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“The trip was good, very relaxing, and I spent time with Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya.”
“How are they doing?”
Deepak gave Vivek and Vaishali all the details.
Vaishali from the kitchen area yelled, “Deepak bhai saab, how come you are not giving any details about your marriage. Tell us about your wedding. Do you have wedding pictures? We are excited to hear all about it.”
Deepak sighed. “Yeah, the wedding, all went well.”
He was depressed as he talked. One would have expected him to be cheerful and enthusiastic to share more details, but Deepak was calm and somber. Vivek and Vaishali wondered why Deepak was so quiet.
“Deepak, what is the matter? Did all go well with your wedding?”
“Yes, Sashank bhaiya had already selected this girl; actually the wedding was almost fixed by the time I arrived.”
“What do you mean? Did you get to meet her? What is bhabhi’s name?” asked Vivek.
“Roshni,” replied Deepak.
“Haan, Deepak and Roshni…how wonderful!” said Vaishali.
Deepak looked at her. For the first time he comprehended their names formed a good combination; Deepak meant light and Roshni is spreading light. He’d never paid any attention to this.
Vivek helped Vaishali with the food. “Deepak, what is the matter? You don’t look happy?”
“Vivek, it is a long story. I don’t want to discuss it now. Shall we discuss this later?”
Vivek began to sense something was not right but did not force him. He and Deepak had been good friends for a very long time, so he knew Deepak would discuss it when he was ready. Deepak was not in the mood for company, so soon after dinner he asked Vivek to take him home. Vivek and Vaishali were confused, but Vivek agreed to drop him, and they left. Deepak thanked his friends before he left.
~ ~ ~
At home, Deepak changed into his pyjamas and noticed groceries in the refrigerator. He was thankful for having Vivek and Vaishali as his good friends.
Of course, thoughts of Roshni constantly came to his mind. All through his return journey, he thought of the conversations he and Roshni had had on the wedding night and her reactions. He’d returned to the US, but the thoughts continued.
He valued her openness, her honesty and responsibility to fulfill the promise she’d made to her father. He admired her quick mind and comfortable presence. All these thoughts kept him from sleeping for a long time. He felt guilty for his immature and irresponsible behavior.
Roshni’s statement that he deceived her and that he was not dependable pierced him deep; he was restless and felt the need to discuss this with Vivek. He felt Vivek was dependable to share all his thoughts and feelings with, and hoped to find some guidance to proceed further. He decided to visit them that weekend. This gave him some solace, and finally he fell asleep.
~ ~ ~
The next morning was Sunday. Deepak made chai – he made his own chai after five weeks. Ha, how he missed life in India! Of course, he did not have fresh ginger; the only spice he had was cardamom powder. The chai did not taste as good, but he compromised.
The telephone rang, and he picked it up. “Hello.”
“Good morning, Deepak, how are you?”
“Oh, Vivek, good morning. I’m all right.”
“Did you get some rest last night?” asked Vivek.
“Yes, a little. Where are you?” enquired Deepak.
“I came to an ATM to withdraw some cash. Deepak, are you really all right? You looked very worried last night. Vaishali and I are concerned. Can I come over?”
Deepak agreed that he was troubled. He also mentioned that he wanted to share a few things about his marriage, so he invited Vivek and Vaishali over that afternoon. Vivek agreed and hung up the phone.
Deepak unpacked the suitcases. He smiled at the items and appreciated Roshni for her efficiency – all items intact. As he removed the clothes and other items he brought from India, he noticed a small bag and the envelope that Roshni had given him. The small bag contained her bracelets that were given to her by Sashank bhaiya at the time of the wedding. On it was a note: “Deepak, these belong to your wife. Please give them to her.” Then he noticed the envelope with the power of attorney in it. He shook his head and left these both safely in his closet, thinking that he might need them in the future.
