Page 34 of Love after Marriage

“No, nothing. I just came back in December and brought all I needed. Thanks for asking,” Deepak responded.

Deepak informed Vivek that he would pick them up at the airport. Both friends talked for a few more minutes, and they hung up.

~ ~ ~

Vivek and Vaishali returned to the US, and Deepak was very excited to see them. He was curious to know about the changes in his brothers and, of course, wanted to know about Roshni. Deepak cooked a simple meal and brought them over from the airport for dinner.

At the dinner table, Deepak initiated the conversation as they began to eat, and checked with Vivek regarding his babuji’s health. Vivek provided all the details about his father and also informed Deepak that he was able visit Sashank bhaiya, Akash bhaiya and Roshni.

Deepak was curious to know what they thought of her, how his brothers were, and he asked about everybody.

“It was a pleasure to see Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya. There’s a pronounced difference in their attitudes; they have become chirpy and joyous. The entire environment around the house is different, and it is fully vibrant. Everybody spends time with each other, they do things with each other, and it was just a very nice feeling to be there. I think Roshni did a fabulous job influencing your brothers. Both of them have become so close to each other and to her, Deepak. Sashank bhaiya literally treats her like his daughter, especially after her babuji’s death. We understand she had a hard time getting over it; I understand she was very close to him.”

“Yes, she was very close to him. Did she talk about how and why he passed away?” asked Deepak.

“No,” responded Vaishali.

Deepak was concerned for her; he asked how she was doing.

“Deepak bhai, you did a big, big mistake offending Roshni,” said Vaishali. “She is such a sweet girl. It was a pleasure meeting her. How could you do this to her?”

Vivek added, “We need to discuss that with you, maybe later. Now we are tired and need to go home and rest. But there is a lot more you need to know, Deepak. You certainly did a major goof-up.”

Deepak knew it had to do with Roshni. He talked about how busy he was at work and how infrequently he called them. He mentioned to Vivek and Vaishali that he would visit them soon so they could talk more leisurely.

After dinner Deepak dropped them at their house. He was certainly thankful to Roshni for making efforts to change his brothers. It was a pleasure and a relief to hear Vivek talk about them.

Chapter 11

Sashank and Kusum agree to marriage

Kusum visited Roshni more often, especially after Babuji’s death, to spend time with Roshni and enquire about her. Because of these visits, Sashank began to interact with her, and they got along well. Roshni began to notice that Sashank enjoyed Kusum’s company, and they talked about various topics. Akash noticed these changes as well. Finally, it was the end of March when Roshni made an attempt to talk to Sashank bhaiya about this.

One Sunday evening, Kusum visited Roshni and the others. Sashank bhaiya asked her to stay for dinner, and she accepted the invitation. All of them were at the dining table; by now this was a family event where everybody talked and enjoyed the food.

Kusum decided to leave a few minutes after dinner. It was late, and Sashank offered to drop her at her apartment. Roshni saw a gradual growth in their relationship. Sashank asked Roshni to accompany him, but Roshni refused and allowed them to take this opportunity to spend time together. Sashank brought Kusum home, and they talked at length at Kusum’s house, and by the time Sashank returned, it was past midnight.

Roshni was a little depressed that night and could not sleep. She thought of her babuji, and her conversations with Deepak, Vivek and Vaishali came back to her. She was disturbed and went to the kitchen to fetch some warm milk when she saw Sashank walk in. She wondered if Sashank really spent all that time with Kusum. Sashank did not expect to see Roshni still awake. He asked Roshni if everything was all right, and she just nodded, but he observed that she was a little disturbed.

He came next to her. “Roshni, you are going through a lot of stress with Babuji’s death. A few more months, my dear, Deepak may have already applied for your VISA, and you should be joining him soon,” Sashank said to her.

This support Roshni obtained from Sashank and Akash was immeasurable. She felt comforted. “Sashank bhaiya, I am so grateful for having you, Akash bhaiya and Kusum didi to provide moral support to me, thank you.”

“You are welcome, Roshni, but honestly, it is important that Kusum spend time with you.” He paused, then continued, “She is very understanding and caring, isn’t she?”

“Yes, Sashank bhaiya, she is a very kind woman.” She immediately continued, “And you have been interacting with her for a few weeks; what do you think?”

Sashank did not pay much attention to her question, but she was persistent. “Do you like her, bhaiya?”

“Yes, she seems like a nice woman. I wonder why she never got married,” he replied.

“Bhaiya, she was the only daughter to her parents, and she wanted to take care of them. You know, not many men are in favor of this,” Roshni said.

“Yes, I understand. It is very unfortunate, but she would definitely make a good wife,” he said.

Roshni promptly jumped to her question. “Bhaiya, if you like her, would you marry her?”

It was around 1 a.m. in the morning, and Sashank was taken aback. He never expected this question from Roshni.

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