Love after Marriage

by Chandra, Bhagya

  Deepak expressed interest in going with Sheetal to buy the gowns for Roshni, and she agreed to pick him up at the hospital. He also asked her to check if Aunty was available the next day to come over because Roshni wanted to have a shower. Sheetal agreed, and they hung up.

  He entered the room and noticed that Roshni was dozing off. Deepak woke her to take her medicines and later tucked the blanket under her and let her sleep. He went to his bed and relaxed.

  ~ ~ ~

  The next morning Roshni was up, and with Deepak’s help, she was all ready, waiting for the doctor. Sheetal came over with Aunty and gave them a few more details regarding securing a cell phone; Roshni’s plan allowed adding Deepak so they agreed to do this. They decided that Sheetal would take Deepak that evening to buy a new phone and also buy some gowns for Roshni.

  It was mid-morning, and the nurse informed Roshni and Deepak that Dr. Swaminathan was attending an emergency case, and he would come to see Roshni soon after.

  It was about 2 p.m. before Roshni was rolled into the operation theatre. Dr. Swaminathan asked if Deepak would like to be with Roshni at this time, especially since they were going to remove her bandages and if possible make her stand and walk. Roshni, although reluctant initially, agreed for Deepak to be with her while Aunty waited in the room.

  In the operation theatre as the doctor removed the bandages, Roshni screamed a few times, unable to bear the pain. Deepak could not believe the injuries Roshni had received…he could only imagine the impact and suffering Roshni was going through. He held her hand and gently ran his fingers through her hair, giving her all the support he could. Roshni certainly appreciated his support and was glad he was with her.

  Most of her minor injuries were healing well, and Roshni and Deepak were very relieved to hear this; however, the two major ones on her forehead and thigh needed more time. The stitches were removed, and those areas were bandaged. The doctor gently examined Roshni’s right foot and left arm where she had multiple fractures. The swelling had not subsided completely, and certainly, Roshni felt more pain in these two areas. The doctor and his assistants replaced the cast on her foot and arm.

  After the cast, the doctor asked Roshni to try to stand up. Roshni had not walked for over a week, and she had some difficulty in balancing herself, especially with the heavy cast on her right foot and only one arm to hold for balance. With the doctor holding her on one side and Deepak on the other with one of his arms around her waist for more support, she could barely stand up for a few minutes, she felt excruciating pain and was unable to lift her foot.

  A wheelchair was brought for her. At least she did not have to go back on the stretcher. Deepak was relieved to see this improvement in her condition. Roshni was wheeled back to her room, and the doctor said that he would meet them there.

  After a few minutes, Dr. Swaminathan arrived in the room. Roshni was still in the wheelchair. He turned towards Deepak. “Deepak, it hasn’t been long since the accident, and the good news is her minor injuries have healed well. However, the injuries where she received some stitches and her fractures have not healed completely. Fractures certainly need time to heal…maybe five to six weeks more. Until then, she should not put any stress on her foot or use the arm for heavy work. She can try walking with the help of a walker or crutches; her legs are too weak at this time.”

  Then he looked towards Roshni and asked her to be patient. He suggested that she could walk or wheel herself to the bathroom, have showers, and she didn’t have to be bedridden all the time. He asked her if she preferred crutches or a walker.

  Roshni had no idea which was better, and she gave a quick glance towards Deepak to see if he had any clue.

  “Roshni, you may be comfortable with crutches, but it is up to you,” Deepak responded to her query.

  She thought for a minute and requested crutches.

  “Doctor, when can she go home?” Deepak asked.

  “Let’s watch her for a day or two. I can discharge her either tomorrow or the day after. She will have to come back for routine medical examinations, though.”

  Deepak nodded. He was happy to be taking Roshni home soon. Dr. Swaminathan prescribed some medications to her and left.

  “Roshni, do you want to try standing or even walking a little? I will hold you,” he assured her.

  Roshni was worried because the crutches had not arrived yet. She was hesitant, but Deepak boosted her confidence.

  Her foot and arm were sore after the examination. She tried to stand up but was unable to put pressure on her foot. Deepak came behind her, placed his hand under her shoulders, and lifted her. Roshni stood up; then he placed his left hand around her waist and held her right hand, supporting her. He asked her to make an attempt to walk. Roshni was nervous she would lose her balance and fall. She clung to his shirt tight, crumpling it. They were so close to each other. They felt their hot breaths on their faces, and they stared at each other…the love evident in his eyes for her and hesitation in her eyes.

  Roshni was in pain. It was unbearable, and her eyes became moist. She tried to lift her foot but lost her balance and crashed onto Deepak’s chest, hugging him tightly so she did not fall. She wept…she was frustrated and angry with herself for her weakness and her handicap.

  Deepak held her tightly and consoled her. They had not been this close before, and this proximity certainly arose emotions between them. No man had touched her before with such exquisite tenderness, and Deepak felt the warmth of her hug on his chest. He did not want her to move, but Roshni came to her senses and moved away. Her eyes were wet with tears, and Deepak was still holding and supporting her.

  “Deepak, I would like to sit on the chair. Can you please wheel me to the bed? My foot and arm hurt a lot,” Roshni requested.

  Instantly, Deepak lifted her in his arms with Roshni holding onto his shirt tightly. She was caught off guard when Deepak lifted her, and their gazes locked. After a few minutes, Roshni looked around and saw Aunty, feeling embarrassed…

  “Deepak, please put me back in the wheelchair. You can wheel me to the bed,” she requested.

  Deepak looked towards Aunty and then at Roshni. “It’s okay, Roshni. Aunty understands. You’re my wife.”

  Roshni closed her eyes for a second. You don’t get it, Deepak. How many times have I told you that I am not your wife? She shook her head in denial.

  “Please, I would like to sit in the wheelchair,” she requested again.

  Of course, Deepak ignored her and walked to the bed with Roshni in his arms and laid her on the bed. She was tired and exhausted. Deepak helped her with the blanket, and she settled in a comfortable position.

  “Thank you, Deepak,” she said, and looking over her body with its bandages, she became sad.

  Deepak came next to her and pulled her to his chest with his hand around her shoulder. “Roshni, it’s okay. This accident has had a major impact on you, both emotionally and physically. Please give it some time to heal. I am always there to help and support you.” He comforted her.

  “I know, thank you, Deepak.” She moved away from him and looked at him, sincere gratitude in her eyes for him.

  Sheetal arrived a few minutes later. Deepak’s computer was set up so he could communicate with the team, and Sheetal and Deepak talked about going to the market. Roshni took this opportunity and suggested again that Deepak go home since Aunty was with her. Deepak was not happy and emphatically told Roshni that he was coming back. They gave instructions to Aunty and left.

  On the way Sheetal enquired about Roshni, and Deepak was concerned that she was distancing herself from him.

  “Don’t worry. She’ll come around. I know her enough to tell you that she is a very warm-hearted person and cares for everybody. There’s no reason why she should reject you. Just be patient.” Sheetal paused and then updated Deepak that she’d given a few details to Aunty, so Aunty would cooperate as well.

  “Thank you, Sheetal, this is a great help. Let’s see how all this will unwind. The pro
blem is Roshni does not open up very easily, unlike me – I get angry and I blurt out everything. Sometimes I offend people too. I have already caused heartbreak to Roshni, and I am paying a big price for it,” he said.

  Sheetal believed him; she had experienced it when he arrived.

  Deepak continued, “Her silence is her strength and weakness too. She cannot get annoyed at anybody very easily but does not open up either. I can see she is burdened with pain. She appears to be happy, but in reality, she is not.”

  Sheetal agreed that Roshni was a very private person when it came to sharing any sorrow or pain.

  Sheetal and Deepak arrived at the store. Deepak bought a new phone, and the first thing he did was call Roshni, letting her know of his new number. After that, Deepak asked Sheetal to take him to a boutique or a store where he could get some gowns for Roshni. Sheetal realized that Deepak probably overheard their conversation, and without much discussion, she took him to a store.

  They visited a few stores, and Deepak was not happy with any of the designs or colors. Finally Sheetal took him to a boutique, and after looking at a few gowns, he selected three. All of them had a zipper opening in the front and were Roshni’s favorite colors: peach, aqua and light pink with very intricate, beautiful designs. They were expensive, but he wasn’t concerned about the price. After paying for them, he gave the bag to Sheetal and told her to give them to Roshni herself.

  “You bought these for her; why don’t you give them to her yourself?”

  “She may not take them. She has done this in the past, so please give these to her.”

  Sheetal nodded, and they headed back to the hospital.

  ~ ~ ~

  Meanwhile at the hospital, Roshni’s phone rang, and Aunty answered the phone, “Hello?”

  “Can I speak with Mrs. Roshni, please?” the voice at the other end requested.

  “Who is this?”

  “I’m calling from the accounting department of the hospital.”

  Aunty gave the phone to Roshni and told her it was someone from the accounting department.

  The lady, Ms. Sudha Ranganathan, explained to Roshni about the hospital bill and had called to check if Roshni would like to pay. She gave the details of the amount, and Roshni swirled her eyes around listening to this. This was a large amount, but she could do nothing. Roshni agreed to send the check with Aunty.

  Roshni wrote a check for Rs five lakhs and requested Aunty to deliver the check to Sudha in the accounting department.

  “Beta, are you sure you want to do this now? Why don’t you wait until Deepak comes back?” said Aunty.

  “Aunty, this is my illness. What does he have to do with this payment?” She bit her tongue. “It’s okay, Aunty. I have money in the bank. Why should he spend his money? Please go and give this to Ms. Sudha Ranganathan,” she requested again.

  Aunty agreed and left.

  Sheetal and Deepak arrived a few minutes later. Deepak was not happy to see Roshni by herself and enquired about Aunty.

  Sheetal gave the package to Roshni. Roshni opened the bag, and she was so pleased with the gowns. She held them to her cheek and crumpled them in her hands.

  “Perfect design and fabric too. They are so soft. Oh, thank you, thank you, Sheetal. They are so beautiful, nice selection!”

  Sheetal and Deepak looked at each other. Deepak was happy she liked them.

  Roshni absolutely loved the new gowns. She suspected they were very expensive and wondered where Sheetal bought them. The last thing she suspected was that Deepak had bought them for her!

  “Sheetal, these must be expensive too! How much did you pay for these?” she enquired.

  “What does it matter, Roshni? You like them; that is what’s important.”

  “Oh, they are so beautiful! Thank you.”

  Deepak was content; she liked his selection. He looked at Sheetal, who tried to tell him to disclose that he’d bought them, but he refused. Roshni observed both of them signaling to each other.

  “What are you both talking about?”

  “Nothing, Roshni, we wondered if you would like these designs and colors. I’m glad you like them,” Deepak answered.

  “Of course, they are beautiful. I like the cute designs and colors.” She paused. “Deepak, did you select these?”

  Deepak instantly said, “No.”

  Sheetal heard this and shook her head in disagreement.

  Meanwhile Aunty came back with a receipt. She saw Sheetal and Deepak. “Oh, you both are back.”

  “Yes, Aunty, where did you go?” Deepak asked.

  Aunty mentioned that she took the check to the accounting department.

  Deepak looked at Roshni. “Couldn’t you wait until we came back? Why hurry to pay?”

  “Why? I had to pay anyway, right?” she responded.

  Deepak got vexed at her. “Roshni, I have you included on my insurance in the US. The insurance will pay for it.”

  Roshni opened her mouth in surprise. “You what?”

  “I included you on my insurance as my spouse. I just have to give them the card and the insurance will pay for it. Why were you in such a rush?” he asked her.

  Roshni never expected this but was pleasantly surprised to hear this from him. He is serious, she thought I wonder where all he included me as his spouse?

  “Aunty, do you think they’re open now? Can we go and ask them to stop the check, please?” Deepak asked Aunty.

  “I…I…” Aunty looked at Roshni. “We talked about waiting until you came back, but beti decided to–”

  “Yeah, I can see her doing that. Aunty, shall we go and check if they are open?” he insisted.

  “The lady I talked to mentioned they were open until 5 p.m.,” Roshni interrupted.

  Deepak was irked at Roshni and shook his head. “Roshni…well, we’ll deal with it later.” He asked Aunty the name of the person she talked to.

  “Ms. Sudha, I think it is Sudha Ranganathan,” replied Aunty.

  “How much was the bill?”

  “Deepak, it doesn’t matter. I already paid for it, so why talk about it.” Roshni cut him off again.

  Sheetal, who was listening all this time, could not be quiet any more. “Roshni, why don’t you understand? Money is money. When Deepak has you on his insurance, why not have the insurance pay for it? Why spend from your pocket?”

  “Why should he pay for me? I mean, we still have to do the co-pay, right? So…” said Roshni and looked at Deepak.

  “Roshni, the co-pay is not much. Anyway,” he lost patience, “let’s discuss this later.” He tried to change the subject. “I’m starving, so what’s the plan for dinner?”

  “I have food for all of us,” Aunty said.

  “Great, Aunty, let’s eat. What did you bring?”

  Aunty served food to everybody. She had made rice pulav, raita, poories and potato bhaji. The aroma of the spices spread as soon as she opened the containers.

  “Mmm.” Deepak inhaled the aroma; he could not resist!

  “Roshni, shall I bring this to the bed, or do you want to come over here to the table?” Deepak asked Roshni.

  “I’m fine here, thank you. Maybe tomorrow,” she replied.

  Deepak took the plate to Roshni and arranged the small table across her lap. He helped her wash her hands and got her settled.

  Deepak noticed Aunty served for them but did not serve for herself. “Why aren’t you eating, Aunty?”

  “I will wait until you all are done.”

  “Why, why do you want to eat all by yourself, Aunty? Please come and join us.”

  And without waiting for her response, he pulled out one more plate, served for Aunty, and gave her the plate. Roshni noticed this gesture and was glad he did not treat her differently. She thanked him mentally for making Aunty comfortable.

  Deepak thoroughly enjoyed the yummy poories and bhaji Aunty had made. He relished every bite. Every grain of rice was soaked in spices; the raita added the flavor.

  He thanked Aunty f
or making the delicious food. After dinner, Deepak helped Roshni become comfortable, and Roshni noticed his attention.

  Aunty and Sheetal packed and were ready to leave.

  “Aunty, will you please help me with the bath tomorrow? I would feel better; I have not had water on me for the last several days. I thought I could have a bath today, but all was delayed,” Roshni requested.

  Aunty agreed, and they left.

  Deepak helped Roshni stretch on the bed, and while tucking in the blanket, he said, “Roshni, you should make an attempt to stand up and take a couple of steps tomorrow. Your muscles have been inactive for a few days now, and it will take time to bring back some strength into them.”

  “Okay, I’ll try tomorrow. I worry that I will fall.”

  “So what? I’ll be there to hold you; don’t worry. You need to try; it will hurt you, but don’t give up.”

  “Okay, thank you, Deepak, for everything.”

  Deepak smiled, Roshni smiled back at him, and they retired for the night.

  ~ ~ ~

  Every day, there was some improvement in Roshni’s energy levels and psychologically too. She was not ready to accept him yet, but having Deepak around her was very helpful.

  The next step, Deepak encouraged her to attempt using the toilet. She certainly felt energized and nodded her head, but he saw her hesitation. Deepak was very careful to give her the space she needed. They agreed that Deepak would help her to the toilet seat and then leave; she would call him if necessary. She was very appreciative of Deepak and thanked him for his patience and understanding. She began to see these qualities in Deepak.

  He slowly pushed the chair closer to the toilet seat, and Roshni held on to the handle of the chair and a railing and got up herself without much help from Deepak. Deepak was delighted to see this. He smiled. “Good job, Roshni, excellent! I am so proud of you.”

  Of course, Roshni felt all her energy drain just standing up. Slowly she moved around and maneuvered to use the toilet. She pulled herself up using the railing and chair handle and slowly seated herself back in the chair. She was exhausted by these little acts. She asked Deepak to help her wheel out.