It was dusk when Justin and Urmila started for home after that Sunday service. The wind was blowing very hard and the temperature dropped considerably. However, Justin was glad to come out of the church building, as the heat inside the centrally heated building was getting unbearable. The whiff of fresh air was invigorating. Justin was yet to learn how people in this country switched from their heavy winter gear while outdoors to just a shirt when indoors.
The snow on the roads within the city limits was shoveled but as they progressed to the narrow road that connected the town to the highway, driving became extremely tricky and dangerous.
On this snow-covered road, the traction control of the small, family sedan that his sister drove was unable to cope with the slippery conditions. Justin could literally see his sister’s knuckles turn white because of the pressure she was applying to hold the steering.
The inclement weather conditions did not dampen the spirit of his sister who got very excited on hearing that the church was interested in utilising his services for ministerial work. Justin was her only brother and the only blood relative in this country apart from her two children. She had last visited India for the purpose of getting married. Within a couple of years, she got the news that their mother passed away, but was unable to attend the funeral, as her children were too young to be left in the care of others. She was thrilled by the news that the church was interested in inducting Justin in the ministry and would sponsor him for the purpose. She thought that if this offer materialised, then finally someone from her family circle would be with her in this country. All along the way, she excitedly talked about how nice it would be once Justin gets his green card and in a couple of years, his family can join him.
That night, Justin could not sleep. Weighing all pros and cons, he was eager to break this news to Sushmita. He was aware that the process for R1 visa could take a few months and after that, one has to wait for another three-four years to apply for a green card. This could be a good opening, but the process could be a long, drawn-out one. Sushmita, on the other hand, was already under pressure from her family to get married and she herself was getting impatient about it. She was of the opinion that either Justin should settle quickly in America so that she could join him there at the earliest, or he should simply come back to India and settle things there, once and for all.