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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
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arranging meetings of boys and girls of marriageable age is a very routine affair and at least I am not aware."
Deepak, "I wish you best of journey. I shall be at your hostel before scheduled time of your flight and see you off."
Deepti "Thanks. You should not conjecture that I shall be getting married so soon and leave you. I am not going to allow you to become a monk and live a futile and a parasitic life.
flight to Jodhpur and from there to my home town Jaisalmer by taxi or with my uncle in his car if he is also going. I got a phone call from my father last night and he has asked me to reach urgently. It was very late in the night and I did not disturb you."
Deepak, "What a coincidence is it? How is it that almost similar events in our lives happen simultaneously? Last night I also received two letters. Is it that events are so predestined or such is our fate? One letter is about the programme of my parents and their group of monks at Jaipur, inviting me there and to stay there at least for a week. The other is from my closest friend of school days to attend his marriage at Jaipur on 5 December and later his phone that I shall preferably reach Jhadol on 1" or 2nd December to help him in making arrangements. I very much wish that you should also accompany me. It is still a fortnight away and your programme of going to your home town will not clash.
Deepti, "There is nothing like fate or anything predestined. It is just a coincidence. Of course I shall love to accompany you to both Jhadol and Jaipur, circumstances permitting."
Deepak, "What circumstances are you talking about? Is there something special going to happen at Jaisalmer? There must be some particular programme that your father has called you so urgently and at such a short notice. I can imagine clearly, visualise and understand the anxiety of parents of a grown up daughter. They must be trying to find a suitable match for you so as to tie the marriage knot as early as possible. It appears that you are hiding the truth from me."
Deepti, "There is nothing of that sort so far. My parents will never force anything on me against my will. Of course
Deepti was surprised to see a festive atmosphere at her home. The house had been painted tastefully and decoratively. Everything had been given a new look. There was a new brand of exquisite furniture, matching curtains, linen, crockery and utensils all new and latest. All were in their best attire. She went straight to her grandmother, bowed and touched her feet, lifted her from the chair, danced, hugged and kissed her, put her back on the chair. She then met her mother and father with similar traditional courtesy and warmth. She lifted her sweet charming younger brother, swirled him round and round, kissing and fondling him repeatedly and when tired sat down on the chair with him. Her father came hurriedly to her and told her that she should get fresh and dress as per instructions of her mother as fast as she can. The guests would be arriving soon for lunch. She could understand the situation and did not argue nor asked any questions as was her habit. She went straight inside with her mother.
Soon the guests came, her father's friend Vishal Singh, his son Ajeet and their entire family and relatives. After all were seated comfortably her father said to Deepti and Ajeet, "You
