Rohita

Chapter 24

ROHITA

Rohita waved at Ajit before walking towards her apartment. The afternoon temperature irritated her, and she needed a cold shower. She climbed up the wooden stairs and entered her home, breathing faster. Nauseated, she opened the balcony door to let the fresh air come in. The daylight streamed inside, and she dropped on the couch, sighing in relief.

During their travel, Ajit motivated her, popping off her hospital blues. His suggestion to forget the past, and have faith was appealing. She shouldn't postpone her USMLE and would schedule it for the earliest date. Rohita was blessed to have Ajit, and she must follow his advice to achieve her success. Both Ajit and Ravi at her side, Milind's betrayal wouldn't hurt her.

Why did Ravi prefer to stay at the hospital? The staff took care of Milind well, and Ajit did suggest him to return. Was Ravi kind, and concerned about Milind's loneliness? Milind had cheated her, and he didn't deserve much sympathy. Had Rohita persuaded Ravi to join her, it would've hurt Milind. Besides, she couldn't dare to advise so in Ajit's presence. Nevertheless, Ravi's caring attitude – unconditional - was palpable.

After a refreshing shower, she chose to wear a white cotton nighty – light and comforting. Her stomach growled, but she needed to register her USMLE. She postponed her lunch and settled with a glass of orange juice. Wiping the dust off her computer screen, Rohita turned it on and logged in. She browsed the website - www.fsmb.org – given by Ajit and created an account. Printing a copy of the application, she filled it and affixed her photograph. All she needed to do was mail it.

She changed into a pale blue T-shirt and white pants and stepped out of her home. Her dress suited to the warm temperature, and her sunglasses comforted her eyes. She crossed the swimming pool and then the rental office, and sprinted towards the apartment main gate. After crossing the street, she went inside the office suite and entered the post office.

The customers were standing in queues, and the employees in blue uniforms were busy serving them. The sound of printers disturbed the otherwise calm atmosphere. Rohita joined the first line and waited until her turn arrived. A white male employee wearing glasses smiled at her. "Yes, how can I help you?"

Rohita showed him the envelope. "I need to mail this."

The man took the envelope and glanced at it. After checking its weight, he said, "That'll be five dollars, please."

She pulled out five-dollar bills from her purse and handed them to him.

He tore away the receipt from the printer. "Here you go."

Rohita took the receipt. "Thank you, so much."

"You are welcome." The man smiled with his mouth wide.

How punctual the service was! She was amazed at the seriousness of the employees, and the customer's silence. Rohita stepped outside, inserting the receipt in her purse.

The shopping complex was crowded with people and their chatting and laughter were heard around. She walked in front of the Dollar Shop, Fitness Gym, and the food outlets – McDonald's and Burger King – busy with customers. Her mouth watered after she approached her favorite Chinese Restaurant. She hadn't eaten alone before, but couldn't control her urge either. Not wanting to delay her lunch, Rohita pulled the glass door and entered.

The dim yellow lights and vinegary aroma greeted her. She waited near the front desk until she was escorted by a Chinese woman to a seat. Rohita sat across the table and placed the napkin on her lap. After a couple of minutes, a Chinese male waiter approached with a scribbling pad and a pen. He stood beside her. "What would you like?"