Rohita

Chapter 19

Rohita craved a cup of coffee after her studies and went to the kitchen to prepare a Nescafe. After starting the microwave, her glance shifted to the wall clock. It was just before four. She needed to meet Ajit and Snehal that evening and wished to remind Ravi to come early from New York. Milind's love affair had agitated her and Rohita needed Ajit's guidance to schedule her USMLE exams. Having decided to work in America, how could she disregard Ajit? She would tell Ajit and Snehal about Milind's intention to return to India and ask Snehal what really happened with Milind at his office.

With coffee in her hand, Rohita approached the balcony door and opened it. A mild breeze carrying a lilac fragrance comforted her and unfurled her curls. An oriole chirped in the immediate tree in unison with its mate. A white lady in her business suit stepped out of her car, her glossy purse in her hand.

Rohita stepped back and sat on the couch, sipping her coffee. Caffeine relieved her from the stress and she didn't want anything satisfying. When the clock chimed four, she grabbed her phone and called Ravi.

"Hi, Rohita," Ravi said, sounding a bit anxious. He was concerned about her situation.

"We are meeting Ajit this evening," Rohita said. "Are you starting early?"

"I've boarded the train. Will be there before five."

Ravi took interest in her problem. "Okay, I'll wait."

"Did Milind say anything today?"

Ravi's continued efforts for reconciliation annoyed her. Even if Milind agreed, she didn't want to continue. "He hasn't. Why are you asking?"

"I called him but he hung up saying he is busy."

This should've made it clear to Ravi that Milind was determined. "You have anything to speak to him about?"

"We'll talk when I arrive home." He ended the call.

Ravi indeed wanted to mediate without expectations. But Rohita wanted to know his interest in her. Without a partner, she wouldn't dare to live in a country so alien. She would fall into depression without a companion.

When she finished her remaining coffee, her phone rang. Her father's image lit the screen. He called her at this time – early morning in India. "Dad, what's wrong? Why are you calling this early?"

Her father cleared his throat. "I thought the evening is ideal for you." He paused. "Why is Milind not answering?"

Milind wouldn't dare after yesterday's spat. "When did you call?"

"Afternoon-your time," her father said. "You told me his job ends today."

"Yes."

"What has he planned? Did you ask him?"

It's time for her to reveal everything to her father and seek his help. No use shielding her husband. "I did ask but ended up having a fight," Rohita said. "He is not interested in working anymore."

"Don't want to work? What will he do then? He can't make unilateral decisions like that."

"He wants to go back."

"No, he can't. We settled the alliance because he worked in America. I'll speak with Rishi and tell him to advise his son."

Rohita didn't want Milind's togetherness as he loved someone else. "Don't talk to anyone. Milind is not interested in me."

"What are you saying, Rohita? How can you say that?"

Rohita clenched her fists. "He told me. He advised me to remain here."