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“Sheetal ji, of course I love her. I just said that I cannot live without her! The very fact that I am here in India is because of her…isn’t that good proof?”
“No, because you also mentioned that you would work here.”
“Right, I had no intention of working here. It was a last-minute responsibility that was assigned to me because I was in India. But I clarified to my boss that if this assignment interfered with my goal of spending time with Roshni, I would quit my job. You may check with my friend Vivek or even my boss. I am serious, Sheetal ji,” Deepak replied.
Sheetal believed he was genuine when he said this. She saw his love for Roshni and so did Akash.
“My challenge at this time is to persuade her that I love her and that there is no other woman in my life. All I’m asking for is some help so I can be closer to Roshni, and I hope she will begin to see the love I have for her,” Deepak requested.
“Okay, count me in. I will help you. All I want is for Roshni to be happy with you,” Sheetal agreed.
Akash also nodded, assuring Deepak of his help.
Deepak thanked both of them and looked at Akash. “Akash bhaiya, I have one request.”
“What?”
“Please don’t repeat any of this to Sashank bhaiya. He would be very sad and angry with me. He and Roshni’s father were good friends, and…and this would tear him apart. Please don’t tell him or Kusum bhabhi,” requested Deepak.
Akash promised he would not disclose any of this to Sashank bhaiya, but he also insisted that Deepak should win her over.
“Sheetal ji, I will ask you for your help when I need it, but at this time…I have to be with her. She will despise me and create excuses to stay away from me, but I have to be persistent.” He rubbed his forehead, deep in thought.
Sheetal agreed and assured him of her help any time. Deepak was lightened after sharing this ‘secret’ with his brother; however, the major task lay ahead. He felt peace within…at least he was in India with her. With thoughts of Roshni, he went to sleep.
~ ~ ~
Deepak woke up Sunday morning with a ray of hope. The bright sunlight through the windows assured him of the same. He lay lazily on the bed, reminiscing over the conversation he’d had with Roshni the previous day. He felt the bed sheet over him and looked at it; Roshni’s choice was evident in it. He snuggled into it, smelled it, and imagined the aroma around her. I have to be cautious in my interactions with her and – his thoughts were interrupted by Akash’s knock at the door. He got up with sparkling excitement in his eyes.
The steaming chai lured both Akash and Deepak to the kitchen. They were at the table enjoying the taste of ginger and cinnamon in the chai, and engaged Sheetal in a casual conversation while she fixed breakfast: poha, a dish with rice flakes. Sheetal used fresh grated coconut to garnish the poha when she served them; green chilies added the spice, and fresh coconut added the sweet taste. Both brothers complimented Sheetal on her cooking skills and relished their breakfasts before setting out to the hospital.
Chapter 25
Deepak Attends to Roshni in the Hospital
Aunty was up and gave Roshni a sponge bath and changed her gown.
Roshni looked at her. “Aunty, thank you so much for taking care of me.”
“Bete, why do you repeat this? It is such a pleasure to care for you.”
“This is probably some past life karma that we have for each other,” Roshni said and had tears of gratitude.
Aunty wiped her tears and hugged her. “Don’t worry, bete. I am so happy to take care of you. Would you say this if it was your mother?”
“I lost my mother when I was very young. I do not know what a mother’s love is, Aunty, but you came into my life just like a mot
her,” she said.
Deepak, Sheetal and Akash saw all this from outside, and they exchanged glances. All three had moist eyes watching this sensitive moment between Aunty and Roshni.
Sheetal entered first. “Oh, what is going on between mother and daughter?”
Roshni smiled, and Deepak and Akash entered the room. Akash came closer to Roshni and hugged her in appreciation for all that she had done for the family in spite of her troubles. Roshni wondered – this hug of his felt different than his other hugs. She was amazed but remained quiet.
Deepak came to her and held her hand, sitting next to her. “Roshni, how are you feeling? Did you sleep well?”
Roshni attempted to pull her hand away, but he had a firm grip. “Yes, how about you? Did you get some rest?” she enquired.
