Page 61 of Love after Marriage

“Shall we go there? I liked their food,” he said.

They agreed, and after she gave him directions, he said, “I had never tasted Indo-Chinese food before you introduced me to it. What a wonderful discovery. Mingling Chinese and Indian herbs and spices, it does enhance the taste, doesn’t it? Even the sweet-and-sour soup here tastes so different than in the US. I visit Chinese restaurants frequently, but nothing comes close in taste.”

Deepak and Roshni arrived at the restaurant. It was Friday and lunchtime, and they had to wait for a few minutes before they were seated.

Deepak asked Roshni to order since she was familiar with the dishes. While they waited for their food, both were quiet for a few minutes.

Deepak initiated the conversation. “Roshni, thank you for everything.”

“What for?”

“You’ve done such a wonderful job with Sashank bhaiya and Akash bhaiya. It is unbelievable to see the changes in both of them; they are so cheerful.”

“Actually, I did nothing. I just had to show them what was right, and they themselves were smart enough to figure it out.” She paused and then continued, “We, all of us, sometimes get hung up with certain perceptions and beliefs, and we do not want to look outside of that window. Only, if we were flexible, the other side is also very promising. That is what I did with both of them.”

“Roshni, it is important that somebody is patient to show the other side as well, and you did a remarkable job, not only with them but with me too!”

Roshni was taken aback and stared at him with a questioning expression. What did I do to change him?

Deepak looked at her and held her hand and…

Roshni pulled her hand away and tried to distract him. “Deepak, what do you think of Kusum bhabhi?”

The food was served, and they began their lunch as the conversation continued.

“I really like her. She is such a sweet person, very caring. She is definitely the right partner for Sashank bhaiya. I’m so glad he agreed to get married and settle down.”

“Me too! As one gets older, it’s the company that matters: somebody who is loving and caring, somebody who is willing to listen when you need them in sorrow and pain or happiness. Sashank bhaiya was not ready initially, but was satisfied when I gave examples.”

“Examples? Like?” He listened intently to Roshni and enjoyed her conversation.

“For example, Akash bhaiya eventually will get married. Who knows if he would even continue to stay here. What if his job demands him to move out of Mumbai? Kaki is getting old. There is this unpredictability with old age, and…” She thought for some time.

“And…?” He interrupted her thought process.

Roshni continued, “And you, you are already in the US. When you visit India, you are a guest here, and who knows what the future will hold for you. Regarding me, I am here for the next five or six months maximum, and after that, I am gone too!”

Deepak was disturbed when she said this, but waited for her to finish.

“So you see, several uncertainties, and it is impo

rtant for him to have a partner who is understanding and caring. I am glad Kusum didi also found somebody. This was a perfect match for both of them.”

Deepak was very disturbed at the thought of her leaving; he was not ready to accept this. He looked at her. “Roshni, would you mind if I said something?”

“Hmm, go ahead.”

“Roshni, I was very immature and stupid to have said those things on our wedding night. I know it devastated you and–”

Roshni stopped him. “Deepak, it is all past now. Yes, I was depressed. Umm…even today I feel the heartache when I think of those conversations, but I have resigned myself to move on. You said what you thought was right, and I think both of us should move on.” She added, “By the way, have you applied for a divorce?”

Deepak very emphatically said, “NO!”

“Why not? Is there a problem? Do you need my signatures on any papers? You should have brought them this time…” and she went on, and finally Deepak got so frustrated of this topic he demanded, “Roshni, can you stop talking of this, please?”

She became silent and waited for him to continue.

They were almost done with their lunch and were waiting for the waiter to clean the table.

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