Page 9 of Love after Marriage

Sashank nodded his head and continued as Akash and Deepak listened to him. “I agree…initially there are ups and downs between husband and wife, but over time, with all the understanding, compromise, sharing and loving, there is a stronger bond.”

Deepak was not sure yet. He started rolling his eyes upward, unable to sell his rationale to Sashank bhaiya.

Sashank noticed this, and he was frustrated trying to rationalize with Deepak. “In a love marriage, partners will either make it or break it; it does not matter which country.”

Deepak and Akash noticed Sashank was troubled, and Deepak was not happy about it. Past experiences flashed in front of him: all the sacrifices Sashank had gone through, a brother who doted on him and loved him, whose eyes lit up when he saw him. How could he disappoint his brother!

Silence prevailed.

“Deepak, I have given my consent to Prashant, but it is not necessary you should marry Roshni. I can only say that Roshni is a very nice girl, and she will be a good companion for you.” Sashank came closer to Deepak. “Your concern regarding compatibility is understandable, but these issues will occur in love marriages too.”

It was obvious Sashank was disappointed.

“All I can do is to find a good girl with a good family background for you. If you choose not to marry Roshni, that is fine. I will call Prashant and let him know.” He looked at Deepak with a disappointed face. “But…but…if you believe so strongly in love marriage, then don’t bother asking me for my approval…and by the way, it does not matter to me who you marry.” Sashank walked away.

Deepak had offended his brother, and he was disturbed. Akash was unhappy because Sashank bhaiya was sad, and he walked away in silence.

Oh no! Deepak had hurt both his brothers’ feelings. What should he do?

Deepak frantically paced in his room, talking to himself. “What have I done? Why did I have to say what I said? What should I do now?” He clenched his fists. He was angry at himself and continued to walk back and forth, rubbing his forehead and occasionally stopping to run his fingers through his hair.

Karen and he had not talked; he was unsure of a relationship with her – then why did he make such statements. This was completely immature on his part, and in the bargain, he’d caused suffering to both his brothers. It was futile to argue about this, and he went to Sashank’s room and knocked at the door.

“Deepak, come in.”

Deepak hugged Sashank. “Pardon me, bhaiya. I had no intention to ruffle you.”

Sashank returned his embrace. “Both of us spoke what was right for us. I thought it was my responsibility to find you a girl when you said you were ready for marriage.” Sashank walked closer to him. “But you are free to marry whoever you want to marry, Deepak.”

“Sashank bhaiya, please don’t say that. Would I marry anybody without your approval?”

Sashank looked at Deepak patiently and waited for him to finish.

Deepak took a deep breath. “Okay, bhaiya, I am ready to meet Roshni. Please communicate this to Prashant uncle, but–”

“But what?” Sashank interrupted with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

“Do I have the freedom to say ‘no’ if I am not interested in her?”

“Absolutely, both of you have the freedom to say ‘no’ if you don’t think this is right for you.” His answer satisfied Deepak. “Of course, keep in mind that I have known this girl long enough to say she is the right person for you.”

Deepak nodded. “So…if I like Roshni, do I have to marry her immediately? Assuming she is okay with this alliance, can we get engaged and get married at a later date?”

“Deepak, if you lived in India, yes…that would be possible. However, with you being in the US, you tell me…is this feasible? Can you come back in four to six months to get married?” He continued after a pause, “More importantly, when will you take care of her VISA formalities? These do take time, don’t they?”

“Okay, okay, shall we discuss these details later, please.” Deepak was hoping to buy some time.

“Yes, so shall I call Prashant and tell him we’re coming?”

Deepak smiled and agreed, being respectful of his brother. He left feeling comforted; his bhaiya was not upset any more.

Chapter 3

Deepak meets Roshni

Sashank and Deepak arrived at Prashant’s house. Prashant asked a few questions of Deepak as a bride’s father, at which time Roshni walked in with chai, biscuits and hot pakodas for the guests. She was dressed in a simple salwar kameez, and her long hair, braided, draped down on her left side. She greeted Sashank bhaiya and turned towards Deepak, and their eyes met. Roshni had seen Deepak’s picture, and indeed, he was good looking and handsome. His clothes, his composure – all was perfect for the occasion. Deepak had he

ard that Roshni was tall, good looking and very simple. There was no overdoing on her part for dressing, jewelry or makeup; she perfectly fit that description. It appeared they were made for each other. Their gazes met for a few seconds when Sashank introduced Roshni to Deepak.

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