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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
67
Deepak, "I have no option left in view of your persistent effort in bringing me out of my mania for monkhood."
Shree who was listening as a silent spectator interrupted and said, "It is enough of unnecessary arguing. Let us sit down calmly and coolly and plan about the stay, menu and itinerary of the honourable guests."
The three sat till late night planning everything to the minute detail and retired late to bed and probably dreamt their respective futures the whole night.
Deepak, "It was she who picked the phone. I do not know as to why she did not talk and handed over it to me."
Deepti was nearby and said, "I gave it to you first so that you are introduced."
She spoke to her father and mother repeatedly one after the other enquiring about their health and various matters. She talked over half an hour. Her father ended the call after informing that they are reaching Bangalore Sunday evening. She informed Deepak accordingly.
Deepak could guess the purpose of simultaneous visit of two families and asked Deepti, "I presume, you knew about the programme of the two families and probably did not tell me deliberately."
Deepti, "You are aware that I have been in touch with Vijay ever since I found in Vibhu a perfect match for Shree and I have been talking to my parents quite often. There is nothing to hide from you deliberately. I shall be the last person to resort to such gimmicks and that too with a person with whom I have decided to be a life partner."
Deepak, "I am sorry. I never wanted to cast any aspersion on you. I am happy that I shall be meeting your parents and Vijay whom we invited long back. It is matter of great pleasure that Vibhu and his parents are also coming and if the marriage of Shree is finalised I shall feel absolved of my guilt."
Deepti, "I wish that our marriage is also finalised."
Deepak, "Will your parents agree to such a diverse inter cast marriage as between a Rajput and an Oswal."
Deepti, "There will be no problem if you give your consent."
Sunday was a very hectic day for Deepak and Deepti. They went to the airport early morning to pick up Vijay and party. Deepak had arranged accommodation for them at a hotel but they insisted that they would stay at his flat though he pleaded that there will be discomfort as the flat is not that spacious. Vijay reminded him of their life in their home town, "You have forgotten that there even fifty to a hundred persons enjoyed staying in a small place during marriages and other such occasions. It is not the space but the togetherness that is important."
Deepak, "More guests, Deepti's parents will also be coming in the evening. I have arranged accommodation for them also in the same hotel. We may also shift there so that there is no discomfort to any. There is also a spacious lobby where we can all sit together and talk. In addition there is a meeting hall also for conferencing."
Vijay, "Nothing can be a better substitute of one's home. As far as I am concerned I shall prefer your house."
Shree was in her usual self, neither in a hurry nor idling. She was doing her house keeping silently and patiently. She
