Raj Behal ch1-Here we are

Raj (23) his wife Lakshmi (18) and her sister Deeba Shalo (16)
Narrated by Lakshmi

Raj and I were married over a year ago. It seems like yesterday I was home planning my wedding and now im here in the states. I still look at Raj and wonder what the future holds for us.
We moved because he got offered a great position in a new hospital here in Viramontes. No matter how I try I can not get used to this cold town. I feel like there is no warmth with its people. I feel so out of place but I act happy so that my husband will be comfortable.

We brought my little sister with us here as well. Deeba begged my parents to allow her to come here with us. She is planning on attending university here while I accompany my husband. It is different for Deeba than me. She can still dress as she wishes while I am wearing traditional wedding garbes.

Now that we are settling in here I can only hope that Raj gets a little more modern. One can only hope.

I told Raj today that I am certain that I am pregnant. I could not believe that we are going to be brave enough to raise a kid here. I just hope that our baby will embrace our culture. Raj keeps daydreaming about our child. He couldnt wait to tell his parents about my pregnancy.

With the news of the baby time flew by. Before we knew it, Deeba was ready to go off to college. Raj is always suggesting her to become a physician like him. I do not think that she will follow in my husband's footsteps but one never knows.

*****

As with any new job, one has to meet the co-workers and their wives. Raj allowed me to dress outside our traditional wedding clothes. I could not believe it when he bought me these pants. I have not worn pants since before our wedding.

My husband's co-workers are a little strange but I put up with them. His boss Mr. Awon kept asking me how many months I was. Do these people not know that woman generally talk to other males. I tried to politely tell him but he still insisted on knowing if I was liking the food. I just wanted to go back home.

We left and Raj took me to this place to try out Bowling. I guess we are getting more and more "modern". Raj actually touched my stomach in public. I was so embarrassed but he told me that it was normal thing to do here in the states. I hope all goes well when this baby comes. We know its a boy so our heritage is now sealed.

Gerard Awon Ch 1- Back again.

Gerard Sr. (40), his wife Emmy (35)
Their children twins: Gerard Jr and Juliann
Narrated by Gerard Sr.

I never thought in a million years that I would be back in Viramontes. I had left this town a long time ago. I came back with my family since there was a great opportunity to start up a formal hospital here. My wife knows my past here and she is OK with moving back.

I love that my wife is understanding and so supportive. I never thought that I would ever meet a woman like her.

Starting the new hospital I have recruited new physicians. The first is actually a relative of my lost love Adrienne, Carson Barillas came to apply for a general practitioner position. He is Adrienne's nephew but he never knew her at all. Its amazing how many Barillas actually exist here in Viramontes. Its hard to avoid them. This was one of the reasons I moved away.

Adrienne's twin brother Adam and I remained friends all these years. It was great having him over. He of course gave Carson a great recommendation. Sure he said he was not bias at all.

It was great seeing Adam but it did bring back a lot of memories of Adrienne.

Dinner was great. The kids sat in and got to see how a meeting is supposed to be held. Carson kept them informed and told them this was a very informal meeting. I guess he was right. Carson would be a great addition to the physician team.

Emmy being the seasoned physician's wife took the wives out to the patio for lunch. I want her to get to know people so she wont feel too alone. I could see that the conversation between them ebbed and flowed.

I think Vanessa and her clicked more than Emmy and Cara (Adam's wife) did. I know its because they are both married to physicians.

After Carson left I got a chance to talk to Adam. I found out about his past and what has been going on. He has two wonderful girls and he's been married for over five years. We also talked about Adrienne and I asked if he could take me to see her grave. He thought it might offend Emmy but she knows all about Adrienne.

Going to the cemetery and seeing her picture there brought back a lot of memories. I still remembered how I had proposed to her. She had said yes and we were going to tell her family the next day. She motivated me to become the best physician I could be.

I started crying. I never really got to say goodbye. It all happened so quickly and there was no time to say goodbye. Adam consoled me and gave me a shoulder to cry on.

I did feel embarrassed. I made sure that he knew that I loved my wife. I met Emmy in one of my worse moments and she actually brought out the sun. If it were not for Emmy I would be in the worse unimaginable place. Adam knew because Adrienne was his twin. I am glad that we shared this. Now I could go home and be with my family that needs me as much as I need them.