Love after Marriage (40 page)

~ ~ ~

A week passed, and Deepak noticed that Roshni depended upon Aunty to help her for every activity and made no attempts to ask him for any help. This infuriated him. He was worried that if this continued, he would never be able to prove his feelings to her and win her back. He wondered if he could send Aunty somewhere for a few weeks.

Sheetal noticed this as well and was concerned for Deepak. She wanted him to act on this sooner rather than later or else the situation would not help Deepak.

Roshni had her weekly medical examination the following Thursday. The doctor’s visit went well, and Roshni improved in her strength and walking. The cast on her left arm and right foot remained, but other bandages were removed. One could see the scars on her forehead and thigh, which probably would take time to heal. Roshni felt exhausted after these few activities. She was worn out, and Deepak brought her home. After lunch, he helped her rest for the afternoon. Being fatigued, Roshni fell asleep very quickly.

Deepak took advantage of this time. He needed certain clarifications on his project, so he went to the office. He called to make sure the relevant people were available. The thought of Roshni being away from him terrified him, and he wanted to discuss this with Sheetal while he was at work.

Fortunately for Deepak, there was a project meeting scheduled for that day. At the meeting, he was introduced to a few people who used the ‘new’ software. It was here he became aware that Roshni was on the same team. He was delighted that he and Roshni could work together on this project and he could train Roshni on this new software and its capabilities. He decided to remain silent and let Roshni find out on her own that they were on the same team.

Deepak contacted Sheetal and asked if she was available to meet with him for a few minutes, and they met in the cafeteria. They agreed that Roshni was avoiding Deepak and this was not good for their relationship. Deepak suggested sending Aunty away to Mumbai to Sashank bhaiya’s house for a few weeks, and Sheetal concurred.

Deepak called Akash bhaiya from the office so Roshni wouldn’t be able to overhear their conversation. During the conversation, Akash mentioned that Kaki had fallen and injured her knee and foot. She was bedridden, and he and Sashank bhaiya were helping Kusum bhabhi with chores around the house. Deepak saw this as a perfect opportunity and suggested sending Aunty so she could help bhabhi around the house until Kaki recovered.

Akash approved of this idea. It was decided that Akash would talk to Sashank and call them later that evening. Both Sheetal and Deepak were relieved, and they sincerely hoped that Sashank would agree to the plan.

~ ~ ~

After dinner that evening, the phone rang, and it was Sashank.

Deepak answered, “Hello, bhaiya, how are you?”

“Good, Deepak, how is Roshni beti?”

Deepak looked towards Roshni. “She is doing better, bhaiya. We had her doctor’s appointment this morning, and except for the fractures, all other wounds have healed well. She is still very weak, though.”

“Did the doctor prescribe any medicines to help her with this weakness?” Sashank enquired.

“Yes, I discussed it with him this morning, and he had certain diet recommendations.”

“Good, let’s hope she will pick up some strength soon.”

“Bhaiya, I heard that Kaki had a fall. How is she doing?” Deepak enquired.

“Yeah, she wounded her knee and foot and is unable to walk. With this, Kusum is going through some stress managing everything at home.”

“Oh, sorry to hear about Kaki, bhaiya.”

Roshni and Sheetal overheard the conversation and looked towards Deepak. Roshni wondered what happened to Kaki.

Deepak continued, “Bhaiya, we have Aunty here. Would it be okay if she came for a few days to help you and bhabhi? Fortunately, Roshni is home now, and things are more manageable here. I’m sure Aunty would be happy to help out.”

Roshni was not pleased to hear this. Why was Deepak committing to something without checking with her and Sheetal? She looked at Sheetal, and Sheetal pretended to be unaware of this situation. She signaled her to be patient until they heard the whole story.

Deepak hung up, informing Sashank that he would talk to Sheetal and Roshni and then call him back.

Deepak joined Sheetal and Roshni at the dining table. “Roshni and Sheetal, I guess Kaki has fallen down and injured her knee and foot. She is unable to walk. Do you think we could send Aunty to Mumbai for a few weeks until Kaki recovers? I think Kusum bhabhi is a little stressed at this time because she is managing all the work at home. What do you say?”

“Sure, Deepak, this is a great idea. Plus, Aunty will get a chance to meet the rest of the family and Kaki too!” Sheetal responded and turned towards Roshni. “What do you say, Roshni?”

Roshni was unhappy, thinking of herself. If Aunty went away, she again was at the mercy of Deepak to help her with everything, and she did not like it. She looked very concerned. “Then what about me? I mean, I’m still handicapped, and Aunty helps me tremendously. I probably will need her help for the next few weeks.”

Deepak looked towards Roshni and very lovingly said, “It’s okay. I’m here to help you, and Sheetal can also help you, but there are more people in Mumbai, and with bhabhi working, I can understand the stress she is going through. As soon as Kaki feels better, Aunty can come back. Also, Mumbai is close to Gujarat, and Aunty could visit her friends and family.”

Roshni was very thoughtful of others. She was concerned for Kaki and for Kusum didi, but she was also concerned for Aunty – she should not be pressured into something she did not want to do!

“Why don’t we check with Aunty first to see if she would like to go? If she agrees, then I’m okay. I don’t think we should force her into this.”

Deepak and Sheetal nodded in agreement, and they conversed with Aunty.

Without hesitation, Aunty instantly agreed. “Would it be okay if I go to help Kusum beti until Kaki recovers? I’ve only met Akash, and it will be good to meet the rest of the family.”

Deepak, Sheetal and Roshni were amazed to hear the immediate response from Aunty. They looked at each other, and Roshni said, “Aunty, thank you for agreeing to go to Mumbai to help Kusum didi and Kaki. It certainly would be a great relief for them, but we don’t want you to feel pressured or forced into this. Do you want to think it over first?”

“No, beti, after all that you’ve done for me, how can I not think of helping others, especially your family? I can go if they are ready to accept me and my help,” Aunty restated.

“Aunty, Deepak just talked to Sashank bhaiya, and he was very happy about it. We wanted to confirm with you,” added Sheetal.

“I am fine, Sheetal bete.” She paused and asked, “So when can I go?”

“Thank you, Aunty, I will talk to Sashank bhaiya, and we will make arrangements. Is that all right?” Deepak said.

“Okay, beta, I am happy to help.”

Aunty went back to her chores, and Deepak and Sheetal were thankful for Aunty’s co-operation, but Roshni panicked. She was certainly not looking forward to spending all day with Deepak alone at home, but Deepak was thrilled. Mission accomplished for him!

Deepak called Sashank and Kusum and informed them that Aunty would be arriving there to help them out for a few weeks. Kusum and Sashank were pleased to hear this and so was Akash. Kaki was happy to get some help.

Sheetal, Roshni and Deepak decided that Aunty should fly in on Saturday so somebody would be available to pick her up at the airport. A train journey was unfathomable – it was a long distance, and there were safety issues!

Deepak wheeled Roshni back to the room after dinner and helped her to the bed. She was very quiet. Deepak suspected she was sad because Aunty would be leaving soon. He got her settled on the bed and worked on his laptop and corresponded with the team in the US. Roshni relaxed with her hand across her forehead.

Deepak looked at her. “Roshni, are you okay?”

Roshni removed her hand. “I’m just a little worried for Aunty.”

“Why?” He put down his laptop and made himself available for Roshni as she spoke.

“We have gotten used to Aunty. We will miss her, and she will miss us too,” Roshni expressed.

I know, that’s why we are sending her away. Hopefully this will help us in our relationship, Roshni
, Deepak thought. He moved closer to Roshni and put his hand on her shoulder. “It’s all right, Roshni. She’ll only be gone for a few weeks. We can manage without her for a few days,” he consoled her.

She shrugged her shoulders and moved away from him, but there was only so far she could move!

Then she talked about the money Aunty was paid for her services. Deepak was astounded but respected Roshni and Sheetal for their decision. Aunty was not aware of this fact, and Roshni decided to discuss this with her. Since Aunty would still work for their family in Mumbai, they agreed to continue to pay her.

Deepak held her hand. “Great, thanks for doing this, Roshni. I’m sure she will be indebted to you for this arrangement. You can tell her tomorrow, and I’ll look into the tickets for Saturday. Sounds good?”

“Yes, thank you for helping me through this.”

“My pleasure, don’t mention it. I’m glad I am here to help.” He paused and continued, “Roshni, I think you should sleep and get some rest. Did you take all your medicines?”

“Yes, I did. Good night.”

“Good night,” he whispered, “sweetheart!”

~ ~ ~

On Friday, Sheetal left for work as usual, and Deepak looked into getting tickets for Aunty to fly to Mumbai. Aunty overheard this discussion between Deepak and Roshni, and she was nervous. She’d never flown before. Deepak observed the anxiety on her face and came next to her and very affectionately held her hand and gave her the courage. Aunty was touched to see how caring Deepak was. Roshni also was grateful.
He is certainly very caring and affectionate. I am very happy!
she thought.

Deepak purchased the air ticket for Aunty, and he called Sashank to let them know when Aunty was arriving on Saturday. Sashank agreed to pick her up and mentioned that he would bring Akash since Akash had met Aunty in Bangalore. After he hung up the phone, Deepak turned towards Aunty and explained to her that Akash and Sashank would be at the airport to pick her up. Aunty was relieved to hear Akash’s name and went to her room to do the packing.

After dinner, Roshni and Sheetal talked to Aunty about her account and financial situation. They explained to her that they’d been paying her and all that money was in her name in the bank. For security purposes, Roshni had included her name as a joint account holder, but that should not stop her from using her money. Aunty was dumbfounded and could not believe it. With tears in her eyes, she raised her hands in Namaste and thanked Sheetal and Roshni.

Deepak watched all this but remained silent. It was Roshni’s and Sheetal’s business so he stayed out of it.
How well she managed this relationship, and to keep Aunty secure, she helped her financially
, thought Deepak. He was very proud of Roshni and gently smiled at her. At one point Roshni also looked towards him, and he nodded to her in acknowledgement. Roshni gave Aunty her passbook and other account details.

Deepak helped Roshni to the bedroom and onto the bed, making her comfortable. He changed into pyjamas and climbed next to her on the bed.

After a few minutes, Roshni asked, “Deepak, can I ask you for a favor, please?”

“What do you need, Roshni?” Deepak looked at her.

Roshni discussed transferring more money into Aunty’s account for emergency purposes and a security for Aunty so she wouldn’t have to depend upon her son. She wondered if Deepak could help her, and he agreed.

Roshni nodded, and Deepak assured her that he would take care of this Saturday morning.

Roshni began to notice that Deepak never forced his decisions on her. He was very considerate and asked for her opinions but never interfered in matters she was concerned with. She wondered if this was his personality. She had sufficient evidence and her conscience told her that this was genuine of him.

~ ~ ~

It was Saturday morning, and Aunty woke up earlier than usual and began to cook several dishes that would last for at least two or three days. The aroma from the kitchen was alluring to Deepak, and he went into the kitchen and noticed the steam rising from the pans and skillets on the stove. Deepak took a deep breath and inhaled the smells, wondering why Aunty was cooking so many dishes this early!

“Aunty, why are you making so many dishes?” he asked.

“Just enough for the next two or three days, beta.”

“Don’t worry, Aunty. You know I can cook.”

Roshni overheard this conversation from the family room. “Aunty, please don’t worry. We will manage.”

Sheetal helped Aunty with her packing, and after lunch, Deepak dropped her at the airport. He explained to her very nicely what to expect of security, how to get help from the stewardess inside the plane, etc. Aunty was nervous, and Deepak waited until the plane took off. He informed Sashank and then went home to be with Roshni. Sheetal kept Roshni company while he was at the airport, and after Deepak’s return, she left.

~ ~ ~

The plane landed safely in Mumbai, and Aunty very hesitatingly walked out of the plane and outside, not knowing what to expect. She spotted Akash and was very relieved. Akash walked forward and greeted her. He introduced her to Sashank bhaiya, and all three went home.

On the way back, Akash called Deepak to let him know that Aunty had arrived safely and they were on their way home. Kusum was eager to meet Aunty, and Akash introduced Aunty to Kusum bhabhi and Kaki.

“Subhadra!” shouted Kaki.

“Didi,” yelled Aunty with her hands to her mouth in awe.

Aunty and Kaki were sisters, and none knew of it until now. They hugged and wept. It had been several years since they’d last met.

The sisters caught up with each other: their parents and one older brother had passed away, Kaki had moved to Mumbai to help Sashank, and Aunty had moved to Gujarat after her marriage. They were meeting after several years – what a coincidence! Roshni met Aunty in Bangalore, and that led to her reuniting with her sister in Mumbai!