If you want to read the story from the beginning, click here. (https://wp.me/p2b25R-fw)

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When all guests have departed, Vijay and Sharada are alone in their bedroom, lying on their bed on their backs with their hands under their heads, staring at the ceiling. The night lamp is emitting a faint yellow light in the otherwise dark room. Vijay hears a soft sigh from Sharada.

“What’s the matter?” Vijay asks, sounding perplexed.

“I’m worried about Krishna. Why hasn’t he found someone?”

“Well. We tried, haven’t we?”

Vijay is referring to the many attempts they had made to introduce Krishna to young Indian ladies. Krishna had even gone on “dates” with some of them, but nothing had materialized.

One time, Krishna had told them not to do this anymore.

“This is not going to work, Mom and Dad,” He had said. “You want me to meet these girls. They agree to come only because their parents have asked them to. They probably are in some relationship, and I don’t hear from them again.”

“We did, indeed. But it hasn’t worked,” Sharada says.

The light from the headlamps of a passing car outside their home reflects on the bedroom ceiling and moves front to back as a car passes.

“Everything will be all right,” Vijay says. “I believe in this theory, and as I said to Arjun before, everyone’s fate is inscribed on their forehead. Whatever has to happen will happen according to their fate. Give him some time.”

Sharada continues talking, her voice choking.

“You were so much after Arjun to become an Engineer. But he followed his heart’s calling and look where he has ended up. And, look at what happened to Lakshmi.”

“You’re right about that. Life has taught us a lesson to have trust in our children.”

They are quiet for a while.

“Sharada,” Vijay says softly. “Our kids are okay, don’t you think?”

Sharada doesn’t say anything.

“Sharada,” Vijay says again.

“Hmm.”

“I said, our kids are okay, don’t you think?”

Sharada still doesn’t utter a word. A minute later, she turns on her right side, lifts herself halfway on her elbow, and kisses Vijay without saying anything.

“I take it that’s a ‘Yes’?”

Vijay turns on his side to face her. He takes her face in his hands and kisses her.

He adjusts his position against her as he puts his right hand on her waist and his head on the pillow.

A while later, they are snoring.

****** The End ******