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Vaishali calmed Deepak. “You know she is a strong person and has a lot of self-respect. If you went there and behaved as if nothing had happened between both of you, she would not buy into this so easily. As a matter of fact, if you did this, you have given her reason to suspect you, and…and she will never have faith in you!”
Silence followed for a few minutes.
“Deepak, why don’t you get some rest? Let’s not jump to conclusions. Why don’t you come over this weekend? You can give us more details, and if you feel comfortable doing so, we can discuss this further, okay?” suggested Vivek.
They agreed, and later Vivek dropped Deepak off at his apartment.
Deepak changed into his pyjamas and called India to let them know he’d arrived safely. He relaxed on his bed but was not able to rest. He was worried and fearful after hearing Vaishali’s comments. He thought, Have I done more destruction to our relationship by behaving the way I did? He was very disturbed.
He couldn’t wait to talk to Roshni – it was 11 p.m. in California, and she was probably at work. He was desperate to talk to her but decided to wait or else he may create more problems, especially when he was upset. He knew his weakness – he’d made such mistakes with her in the past.
~ ~ ~
The next morning was Monday, and Deepak had to work that day. After he got ready, he made a cup of chai and dialed the India number. Sashank answered the phone. After updating Sashank about his trip home, he asked for Roshni.
Kusum and Roshni had stepped out to go grocery shopping. Deepak was disappointed, but Sashank reminded him to call her frequently, unlike the previous time. She felt miserable and lonely without her babuji. Deepak agreed, and they hung up.
With a heavy heart, he left for work. His boss enquired about his trip to Bangalore, and again the recent trip flashed in front of him. Anything he did or said, he was not able to keep his mind off her. With great difficulty, the day went by, and he returned home.
He was tired but decided to stay up a little to fight the jet lag. He made chai and unpacked. He was so wonderstruck at Roshni’s efficiency in packing his suitcase – everything so securely packed. He could not help but smile and appreciate it.
Unpacking – spice powders, sweets – suddenly he noticed women’s dresses and jewelry sets. Unbelievable! Roshni packed the dresses and jewelry sets he’d bought for her as birthday gifts.
He was disappointed and found a note with them. “Deepak, you bought these for your wife, so please give these to her. Just a birthday wish from you was enough for me!”
He remembered the conversation when she told him she did not want to wear them, and he was ticked off. After a few minutes, he controlled his anger and became aware this was not good for their relationship. Recollecting the conversation, he should have been very specific with her. Roshni, you are my wife, and I purchased these for you. I have no other wife. Why don’t you understand me!
He regretted everything he had done to her, and now…What if Vaishali was right? What if Roshni thought that I was playing around with her emotions? No, no, I can’t let this happen. I have to do something!
It was only 7 p.m., and this meant it was too early in India; he could not call. The time seemed to have stuck at one place! He tried to distract his mind, but nothing helped. He was preoccupied with thoughts of Roshni. How I wish you were with me, Roshni. How I wish I could talk to you and convince you how much I love you.
He finished unpacking his suitcase. He certainly did bring a lot of sweets, and he remembered the conversation Roshni had had with him at that time. A smile appeared on his lips. He stored the sweets in the refrigerator and decided to hand over Vivek’s package the next day at work. He unpacked the hand bag and found the papers and wedding DVD. He immediately went to the closet to check for the power of attorney that she’d given to him when he left India after the wedding. He had to search, and there it was hidden – under a pile of papers. He held it and looked up, grateful he’d found it.
He thought of the pictures Sanjay had taken on her birthday. He started his laptop and discovered that Sanjay had sent them. He was delighted to see Roshni in his embrace! He flipped through them several times and finally decided to print a few to frame them for his home.
He printed a picture of hers for his wallet, and after reviewing the wedding pictures, he found one with him and Roshni standing together after the wedding. He enlarged this picture to hang in his living room. He scanned through the birthday pictures and selected a family picture with all of them for the living room and the picture of him hugging Roshni for his bedroom wall.
A couple of days later, he was on his laptop trying to figure out the formalities to apply for Roshni’s immigration. He lost no time in contacting his company lawyer to help with Roshni’s immigration. He was on a mission now!
Chapter 21
Deepak has a Plan to win Roshni while Roshni’s Moves to Bangalore
Deepak decided to spend Friday evening with Vivek and Vaishali. He went to Vivek’s house straight from work on Friday. Vaishali made chai for all, and they enjoyed snacks from India. Of course, Vivek and Vaishali were curious to know more about Deepak and Roshni, so they jumped right to this topic and asked Deepak to give them all the details. Deepak started narrating each and every experience from the day he arrived in Mumbai, and whenever he talked of Roshni, his face lit up and he smiled.
While he talked, Vivek and Vaishali glanced at each other a few times, convincing each other that Deepak was really in love with Roshni. Deepak also talked about how he tried to be romantic with her and her response to his behavior. Everything was shared, and when he was finished, he turned very quiet and sighed deeply.
“Vivek and Vaishali, I really had a wonderful time with her, got to know her better, and I enjoyed every moment of this trip with her. I miss her and feel lonely now. I thought about all this on my way back, and one thing is clear to me now…I cannot live without her. I can’t let her go; she is too valuable.”
H
e sighed. “It bothered me when she mentioned that she wanted to move to Bangalore so she can be away from the family, the first step in separation.”
He talked about the argument they had the day he left, and he remembered the comment she’d made regarding playing with her emotions. He opened his mouth to look towards Vaishali, and their eyes met…this is what Vaishali had told him, and now it struck him like thunder!
Deepak looked at both of them. “Guys, I know this is not going to be easy. The other challenge is me being here; long distance does not help in these situations. And with the time difference, it’s hard to get her to talk on the phone.” Deepak ran his hand over his head. “I need your help. Vivek and Vaishali, I seriously think I should go back to India and spend some time with her. Maybe over time with my behavior she will believe that I am in love with her and there is no other woman in my life.”
“Deepak, this probably is your best option at this time if you love her and want her back in your life,” Vivek reiterated.
