In "Raj returns to Cambridge", part of my "Life without Penny" series, Raj meets Samina and they head off to India to get married. What happens next? Part 2 - conferences

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Over the next 2 years Raj and Samina gradually got used to being married to each other. They continued with their work at Cambridge University, the two Ph.D students that Raj inherited from Professor Anderson both graduated and one of them stayed on as a postdoc. Raj then got two new Ph.D students of his own. Samina also had her own Ph.D students. They worked hard at the University but made sure they had time for each other. They would eat at Samina's favourite Indian restaurant every couple of weeks. Raj kept in email contact with Howard, Leonard and Sheldon.

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Two years after they got married Raj was in Italy for the International Astrophysics Conference, when it was all over he called his wife from Rome Airport.

"Hello Samina, at the airport, plane should be leaving in an hour. I am looking forward to getting back home. The students had a great time, their first international science conference. Good to meet up with some old friends, including my friend from Berkeley I have been collaborating with since Caltech. I shouldn't have to go too far for the next conference in this series, it is going to be in Cambridge. They decided today and Professor Anderson and I gave a presentation in the closing session. How are things back home?"

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One year later Raj got an unexpected invitation to see Professor Broad, head of the Astrophysics department, he was with Professor Anderson and an unfamiliar lady.

"Good morning Dr. Koothrappali, thank you for coming. May I introduce Ms. Jane Riley, from the University conference office. Last year, as I am sure that you remember after the International Astrophysics Conference in Rome, it was decided that we are hosting the next conference in this series here in Cambridge. Ms. Riley and her colleagues will be handling the day to day organisation of the conference but we need an academic to chair the local organising committee. We would like you do this Dr. Koothrappali."

Then Professor Anderson spoke "If you agree to do this Raj we will recommend to the University appointments committee that you would be promoted to Reader from the start of the next academic year, we have all been impressed by your work as a lecturer these last few years. So what do you say to that Raj?"

"How can I refuse an offer like that?"

"Thank you Dr. Koothrappali, I suggest that you go and have a cup of tea or coffee with so you can get to know her and find out what will be involved in conference organisation."

Raj shook hands with the Professors and then said to Ms. Riley "may I get you a cup of tea…"