9. Deepak agrees to marriage

CHAPTER 9

Deepak agrees to marriage

Deepak and Madhav were sitting in the hall talking. Pratibha brought juice.

Pratibha said, “Deepakbhai, do you know why we have come to see you all the way from the US? We want to talk about your marriage.”

Deepak said sadly, “You know all about me. I told you I don’t want to get married. Please understand my situation.”

Madhav tried to convice Deepak. “Not like that. We know about your problem. But you know, there is a lot of improvement. See, we have even brought you the doctor’s report.”

Deepak took the report and went through it. Then he closed his eyes and sat silently.

Pratibha said, “If you sit quietly, it will not help do. You have property worth crores of rupees. Even parents are no more. If you get married, you can have children who will look after the property.”

Deepak nodded. “Yes, that is true. But my medical problem….”

Pratibha said, “Yes. But look at the report. Already the problem is 50% cured. Doctor has said that you can now get married. You have to take medicines for 2 years and then go for an operation, which will cure you fully.”

Deepak said sadly, “That’s what I have been trying to tell you. I will get married after the operation when I will be completely cured of my impotence.”

Madhav was not ready to listen to any excuses. “Listen to me. You get married now, it is ok.”

Deepak argued, “How can that be possible? I don’t want to cheat the poor lady by getting married now itself. How will I face her when she comes to know of my problem? Death is better. A lady looks for male characteristics in her husband. I am a total failure in that aspect. After all, sex is important for stability in marriage. My whole life will be spoilt if she rejects me because of that.”

Pratibha explained, “You have a psychological problem. You just listen to us. According to doctor’s report, there is a great improvement. Take medicines for 2 years and then the operation. You will soon be a complete man.”

Deepak said, “True sister. But will I get a girl who will understand my problem and be ready to cooperate?”

Pratibha was happy that Deepak was now changing his mind. She said, “Yes, there is a girl of that type.”

Deepak looked at her in surprise. “Who is this unlucky girl?”

“Don’t talk like that. You know Jaidev, the builder?”

“Yes yes. He is Madhav’s close friend.”

“Yes. He is our family friend. Whenever he comes to the US, he stays with us. The girl is his sister’s daughter. She is very beautiful and very good natured. You can see her photo if you want.”

Pratibha took a photo from her vanity bag and gave it to Deepak. Deepak looked at the photo. “She is really very beautiful. But what to do……”

“What but…”

Deepak was worried. “How can I tell my personal problems?”

Pratibha said, “You don’t worry about all that. They will listen to whatever Jaidev tells them. He is their god father. The family is very good. They will understand your problem and cooperate if you tell them after marriage. Just two years that’s all.”

Deepak was helpless. “As you wish. But please don’t disgrace me.”

Pratibha was very happy. “Good. So you are now ready to listen to us.”

Deepak looked at the girl’s photo. “Yes, seeing this photo, I feel like marrying her. But please tell her of my problem before marriage. I do not want to cheat her.”

Pratibha was shocked. “We can’t tell all that now. After marriage, you tell her slowly. She is a very good girl. She will understand and not tell anyone.”

Deepak agreed. “As you wish.”

Pratibha was happy. “Very good. There are some good days coming up this month. We will fix the engagement. I will inform Jaidev and also tell the girls parents. I have already sent your photo and they have agreed.”

Deepak nodded. “Ok then.”

“We will come 2 days before the engagement. If you get married, it will remove a huge burden from our mind.”

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One one side Shermi’s parents were busy with the arrangements for Shermi’s marriage with Deepak. But on the other side, Shermi was enjoying life with Avinash. She wore burka in the Sulabh complex every day. Both Shermi and Avinash roamed all around the city on bike. They visited parks and theatres. They had ice-creams in ice-cream parlors. They went to hill stations and pubs. Since Shermi was in burkha, no one recognised her.