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“Deepak, it’s all right. I understand. You were excited about Sashank bhaiya’s wedding and you called. Can you call back next Friday evening our time for a few minutes? Sashank bhaiya and Kusum didi, I mean bhabhi for you, will be married by then, and both can talk to you.” She paused and then added, “You mentioned that you were busy at work, but I think you can spare a few minutes for your brother, right?”
Deepak listened to her…she was his priority at this time; he didn’t care about work. Yes, he would like to talk
to Sashank bhaiya and Kusum bhabhi for a few minutes, but it was her he wanted to converse with.
“Yes, certainly, but I will call intermittently. Roshni, I apologize for not keeping in touch with you regularly.”
“Deepak, you don’t have to apologize. This was our agreement. Okay, Deepak, I have to hang up now. Sashank bhaiya will be waiting for me.”
“Okay, I’ll call back later.”
Deepak was relieved he was able to talk to her for a few minutes, but Roshni was confused. Why did he want to talk to me; he has never talked to me for this long? She thought about it for a few minutes but shrugged her shoulders and let it go.
Chapter 13
Sashank and Kusum Get Married
Everybody at home worked as a team to get ready for the wedding. Kaki, Lakshmi and Rahim chacha all pitched in their efforts to help Akash and Roshni. Since this was a registered wedding, the only premarriage ceremony that was completed was the ‘kula devi’ pooja. Sashank took blessings from Durga Devi. Rangoli patterns adorned the front yard. The house was decorated with various flowers and lights.
The hall and caterer for the reception was confirmed, and everyone agreed on a menu for the reception: vegetable pulav, raita, two vegetable curries, naan, a couple of appetizers and a few desserts. The hall was decorated with flowers and twinkling lights.
All arrangements were completed, and it was April 14th, Friday, the big day for Sashank and Kusum. Kusum stayed at Sashank’s house the previous night, and the next day everybody left for the registrar’s office at the appointed time. Kusum wore a heavy brocade green silk saree, and Sashank wore a kurta pyjama. Roshni was dressed in a zari-embroidered salwar kameez. Since the wedding was at the registrar’s office, they could not dress more traditionally. Sashank and Kusum went through the registered wedding with very close friends present as witnesses. They exchanged rings, and Sashank put the mangalsutra around Kusum’s neck at an auspicious time. All papers were signed, and Sashank and Kusum were husband and wife.
Roshni whispered to Sashank to hug Kusum. Sashank was shy at first, but he pulled Kusum towards him and they hugged, satisfaction evident in their eyes. It was a big event for both of them.
Roshni hugged Sashank and Kusum, and congratulated them. The newly married couple touched Kaki’s feet and took her blessings. As planned, everybody visited the temple for blessings, the priest performed a small pooja, and later Roshni welcomed Kusum more traditionally and completed the formality of doing arati; Kusum was asked to step her right foot first and she did. Sashank presented her with bracelets, a gift and a symbolic token of accepting her as a daughter-in-law in the house.
Roshni remembered the time she was given the bracelets, and her eyes became moist. She took a deep breath and sighed. Everything is over. It is futile to think about it.
Everything with Sashank’s wedding went well, very simple and decent.
~ ~ ~
Deepak called that evening to congratulate Sashank and Kusum. Kaki picked up the phone, and Deepak asked to speak with Sashank bhaiya.
“Hello, Deepak.”
“Congratulations, bhaiya, Kaki mentioned that all went well this morning. I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Deepak, you know…if not for Roshni, this would not have been possible.”
“I know, bhaiya. So what are your plans after the reception?”
“Both of us have taken off next week. You know, as per family tradition, we have to go to Vaishno Devi for darshan. I think we will take this trip.”
Deepak remembered his and Roshni’s trip not too long ago and their conversations. After being quiet for a few seconds, he continued, “I’m glad both of you decided to make that trip. It will be a good way to get away for a few days. Is Kusum bhabhi around? Can I talk to her as well?”
Deepak talked with Kusum bhabhi and congratulated her. They had a casual conversation for some time, and then he asked for Roshni.
Kusum called out, “Roshni, Deepak is on the phone. He wants to talk to you.”
“Me? I don’t think so. He wanted to talk to both of you,” replied Roshni.
Deepak overheard this. “Bhabhi, please tell her I want to talk to her.”
“Roshni, Deepak says he wants to talk to you.”
Roshni picked up the phone. “Hello.”
