Rohita

Chapter 13

Milind, his fists clenched and his heart racing, walked out of his office building, without looking at the front desk employee. He wrapped his arms around himself to avoid the cold. His day at work had been hard. He never expected he would perform so poorly. Larry was too stubborn, not yielding to his request for the release postponement. Milind shouldn't have asked for it, as Larry already gave him an extra week to fix the errors. The way Larry told Steve to take over his work was humiliating. Perhaps, things were beyond Larry's control, and the management's pressure on him was obvious.

Milind's over confidence in handling such a complicated module had cost him dear. Larry had been correct in doubting his ability to solve the errors, and Milind regretted his decision to complete the task by himself. He should've asked Larry for Steve's help without hesitation.

But Milind kept high hopes for his job prospects because his project manager didn't mention anything about the module. Perhaps Larry still needed him in the project, and would assign him more work. But the incident inflicted a fear in Milind's mind. Will I be able to handle the technically challenging projects, going forward?

The moon shone on the horizon. The moonlight dimly lit the parking lot. Walking towards his car, Milind clicked its remote to unlock the doors and sat inside. He hesitated to start the engine, fearing how to face his wife. He would have a difficult time with Rohita as she kept a close watch over him. He could mull over the matter, and tell her that the release went well. But he wasn't sure of Larry's future actions. If Larry axed him, he would have a tough time to convince Rohita what actually had happened. It would be good if he revealed her the fact, and gained her sympathy.

Deciding to spend an hour in Starbucks, Milind drove his car outside the parking lot and joined the Route One South to go to Nassau Street. Amidst the moderate evening traffic, he drove over the Carnegie river bridge, and parked his car near Princeton University. A few young couples, in their winter clothes, walked down the street.

Milind stepped into the Starbucks and bought a cappuccino. He looked around for an empty seat amidst customers muffled conversations. A few customers, reading newspapers spread on the table, sipped their drinks. Wishing to have privacy, Milind located a less crowded place at the rear of the room and sat at the table.

His mind rejuvenated by the drink, he wished to speak with his mother. Though he was apprehensive that she would enquire about his marital life, Milind needed her support. His father always backed Rohita, and Milind could seek empathy only from his mother. His cappuccino in his hand, Milind called his mother and waited until she answered.

"It is good you called me," his mother said. "I have been waiting to speak with you."

Milind sipped his drink. "I am sorry, Mom. I couldn't call you over the weekend."

"It's okay. How are you both?"

His mother always enquired about their wellbeing. Ever since their marriage, she had been advising him to care for Rohita. But Milind couldn't dare to tell the truth and waited for an opportune time. "Yes, we are all right."

"Has Rohita applied for her license?"

Milind's belly fluttered. Everyone was aware of what was happening. It must be his dad who told her. "Yes, and she will get it in two to three weeks."

"Why is she not calling me? We haven't spoken for two months."

Rohita jelled well with his mother back in India. Rohita was wounded because he didn't sleep with her. For him to achieve his success, he had to bring her closer to his mother until he returned home. In the end, he wanted an amicable adieu with his wife. "Um... don't worry. I'll get her to call you."