Page 36 of Love after Marriage

This was certainly great news. Sashank bhaiya was getting married in less than two weeks. Deepak couldn’t believe it. He could not wait to call India. After he finished eating, he called home.

Roshni picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Hello, Roshni, this is Deepak.”

“Oh yes, I left a message for you. Sashank bhaiya was worried since you had not called in a few weeks.”

Without waiting for his response, she turned around to call Sashank bhaiya, but he was not around. “Deepak, Sashank bhaiya has gone out. He should be back in a few minutes. Can you call in about half an hour?” She looked at the clock. “Oh, it’s a little late for you. Isn’t it past midnight?” she asked. “You should go to bed. Can you call this evening our time? I will let Sashank bhaiya know you called.”

“Roshni, it’s okay. I know it’s late here, but I just came back from work half an hour ago and listened to your message. Thank you, Roshni!”

“For what?”

“For convincing Sashank bhaiya to get married. This is such great news.”

Roshni corrected him that Sashank bhaiya liked Kusum didi and wanted to marry her; Roshni was trying to be modest. She again reminded him of the time in the US and asked if she could hang up.

Deepak interrupted her. “Roshni, I know it’s late, but this is

such wonderful news. I could not wait to call you all.”

“But Sashank bhaiya is not here. Can you call back this evening?”

It became apparent to Deepak that she did not want to talk any more, but he insisted. “Yes, but tell me more. How are you? When is the marriage and other details.”

“Both of them want to have a simple registered wedding. This has been fixed for April 14th, next Friday.”

“Next Friday,” he said loudly.

“Yes, the reception is on Sunday the 16th so bhaiya can introduce Kusum didi to his friends and family.”

“Great, very nice. I am so happy. I wish I was there.” He meant it; he wanted to attend the wedding.

Roshni quietly listened to Deepak and his tone. He was certainly very elated.

In the meantime, Sashank arrived, and without delay, Roshni handed him the phone.

“Hello, Sashank Bhaiya, congratulations!”

“Thank you, Deepak. How are you? We had not received any phone calls from you for a long time,” Sashank enquired.

“I have been busy, bhaiya, but I am so delighted. Congratulations again!”

“Roshni drew me into marrying Kusum. You know this girl has had so much impact on this family, our perceptions, and our lifestyles – everything changed for the better. She is such a blessing to all of us, Deepak. Not sure what we will do after she leaves for the USA,” Sashank expressed, becoming sad, his throat choked. “Deepak, you are so lucky to have Roshni as your wife. God bless you both!”

Deepak was happy to hear this from Sashank; then Akash came on the line, and he, too, had nothing but praise for Roshni. Deepak talked with both brothers for some time and then wanted to talk to Roshni, but she had left, shopping for the wedding, so he could not talk to her.

Chapter 12

Deepak’s Introspection Begins

Deepak could not sleep after he talked to everybody in India. Roshni had influenced Sashank to get married, and this was a great evidence for him, and now all the praise he heard from Sashank and Akash…he was very disturbed. All the memories came back to him: his conversations with her, her willingness to fulfill the promise, her request for his cooperation, and her decision to separate. He could not sleep all night; he kept tossing and turning.

Roshni was unable to talk to him when her babuji passed away, but he never called her back.

Vivek and Vaishali had more to share about Roshni. It had been two weeks since Vivek and Vaishali returned from India, and he never cared to get in touch with them either. He’d proved to himself and to Vivek and Vaishali that Roshni was not his priority.

He lay on the bed with all these disturbing thoughts. He decided to talk to Vivek and Vaishali the next day and find out more details regarding their conversation with Roshni.

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