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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
69
prepared breakfast and served it to all in time. She anticipated that Vijay would insist to stay in the flat however small it may be. She had put extra beds on the floor in every room and every other vacant space available by shifting sofas, dining table etc in a planned way so that nothing appeared haphazard. Deepak and Deepti were impressed. Deepti asked, "Did you get training in housekeeping while you were a nun?"
Shree, "I got all the training you are talking about from my mother."
After breakfast everybody lay down on beds wherever they liked. All were tired and fell fast asleep and woke up only when Shree sounded a warning alarm that all should take bath and be ready for lunch within an hour.
Lunch was delicious, a mix of mewar (Udaipur region) and of dhundad (Jaipur region) cuisine. All except Shree went to sleep again. She awakened Deepak at 4.p.m.which was time he should be ready and leave for airport to pick up Deepti's parents.
The flight was on time. Deepak told them that he had arranged accommodation for them in a hotel because his flat was small and other guests were also staying and they would not be comfortable there.
morning incessantly and there was no sign of fatigue. She was invariably calm and composed. After tea guests went to relax on the beds spread on the floor. Shree was meticulous in timings and arrangements. She called everybody for dinner at 6.p.m. sharp. Kanchanji, Vibhu's mother was observing her ever since their arrival and was very much impressed by her alacrity, expertise in all activities she was handling, her diligence, steadfastness, humility, grace and elegance and she judged her as a most befitting bride for her son Vibhu. After dinner the two families split in two groups, sat on mattresses at two distant places for their conferencing, counselling sessions. Vijay, Vibha, Vibhu, Vidyadharji and Kanchanji gathered at one corner and Deepak, Deepti with her parents Chandrapal Singh and Kaminiji in another.
Kanchanji called Shree to sit with them, "You should also take some rest. You have been working tirelessly since we came and I presume earlier also as other guests are there since morning. I wonder as to how you manage your multitasking so dextrously and with so much equanimity. We are very much impressed. I believe that you know about the purpose of our visit here."
Shree, "Yes, I know. Deepti did not hide anything from me. We are good friends, just like sisters."
Kanchanji, "You know Vibhu?"
Shree, "Yes, since long while I was a nun and he taught me and other nuns and monks English. I respect him and adore him for his sterling qualities, so rare these days in youth."
Kanchanji, "We have chosen you as our daughter-in-law. We shall like to solemnise your marriage with Vibhu within
Chandrapal Singh, "We are not guests in the house our daughter is staying. We are family members. We shall like to stay in the house if it is not inconvenient to others. We shall like to mingle with your other guests as they are also going to become our near relatives soon."
Deepak drove straight to his flat. Shree had prepared tea and snacks already. She had been working since early
