Rohita

Chapter 09

After reading her pathology book for two hours, Rohita glanced outside through the balcony. The branches of the oak tree wobbled to the wind with its pines shone to the afternoon sunlight. Her chest lightened, she inserted a bookmark and set the book beside her on the couch. She needed to take a walk in the community park. Before leaving, she wished to have coffee. She sauntered to the kitchen to prepare the drink.

Her mind filled with the progress made over the last seven weeks, Rohita prepared a Nescafe and sat back in the living room. She had been proactive in contacting Ajit a couple of times and Ajit had suggested to her to concentrate on her studies. Five to seven hours of study a day in the last three weeks boosted her confidence to take the USMLE exam. During the night, she never insisted Milind sleep with her and instead, focused on her exam preparation. Her desire to pursue her career was growing and she looked forward to becoming independent in America.

After finishing her coffee, Rohita donned her sweater and locked her apartment. Except for a few cars, the parking lot was deserted. She crossed a few blocks and entered the community park. A few white couples took a walk along the park trail, and kids played in the basketball court. Her mind calmed to the greenery around, and she wished to relax her muscles. She walked for twenty minutes on the park trail, looking the greenery around. Rohita's chest lightened when a white American woman, with her pet dog, smiled at her.

Her parents' image flashed in Rohita's mind when an aged Indian couple passed in front of her. She had told her mom that everything was all right and hadn't revealed the lacunae in her marital life. It had been a week since she spoke, and she wished to call her dad. It would be just after eleven in the night in India. She took her phone out of her pants pocket and called her dad.

After several rings, her father answered. "How is everything going?"

Rohita sighed. At last dad answered her call. "All is well, Dad. Hope I didn't disturb you."

"No, you didn't. How is Milind?"

Better if dad forgets him. "He is doing well." She fixed her gaze at the youngsters in the basketball court. "He has gone to his work."

"Okay." Her dad paused. "Are you feeling comfortable now in America?"

Rohita's heart lightened. Everything looked different in the US during the first two weeks. Her eagerness to learn American etiquettes had made her comfy. "Yes, I am." Rohita crossed her legs. "I am more relaxed in the apartment. I sometimes go the super bazaar to buy groceries. Right now, I'm in a nearby community park." I am sure dad would be happy to hear all this.

"Good to know. Do you go with Milind to buy groceries?"

Should she lie? No, let dad know the reality. "Um...I go alone," Rohita said. "Milind comes late from his office these days."

"I guess you take his car to the super bazaar."

Rohita's chest tightened. "No, Dad, I walk." She wished she drove Milind's car. "I haven't got my license yet."

"Not yet? Didn't you enquire with Milind?"

"Um..., he is quite busy these days."

"I don't agree with you. How much time does it take to get a license?"

Guilt filled Rohita's mind. She hadn't asked Milind or Ravi about the procedure. "I am not sure, but I will ask Milind tonight."

"You should've by this time. I want you to become familiar with driving a car."

Her dad was correct. Driving in America was quite different, so many rules and restrictions. "Sure, I will get it as soon as I can."

"So, how is your exam preparation going?"