Love after Marriage

by Chandra, Bhagya

  Deepak interrupted, “I think she should consider resigning this job.”

  “What!” exclaimed Roshni.

  “Yes, I think you should give your resignation,” Deepak repeated.

  “Resignation? What do you expect me to do after resigning?”

  Deepak did not want to prolong this conversation. “Roshni, let’s discuss that later; for now let’s focus on Akash’s wedding preparations. We have less than two weeks left.”

  All agreed, Roshni asked several questions of Sashank and Kusum regarding Sheetal’s parents, the family background and wedding.

  Sashank looked towards Kusum. “See, Kusum, did I not say…see how the whole house is buzzing with happiness and laughter as soon as Roshni is back!”

  Kusum agreed.

  Sashank came closer to Roshni and kissed her on the forehead. “Roshni, I’m so happy you’re back, beti. We missed you, missed you a lot! It felt the whole house lost its charm.”

  Roshni smiled at him while Deepak gently rubbed her shoulders, acknowledging the same.

  The evening passed on with a lot of chattering around the house when the phone rang, it was Sheetal. Sheetal informed Akash that she’d arrived safely in Poona and enquired about Deepak and Roshni. Later, while Akash chatted with Sheetal, the rest of the family continued with their conversations until late into the night!

  ~ ~ ~

  Wedding preparations went on with Kusum engaging Roshni in several activities, such as shopping for clothes and jewelry, and organizing and coordinating the reception. Kaki and Aunty helped prepare sweets, and Lakshmi was given the responsibility of decorating the house. It was a great feeling to watch Kusum take over the responsibility as the ‘elder’ daughter-in-law of the house, planning and executing everything.

  The invitation cards arrived. Kusum placed a card in the altar for the divine blessings for the couple, and then assigned the job of distributing the cards to Roshni and Deepak. They had to visit Sheetal’s parents in Poona and invite them formally. Kusum and Sashank informed Sheetal’s parents that Deepak and Roshni would be coming over to invite them.

  Deepak was eager for this trip; he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Since their wedding anniversary was around the corner, he decided to ask Kusum bhabhi if they could stay overnight in Poona when they visited Akash’s in-laws.

  This would give him an opportunity to make arrangements for Suhaag raat in a hotel in or near Poona.

  Kusum agreed, but she also requested that they would return the next day in the morning because of the wedding and reception preparations. Deepak asked Kusum bhabhi to keep this a secret, he wanted to surprise Roshni, and Kusum agreed.

  Deepak made reservations at a decent hotel, giving instructions for arrangements to be made for their first night together (Suhaag raat). The date happened to be the 8th of December, and it was a Friday. Deepak respected Roshni’s sentiments; he planned to take her to a temple for a pooja before he took her to the hotel.

  Roshni and Deepak decided to leave that morning to meet Sheetal’s parents and then come back to Mumbai after spending a couple of hours there. Deepak very quietly packed a change of clothes for her and him and left the bag in the trunk. He also realized that Roshni did not have a ring on her finger, so he got her a nice ring as a gift.

  He remembered the bracelets (kangans) that were given to her by Sashank had been returned by Roshni. She had packed them in his suitcase to the US, and he had brought them back to India. They belonged to her, and he wanted to give them to her. He packed these along with the ring he bought for her.

  Kusum arranged for “Kula Devi” pooja that day. The family deity was worshipped, and after the pooja, Deepak and Roshni took Devi’s blessings and prasad and left for Poona. Deepak was very exhilarated, and Roshni noticed this.

  In the car Roshni asked Deepak, “Deepak, what’s the matter? You seem to be very thrilled.”

  “Nothing, I’m just excited for us to be together for a while!” he replied.

  Roshni looked at him in disbelief but did not delve into it any further. On the way, Deepak stopped at a temple, and Roshni was again taken aback at this.

  Deepak looked at her puzzled face. “Today is Friday and an auspicious day. This is a good Shirdi Baba temple. Let’s perform a simple pooja here, have darshan, and then go to Sheetal’s house,” he said.

  Roshni had no clue what was cooking in Deepak’s brain. Regardless, both performed pooja at the temple, the priest blessed them with long life and prosperity, and they left after spending a few more minutes in the temple.

  They arrived at Sheetal’s house in Poona, and Sheetal welcomed them and introduced them to her parents. Deepak and Roshni realized the wedding preparations were in full swing at Sheetal’s house. The whole house was buzzing with relatives, friends and decorations.

  Sheetal’s parents were very warm-hearted people, and they made Deepak and Roshni very comfortable. They went through the formalities of giving and receiving the wedding invitation, and Deepak and Roshni joined Sheetal’s family for lunch.

  Sheetal had waited eagerly to meet them. While Roshni was busy talking to her parents, she grabbed the opportunity to speak with Deepak regarding their relationship. Deepak updated her that all was well and also hinted to her that, God willing, they would be completing an after-marriage ritual that evening. Sheetal was very happy for them.

  After spending a few hours with Sheetal and her parents, Deepak and Roshni left in the afternoon. Roshni was tired, so she rested her head against the seat and closed her eyes. Not realizing it, she dozed off for a small nap. After about half an hour, she opened her eyes to find the car was parked in front of a multistory hotel, and Deepak was not beside her. She was worried and waited eagerly for Deepak to come back; several ideas popped in her brain. Deepak arrived a few minutes later and asked Roshni to get out of the car. She looked at him in complete shock.

  “Deepak, what’s going on? Why do you want me to step out? Aren’t we going home?” she enquired.

  “Roshni, please come. We’re going to stay here tonight,” he responded.

  “Stay here tonight!” she exclaimed loudly but controlled herself. She reduced her tone. “Why? I mean, why are we staying here tonight? Let’s go home. Kusum didi needs my help.”

  “Don’t worry, Roshni, you can always help her tomorrow. We will leave in the morning.”

  “But…but why stay here tonight?”

  “The back and forth journey is tiring for you, so I decided to rest here tonight,” he said.

  “I’m okay, Deepak. Let’s go home. I can relax in Mumbai.”

  “Roshni, please don’t argue. I want to spend a night with you here. Can you please–”

  “But, Deepak, we have not brought a change of clothes. How can we stay here?”

  He held her hand and helped her out of the car and came closer to her. “I made all the arrangements; don’t worry.”

  With a smirk on his face, enjoying the expressions on Roshni’s face, he pulled a bag from the trunk and led her to the hotel. He was very careful not to take her to the room too early, so he suggested they spend time in the restaurant for dinner. He prompted Roshni to remain at the restaurant while he checked on the status of the room and arrangements. It was a two-room suite, a small room leading to a bigger bedroom. The bed was very simply decorated as indicated by Deepak.

  Deepak joined Roshni at the restaurant and enjoyed each other’s company. A live band entranced both of them. After spending time with appetizers, dinner, and live music, Deepak decided to take Roshni to the room.

  Roshni was clueless; she could not comprehend why Deepak decided on this overnight stay. As she walked into the room with Deepak, Roshni inhaled the beautiful aroma in the room. She liked the décor of the room and was about to enter the bedroom when Deepak pulled her towards him.

  “Roshni, close your eyes first before we go into the room.”

  “Close my eyes! Why? Deepak, what have you planned? Please tell me,” she requ
ested.

  Deepak smiled. “Nothing special, it is a little surprise for you.”

  “A surprise! Bringing me here itself was a surprise. What more do you have?”

  “Patience, dear, you’ll find out, but please close your eyes.”

  Roshni obeyed without much fuss, and he held her hand and walked her into the bedroom with her back facing the bed.

  Once in the room, with her back still facing the bed, Deepak asked Roshni to open her eyes slowly. Roshni opened her eyes. Deepak pulled the ring out of his pocket and, looking very passionately at her, slid the ring onto her ring finger.

  “Happy anniversary…a few days in advance!”

  Roshni went through a mixture of emotions: happiness, excitement, shyness and above all surprise. She was at a loss for words, did not know how to react, and simply hugged him, hiding her emotions, hiding her face in his chest.

  A few minutes later, Deepak pulled out the bracelets, and Roshni’s mouth formed a big ‘O’. She recognized them, but never expected Deepak to bring them back. He showed the bracelets to her. “Roshni, do you remember these?”

  She nodded and was silent; her eyes were moist. He slid the bracelets onto her wrists, one after another. “Roshni, these belong to you and you only! You are my wife and a daughter-in-law to Sashank bhaiya. Only you have the right to wear these,” he said and pulled her into his arms.

  Deepak hugged her. Roshni opened her eyes and looked around. She was startled to see the bed decorated with flowers. It was then it occurred to her what Deepak had planned for. Glancing around the room, she turned red. Her cheeks blushed, and unable to control her emotions, she turned back to face Deepak when Deepak pointed towards the bed.

  “Our Suhaag raat!”

  Roshni could not control her emotions and, with tears in her eyes, looked up towards his face.

  He cupped her cheeks with his hands. “Roshni, you had sentiments about this day. Respecting them, today is an auspicious day, and we went to the temple and performed the pooja.”

  Roshni looked at him with gratitude for respecting her sentiments and beliefs. She felt shy and hid her blushing face in his chest. Deepak held her tight and rested his head on her head. Both of them experienced a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. They stayed in each other’s arms for some time.

  “Roshni, are you okay?” he asked huskily.

  “Hmm…” she responded.

  Deepak gently lifted her head to face him and, before she could say any words, bent down to kiss her forehead, and with her consent lifted her to the bed. She welcomed him wholeheartedly into her arms and surrendered to him completely – physically and mentally – and he accepted her, surrendering himself to her completely.

  They were united at last!

  Chapter 34

  Akash and Sheetal Get Married

  The chirping birds and sound of vehicles awakened Roshni. She opened her eyes to see Deepak beside her, and he was fast asleep. She lay there for a few minutes, smiling to herself and reminiscing over the previous night. She looked at the bracelets that rested on the side table and the ring on her finger. She smiled and closed her eyes – thanking Devi Maiya – and looked sideways towards Deepak.

  Without disturbing him, she got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. There was fulfillment and happiness, she was complacent. As she showered, suddenly a fear gripped her…would she be able to join Deepak in the US? She did not even remember where her passport was. What if she remained in India while he was in the US? Did they have to be separated again? Would Deepak come back to India if she could not go to the US?

  She forced herself not to think negatively and changed into the dress that Deepak brought for her. She moved out of the room very quietly into the room outside. Brushing her wet hair, she ordered a cup of chai. Sipping the chai, she walked to the window, gazing outside. Somewhere deep within, the fear and anxiety still bothered her.

  As she was completely engrossed in these thoughts, she felt the warmth of hands wrapping around her hips. Deepak was behind her with his head resting on her neck, and he snuggled into her hair. The beautiful aroma of the shampoo she used captivated him.

  He took a deep breath. “Thank you, Roshni, for a wonderful night. You know, I have not had such a peaceful sleep in over a year. How about you?” He snuggled into her hair again. “Did you rest well?”

  Roshni turned to face him. “Yes, I did, thank you.”

  They hugged each other, and a feeling of contentment and gratification was evident in them! Both stayed still for a few minutes.

  “Deepak, go ahead and get ready. We have to leave; didi is probably waiting for us,” Roshni said.

  Deepak looked at her. “I don’t feel like going anywhere. I just want to hold you, and…just be here with you…without any disturbances.”

  Roshni looked up to him. “Yes, if we had nothing else to do, but–”

  “We don’t have anything else to do. Let’s just stay here for a few more hours, Roshni.”

  “Deepak, please, we don’t want Kusum didi to be upset with us. Let’s get ready and leave; it’s already 9 a.m.”

  “Okay, if you say so.” He left to get ready very reluctantly.

  Letting her go, he walked into the bathroom to freshen up and get ready. During this time, Roshni got the bag ready and tidied up the bed and room. The thought of her staying back in India bothered her. Her eyes were moist. She did not want to stay away from Deepak anymore! As she gently wiped her tears, Deepak came of the bathroom and noticed her.

  He came closer to her. “Roshni, are you okay? What’s the matter?”

  She immediately hugged him tightly and cried, “I don’t want to be away from you anymore.”

  Deepak was confused by this statement. “Roshni, why do you think I will leave you? Why would you be away from me?”

  She looked up to his face with tears in her eyes. “What if I’m unable to come to the US with you? Will you leave me here and go away?” she asked, being very sad.

  Deepak smiled at this innocent question of hers. He pulled her to him. “Roshni, what made you think I would leave you and go away? If I wanted to leave you here, I would not have come here to spend time with you in the first place. I would not have gone through all these pains to bring you back in my life.”

  He lifted her head to face him. “Roshni, you are my breath…how can I leave you. If all goes well, both of us will go together to the US. If not…then I will stay here until you get the VISA. I promise you, dear, I will not leave you here alone anymore.”

  Roshni was relieved to hear this. She hugged him again, and like a little child, she put out her right hand. “Promise me you will never leave me alone.”

  Deepak smiled at this action of hers and placed his right hand over hers. “I promise you, dear, we will always be together.”

  Roshni felt better. She smiled and hugged him again. She felt secure in his embrace, and Deepak expressed the same feelings!

  He was in a joyful mood. “Roshni, we need to catch up on all that we lost in the last year.” He smiled at her.

  Roshni was shy and hid her blushing face in his chest again until they decided to leave for Mumbai.

  They had breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel and headed out to Mumbai. Roshni volunteered to drive, but Deepak persuaded her to take the passenger seat and keep him company while he drove. Both enjoyed each other’s company, and they halted a couple of times to enjoy the beauty around them before finally arriving in Mumbai.

  Roshni and Deepak got busy distributing the wedding invitation cards as instructed by Sashank bhaiya and Kusum didi. In the list of invitees, Roshni looked for Satish’s name and did not find it. She was unhappy and discussed this with Deepak. Deepak tried to make her understand that if Sashank bhaiya did not want to invite Satish bhaiya, that was fine. He did not want to create any tension prior to the wedding. However, Roshni was not ready to give up. She asked Deepak if he would support her if she talked to Sashank bhaiya, and he
promised her he would.

  ~ ~ ~

  That evening during dinner, Roshni initiated this conversation with Sashank bhaiya. “Sashank bhaiya, I did not see Satish bhaiya’s name in the invitee list, why not?”

  Sashank looked at Roshni. He did not have an answer for her. He shrugged his shoulders and tried to avoid the topic.

  “Bhaiya, we talked about it already, right? You have invited so many people; what is the harm in inviting him? He apologized to you, so now you should go beyond and forgive him. Bhaiya, please, let us not have any harsh feelings towards him anymore,” she pleaded with Sashank.

  Roshni was known for her calmness and had the talent to persuade and provide rational arguments. Everybody else was quietly waiting for Sashank to respond. He stared at her; part of him felt he should invite Satish, but part of him resisted. The brothers had talked a couple of times since Roshni went to Bangalore, but they’d never met, and Sashank was nervous.

  Roshni came to him and held his hand. “Bhaiya, please…what are you thinking? It is our responsibility to invite him, and whether he comes is up to him. He did not attend our wedding, he was not present for your wedding, and this is the last wedding in this family. Please…let us forgive him and invite him,” she literally pleaded with him.

  Sashank finally agreed, “But I’m not going; you and Deepak can go invite him.”

  Roshni was so happy; she hugged him and thanked him. None other than Roshni could do this. Akash and Deepak were relieved. Roshni and Deepak went to his house the next day and invited Satish and Nirmala. They were very pleased to hear about Akash’s wedding, and since he was still recuperating from his stroke, he could not travel. Nirmala promised she would attend the reception.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Deepak and Roshni, December 14th is your first wedding anniversary. We have been so busy with Akash’s wedding preparations, we completely forgot about this date. I think we should celebrate this day,” said Kusum.

  Sashank and Akash agreed instantly. Deepak and Roshni looked at each other; they had already celebrated their anniversary in Poona. Both were silent.