Page 90 of Love after Marriage

“Akash ji, did you inform her husband?” asked Sheetal.

“Not yet, I would like to get more details; then I will call him. He is all alone there and might get stressed,” responded Akash.

“Akash ji, can I share something w

ith you?”

“Certainly, what is it?”

“Just prior to this accident, Aunty and I talked to Roshni about her husband, and she became very agitated and unhappy. We tried to ask her more, but she withdrew herself completely. Since then, she has been very depressed. I wanted to cheer her up, and we went to the temple, and then all this happened. Do you know why she is heartbroken?”

Akash was surprised to hear this and looked into Sheetal’s eyes. “I know nothing. I thought they were happy. Maybe they had an argument. I will try to find out more, but thanks for letting me know.”

Sheetal and Akash talked about how Deepak married Roshni and Roshni’s efforts to bring changes around the house. They had an early dinner and returned to the hospital. Sheetal gave Aunty her package, and Aunty fed Roshni some food. Roshni had no appetite but managed to get a few morsels down her throat, and this was enough to give her some strength.

The doctor came on his rounds to check on Roshni. Akash introduced himself to Dr. Swaminathan and asked him several questions. Dr. Swaminathan answered all his questions and also suggested that Roshni should stay in this hospital for at least a couple more weeks until her other bandages were removed. The casts on her arm and foot would remain for a few more weeks until the fractures healed. The doctor and nurse checked her vital signs and left. Sheetal and Akash followed soon, leaving Aunty with Roshni.

~ ~ ~

The next day, Akash came to the hospital in the morning to relieve Aunty so she could go home and relax. Akash decided to return to Mumbai, after a two-day visit. After Akash reached Mumbai, the family decided to inform Deepak.

Several attempts were made to contact Deepak, but there was no response. Every time they called, it went to his voice mail. They tried calling him at work and did not get any response there either. Finally they decided to make one more attempt before they contacted Vivek to track him down.

Chapter 23

Deepak arrives in India on an Extended Stay

Deepak’s flight to India was on Thursday, September 28th. He reorganized the furniture and other items in his house, making room for the couple, and agreed to leave his car parked in Vivek’s complex.

“Deepak bhaiya, I really hope this works. We will pray for you, but please be patient,” said Vaishali.

“I know.” He took a deep breath. “This is not going to be easy, especially after the most recent call. She is really annoyed at me.”

“Deepak, everything will be fine. You have to take the initiative. Remember, you created all this trouble, and you should be the one to pull yourself and Roshni out of this mess,” Vivek replied.

Deepak raised his eyebrows. “Yes, I know. I’m ready for this challenge! It is certain I cannot live without Roshni, and I have to prove to her that I love her. She just needs to give me one opportunity.”

Vivek and Vaishali said together, “Good spirit, keep it up.”

They assured Deepak of their support at any time. Vivek reminded Deepak to contact the Bangalore office to let them know he was coming, and Deepak confirmed that his department secretary had taken care of it. Roshni was his priority; nothing else mattered.

~ ~ ~

On Friday night after dinner, Sashank, Kusum and Akash were relaxing after talking with Roshni at the hospital. They were not able to get in touch with Deepak, and they wondered if they should call Vivek. During this conversation, the doorbell rang. Akash opened the door, and his mouth dropped open in shock. He looked towards Sashank and then towards the door in absolute silence.

Sashank and Kusum noticed Akash behaving strangely, so they came to the door and were astounded to see Deepak. They assumed Deepak had heard about Roshni, and wondered if Sheetal had informed him.

Deepak entered the house, acting as normal as one could be. Sashank, Kusum and Akash looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Deepak appeared very casual and happy; however, everybody else was nervous.

Deepak knew everybody was surprised to see him, but had no clue as to why they were so dumbfounded. He touched bhaiya’s and bhabhi’s feet and took their blessing. Then he hugged Akash bhaiya. Looking around, he could see everybody was tense, and he asked if everything was all right.

“Yes, everything is all right,” Sashank said.

Kusum turned towards Deepak. “So, Deepak, how is it you are here? How come you did not inform us?”

Deepak smiled. “Aha, I wanted to give you all a surprise.”

“Oh! You did surprise us, no doubt,” responded Sashank. He glanced at Akash, and his expression said, “No wonder he was not picking up the phone – he was on board the flight here!”

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