Rohita

Chapter 21

MILIND

Milind missed his nightlife. He wished to visit a night club in coastal New Jersey. Before marrying Rohita, he had spent his weekends in the dance bars to unwind. He went there a few months ago after Rohita tempted him to make love. But he stopped going when his job demanded more time. Besides, he was guilty as Ravi stayed with him.

He lowered his car window a bit to let the fresh air enter. His stomach growled with hunger, and Cherry Hill, a coastal town, was about an hour's drive. When he stopped near a traffic signal, Taco Bell's and Burger King's neon signboards caught his eyes. Wanting to eat, he took an exit and parked his car in the outlet premises. He liked tacos more than burgers and went inside the Taco Bell. After ordering a bean burrito, a nacho, and a small coke, he waited for a few minutes, looking around. The dining area was almost full except for a couple of tables, and a few customers ate, reading books and newspapers. A white kid, sitting on the table, threw tantrums much to his parent's embarrassment. When his order was called, Milind turned towards a young waitress, and collected his food, returning her smile.

He sat facing outside and opened the bean burrito, his mouth-watering. He hadn't eaten for eight hours and had his last coffee with Steve at six-thirty. After shoving a mouthful of burrito, he took a bite and chewed. He didn't want anything satisfying, quenching his hunger. After a few more nibbles, he sipped the coke and paused.

His mind rejuvenated, Milind shifted his glance towards an adjacent table. A white young couple ate their food, conversing nonstop. Their momentousness reminded him of Rohita and Ravi when he left his home. Neither of them had asked where he went and hadn't called him till then. Rohita sure wouldn't be sympathetic and Ravi wouldn't dare to call as it would displease her. But would Rohita lessen her resentment and spare Milind from elders? Was Milind's decision to speak his mind correct? He needed to be patient, and being highly qualified, both Ravi and Rohita would act considerately.

He took a final sip after munching a nacho and rose, tray in hand. After disposing of the trash, he pulled the glass door and walked outside. A cold breeze unfurled his hair, and he breathed fresh air. An ambulance, sounding its siren, sped on the Route1, bringing the traffic to a halt for a moment. While he walked towards his car, his phone rang. His heart started racing, he took it out. His father's image lit the screen. Milind had spoken to him a week ago and hadn't answered him in the morning to avoid his preaching. But he needed to answer and convince him that Rohita wanted to settle in America.

Milind backed up and sat on a stone bench. "Hi, Dad."

"Milind, How are you?"

"I am doing well."

"Where are you right now?"

Did dad call home first? "I am outside near a restaurant."

The white couple walked in front, giggling, and their hands wrapped around their waists.

"Is Rohita with you?"

Milind's job terminated, his father's anxiety was obvious. "No. She is at home."

"Why did you leave her alone?" His father said. "I suspect you're trying to distance from her." He cleared his throat. "Are you both returning together?"

Milind's silence would harm him. And he needed to lie to escape. "No, I'm not isolating her. And Rohita doesn't want to come with me."

"How can you both live separated?" his father asked. "Tell me why you want to come back. Is it because you don't have a job?"

Milind decided to put the fault on Rohita. "It's not that. I never intended to settle in America. Besides, my previous job ended with a bad note. It is unlikely that I'll find another one." He needed to put the blame on Rohita. "Rohita said she will settle with her classmate, Ravi."