Chapter 07

ROHITA

After meeting Ajit and Snehal, Rohita walked on the pathway with Milind to their apartment amidst the gusty, cold wind.

She found Ajit and Snehal quite friendly. They were happy and had developed a good marital relationship. Rohita got to know about her career options from Ajit. He spoke with confidence and maturity. Snehal was skilled at preparing delicious food.

A white couple stepped out of their car and walked towards their apartment with their arms around their neck. The sky was clear. The moon shone on the horizon and stars twinkled dimly in the moonlight. An owl hooted on a nearby apartment building. A sense of fear crossed Rohita’s mind as she looked at the large pine trees across the street, alongside the parking space. Her hands pained in numbness, and she took out her woolen gloves from her jacket pocket. She slipped them on and crossed her arms across her chest to comfort herself.

Rohita admired Milind’s friendly talk with Ajit and Snehal.

How wonderful the meeting was! Having Ajit nearby is a huge advantage for me!

She would earn a good salary if she studied masters. It would also make her future secured.

Would Milind finance for the college fees? He should because he earned a handsome salary. But why did he suggest her she should attend the USMLE and get a job instead of going to college? Was he jealous of my progress? She should speak with him to know his mind.

They entered their home, hung their jackets in the closet, and sat on the couch. The time was just after ten o’clock.

Milind adjusted the thermostat behind him. “I’m glad we met Ajit and Snehal.” He rested his head on the headrest.

Rohita held his arm and relaxed her head on his shoulder. “It’s good to have them nearby. Snehal is very friendly. They treated us very well.”

“She is good at the workplace, too.” Milind smiled. “Did you understand about the USMLE exam Ajit told you?”

Milind raised the matter timely. Rohita licked her lips. “Yes, I did. I’m interested to study the masters.”

“What if you just pass the USMLE and start working?” Milind fidgeted with her hair.

Rohita clenched her fists. Why he is not interested in what I want? “Do you remember what Ajit told? I can earn better with an additional degree.”

Milind knotted his brows. He remained silent and appeared in deep thoughts.

Why is he so tense? Is he envious of my career growth?

“You study for another two years?” Milind sounded mocking. “Don’t you want to enjoy your life?”

She inhaled a deep breath, contemplating. Maybe, Milind was correct as she had already spent six years to get the medical degree. She needed a break. But going to college in America should be a different experience. She should make use of the opportunity.

“But I still---”

Before Rohita finished her words, Milind said, “Better you attend the exam.” He stared at the floor for a moment then looked back at her. “And I won’t be able to pay your college fees.” His voice trembled.

Rohita felt a knot in her stomach. Milind should have saved enough money as he worked as a software engineer. Her father had told her he earned a handsome salary. “But you had promised my parents that you will help me.” She threw her head back.

“You know, I’m yet to repay my car loan.” He placed a pillow in between them.

Is Milind lying? Should she seek her dad’s help?

“Are you sure you can’t afford it?” Rohita sighed in exasperation.

“You need to trust me.” Milind sounded honest.

Rohita didn’t want to argue further and clutter her mind. “All right. I’ll decide to think about it later.”

“Sure.” Milind sounded relieved.

----

Rohita woke up and sat on the bed. Milind was in deep slumber beside her. The timepiece showed half past noon. Her mind cluttered with what had happened an hour ago. She tried to appease Milind to have sex, but he disappointed her. Is he not interested in me? She shouldn’t come to any conclusions which affect her future life.

She went to the living room and turned on the lamp. She should call her Dad, and talk to him about her career interest. Though it was midnight, she hoped her father would not question her.

Milind might be correct. He can’t pay her tuition fees as he had a new car and paid for the household expenses. She would not complain to her dad about his inability to pay the money.

She took the phone and called her dad.

“Hi, Rohita.” Her father answered. “How are you? You couldn’t talk much in the night.”

She just informed her parents about her arrival and cut the call in the morning as Milind hastened to go out. “I’m doing well.” She cleared her throat. “Today, we met Milind’s colleague, Snehal. Her husband is a physician.”

“It’s good to know. You will find him helpful.”

“Yes. He suggested me to study masters.”

“You can.” Her father sounded excited. “Did you talk to Milind about it?”

“I ----” Rohita stumbled for words and looked down at the floor.

“Yes, tell me.”

How should I convince dad? Wouldn’t he suspect Milind? She should keep the matter to herself and try to be cordial with Milind.

“I will discuss it with Milind tomorrow.”

“That’s good. He will help you.”

“Is Mom doing all right?” Rohita fixed her gaze at the kitchen entrance.

“She is doing well.” He cleared his throat. “Rohita, I’m at the office. If you need my help, feel free to call me.”

“Okay, Dad. Bye.” She ended the call.

She should avoid complaining about Milind to her parents, and try to build her marital relationship - like Ajit and Snehal. Her parents would like to see her happy with Milind. She should work toward everyone’s interests.

How if I call Ravi and seek his guidance? Ravi would suggest and guide her. It was already midnight, and she hoped he would answer her. She had just informed him about her arrival, and she would talk in detail now. She tapped his name and called him.

“Hey, Rohita?” Ravi sounded a bit surprised.

Rohita heaved a sigh of relief. “Hi, Ravi.” She blushed. “Did I disturb you?”

“No, you didn’t. How is Milind?”

“He is doing well. We met his colleague Snehal over dinner.”

“Good. You both started socializing so soon.”

“Her husband works as a doctor.” She sounded excited.

“Wow. You have a doctor friend there to help you.”

She must speak the imperative. Ravi had studied masters and should know the details. “Ravi, how much it costs to study masters?”

Ravi paused for a moment then said, “Ten to fifteen thousand dollars.”

Her pulse quickened. Fifteen thousand dollars was a huge amount. Her father could lend her, but Rohita disliked asking him. Should I agree with Milind and appear for the USMLE?

They remained silent for a moment.

“Why are you asking?” Ravi asked with his tone curious.

“I just wanted to know the fact. Milind wants me to appear for the USMLE and start working.”

“Listen to what he suggests. Maybe he is correct.

“Thanks, Ravi.” Rohita heaved a sigh in relief.

“Let me know if you need my help.”

“Sure.”

It had been several years since she met Ravi. He had told her he will visit New Jersey soon after her arrival. “Come and meet us.” She sat at the dining table and crossed her legs. “Milind is eager to see you, too.”

“Sure. I’ll meet you guys after the winter.”

Her heart lightened. “You are welcome, Ravi. I look forward to seeing you.”

They exchanged a few more words and ended their conversation.

Rohita went back to the bedroom.

Milind stood on the balcony, cigarette in his hand. The smoke smell filled the room.

She opened the window drape to let the fresh air enter and sat on the bed.

Milind put out his cigarette and approached. “Hi, Rohita.” He sat beside her, and his lips quivered into a grin. “Who called you so late?”

“Ravi.” She grimaced.

“How is he?” Milind put his hand on her back, his jaws slacked. “I would like to talk to him tomorrow.”

Rohita needed to control her growing frustration. Milind avoided sex, but she needed to focus on her career. “He is doing well.” She coiled her arms around his neck and forced a smile. “I’ll attend the USMLE as you suggested.”

“I’m glad you changed your mind.” Milind hugged her tight and kissed on her cheek.

She sighed in relief. At last, he is responding to me temptations. She hid her face in his chest. “I will talk to Ajit to know more details about the exam.”

“You can.” Milind’s breathing increased, and his face blushed.

She slid her hand in his shirt and rubbed his chest. She started unbuttoning his shirt. Her heart missed a beat when Milind held her hand. “Rohita, I want to sleep now.” He pressed his lips with a slight frown on his face. “I need to go to the office in the morning.” Milind curled into a ball beside her.

Damn it! How does it affect his sexual life? Is he not lying? Her veins throbbed in her neck. Why is he behaving so? Is he not interested in sex? She was humiliated, again. How should she handle his enigmatic behavior? Should she seek her parent's help? Or should she talk to Snehal?

She would continue appeasing him until she got to know the reason.