Chapter 03

MILIND

He went straight to his room after he came home from shopping. He bought wedding dresses his father had suggested. His dad was already annoyed as Milind insisted on postponing his wedding. He didn’t want to peeve his father anymore.

He looked forward to hearing from Rohita that night. Had she agreed to meet him, he would have convinced her to suspend the wedding. He still hoped he would tell Rohita to postpone the wedding. He also needed her support to persuade their elders.

Milind turned on his Sony music box. The sitar serenading, he made himself comfortable on a leather couch, contemplating. Rohita might not care for his plea as it would upset her plans. She might act ruthlessly, and get him in trouble. Should he go ahead with his previous plan and marry her? Milind would lose his parent's faith if Rohita told anything untoward to his father. His dad would never part their family fortune if he understood Milind’s plot. He would go ahead and marry Rohita as he had gotten Esha’s support.

Milind heard the footsteps outside the door. His mother, in her pink silk sari, entered. “What are you doing here?” She sat beside him, her eyes sparkling. “Your Dad is waiting for you to have dinner.”

Milind wished to eat alone to avoid possible skirmishes with his father. He didn’t want to hear any more preaching. “I’ll eat later. I’m not hungry.” Milind pressed his lips, grimacing.

“Your Dad will get angry if you don’t join him.” His mother raised her brows. “He is already disappointed with you.”

Milind heaved a sigh. That was the reason why he wanted to avoid his father. “Please let me spend some time alone.”

She put her hand on his shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t come down?”

“Yes, I am.”

“All right. But eat something before you go to sleep.” His mother walked outside the room.

Milind feared his father had been suspicious for two days. He should avoid getting close to him, and leave for America quietly. After he went there, no one would stop him from achieving his objective.

Milind’s phone rang, and he took it from his shirt pocket. Rohita’s name lit the screen. Rohita was indeed curious to know what Milind wanted to talk about. He should remain cordial without making her suspicious.

“Hi, Rohita.” Milind straightened.

“Hi, Milind. I’m sorry for calling late. My shopping took more time than I had expected.”

“Don’t worry.” Milind took a deep breath. “I came home a few minutes ago.”

“I bought everything I want to take to America.”

“You did a good thing.” Milind cleared his throat. “We will not have much time left after the wedding.”

Rohita didn’t ask about why he wanted to meet. Milind too wished not to raise the matter.

“I wanted to tell you about my classmate Ravi,” Rohita said. “He stays in Chicago, and spoke to me in the evening.” She sounded cheerful.

Milind’s heart lightened. Rohita had someone close to her residing in America, and it might help him in achieving his goal. Was Ravi a bachelor? He was her classmate and should’ve gone to America in the recent past. Why Rohita has not told me about Ravi till now?

Milind should know him. “It’s good to know.” He rose and went towards the window. “How long has he been in America?”

“Two years. He wants to visit New Jersey to meet us.”

“I will be glad to meet him.” Milind fixed his gaze on a tall coconut tree. “Is he married?”

“No. He finished his masters last year. He is working as a software engineer.”

Milind heaved a sigh of relief. He had been worried about leaving Rohita alone in America and feared his plan might backfire. Ravi’s presence would ease his plan of returning to India. He would leave Rohita in the safe hands of Ravi.

“I am glad to know all about Ravi. How long have you known him?”

“We went to the same school since intermediate. He opted for engineering as he is fond of mathematics.”

Milind needed to bring them together. His parents wouldn’t get angry at him as Rohita would settle in America with Ravi. Milind should focus on his plan, and keep Rohita cheerful.

“We will meet Ravi as soon as we get there.” He held the window railings. “I am eager to see you tomorrow.”

“I too want to meet you.” Rohita paused then said, “Can we talk later? Mom is calling.”

“Okay, bye. Good night.”

Milind ended the call. He inhaled a deep breath.

He was content not revealing anything about his love affair. The postponement of the wedding was not a solution. Ravi had been a Godsend, and he should use him to his advantage.

Milind wished to call Esha. He needed to reiterate his continued interest in her. She was hurt and Milind needed to console her. He didn’t want to betray her and should convince her that his love was eternal.

He grabbed his phone from the table and tapped on her number. His phone rang and got disconnected. Milind collapsed back on the sofa with his heartbeat increased. Did Esha change her mind? A sense of failure coursed through Milind’s soul, sending a cold shiver down his spine.

He waited for a few minutes then called her again. Esha cut the call. Damn it! How could she be so rude? His phone jingled. Esha had sent an SMS. Milind tapped on it.

‘Call me tomorrow. Good Night.’

Why she avoided talking to me? Milind tossed his phone back on the table, contemplating. After the marriage, he would spend the night with Rohita. Esha wanted to know Milind’s faith and his loyalty towards her.

His dad had told him his wedding night was arranged in Ashoka Palace – a five-star hotel. For him to be loyal to Esha, he should not consummate his marriage. And he must tell Esha he would abstain from sex. It would make Esha remain interested in him. But how could he convince Rohita and avoid intimacy? She would be frightened and might protest. Milind needed to handle the situation wisely.

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Rohita opened her eyes, lying on the bed. The morning sunlight streamed into the hotel room through the window glass. The smell of jasmine and rose garlands, hung on the bed frames, filled the air. She tossed aside the blanket and sat. Milind was not around. The sound of gushing water from the bathroom confirmed her he was freshening up. She got off the bed and meandered towards the balcony, contemplating.

She was bewildered at Milind’s enigmatic behavior. His decision not to have sex was shocking. Rohita didn’t expect he would disappoint her by distancing himself from her. He hadn’t even tried to kiss her let alone caressed her. Why didn’t Milind consummate their marriage? Was Milind gay? But he appeared confident. He had told her he was tired, but Rohita couldn’t believe in him. Was that the reason for not having sex?

A flock of pigeons flew above an adjacent building. A motorbike rumbled as it speeded down the street. She gripped the balcony railings and inhaled the morning fresh air.

Should she tell her parents and seek their help? Her mother would not risk damaging her marital life as she was an orthodox woman. Her father would get angry. He might talk to Milind’s parents. Wouldn’t it create an uproar and disturb everyone’s mood? She should act judiciously not to hurt anyone.

Her main intention was to settle in America and she should focus on her goal. Any wrong move would jeopardize her life and her career. Maybe Milind was tired and would indulge in sex gradually. She should remain patient and try to understand him. She shouldn’t suspect his manhood without medical evidence.

Her phone jingled. She went and took her phone from the wooden teakwood table. Ravi had sent an email. She tapped to open the message.

Dear Rohita and Milind,

My hearty congratulations once again to you both and I wish you a happy married life. I hope, as per your earlier plan, you will be traveling to Chennai tonight to get a visa for Rohita. I wish you both all the success in your endeavors.

Yesterday, I asked my employer and there is no need for the attorney’s letter for the dependent visa. The employer’s recommendation letter is enough. I hope this information will relieve Milind and make his job easier.

It has been snowing all day here and I had to work from my home. I’ll try to call you later in the day.

With warm regards,

Ravi

Chicago, Illinois

Rohita sighed in relief, collapsing on the couch. Milind would be happy to read his message. She quickly typed a thank you note and sent it.

Ravi had called and congratulated her yesterday. His continued communication and his supportive words had been comforting. She would try to call him in the evening or soon after going to Chennai. She’d known him for twenty years and could trust him better than Milind. Having him in America would be a great advantage for her to achieve her goal. She would seek Ravi’s support if Milind continued to behave erratically. But Milind had offered his help in expanding her career. She shouldn’t feel bad about him just because he had hurt her last night.

Rohita’s phone rang and her mother’s image flashed on the screen. She would be interested to know about her first night with Milind. Should I tell Mom and share my feelings? Or just be quiet? Her complaint would make her mother worried. Rohita didn’t want to see her parents unhappy. She wouldn’t discuss the matter unless it was necessary. Her parents had worked hard arranging her wedding, and Rohita didn’t want to disappoint them.

Rohita rose. “Hi, Mom.” She strode towards the balcony “Good morning.”

“Good morning. How was your night? Did you sleep well?”

Her mother talked quickly about the matter. Was she suspicious about Milind? But she had praised Milind before the wedding. “Yes, Mom. I slept well.” Rohita swallowed. She needed to change the topic. “What’s the next plan? Are we going somewhere?”

“Yes, you’re going to Milind’s home.” She paused. “Is Milind awake?”

“Yes. He is taking a bath.”

“Your flight tickets to Chennai are ready.”

“At what time are we leaving?” Rohita bit her lip in anticipation.

“Evening at eight o’clock.”

The bathroom latch sounded. “I’ll call you later in the afternoon. Bye, bye.”

Rohita went back to the couch. Milind, in his pale orange pajamas, smiled at her. He wiped his wet hair with a white Turkish towel.

Rohita took him in from head to toe and blushed. Milind’s broad chest bulged in his transparent shirt. His arms were strong and sturdy. She wished to hug him and kiss him on his chest. But she feared he might be repulsed, and would disappoint her. Throughout the night, he had slept with his back turned towards her.

“Hi.” He sauntered toward her. “Who called you?”

“Mom.” Rohita rolled her eyes. “When did you wake up?”

“At around seven o’clock.” He hung the towel on a chair. “Would you like to have tea or coffee?”

“Coffee.” Rohita sat on the couch. “Ravi has sent an email. We do not need an attorney’s letter.”

“That’s good to know.” He sat beside her.

Rohita placed her hand on his neck. “We will call him from Chennai.”

“Okay.”

Rohita’s heart lightened. She couldn’t control her urge to kiss him, and she leaned towards him. She noticed Milind’s increased heartbeat. She pressed her lips on his, closing her eyes.

Milind put his fingers in between their lips. “Rohita, go and freshen up.” He gently shoved her. “We are going home soon.”

Rohita’s heart sank. Nausea coursed through her mind and she tried to regain her composure. She shouldn’t have tried to make love with him.

The doorbell rang. She hated to remain seated there and went to the bathroom. She was hurt. But she would stay patient and focus on her aim of working in America.