Page 92 of Love after Marriage

“How did she tolerate all this? And…and she was all by herself! Unbelievable!” Deepak responded and leaned back on the sofa.

Wah, Roshni…did you separate me so much from you that you did not care to tell me anything! he thought. “So what do the doctors say? Who is taking care of her?” Deepak asked.

“The doctor has put casts on her fractures, the two major injuries required stitches, and the rest of her arms and legs are all bruised. She has bandages all over and is unable to move on her own. Aunty ji is taking care of her.”

“Who is this Aunty ji?” enquired Deepak.

Akash explained very briefly the story behind how Roshni was instrumental in saving this woman’s life and bringing her to their house. Deepak shook his head. Always caring for people but not paying attention to herself! Oh my God, Roshni…how can you be so selfless?

“So what happens now?” asked Deepak.

“Deepak, I asked Akash to check if we could bring her here, but her condition is not good. It is not wise for us to move her. I think we need to let her stay there at least until her bandages come off before we bring her back here,” answered Sashank.

“Deepak, the fractures will take longer to heal, but once her bruises and injuries heal enough to remove her bandages, she will have better mobility. Once she is mobile, we can plan on bringing her here. For now, it is best for her to stay there. Aunty ji and Sheetal ji are taking good care of her,” Akash added.

“I can’t believe it; such a serious accident and I am not aware of it until I came here!” Deepak continued, “I am her husband. Don’t you think I should have been informed?”

Deepak was furious at Roshni but worry about her suffering took over; he could not imagine Roshni going through this pain with no family member by her side! “Do we know when the first flight to Bangalore is? I will leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

Sashank knew Deepak was troubled on hearing this news, and trying to calm him down was of no use. He had already made up his mind to go, and he should go.

“Deepak, you can leave tomorrow, and Akash will accompany you. I’m not sending you all by yourself,” Sashank said.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re very stressed, and you don’t handle stress very well. I don’t want you to yell at her once you arrive in Bangalore. She is suffering, both mentally and physically, and needs some rest. The last thing she needs is for you to shout at her,” replied Sashank.

Deepak listened carefully. He knew his weakness; he was one of those people who cannot control their emotions very well, and Sashank was worried. Deepak agreed with Sashank without any argument.

Both Deepak and Akash agreed to leave the next day – the same flight that Akash had taken. Sashank asked Deepak to get some rest since he’d already had a long journey.

Deepak went to his room very dejected. He had come to India very excited, and looked forward to spending quality time with Roshni, but…but this accident! He had no words to express his feelings. He remained very quiet and sat on the sofa. He ran his fingers through his hair as he thought over the conversation of a few minutes ago.

Meanwhile, Sashank followed Akash to Akash’s room. “Akash, Deepak is very upset. I hope you did not mind me suggesting that you go with him. I’m worried that he may start yelling at Roshni for not informing him. She is not in a mental state to take this from Deepak. Please go and keep him calm and be with Roshni. She needs support at this time.”

“Yes, bhaiya, I understand. Don’t worry; I’ll take care of the situation,” Akash assured him.

Sashank thanked him and went to his room. A few minutes later, Akash went to Deepak’s room and noticed Deepak on the sofa with his hands over his mouth and in deep thought.

Akash sat beside Deepak. “Deepak, are you okay? I can understand your reaction to this whole incident, but believe me, she is in good hands.”

“Not that, bhaiya, I can’t believe that no one informed me, and…and it looks like Roshni did meet with a very bad accident.”

“Yes, it was a bad accident. We were hoping to bring her here, but her condition does not warrant the move. I met the doctor treating her, and he is a well-known doctor, I understand.”

“When is the flight tomorrow morning?” asked Deepak.

Akash gave him the details of the flight and suggested Deepak rest after his long journey from the US. Deepak nodded, and Akash left.

~ ~ ~

The next day was Saturday, and Akash and Deepak were ready to leave for the airport in the morning. Deepak noticed that Roshni’s babuji’s car was missing, and Akash mentioned that he’d shipped the car to Roshni in Bangalore so she could use it. Deepak nodded, thinking that at least there was a vehicle to use if necessary. Sashank dropped both younger brothers at the airport.

While waiting to board the plane, Akash called Sheetal. After asking about Roshni, he informed her that Deepak had arrived and was in terrible shock. He asked Sheetal not to mention this to Roshni, and they hung up after a few minutes.

Sheetal was very happy Deepak had come. Roshni needed some moral support, and with Deepak here, she would be happy. Of course, Sheetal had no clue regarding the type of relationship Roshni and Deepak really had.

Akash talked to Deepak and tried to convince him to be calm when he saw Roshni at the hospital. Deepak nodded his head and agreed. He knew Akash and Sashank were concerned about his behavior, and he could only assure them he would try.

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