibility? I can understand Akash bhaiya looking forward to getting married, but Sashank bhaiya, will he change at his age?” Deepak asked.
“I don’t know! All I’m saying is I will try. I promised Babuji, but whether this will be feasible is beyond me at this time.”
They stared at each other, completely lost in thought. He was flabbergasted. In spite of all that had happened, she was ready to take this risk because she promised her father. Hats off to her! An admiration rose in him for this beautiful woman.
“My request to you is not to come back to India until next December.”
“What? I mean, why?”
Roshni looked at him. “Because this will give me one year to work towards this promise I made. If you are not here, it will be easier for me to focus. I gave myself December 14th next year as my target date. If I am successful by this date, very well, but that would be my deadline to walk out of this house and your life completely.”
Deepak was nervous, tense and worried. “Roshni, why are you making such decisions? I know our conversation on the wedding night was not pleasant. I know it pained you, and…I feel miserable for putting you through this. I had requested that you please give me some time to sort out all this mess that I created for you, but here you are making all kinds of decisions. What am I to say?” He pleaded with her, “Please don’t make such rash decisions, my sincere request.”
“Deepak, I heard your views on marriage. I don’t want to force you into this relationship. Yes, I am traumatized. I feel disrespected, but I cannot sulk and get depressed. I have decided to move on with my life…for better or worse,” replied Roshni.
She was heartbroken, but she decided to move on. She continued, “I would like to put in sincere efforts to fulfill Babuji’s promise, and that is why I have a plan.”
Deepak asked, “What plan?”
“Unfortunately, you and I will have to make a pretense of being husband and wife until next December.”
