Page 146 of Love after Marriage

Roshni acknowledged it and received the envelope…it was from Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), USA. Of course, Roshni did not understand what this meant. She handed the letter to Deepak, being a little nervous. Deepak noticed that the letter was from INS. He took Roshni with him to their room and opened the letter. His joy knew no limits…he instantly hugged her and lifted her in his arms and turned around with excitement. Roshni had no clue why he behaved so strangely.

“Deepak, please put me down. What’s the matter? What’s in that letter that made you so happy? Will you even tell me?”

Finally Deepak put her down. “Roshni, see…INS has approved your application. They have invited you for an interview on the 21st of December…what day is the 21st?” He looked for a calendar. Finding one, he said, “It’s Monday, next Monday.”

“Deepak, can you calm down, and will you please explain the details. I’m confused.”

“Roshni, I applied for your immigration a few months ago, and the INS department has approved your application. They want to interview you, and after that, they will issue permanent residency status…it means you can go with me to the US.”

“Permanent residency! What, I mean, when did you apply? Where did you find my passport? I-I thought I lost my passport. Deepak, will you tell me?”

Deepak took a deep breath and noticed that Roshni was happy but confused. He came to her and, holding her by the waist, took her to the sofa and made her sit. He sat next to her and then started his explanation. “Roshni, you remember I was here in June for a conference.”

Roshni nodded her head.

Deepak continued, “I had already decided by then that I would apply for your green card, meaning permanent residency.”

“At that time we were not even sure of this relationship,” she interrupted him.

“You were not, but I had made up my mind to bring you back in my life even before June, so I wanted to get your passport. But I realized that there was no way you would give me any information to proceed.”

“So…”

“So…I happened to look for something in the wardrobe and found your passport thrown away on the top shelf. You probably did not care for it and threw it away soon after our first conversation. Luckily, I found it and kept it with me. You remember we had the power of attorney done on our wedding day so I could apply for immigration.”

Roshni nodded but had a confused expression on her face. “But I gave you those papers to apply for–”

“How could I divorce you, Roshni?” He smiled at her confusion.

“Even though our relationship was uncertain?” she asked him.

“Yes, you probably were uncertain; I was not! I knew I would bring you back in my life. That is why I included your name on my insurance and all other paperwork immediately, and you were not even aware of it.”

Roshni had not expected this, with tears in her eyes, she hugged his arm. “Pardon me, Deepak. I-I was so…”

“Shhh.” Deepak stopped her by placing his hand over her mouth. “Don’t say anything, Roshni. I understand completely; actually…I owe you more! Thank you for bringing the family back. We were lost and scattered; your efforts are greatly appreciated. And now, we have Satish bhaiya…if not for you, I don’t think we would have made any efforts.” He paused and looked at her. “And what can I say about me…you taught me a whole new meaning of marriage! Thank you!”

They hugged each other, feeling certain and confident. Soon they heard Sashank call them. “Deepak and Roshni bete, where are you? It’s time for us to leave.”

Deepak freed Roshni. “Come, let’s go, Roshni. Let’s complete the promise you made to Babuji – Akash’s wedding – let’s complete this ritual as well.”

Roshni nodded, and they went downstairs.

“After the wedding, let’s get all the paperwork ready for your interview, all right?”

“Okay!”

Deepak informed Sashank bhaiya and Kusum bhabhi about Roshni’s immigration interview on the 21st. Everybody was relieved. Finally Roshni would accompany Deepak to the US. Very soon.

“Let’s celebrate your wedding anniversary and this together. I’m assuming you both will leave soon after to the US, so shall we invite Roshni’s friends on the 14th for dinner?” asked Kusum, looking at all of them.

Everybody agreed. It was very short notice, but Roshni decided to invite her friends from work, and Kusum agreed to make all the arrangements.

“Kusum bhabhi, Sheetal and I can help you too,” said Akash.

So it was decided to have a small celebration on the 14th to celebrate Deepak and Roshni’s wedding anniversary. It was time to leave for Poona for the wedding.

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