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“Roshni…” He struggled to find the right words and had to choose his words carefully. “Roshni, I have not applied for divorce and…”
Roshni waited for him to finish.
He held her hand and…
He was interrupted by the waiter.
Deepak took a deep breath. “Let’s leave, Roshni, and continue this conversation in the car.”
Roshni agreed, and they went out to the car.
Roshni was quiet, waiting for Deepak to talk, and he was focused on his driving within the city, maneuvering through the crowded roads.
“Good choice of dishes, Roshni, good food. Thanks.”
Roshni nodded her head and acknowledged him.
“What was I saying? Haan yes, Roshni, although we never talked much after I left for the US, I am so proud of you for your decision, your firm resolution to fulfill the promise you made to your babuji.”
“Yes, one down, and one more to go!”
“What, what do you mean?” he exclaimed.
“I was successful in convincing Sashank bhaiya to marry; now it is Akash bhaiya’s turn.”
“Why? Do you have somebody in mind for him as well?”
“No, not yet, but I would like to find somebody. He is beginning to feel very lonely, and I can see that he prefers company now, and this is a good sign. I am positive he will be open to meeting a girl if introduced,” she said very confidently.
Deepak was so impressed with her confidence. “Did you talk to him as to what type of girl he wanted?”
“Very briefly one time when both of us attended Ravi Shankar’s meeting, and I was happy he opened up to me very honestly.”
Deepak was curious. “Really, what did he say?”
Roshni knew he was curious. She looked at him. “He prefers somebody like Kusum bhabhi: educated but simple, very caring, and understanding. He is spiritual so it is natural for him to expect somebody with those interests.”
“What if he finds that the girl is not spiritual?” he asked her instantly.
“So what? The girl being from a good family and having good values is more important. Initially, every relationship has its ups and downs, but with loyalty, faithfulness and resolution, both partners can make it work. It is all about perceptions and flexibility,” she emphasized.
She took every opportunity to emphasize these qualities in a relationship so Deepak would not make the same mistake with other girls he may encounter. Deepak listened with interest to Roshni.
It was past 4 p.m., and they agreed to take a break for chai before heading towards Lonawala.
~ ~ ~
The weather was cooler near Lonawala. They enjoyed each other’s company and discussed various topics. Deepak was certainly delighted to have taken her on this trip. Of course, the discussion regarding him thanking her and divorce and Akash’s wedding was not complete yet, and Deepak made every attempt to gain Roshni’s attention so he could convey what was on his mind.
They found a decent hotel to stay overnight in Lonawala and checked in. It was a small room with a double bed and a couple of reclining chairs. The weather was cloudy, and they were tired from driving, so they decided to take it easy.
They walked around the narrow roads, admiring the beauty of the place. Shops crowded the streets, people chatted happily, vendors hawked, and women thronged to the carts for vegetables and fruits. They were bargaining in loud voices; the entire atmosphere was lively. They talked and walked for an hour and decided to have dinner at a small restaurant.
The restaurant was a cozy place. They were seated in a corner close to a window, and the waiter brought a candle to make it a little more romantic for them. Deepak appreciated this gesture, and they looked at the menu and ordered a few items. Roshni told him if he was interested, he could order any non-vegetarian dishes. Deepak was a vegetarian and communicated the same to her. After some time, Roshni again asked him if he wanted to drink alcohol or beer, and said he should order it and she wouldn’t have any problem with it. Again, very emphatically, Deepak refused.
“Roshni, what do you think? Just because I’m in the US does not mean I can eat anything I want or drink alcohol.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you, but if you did…I mean, me being here should not stop you. You’re free to do whatever you want,” she replied. Roshni was very relieved to know that he neither drank nor had changed his food habits.
