Rohit and Sanjana walked towards the hospital where Rohit worked.  Rohit didn’t even try to start a conversation and walked a few steps ahead of Sanjana.  Sanjana knew that she’d ruined her chances at marrying Rohit.  If she could just make him understand that her constant discomfort was no fault of his.  She wished desperately that she knew how to convey her emotions better, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak. 

            “Sanjana,” Rohit said. 

            Sanjana looked over in his direction.  He stood beside his car, holding the passenger door open.  Sanjana took a few steps forward and sat down in Rohit’s car.  He closed her door and walked around to the driver’s side. 

            The drive was a silent one.  Rohit glanced in Sanjana’s direction.  She looked sad.  He wonder if he’d hurt her feelings by telling her that he didn’t want to marry her.  It’s not that he didn’t want to.  He just didn’t want her to feel like she had some sort of obligation to marry him, someone who made her increasingly uncomfortable.  He continued to drive, trying to resist the urge to constantly look over at Sanjana. 

            After a while, Rohit stopped the car in front of Meenakshi’s house.  Sanjana looked up at him for the first time since they left the park.  Her eyes met his, unable to look away. 

            “Sanjana, can I come in?” Rohit asked.  He knew being alone with him wasn’t something Sanjana wanted, but he wanted to give her one last chance before telling his father that he no longer agreed to this marriage. 

            To Rohit’s surprise, Sanjana nodded.  Rohit wasted no time in getting out of the car.  Sanjana had already made it to the door and quickly unlocked it.  He followed her inside, keeping some distance between them.  Sanjana walked into the living room.  Rohit sat down on the sofa.  Sanjana stayed standing for a moment. 

            “Please, have a seat.  I just want to talk to you.” Rohit said. 

            Sanjana sat down on the adjacent chair.  She watched Rohit, wondering what he could possibly want to say to her after the debacle at the park. 

            “Marriage is a serious thing.  We’re going to be living together if we get married.  Do you think you can handle that?” Rohit asked carefully. 

            Sanjana nodded slowly. 

            “I just want you to be comfortable, Sanjana. That’s all.” Rohit sighed. 

            “I know.  I am.” Sanjana said briefly. 

            “Okay, I believe you.” Rohit said.  He wasn’t sure if he did actually.  “Do you think you’ll be able to adjust to city life?  I know New York isn’t exactly your favorite place.”

            Sanjana nodded.  She knew she’d have to adjust to whatever lifestyle awaited her here. 

            “Sanjana, something about you makes me reluctant to call off our engagement.  I don’t know why, but I just really want to marry you.  When you started getting uncomfortable around me, it just made me feel uneasy, like our pending marriage was suddenly in jeopardy.  I didn’t want to force you to marry me in case you were under pressure from anyone.” Rohit explained. 

            Sanjana bit her lip, holding back a smile.  He’d just told her that he really wanted to marry her. 

            “I think we should go ahead with our engagement.” Rohit continued.  “Is that what you want too?”

            Sanjana looked up him and smiled.  She nodded. 

            A wide grin appeared on Rohit’s face. 

            “Great! I’ll let Dad and Meenakshi Aunty know to go ahead with the preparations.  I guess I should get back to the hospital.”

            Rohit stood to leave, and Sanjana followed him to the door.  Once they said their goodbyes, Sanjana let out a sigh of relief.  She genuinely believed for a moment that Rohit would refuse to marry her.  She was glad that the marriage would happen and her aunt wouldn’t have anything to worry about. 

            Rohit smiled to himself as he walked back to his car.  Life with Sanjana was going to be something else.  He only hoped that once they got married, she’d talk to him more.  That was his only complaint.  She was so quiet, too quiet.  He wondered if she was just shy or whether or not there was reason behind why speaking was something she didn’t like to do.  As he drove back to the hospital, Rohit thought about their engagement, mentally planning out all of the arrangements.  He sighed once he reached the hospital parking lot, knowing he’d have to stop thinking about Sanjana and their upcoming engagement and focus on work. 

            “No! There has to be a date sooner than that!” Meenakshi exclaimed. 

She, Sudhir, Sanjana, and Rohit gathered in Meenakshi’s living room.  They called a priest, who matched Rohit and Sanjana’s horoscopes and was looking for an auspicious date for their engagement and their wedding. 

            “We want them engaged as soon as possible.” Sudhir added. 

            “There is no auspicious date before two weeks, well fifteen days to be exact.” The Priest explained. 

            “It’s okay, Dad.  Fifteen days isn’t bad.  There are so many preparations and arrangements to make anyways.  That’s going to take some time.”  Rohit offered. 

            “Okay fine, but we want a later wedding, pandit-ji” Sudhir said to the priest. 

            “There’s an auspicious date after three months.  After that, you’ll have to wait ten months.” The priest said. 

            “Ten months!” Meenakshi said in disbelief.  She looked at Sudhir, worriedly.  “That’s way too long!”

            “Yes, we can’t wait that long.  But three months…is that enough time?”  Sudhir replied. 

            Meenakshi and Sudhir started listing all of the pros and cons of three months versus ten months.  Rohit rolled his eyes and turned to Sanjana. 

            “I like the idea of getting married in three months.” He said quietly, so that only she heard him. 

            Sanjana looked down, blushing slightly.  

            “Do you?” Rohit asked. 

            Sanjana hesitated before giving Rohit a shy nod.  He smiled at her. 

            “Dad, I think three months sounds perfect.” Rohit said to his father. 

            Sudhir didn’t hear him.  He and Meenakshi were still furiously discussing which date would be best for Sanjana and Rohit to get married on.  Rohit sighed, deciding to let them finish their heated discussion.  After a few minutes, he grew impatient.  He stood up and walked right in between Meenakshi and Sudhir.  They paused, looking at him curiously. 

            “We want to get married in three months.” Rohit said. 

            “Oh my god, Sanjana!” Meenakshi nearly ran over to the sofa, where Sanjana was still sitting.  “Is this what you want as well?” 

            Sanjana nodded. 

            “Then it’s settled.  Three months it is.  Fifteen days later you two will be engaged, and in three months, you’ll be married!” Declared Sudhir proudly. 

            “This is so exciting!” Meenakshi exclaimed.  “We need sweets!”

            “And champagne!” Sudhir added. 

            Rohit laughed at their excitement.  They were so cute! Meenakshi brought out a secret stash of sweets and offered one to Sanjana first.  Meenakshi took a sweet off the silver platter and held it out to Sanjana, who took a small bite.  Meenakshi tried to encourage her to eat more, but Sanjana refused.  Meenakshi was about to offer Rohit a different sweet, but Rohit picked up the one Sanjana had just taken a bite from and took a generous bite.

            “Meenakshi Aunty,” Rohit said after finished off the sweet, “I heard that eating after someone else increases the love between them.”

            “Oh how cute!” Meenakshi commented. 

            Sanjana blushed at Rohit’s words.  Rohit saw her and smiled to himself. 

            The doorbell rang.  Meenakshi looked confused for a second before moving to answer it.  She wasn’t expecting anyone else.  Who could it be?  She flung open the door and saw a girl standing before her. 

            “Yes? May I help you?” Meenakshi said. 

            “Hi! Is Sudhir Uncle here?” the girl asked. 

            “Why, yes.” Meenakshi said, still confused. She moved aside to let the girl in. 

            “Sudhir Uncle! Sorry I’m late.  I got stuck in delivery.”  The girl said upon entering. 

            “That’s alright. It’s good you could make it.” Sudhir said. 

            The girl moved forward and gave Rohit a brief hug.  Sanjana noticed how happy he seemed to see this girl…whoever she was.  She looked over at her aunt, wondering what was going on.  Meenakshi looked just as lost as her, however. 

            “Meenakshi, Sanjana this is Sheila.  She works at the same hospital as Rohit.  She’s also Rohit’s best friend.” Sudhir explained. 

            Sanjana looked at Sheila.  She was much taller than Sanjana.  She had caramel skin and dark, shoulder-length hair.  She wore a simple sleeveless sundress that fell right above her knee and complimented her slender frame.  She was pretty, much prettier than any of Rohit’s friends should be. 

            “Well maybe not his best friend, but pretty close.  It’s really nice to meet you two.” Sheila said. 

            “You’re too late, Sheila.  Everything has been decided.  We’re getting engaged in fifteen days and married three months later.” Rohit said. 

            “What?  Nobody even asked me.” Sheila pouted. 

            Rohit chuckled at her childishness. 

            “That’s what happens when you arrive late everywhere.” Rohit teased.

            “I was delivering a baby!” Sheila exclaimed.  “Geez, gimme a break.”

            “Okay okay you two.” Sudhir interrupted.  “Sheila, you haven’t even met Sanjana properly yet.”

            “Oh yes. The future wife.” Sheila said, plopping down right next to Sanjana on the sofa.  “Time to see if she gets the stamp of approval.”

            “The what?”  Meenakshi asked. 

            “Well, Rohit here can’t marry someone that I don’t approve of, Aunty.  It’s just the way our friendship works.” Sheila explained. 

            Rohit rubbed the back of his neck nervously.  He knew Sheila had no filter.  In fact, it was her big mouth that made them such great friends.  There was never a dull moment with her around.  He didn’t say anything to counter what Sheila had just said, knowing that she was absolutely right.  If she didn’t like Sanjana, then he wouldn’t marry her. 

            “So Sanjana hi I’m Sheila.” Sheila introduced.  “Where are you from?”

            “Samodhpur.” Sanjana answered. 

            “Oh straight from the motherland.” Sheila commented. 

            Sanjana’s brows furrowed.  She didn’t understand what Sheila meant. 

            “What do you do for a living?” Sheila continued. 

            Sanjana said nothing.  She looked down.  She didn’t have an answer. 

            “Sanjana will be a wife.  What’s better than that?” Sudhir intervened. 

            “Oh Rohit.” Sheila said, giving Rohit a disappointed look.  “Anyways,” Sheila continued, “What about children? Rohit loves kids!” 

            Sanjana immediately looked uncomfortable.  Rohit’s eyes widened in surprise.  He wasn’t expecting Sheila to ask a question like that. 

            “Sheila, we haven’t really talked about that yet.” Rohit said. 

            “Well, why not? It’s an important question.” Sheila became defensive. 

            “Sheila, please.” Rohit said softly. 

            “Okay fine.  Then you talk, Sanjana.  Anything interesting about you?” Sheila asked.

            Sanjana looked up at Rohit for help. 

            “Um Sanjana is one of the only girls in her village who has a bachelor’s degree.” Rohit offered.  “She used to dance classically, too.” He added. 

            Sheila looked unimpressed, bored in fact.  She nodded politely but was not smiling.  Rohit took a deep breath.  This wasn’t going well at all. 

            “Sheila, I really want to marry her.” Rohit said. 

            “You said that about Radhika too.” Sheila countered. 

            Sanjana looked at Sheila then back up at Rohit with a worried expression.  Radhika must have been one of the girlfriends Rohit had told her about. 

            “Okay, let’s talk.” Rohit said gently.  He led Sheila into the kitchen. 

            “Sorry girls.  Sheila can be a handful.  There’s nothing to worry about.”  Sudhir said

            Little of what Sudhir said comforted Sanjana.  What could they be talking about? 

            “Sheila, I know you and Radhika were friends, but you and Sanjana could be friends too.” Rohit said to Sheila once they were alone in the kitchen. 

            “You two were perfect!  And Sanjana…just doesn’t seem like your type.” Sheila replied. 

            “I know.  I was surprised too, but I really like her.” Rohit explained. 

            “And what’s the big deal about asking about children?  It’s a legitimate question.” Sheila said. 

            “I know.  I’ll talk to her about it after the engagement.” Rohit promised. 

            “Good…because you know what can happen.” Sheila said sadly. 

            “I know.” Rohit agreed quietly. 

            “She’s quiet.  Those are the ones you have to watch out for.” Sheila said. 

            “Well I have you to watch out for me.” Rohit smiled. 

            “Damn right! If there’s any fishy business, I will find out!” Sheila laughed. 

            “I believe you.” Rohit chuckled, not daring to doubt Sheila.  “So, you’re going to give Sanjana a chance?” Rohit asked hopefully. 

            “Maybe, but don’t get your hopes up.” Sheila replied, making her way back into the living room. 

            “So…” Sudhir said upon seeing Rohit and Sheila come into the living room. 

            “So…everything is fine.” Rohit said. 

            Sheila smiled politely but didn’t comment. 

            “And we should probably leave now.” Rohit said, sensing that Sheila wasn’t really in the mood to carry on.  “So thanks for having us, Meenakshi Aunty.  We’ll see you two soon.”

            “Yes, we should take our leave now.” Sudhir agreed. 

            “Sure! See you later.” Meenakshi replied. 

            Meenakshi saw the three of them off.  She closed the door and gave Sanjana a small smiled. 

            “Well that went well.” She said sarcastically. 

            “You could’ve been nicer.” Rohit commented to Sheila as they made their way to their cars. 

            “This is how I am, Rohit. You know that.” Sheila countered. 

            “Sanjana probably thinks you hate her” Rohit said. 

            Sudhir said his goodbyes and got in his own car, leaving Rohit and Sheila alone. 

            “She’ll be fine.  I don’t like her…but I don’t hate her.” Sheila replied.  Rohit followed her to her car, wanting to talk to her some more. 

            “Maybe you two should meet and talk.” Rohit suggested. 

            “She’s not going to talk to me.  She doesn’t say much at all.  It’s going to be awkward.” Sheila said, not interesting in meeting Sanjana alone. 

            “Then all three of us can go out to lunch.” Rohit tried again.

            “Don’t you two need to be chaperoned when you go out?” Sheila asked.

            “No…not necessarily.  We’re all adults here.  If Sanjana is fine with it, I don’t see why being alone with her would be a problem.  Besides, you’ll be there to make sure I stay in line.” Rohit chuckled. 

            “Okay I’ll give her another chance but just because you’re my best friend.” Sheila smiled.

            “Thank you,” Rohit replied. 

            He waited until Sheila drove off before heading back to the front door. 

            “Rohit?” Meenakshi asked, confused. 

            “Hi Meenakshi Bua, I actually needed to ask Sanjana something.” Rohit explained. 

            “Sure, come in.” Meenakshi said.   “Sanjana is up in her room.  You can head on up if you want.” 

            “Great, thanks.” Rohit replied. 

            He quickly ascended the stairs and walked down the lengthy hallway.  He remembered from the last time he was here exactly where Sanjana’s room was.  He knocked quietly.  He heard some paper rustling before the door opened.  A surprised looking Sanjana stood before him. 

            “Hi, sorry for barging in again.  Sheila and I are going to go out to lunch on Friday.  Would you like to join us?” Rohit said.  

            Sanjana looked down uneasily. 

            “I know you think Sheila doesn’t like you.  Just give her a chance.  Come out to lunch with us.” Rohit said. 

            Sanjana walked away, closing the door behind her.  She walked down the hallway, towards the staircase.  Rohit was confused by her actions but followed her down the stairs.  She disappeared into the kitchen, while Rohit had stopped in the living room.  He had no idea what had gotten into her.  He waited for a moment, wondering if he should follow her into the kitchen or simply leave.  Rohit made a move to walk into the kitchen but was met with Meenakshi, who was coming into the living room.  Sanjana was a few steps behind her. 

 “Sanjana just came to ask me permission to go out to lunch with you and your friend.  Of course, I don’t have a problem with it!” Meenakshi smiled. 

“Great!  I’ll see you Friday.  Bye, Sanjana.” Rohit said.

 He felt relieved.  He thought he’d said something wrong or that Sanjana was reluctant to see Sheila again after a less than pleasant first meeting.  In actuality, she just wanted to ask her aunt for permission to go.  He couldn’t help but smile. 

How many of you dislike Sheila right now?  Will she end up liking Sanjana or hating her forever?   Poor Rohit...caught in the middle.  

So they're going to be engaged in 15 days and married in 3 months.  Don't worry 3 months will go by in a few chapters because the real drama takes place after they're married.

A lot of people were concerned that rushing into marriage wouldn't be a good idea.  Rohit and Sanjana should get to know each other more and stuff, but it's dragging the story!! I don't know how much more I can take!  They need to be married in order for Sanjana's character to get some depth. GRRRRRRR!!!!  I mean I didn't want Rohit and Sanjana to be forced into a marriage like some people we know (ahem ahem Aman and Priya), but this is waaaaaayyyyyyy too long.  I'm getting impatient.  :(  

Anyways tell me what you think! PLEASE!!