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Monks 'Dilemma
Monks' Dilemma
95
monkhood voluntarily then it will spoil our case. So dear Deepak think that you have been a monk till you married me and that I have tried hard to extricate you from your genetically and self inflicted agony of mental monkhood."
Deepak was realising that there was truth in what Deepti said. His purpose should be to bring out his parents and not to entangle himself also in the same trap.
Vibhu and Shree joined the firm "Deep Consultants". They were intelligent and studious. They picked up the tasks assigned to them in office within a short time. This relieved both Deepak and Deepti a great deal at home as well as in office, more so Deepti in managing the household. They could now plan their study of various religious sects and the respective orders and institutions of monks and mahants. They decided to take breaks from office for a week or so and entrust office responsibilities to Vibhu and Shree, of course with an assurance that they would be in touch by E-mail and phone for help if required to attend to their clients.
Deepak's first priority was to visit Jhadol where Vibha was working hard on projects of their Trust. He told his plan to Deepti, "We shall first go to Jhadol via Udaipur and see the progress there. On the way we shall see the important religious pilgrimage centres also. From Udaipur we shall go to mount Abu and visit nearby religious places."
Deepti agreed, "I have longed to see mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan. I think that seven days will be very short. The programme should be for a fortnight."
Deepak, "We shall extend the period after consulting Vibhu and Shree.
Vijay went to receive them at Udaipur air port. They went straight to Jhadol, Deepti continuously enquiring about the projects. Deepak interrupted often particularly while Vijay was driving on hairpin bends on sloping hills, "Deepti, we shall see everything ourselves. The details you are seeking cannot be explained in words. They are best elucidated on the spot itself."
Deepti was silent for some time but her inquisitiveness compelled her ask some question or the other. When they were nearing the town Deepak said, "I shall like to stay at my old house if it has been restored and made habitable."
Vijay, "You will find it comfortable. It will refresh your memories of your earlier days. I hope, Deepti will not mind if there is some discomfort."
Deepti, "I shall love to stay in our (now mine also) parental house. In my school days as a scout I stayed in tents and huts in small villages. I enjoy such changes."
They reached the house. Vibha was informed in advance. It was lunch time. After exchanging thanks, welcome and pleasantries they washed, took their lunch, enjoyed long forgotten local cuisine, exclusively ordered by Vibha to remind Deepak of his childhood and of the food that used to be prepared by his mother. Deepti could see depression on Deepak's face as he started brooding over the plight of his parents in monkhood.
Deepti tried to break his thought process, "Deepak please be here at Jhadol and do not reflect on matters belonging to Bangalore. Vibhu and Shree are competent enough to take care of matters there. Let us take a little afternoon nap to refresh. We have to go round the project area."
