Page 68 of Love after Marriage

“Yeah, you’re right.” Again with a smile on his face. “If you say I cannot take these, then I won’t.”

He called the vendor, but Roshni pulled him aside. “Deepak, please stop it. What are you doing? Okay, fine, go ahead and buy what you want.”

He smiled at her. He was happy to see her in this mood.

They purchased sweets and then bought some spices. He noticed Roshni quietly watching him, and he approached her. “Roshni, how come you’re so quiet now? Aren’t you going to stop me from buying these spice powders?” He smiled at her again.

He was in a jovial mood and had fun joking with her. Deepak bought a gift for his boss, and after all the shopping was done, they stopped at a restaurant for an afternoon snack and chai, then returned home. Both seemed very happy, and the people at home noticed this.

Deepak shared the snacks and sweets he bought with everybody and went to his room. He had received two parcels to take with him to the US. He hated packing and tried to procrastinate, or rather, he hoped that Roshni would join him and help him pack. This was his strategy, anyways!

Chapter 19

Deepak prepares to leave for the US after Lonawala trip

Deepak pulled out his itinerary and reviewed it. His flight was at 10:15 p.m. the next day. He mumbled to himself, “I have time to pack in the morning. I don’t have to worry now!”

Roshni walked into the room to freshen up and noticed all the items scattered all around the floor. He read her expression. “I will pack all this tomorrow morning. I have time until evening,” he said.

She did not say a word. She went into the bathroom and came out fresh.

Deepak waited for her. “Roshni, what time shall we go for dinner?”

“Deepak, we just came back from our trip. Do we really have to go out for dinner? You’re leaving tomorrow. Why not spend time with the entire family?” she suggested.

Deepak sensed her reluctance to go with him. “Roshni, you promised to go with me for dinner tonight, and we are going. That is final.” Then he came closer to her. “Please don’t change plans on me.”

He was semi-formally dressed, and Roshni suspected he was taking her to a formal restaurant and wondered if she was appropriately dressed. He read her expression again and nodded that she was well dressed and complimented her for her choice of dresses.

Their relationship had grown to an extent where each of them could read each other’s expressions, a great improvement, indeed!

Arriving at the restaurant, they were seated at a table, and Roshni experienced a candlelight dinner with Deepak again.

Deepak became more aware of the fact that she was preparing herself to leave this house and him. Her decision to leave him had not changed. He’d tried to regain her confidence in this trip, but not much improvement was seen. There was a lot of hesitation from her side.

He remembered the conversation he’d had with Vivek and Vaishali: “She felt deceived and betrayed; regaining her confidence will not be easy.”

After a few minutes into this trance, he counseled himself, I will regain my credibility and her confidence. It may take longer, but I will be patient. I can think of options after I go back to the US, but I am not going to ruin this evening. He returned his attention to the restaurant and Roshni.

They enjoyed the food, and after dinner, Roshni was pretty quiet in the car, so Deepak decided to venture some questions.

“Roshni, are you unhappy because I’m leaving tomorrow?” he asked and smiled.

Roshni looked at him. “What? Why would I feel unhappy?”

Deepak shrugged his shoulders. “You’ve been so quiet, just wondering.?

??

“Deepak, there are so many other things I can worry about, why this? Moreover, I know my stay here is very temporary, so why should I feel sad?” she remarked.

These statements instantly pricked him deep inside. “Roshni, why do you have to say such things and mar this beautiful evening we spent together?” He meant it. He’d enjoyed the beautiful time they had together and did not want to ruin it.

“Thank you for dinner, but…but…” It was futile to argue, and she made no further comment, especially since he was leaving the next day.

“Roshni, I am disappointed,” he said.

“What did I do?”

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