Page 147 of Love after Marriage

Akash’s and Sheetal’s wedding went on without any interruptions. All the rituals were complete, and Sheetal came back to Mumbai as Akash’s bride. The reception went well, and Sheetal was introduced to all their friends.

Nirmala alone attended the reception; she blessed the newlyweds and left soon after. She met all the family after several years and was overwhelmed. She could not stay any longer; her feelings of guilt were evident.

Akash and Sheetal were making plans to leave for Vaishno Devi’s darshan as was the family tradition when Roshni went to her room. Deepak noticed this, and he followed her very quietly.

Standing in front of her babuji’s picture, Roshni said, “Babuji, your wish and my promise are complete now! Both Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya are married. Both of them are very happy with their wives. Thank you for all the support and guidance.”

She wiped her tears when Deepak approached her from behind. “Roshni, you must be proud of yourself for such an achievement! I am sure Babuji is also very happy to see his daughter succeed in keeping her promise.”

Roshni turned around and started to cry. Deepak held her, consoling her. She controlled herself in a few minutes. “Deepak, you know, after my mother passed away, he was a mother and father to me.” She looked back at his picture. “I miss him a lot, Deepak.”

And again she held him tightly and cried. Deepak let her cry. It was necessary for her to vent her emotions, and he provided the support she needed.

~ ~ ~

All arrangements were made for a small get-together on the 14th at a restaurant for dinner. Roshni invited her friends, and with all their family and friends, Roshni and Deepak cut a cake and celebrated their anniversary. This gave Roshni an opportunity to meet with her friends from work and share her news about her interview.

As they waited for the day of the interview, Deepak and Roshni got all the necessary paperwork ready. Deepak trained Roshni with a few questions she might be asked. Roshni was nervous, but Deepak gave her courage and support.

Finally the day arrived. Deepak and Roshni got ready and took the blessing of Babuji and all the elders at home. They stopped at a nearby temple for blessings and arrived at the American Consulate at the designated time. Roshni was called in, and with Deepak’s assurance, she went in for her interview.

During the interview, the Consul asked a few questions of Roshni, and she was issued the green card. Her passport was stamped, and the Consul explained to Roshni that she could expect the card in four weeks’ time. Very happily she came out of the interview room and shared the good news with Deepak.

Deepak called Vivek and Vaishali and informed them of Roshni receiving her green card. After all, they, too, played a role in bringing Deepak and Roshni together. Akash and Sheetal were back from Devi’s darshan, and Deepak thanked them

as well.

Roshni now understood why Deepak wanted her to resign her job!

Chapter 35

Deepak and Roshni leave for the US as a Married Couple

Roshni and Deepak were in their room, discussing a possible date to leave.

“Roshni, you have to tell your boss first thing tomorrow morning, and do you need to take care of any paperwork for your company here?” Deepak asked Roshni.

“I may have to go to the HR department and complete the formalities.”

“Okay, good! So, Roshni, did you decide what you want to do with Babuji’s house and car?”

“What do you think I should do?” she asked him for his opinion.

“Roshni, that is your property; do as you wish. I will support you.”

“We have only one car here, and Sashank bhaiya and Kusum didi use it. Akash bhaiya does not have one! I will leave the car here so he can use it. What do you think?” she asked him.

“As you wish, Roshni. As I said, I will support your decision.”

“With regards to the house, we have only two options: either I sell it or rent it. Maintaining a house is a lot of work, and I don’t think Sashank bhaiya or Akash bhaiya have time for this. The only option is to sell it, or if Akash and Sheetal want to move out of this house, they can live in that house.”

“I agree, maintenance is a lot of work, and with tenants…who knows? Regarding Akash and Sheetal moving out, I’m not sure if they would like to move out. Let’s discuss it with them. If they’re not interested, I think you should dispose of it and keep the money in your account here.”

“But do you have a tentative date in mind to leave? If we decide to sell, we may not have enough time to sell it?” she said.

“Why don’t you give the power of attorney to Sashank bhaiya, and he will dispose of it on your behalf. Do you have all the registration papers ready?”

Roshni nodded in agreement.

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