Page 78 of Love after Marriage

“Of course, what do you mean? Why do you think I am struggling so hard to keep this marriage going? I love her! I cannot imagine my life without her. This trip has really opened my eyes. I really love her!”

With a gloomy face he continued, “You know, I noticed something about her this time. She appears to be so happy around everyone, probably nobody paid any attention to her, but I noticed…she is very disheartened. There is some pain she has hidden within her.” He wiped away a tear. “She has a lot of pain and sorrow in her. It could be our marriage, her losing her babuji, who was very close to her, and…and you know what?”

Both Vivek and Vaishali were curious.

“She has never spoken about our wedding to anyone. At least here I discuss everything with you both, but…but she never said a word to anybody.”

Both Vivek and Vaishali stared at each other, and Vaishali had tears in her eyes now.

“Roshni was close to her babuji, and she made an attempt to tell him very briefly about our marriage, but he could not take the shock. She believes he died of this shock!”

Both Vivek and Vaishali were speechless; they were also concerned for Roshni.

“I asked her in Lonawala, and she opened up to me and wept like a small baby. I’m glad at least she discussed this with me, and later–”

“Later what?” interrupted Vivek.

“I opened up myself regarding my older bhabhi and the impact it had on all of us brothers. I also mentioned the way I reacted to her on the wedding night was because of these preconceived notions and apologized to her.”

Vivek and Vaishali were relieved to hear that he’d sincerely apologized to her.

Deepak continued, “I know she’s lonely and carrying a huge burden of sorrow. I wish I could help her. I really wish I was with her to share some of this pain, and… I can’t imagine how she endures being plagued with this sadness.”

He became silent and was lost in thought.

Vivek interrupted his silence. “Deepak, I think you should go to India. Now that she is ready to go to Bangalore for a project for a few months, you should take this opportunity. Let her go to Bangalore; you go and stay with her for a few months. This way there will be nobody to interfere. Spend time with each other, try to understand each other, be there for one another, and hopefully, she will start developing the same feelings you have for her.”

Vaishali wiped her tears and agreed. “When will you go? How long do you plan on staying there? What about your job here? There are a lot of things you need to think about before you decide on this.”

It was late, and Vaishali decided to warm up the food so they could continue to talk about it during dinner. Vivek and Deepak helped Vaishali get the table ready.

At the dining table, Deepak mentioned that Roshni was going to Bangalore in August. Vaishali was in the Human Resource department at the bank and said, “That might work in your favor, Deepak.”

Both Deepak and Vivek looked at her keenly.

“If you can plan everything here, you could leave in September or October for three or four months. This would give you enough time to talk to your boss and, if necessary, quit your current job. You can always come back in December or January and find a job for yourself. The only thing is to make sure you have enough financial security while in India,” she suggested.

Vivek added, “Because you have to pay for your condo, don’t forget!”

“Yeah, I know. I think I’m okay financially – paying for the house and me going to India – but I need to verify that,” Deepak said.

Deepak also told them that he had initiated paperwork for her immigration. Deepak thought for a few minutes. “Actually, that might work in my favor. I will apply for her immigration soon, so she could get her green card in November or December, and both of us could come back together.”

“Deepak, just keep in mind that it may take some time for you to find a job because of the economy here. Be prepared to have good financial security because Roshni will come back with you,” Vivek suggested.

“Yeah, I will look into it and plan. Vaishali, I like your idea of going in September or October. This will give me sufficient time to plan ahead. Thank you!”

Deepak certainly felt relieved after this conversation and was excited to go back and spend time with Roshni.

All of them agreed to keep this a secret and that he would arrive in India and surprise everybody.

They ate sweets from India, and then Deepak left for home. Deepak thanked Vivek and Vaishali for being there for him to listen and support him.

The evening had been productive, and he’d come up with a solution. Now his task was to apply for Roshni’s immigration as soon as possible and look into his savings so he could plan accordingly. He decided to call Roshni on Saturday morning US time. Being relieved of the stress and his decision made, he slept well that night.

~ ~ ~

Deepak woke up Saturday morning, and the first thing he decided was to call Roshni after his morning chores. He made chai and dialed India. Akash picked up the phone, and after a brief chat, Akash called Roshni.

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