Page 11 of Love after Marriage

Roshni jolted a little and wondered if Deepak was offended.

She continued, “Forgive me for asking this, but as we discussed, our elders agree we make a good couple. However, it is important for me to know your expectations of your life partner. And the same is true with you, right?”

Deepak could not deny it but was impressed with Roshni’s openness. He got a glimpse of her personality: respectful of elders, good family values, very open and very assertive.

This may be a good opportunity for me to talk to Roshni about my ideas on arranged marriages, and depending upon the conversation, I could talk about Karen, he thought.

The food arrived, and as they ate, Deepak shared his ideas of what he looked for – education, independence, family values – and then he talked about his worries regarding compatibility. Roshni felt comfortable since she fit these ‘requirements’. She knew she was extremely flexible, so compatibility was not an issue for her. The discussion continued for some time, and unawares, he got distracted and talked about his brothers, the family history and how Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya had little respect and regard for most women. Roshni was aware of these details since her babuji already talked to her, but she listened patiently. Both were at ease with each other. They discussed various topics, and it was 9:30 p.m. when they decided to leave.

The return drive was better, with less traffic on the road, and Roshni navigated him back to her house.

As they entered, Sashank asked, “How was the dinner? I hope you both had a good time?”

Roshni and Deepak looked at each other and nodded ‘yes’.

~ ~ ~

As Sashank drove the brothers home, he was restless. “So what do you think?” he asked.

Deepak was startled that Sashank asked this question so soon. He gathered himself. “About what?”

“C’mon, Deepak, you know what I’m asking about.” He turned and smiled at Akash behind him in the back seat.

Deepak looked at both his brothers. “She seems like a nice girl, as both of you mentioned, matured and good looking, and she seems to be very respectful of elders.”

Sashank waited for a few seconds. “So…shall we assume you like her and would like to move ahead with this alliance?”

“Oh no! Not yet. I knew this was coming. Please, Sashank bhaiya, shall we talk about the details later. Give me some time to think about this, please,” Deepak requested.

“Okay, how about tomorrow evening? I want your answer by then.”

Deepak looked at Sashank bhaiya and nodded. Unbelievable!

~ ~ ~

At Roshni’s house, a similar discussion was taking place.

“Roshni bete, what do you think? Do you have any questions or concerns about Deepak?”

“Babuji, let Deepak respond first. I need some time to think about this.”

“Sure, how about tomorrow evening? Will you be able to tell me by then?”

“Yes.”

And both retired for the night.

Roshni lay on the bed and thought of her conversations with Deepak. He was handsome, good looking, well educated and had a decent job. She thought of his views of his wife and involuntarily smiled to herself. I think I fit those requirements. I think he will be a good partner for me, she convinced herself and dozed off.

~ ~ ~

December 3rd

Deepak’s residence

When Sashank and Akash returned from work, Kaki made chai and brought some biscuits along with it.

Once the brothers had gathered around the table, Sashank asked, “So, Deepak, what have you decided?”

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