requires more strength then pretending to care !!

Naira’s POV.

I couldn’t believe that he was leaving. He was leaving and he cared to tell me now ?!! Why was I so upset and angry and frustrated ?!! Just because he was leaving ?!! I don’t think that was it.

Everything was so complicated in my life. I didn’t remember a thing from my past, and when Karthik said he’d be here and help me out, I got a ray of hope. I knew I wasn’t alone. But now he was leaving.

I barged into my room and slammed the door shut. I was angry would be an understatement because I was practically fuming from inside. Physically, I felt like I could demolish a whole tank. But mentally, I was drained. I had no energy to deal with things anymore.

That night, I screamed, I cried, I threw things, and even broke some of them. But in the end, it all failed to calm me down.

Dry eyes, with absolutely no tears, no fear and no feelings, I sat in the window, all night long. The sun was rising on the horizon, but it was still all dark in my life. To sum up my life in short – it was miserable. Because nobody understood me and my feelings. Not even him.

I thought about him. He must be leaving. Or maybe he has already left. It didn’t matter, how much I tried, all I thought about the whole night was Karthik. He wasn’t there when I needed him the most.

Karthik’s POV

I was completely torn between being with the person I love, and chasing my father’s dream and making him proud.

She, who once encouraged me to follow my dreams, was now holding me back.

I didn’t even realize that Naksh was sitting beside me all this time. He had helped me pack my stuff.

“You okay, Karthik ?!!” He asked.

I just nodded. To be honest, I was quite frustrated with whatever shit that was happening in my life, at the moment. I wanted to break anyone, who tried to talk to me, but I didn’t have the strength to do so. I was tired of everything.

“Look, I don’t think, I need to say this again, but please, just take care of yourself. This is a big deal for your company and everyone has big hopes from you. Don’t let them and your father down.” Naksh said. I smiled, thanking him for being such a good friend.

“I won’t. Dad’s dream has always been my dream. And I would never leave it for anything or anyone.” I said.

He nodded. “Are you upset with Naira ?!! Because if you are, I think you should think from her point of view as well. I mean, she’s going through so much, and you promised her you’d be there for her. Maybe you leaving suddenly, is disturbing her.”

“I know and I accept that it was my fault. I should’ve told her about the trip in advance, but I don’t know how it just slipped from my mind. And I’m not upset with her. I’m just worried about her. I don’t want her to do anything reckless, while I’m away.” I said.

“She won’t do that and she’s not alone. We all are there for her. Most importantly, you are there for her. I’m sure she’ll forgive you when you come back.” Naksh said.

I sighed. “I hope so. Its funny how life changes. I mean a few weeks ago we were so happy. By this time we should’ve been engaged. But look how everything has turned out to be.”

“Life is like that. Every obstacle is a choice made by God. He chooses the path for us. All we have to do is keep going and never lose hope. Because if we are strong enough, we can change our destiny.” He said.

I could really change my destiny and I will change it. For her. For us.

Naira’s POV.

Screw everything. Screw my life. I stood amidst the broken glass pieces, scattered sheets of paper, clothes, albums and God knows what all crap.

I had decided that I wasn’t going to cry over him. He, who’s responsible for all this. He, who made a promise and broke it. He, who gave me false hopes.

But not anymore. ‘Its over !!’ I thought, as my eyes fell on an old photograph. I could see myself in it, along with someone else. It was Karthik.

I picked up the photograph, which looked like it was clicked long back. It was him kissing my cheek, in the photograph.

Sadly, I didn’t remember anything about that day. But in a way, now, I was glad that I didn’t remember anything. It would’ve only brought back more tears.

“No more tears. No more wasting time on somebody, who doesn’t care. You’re alone and happy.” I said to myself and tore the photograph into pieces.

Half of the day I had spent in collecting all the old photographs of us, diaries and what all stuff. I just dumped them in a bag without even giving them a second look and carried them out of house, where they belonged.

Dumping ground, that’s where I stood with a bag full of memories. I would be lying if I say that I didnt care. Because I did. A part of me ached to throw these memories away, but in order to move on, I had to do it.

I was walking back home with a heavy heart. As I was almost close to reaching home, I happened to bump into someone. I didn’t really know, who he was, but he knew me very well, I guess.

“Naira !! What a pleasant surprise !!” He exclaimed. He was medium height, well built, and quite good-looking. I wondered whether I had seen him somewhere, but I hadn’t.

“I’m sorry, do I know you ?!!” I asked, trying not to be rude.

He suddenly seemed to realize something as his mouth formed an O shape.

“Oh !! I’m sorry.I’m Rithvik.” He said, extending his hand.

“I still don’t remember. Anyways nice to meet you.” I said.

“Don’t be so formal yaar. I know what happened and I’m really sorry about it. I wish I was here to help you out at that time.” He said.

“Don’t be sorry. It had to happen.” I said.

He nodded. “If you need help with anything, feel free to ask me, alright ?!!”

I smiled. He seemed to be quite genuine.

“Thanks. But I don’t think I need help. I’m good.” I said.

He seemed to process something in his mind for a moment and then finally spoke up.

“I get it. Why would you want help from me when you’ve Karthik. It’s okay. I understand. I’m glad he’s there though.” he said.

And that’s when it all came back, he mentioned Karthik and it was enough to take me back to the depressing reality.

“Since you know him, I’m quite surprised you didn’t know the fact that we kinda broke up.” I said, uncomfortably.

Rithvik on the other side, didnt look shocked. Like, he looked,happy, I guess. But anyway, what is it to me ?!!

“Why would you break up ?!! Did he cheat on you or something ?!!” He asked.

“What ?!! No, ofcourse not !! He didn’t. He made a promise and broke it. I can’t really be with someone who doesn’t stick to his words.” I said and I had no clue why the hell was I sharing my life’s problems with this Rithvik guy. I barely knew him !!

He seemed to understand whatever I said, though.

“I’m sorry for everything, Naira. I can see that you’re not happy. I mean, I should’ve met you way back and told you everything, but I was busy with work and stuff !! ” He said hesitating a bit.

What does he mean by ‘tell me everything ?!!’. What secrets did my past life have ?!!

“I’m sorry, what ?!!” I asked, asking him to enlighten me. He looked at me for a moment, and finally spoke up.

“Naira, before your accident, around two years ago, we were dating.” He said.

Okay, I guess, that isn’t much shocking.

“I know it’s kinda awkward right now, but that’s the truth. Yes, you and Karthik were childhood sweethearts and you were close enough. But when you left him three years back, you came to London. That’s where we met and gradually started dating.” He proceeded.

I guess I needed to know about this ‘leaving Karthik and dating Rithvik’ part as well. Why wouldn’t Karthik or anybody tell me about it ?!!

“But when we both came to India, he came back into your life. I tried to keep him away from you, because I knew, he didn’t love you, but he had his hooks so deep in you, that I just failed. You ended up with him instead of me. But all I wanted to say is that he didn’t love you. He still doesn’t. I pretended to be happy about your engagement, only because I thought you were happy with him. You needed to know I guess. I mean, he has like even cheated on you before.” Rithvik added.

Wait, what ?!!

I was shocked. Nobody told me about this. Not Karthik,not anybody else. At least my family should’ve told me about this, but I heard it from a stranger who was probably my ex-boyfriend.

“He cheated ?!! I don’t believe that.” I said. I guess I didn’t believe that 99%, but there’s always a 1% doubt.

The way Karthik looked at me every time, the way he said he loved me,it wasn’t fake. He may have broken his promise, but I didn’t think that his love was so fake and false.

“You never did. And I guess that’s why you guys were together for so long. But he was never loyal.” He said.

I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. I had no reason for not believing Rithvik. Why would he lie to me ?!! What would he get from that ?!!

What was done, was done for me. The Karthik Goenka chapter was over forever. I had to find happiness, I had to move on.

Rithvik was still looking at me, like he was waiting for me to say something. And that’s when I had made my choice.

“Would you like to join me for a coffee ?!!” I asked, covering up everything with a smile. He smiled back, and nodded as we walked to a nearby coffee shop.

Karthik’s POV.
Three weeks later.
Only I knew how I had survived these three weeks. Being away from Naira,was the hardest thing to do, and this time, it was even harder. She hadn’t called or even messaged, which wasn’t really surprising. I gave her no reason to call.

We had got the contract like a boss, and were heading back home. I was glad that I didn’t let anything affect the deal. I celebrated for my professional life and cried like a baby over my personal life.

First few days of the trip were rough. I missed Naira like hell. I was lost, but then I somehow convinced myself. And now finally I was getting to see her again after such a long time.

I knew she would be angry. She would yell at me for walking out on her, she would hate me for sometime, but in the end, It would all be worth it. Because I knew she cared.

I decided to call her.

I was probably getting my hopes high, thinking that she would actually answer my call, but to my surprise she didn’t.No doubt, she had still not forgiven me.

So instead of calling back, I decided to leave her a voice Message !!

“Hey, hi it’s me. Look I know you probably don’t even want to talk to me, but I just have to talk to you. It’s kinda bugging me all the time, that you haven’t called or whatever.I don’t even expect you to after what I did. But I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for not being there for you, and I mean it. What else can I say ?!! I guess. call me back, when you get this message, okay ?!! I’ll be waiting. Bye.”

I closed my eyes, and soon, drifted off to sleep…..

Naira’s POV.

Its him. I looked at the screen as Karthik’s name popped up on it.

‘Pick up.Answer it.’ Said my heart.

‘Dont pick up. Let it ring.’ Said my mind.

I was torn between these two options. As much as I hated to keep him waiting, I also didn’t want to talk to him. It had been almost three weeks and I knew, he was back. But I guess, I just didn’t want to face him yet.

Soon, the phone stopped ringing. I was a bit relieved, but then, another notification popped up on the screen.

‘You have a voice message.’ It said.

Oh great. . .

I knew it was him. I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet, but was I ready to even listen to his voice ?!! I guess I was not, but I was dying to listen to him. . .

I heard it. I heard everything he said in the voice message and that only brought back tears into my eyes. I missed him too much, and listening to his voice after three weeks made it only worse.

I had successfully managed to be happy or at least I tried to be. I started hanging out with Rithvik a lot. He made me happy, and to be honest, I kinda started liking him too,but nothing more than a ‘friend.’

“Don’t cry. Don’t be weak. Be strong.” I said to myself, and wiped off the little tears from my face. His absence didn’t matter to me in these three weeks, so his presence should not matter to me too.

I wanted to make a final decision. I wanted to end it once and for all. I decided to call him.

“Hey.” Karthik spoke from the other end of the line, and I could picture him smiling right then.

Be strong. Say it. Put an end to this.

“We need to talk. Now.” I said coldly.

“Yes, we do. Go on, what is it ?!!” He asked.

“Not like this. Can we meet up somewhere ?!!” I asked.

“Alright. I’ll pick you up in the evening.” He said. I wanted to say okay, but I didn’t do so. I didnt want him to think that I’m still weak and dependent on him.

“No thanks. I can come on my own. Meet me at Lakeside park.” I said and hung up immediately.

‘That went well.’ I thought and hoped it would go the same way in the evening. I sighed and rested my head on the headrest, and took a look at the small box lying on the nightstand.

I grabbed it, and pulled out a cigarette. Lighting it up, I felt so good and relaxed.like there were no worries in my life. No problems,just a happy and good life.

But what’s the point anyway ?!! The feeling lasted as long as the cigarette did, and I was dragged back to reality.

Karthik’s POV.
Arriving a little early, I waited for her outside the park. All I did, was to pray, that everything would go well. I just wanted to make her realize how sorry I was for what I did.

Naira had arrived. She parked her car nearby,and got out. My eyes almost popped out of their eye sockets as soon as I saw her.

White shorts, black crop top, high heels and a cigarette in hand, she looked like a total spoilt brat from high school. I had no clue about what all stuff I had missed while I was away.

She snapped her fingers in front of me, dragging me back to reality.

“Earth to, Karthik ?!!” She asked.

“Huh ?!! I am really sorry.” I mumbled eying her from top to bottom. She smirked and crushed the cigarette under her heel.

“What happened to you ?!! Did you get sick or something ?!! ” I asked.

“Nah. Just living life. C’mon !! ” She said grabbing me by arm and leading me towards a cafe just opposite to the park !!

We sat at a table in a corner, sipping on our coffees. None of us had said anything, even though we had so much to talk about.

Finally, Naira cleared her throat “So ?!!”.
She trailed off and then stopped.

“So what ?!!” I asked.

“I guess we need to talk.” She concluded.
I nodded and looked at her for a moment, trying to figure her out. She seemed to be extremely cool about the whole situation, like she had nothing to do with me leaving.

“Yes, we do.” I replied, followed by a long pause.

“I’m sorry. That’s all I wanted to say to you. I know I should’ve told you about the trip in advance, but I didnt. I’m really sorry for that .” I added.

“Oh that’s okay !! You just leave one day all of a sudden, don’t even care to call for weeks and then show up again, saying you’re sorry,ain’t that completely normal ?!!” She said.

I sighed.

“No, its not. I guess I should’ve called, believe me, I wanted to. But I thought you were not going to pick up, so I guessed it was better to meet you and talk about everything.” I said.

“Oh. So you’re saying that its my fault ?!!.” she screched. Now she was getting into the sherni mode and I could feel it. When did I meant it that way ?!!

“I didn’t mean that.” I quickly added. She shook her head and laid back on the chair.

After a few moments of silence, even when I didn’t have anything to say, she pulled out her pack of cigarettes and lit one. I kept on looking at her in amusement and confusion.

“Since when did you start smoking ?!! You know it’s bad, right ?!! ” I asked.

“It’s not bad. You wanna try ?!!” She asked offering me one.

I sighed and refused. Just as I was about to say something, the lady behind the counter of the cafe approached us.

“I’m sorry ma’am. But smoking is not allowed in here.” She said, being extra sugary.

“Who are you to tell me what’s allowed and what’s not ?!!” Naira snapped.

“I’m sorry ma’am. Those are the rules. You can go out and smoke there, please.” She said and that was enough to piss off Naira.

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do. Mind your own business.” Naira said, rising up from seat. The cafe girl, was quite disturbed by whatever going on.

“Naira, what are you doing ?!!” I asked, not trying to create a scene in front of people.

“Listen to me, you poor girl. This is a free country, alright ?!! I can do whatever I want. You are nobody to stop me.” Naira snapped. This surely wasn’t going to have a good ending.

Realizing this, I had to stop Naira before she could do something stupid.

“Naira, don’t. Let’s go.” I said grabbing her arm, pulling her with me.

“I’m sorry.” I added before leaving the money on the counter and heading out with a frustrated Naira.

As much as I was worried about her, I was also shocked to see this side of hers.

“What the hell is wrong with you ?!!” I asked, trying to be as calm as possible, once we were outside.

“What ?!! What the hell is wrong with me ?!! You are blaming me for all this ?!!” She asked.

“Ofcourse I am. You were breaking the rules, which is wrong.” I stated.

“Oh shut it. Don’t talk to me about breaking rules and shit. I do it everyday, and I have been doing it everyday since you’ve been gone. So I’m not responsible for it, you are.” She said.

I seemed really confused now. But somewhere I knew, what she meant.

“What are you talking about ?!!” I asked anyway.

“You know exactly what I am talking about, you heartless promise-breaking boy friend !!” She snapped.

“I started smoking since the day you’ve gone. I started being so rude to everyone since the day you’ve gone. I started treating people like crap since the day you’ve gone.You know why ?!! Because it makes me feel good. I feel good when I have someone to put my anger on. So don’t even try to pretend that you don’t know what I’m talking about.” She said.

She was almost on verge of crying, but this time, she didn’t let her tears fall down. She hid them, while giving me an angry stare.

“I dont even know what to say. I swear if I had any idea that this was going to happen, I would’ve –” I said, but she cut me off.

“You would have stayed ?!! No.Not even then.” She said, followed by a long pause.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t have stayed or I should say that, I couldn’t have stayed. I mean, nothing was in my hands. Even I didn’t want to leave you, but I had to.” I said.

“Right.I understand.” She said, almost in a whisper.
My face immediately lit up, as I was starting to hope for everything to get back to normal.

“You do ?!! Now you know there’s nothing that can compare to you. You’ve always been the most important part of my life.” I said, taking her hand in mine, while she looked down at the ground.

“Karthik, can I say something ?!!” She asked with a blank look on her face.

“Anything. Just don’t say you haven’t forgiven me.” I said.

She took a deep breath, and looked at me straight in the eye.

“I don’t want to leave you but I have to…” She spoke.

“What ?!!” I asked, confusion written all over my face.

“I’m sorry I can’t be with you.” She said.

“Why ?!!” I asked.

“Because I am in a relationship with Rithvik and I love him !!” She said and my heart stopped beating…..

Precap : Karthik venting out his anger on Naira. Naksh and Keerti making Karthik understand the situation. A heart broken Karthik !!
 Is Naira really in love with Rithvik ?!! Naksh comforting Naira and putting some sense into her brain !!Depressed Karthik. Naksh getting a huge promotion. A celebration at home !!