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“Haan, Vivek, how is he doing? Doesn’t he work for the same company?”
“Yes, but for a different department.”
“Does his wife work too? She is a very sweet girl.”
“Yes, bhaiya, she is a very nice girl, and both of them are very happy with each other. Vaishali works for a bank,” replied Deepak.
The morning sunlight through the window made the room brighter and warmer. Akash joined both brothers at the dining table, and they all enjoyed the time together with chai. A few minutes later, Deepak brought the gifts from his room and distributed them to everybody. All were happy and acknowledged the gifts.
~ ~ ~
A week passed, and Deepak enjoyed the wonderful food that Kaki and Lakshmi aunty cooked; he relaxed and spent time with his brothers. Deepak waited for an opportune time to discuss Karen with Sashank, while Prashant and Sashank had a few conversations regarding the right time to talk to Deepak about his wedding with Roshni.
The following Saturday, November 30th, Vivek's parents visited Deepak. They enquired about Vivek and Vaishali, and Deepak gave them all the details. Vivek’s parents were pleased to hear their son and daughter-in-law were happy, since they went through an arranged marriage a year ago. They had a good visit, and after they left, Sashank took this opportunity to ask Deepak about his wedding plans.
“Deepak, you expressed interest in marriage. When do you want to get married?”
“Yes, bhaiya, only if I find the right person,” replied Deepak. He shrugged his shoulders. “Bhaiya, you know after all the experiences we had with badi bhabhi, I am not inclined for an arranged marriage…I prefer to find somebody, get to know that person for some time, and then marry.”
“What do you mean by ‘right person’? How do you know if she is the right person before the wedding?” Sashank smiled. “You know, Deepak, no matter how much you know a person, it is still an unknown until you have lived with them…and our traditions do not promote this dating concept.” He continued, “Yes, if you get engaged, you can date your fiancée until you get married.”
“Sashank bhaiya, I do not believe in arranged marriage.” Deepak was worried. “And how can I be obligated to living with a girl whom I do not know? This is dangerous. What if there is no compatibility, what if the girl does not want to come to the US…there are so many what ifs? I am not comfortable with the idea of giving in wholeheartedly to somebody I do not know.”
“Look at your friend Vivek; is he not happy with Vaishali? Theirs was an arranged marriage. She is such a nice girl, and Vivek’s parents are also happy.”
“Bhaiya, Vivek was lucky that he got Vaishali.”
“Deepak, if the boy and girl are devout and steadfast, they will work together to live happily and–”
Deepak interrupted his brother, “And what if only one person is devoted? Again problems and separation! No, bhaiya, this is a scary thought. Why take the tension when it’s not necessary?”
“There are compromises in life, in every relationship, and marriage is no different, Deepak. Agreed, one partner may have to compromise more than the other, but…look at our own bhaiya; do you think he does not know of his wife’s weaknesses? He probably knew long ago, but he compromised to avoid any rifts, and over time both of them accepted each other, and they are happy.” Sashank continued, “It is the responsibility of both partners to compromise and live happily.”
Silence followed.
“I have selected a nice girl for you, and I want you to meet her,” Sashank said.
“What!” exclaimed Deepak. “What do you mean you selected a girl for me? You did not mention anything to me when I was in the US.”
“You revealed your plans just before you came here, so I did not have an opportunity to discuss it with you.” He looked seriously at Deepak. “By the way, what was that dialogue about understanding, dating, etc.? I hope you are not talking about dating somebody, are you?”
Deepak was nervous; he never expected this reaction from Sashank. He hoped to convince him so he could pursue and get to know Karen, but this remark…his heart sank. He struggled for words to communicate that he was not interested in marrying somebody he had not met.
He gathered some strength. “Bhaiya, would you mind if I said something regarding my marriage?”
Sashank looked at Deepak and waited for him to continue.
“Bhaiya, I do not believe in arranged marriages. The girl is a complete stranger; there is no love and affection. Even after marriage, there are misunderstandings and arguments.”
Deepak was concerned and ran his fingers through is hair. “What if I like a girl, whether Indian or an American, and I would like to pursue my relationship with her? Would you approve?”
Deepak waited anxiously for Sashank’s reaction.
“Why do you ask me this question? I have already told you that I selected a girl for you, a very nice girl indeed!”
Deepak was puzzled. He wanted to discuss it with Sashank bhaiya, but the telephone rang, and their conversation was interrupted. Akash was quietly listening to their conversation. He picked up the phone, and it was Prashant. After greeting Prashant on the phone, Akash handed the phone over to Sashank.
“Hello, Prashant, how are you?”
