|| KAIRA: TUM MILE...||

Episode 9 : Kartik's Past

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Bangalore

Whitefield Oaks Apartments

After doing the dishes and tidying up the living space, Kartik trudges into his bedroom with a sense of relief. His footsteps echo with a heavy tread, each step carrying the weight of the day's burdens.

He switches on the AC, setting it up at a moderate speed and stands in front of the mirror to look at his reflection obscured by the weariness of the day etched across his face.

He unbuttons his shirt with one hand while noticing the dark circles underneath his tired eyes through the mirror. With a casual flick, he unbuckles his belt, letting it fall on the neatly made bed. He then unfastens his jeans, shrugging them off as he heads towards the bathroom to take shower.

[CUT TO]

Kartik enters the glass bathroom connected to his bedroom, greeted by walls covered in a thin layer of steam. Turning the knob to let the water rush out, he steps into the shower. As the cold water cascades down the showerhead, he inhales sharply, feeling the icy sensation against his skin. He slides back his wet hair, the droplets trickling down his forehead and neck. He relishes the refreshing feeling, embracing the chill as it invigorates his senses.

He hears the gentle patter of rain coming from outside, adding to the coolness of the water. The combined effect of the shower and the rain drowns out the noises of the world around him. In this moment, the only sound that fills his ears is the steady gush of water, offering him a rare moment of solitude and peace.

In the momentary silence, he closes his eyes, allowing himself to be lost in thoughts. Suddenly, a blurry image flashes in front of him - the face of his late wife, Suman. His heart clenches at the memory, a mix of longing and pain washing over him. With a heavy heart, he twists the wedding ring on his index finger, a constant reminder of Suman that he hasn't taken off since her passing three years ago.

He keeps his eyes closed as he delves deeper into the memories, back to the fortunate day when he had first laid his eyes on her, when their journey together began.

~11 YEARS AGO~

A 24-year-old Kartik walks confidently into a banquet hall, lavishly decorated for the wedding ceremony of his friend, Rishabh. He is clad in a deep navy blue suit, a crisp white shirt underneath and expertly tailored pants that stylishly end an inch above his black moccasin shoes.

There is a unique charm in his demeanor, a lightness in his step that catches the attention of everyone around. His face radiates a genuine warmth, and a carefree smile plays effortlessly on his lips as he greets the guests on his way.

Making his way through the guests, Kartik finally approaches his friends -

Kartik(approaching his friends): Heya people!

His friends turn to him, each of them holding a glass of cocktail in their hands.

Ritesh: Yeh dekho...finally aa gaye mahashay...itni der kahan lag gayi tujhe Kartik?!