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Deepak unfolded the entire story between him and Roshni: their marriage, what he said on the wedding night about his idea regarding marriage, and the girl he seemed to have interest in in the US, and Roshni feeling betrayed and demeaned. He spoke of their trip to Vaishno Devi, the conversations in Jammu, and Roshni’s decision to end the relationship.
Then he continued to reveal his feelings for her – how initially he only respected her but these matured over time and, unaware to him, he fell in love with her. He admitted that soon after Sashank bhaiya’s wedding, he became aware of these feelings. Fortunately his assignment to Bangalore at this time was a blessing. He came here with an open mind to understand Roshni and explore her, and that trip unraveled his feelings and authenticated his love for her. It reaffirmed to him to continue this relationship.
Unfortunately, Roshni had moved away from him and was at a distance and unreachable, and for this relationship to grow, it was necessary for them to spend time together, live together, possibly for an extended period. He had to establish his credibility with her, and with this goal to accomplish, he decided to come to India…and hopefully persuade her by his behavior.
He also communicated to Akash and Sheetal that now his life was incomplete without Roshni, and he was determined to go back to the US with her. He talked about her immigration.
Akash an
d Sheetal had no words to express; both were in utter shock. They glanced at each other and towards Deepak.
When Deepak was finished, Sheetal said, “No wonder!”
“No wonder, what?” asked Deepak.
“Just before her accident, Aunty and I talked to her about her husband and family on Friday evening. She said something to Aunty that took both of us by surprise.”
“What did she say?” Akash was curious.
“Something to the effect of ‘there are several girls who are very happy with their husbands and married life, and unfortunately, I am not one of them!’ So saying, she walked away, and since then, she has been very depressed. She wouldn’t talk to us and confined herself to her room. Because of this, I decided to take her to the temple on Sunday evening to cheer her up and, if possible, talk to her in more detail, but…unfortunately, the accident happened.” She stopped abruptly.
“It is possible she was dejected and wasn’t paying attention when she was walking, and…and…oh my god!” responded Akash instantly.
Akash was enraged. “How could you do this, Deepak? I mean…she sure would feel embarrassed and would not depend on you. How could you do this to her?” He got up from his seat and paced with a worried look and continued, “You know, after you left, both Sashank bhaiya and I hoped for her to stay with her father, but she decided to stay with us. During this time, many times…I mean literally several times, both of us exhibited all our anger and frustration that we had for our older bhabhi on her. We yelled at her, did not talk to her, and belittled her, and…and not once did she retaliate. She bore everything so patiently. Unbelievable! Sashank bhaiya was so infuriated with her, he literally asked her to leave the house and more than once…oh, Roshni!
“She is an angel. She is an embodiment of love and patience…she won our hearts, and now I hear all this.” He continued after a pause, “Roshni, you…you don’t deserve this treatment from any of us.
“Deepak, Roshni is so educated and well placed professionally. She did not have to go through this with you or any of us, but…but she did it. Why? Do you see her values, her upbringing in this? And we treated her so childishly! It probably is some good karma from past lives that we have her in our family,” Akash said as he looked at Deepak.
Silence followed.
Sheetal said, “Deepak and Akash ji, my heart goes out to Roshni. She has been carrying such a huge burden in her heart, and never, not once, did she express any of this sorrow to anybody. One cannot fathom her mental agony! I am speechless. I agree, she is certainly an angel that was sent for you all! Oh, poor girl”
Deepak was very ashamed and guilty. He recognized Roshni was in this state because of him. With moist eyes, he said, “I am so sorry, Akash bhaiya and Sheetal ji.”
“So what is your plan now?” asked Akash.
“I am here for her. I cannot live without her, bhaiya. I love her! I’m not going to leave any stone unturned to win her back.”
“How will you achieve this goal?” asked Sheetal. “Haan, when you were here in June, what was her reaction to you?”
“I made a few attempts, but she was disinterested. She remained at a distance from me and reminded me of the pretense that we were enacting as husband and wife.”
“She probably thought you took her for granted,” replied Sheetal.
“What do you mean?”
“That you would enjoy her while in India, but once in the US, you had your ‘wife’ of your liking,” explained Sheetal.
Deepak was shaken. Vaishali had mentioned these words, and Sheetal reiterated them. He became quiet for some time, lost in thought.
“Deepak, did you hear what she just said? Does that make any sense to you? Do you see the end result?” Akash gestured around him.
“I know, bhaiya. It is entirely my fault. But I need some help – help from you both.”
“I am really ashamed to face Roshni now. I was not knowledgeable of these facts, and it benefited me. I treat her as my sister, so you know, as an older brother, I will do everything possible to protect her,” Akash emphasized again so that Deepak got the message loud and clear.
“Deepak ji, how do you think we can help you here? But I want to confirm this…do you really love her?” asked Sheetal.
