Kartik, a bright and talented medical student whose life takes turns he never expected. Trauma caused in his life makes him sail through the most unexpected life he had ever imagined as a merit-list student. His struggle to cope with academics, rela...
The morning sunlight gently filled Kartik's room as he lay there awake, staring at his phone on the bedside table. Last night, he had finally sent a message to Meera, breaking the silence between them, and now every notification made his heart race. Did she reply? Or had she decided to move on? Reaching out felt like a new beginning, a small bridge back to someone he once trusted deeply.
His thoughts were interrupted when his sister Sakshi appeared at the door, holding two cups of tea. She raised an eyebrow and set one down next to him, smirking.
"Already looking all gloomy, and it's not even noon!" she teased, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Thinking about Meera?"
Kartik rolled his eyes and took a sip of tea. "You're starting to sound like Rutuja. Maybe you two should start a club dedicated to prying into my life."
"Not a bad idea!" Sakshi grinned. "But seriously, K, you need to stop overthinking. Take a breath and let things happen. Besides, you deserve a little happiness."
"Yeah," he replied, though he wasn't sure he believed it completely. The weight of family issues and his mom's health made him feel unworthy of the peace he wanted.
The day passed slowly. He spent hours in the hospital with his mom, the only sound in the room her soft breathing. Watching her, he felt a mix of hope and fear. The doctors assured him that her condition was stable, but seeing her like this tugged at his heart. He longed for her to wake up, to smile and tell him everything would be okay. For now, he had to hold onto that hope alone.
In the afternoon, as he left the hospital, his phone buzzed. Meera's name flashed on the screen, and he took a deep breath before opening her message.
"Hey Kartik, I'd love to catch up. How about meeting at the old park tomorrow around 10 am? Just like old times."
A small smile broke across his face. The park was where they'd spent hours studying, sharing dreams, and confiding in each other. It seemed perfect for a reunion. He quickly replied, agreeing to meet, feeling a comforting warmth.
That night, he barely slept, replaying memories of their time together. Meera had always been someone he could talk to, someone who listened without judgment. He wasn't sure what would come from meeting her again, but he was ready.
The next morning, Kartik arrived at the park a few minutes early. The familiar path, lined with trees and benches, brought back waves of nostalgia.
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He spotted Meera sitting on their usual bench, smiling warmly as she saw him. She looked just like he remembered-calm and with that quiet strength he'd always admired.
"Hey," she greeted, standing up to give him a hug. The embrace was brief but comforting, and for a moment, Kartik felt at home.
"Hey," he replied, his voice softer than intended. They sat together in silence, watching the park come to life around them-families, joggers, and the sound of laughter filling the air.
"So, you've been through a lot," Meera began, her voice gentle. "I heard about your mom's accident... I'm really sorry, Kartik."
He nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "Yeah, it's been rough. She's stable now, but... it's hard."
"I can't imagine," she replied, placing a comforting hand on his. "But remember, you don't have to carry all this alone."
Her touch, her words, gave him the strength to open up. Kartik found himself talking about his mom, the guilt that weighed on him, the helplessness he felt. For the first time, he let his deepest thoughts flow freely, not holding anything back.
Meera listened closely, her gaze steady and caring. When he paused, her hand tightened around his. "Kartik, none of this is your fault. Life throws challenges at us, but you're doing everything you can. You're there for your mom, you're working through things. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Her words lifted a weight off his chest, and he managed a small smile. "Thank you, Meera. I didn't realize how much I needed that."
They kept talking, slipping back into their old rhythm. Meera shared stories from her life, the pressures of medical school, her family's expectations. She confessed her own doubts and fears, which made Kartik feel less alone. Here was someone who truly understood him, who had her own struggles but still took the time to support him.
Their conversation was interrupted by footsteps approaching. Kartik looked up to see Arjun, his friend, walking towards them with a casual smile. Arjun was someone Kartik had always trusted, but lately, there was an odd distance between them.
"Didn't expect to find you two here," Arjun said, his tone light, but with a subtle edge. "Thought you were too busy to hang out."
Kartik shrugged, feeling a hint of defensiveness. "Just catching up with an old friend."
Arjun chuckled, though it seemed forced. "Yeah, sure. Old friend or something more?"
The comment, though playful, felt like a jab, and Kartik shifted uncomfortably. "Just a friend, Arjun."
"Alright, alright." Arjun raised his hands in mock surrender, but Kartik sensed something was off. He glanced at Meera, who looked as uneasy as he felt.
After a few more awkward exchanges, Arjun's phone rang, giving him an excuse to step away. Kartik watched him go, feeling unsettled.
"I didn't expect him to show up," Kartik murmured, more to himself than Meera. He'd always trusted Arjun, but something about his recent behavior had him wondering.
"Is everything okay between you two?" Meera asked gently.
Kartik hesitated, unsure how to explain it. "I don't know. Arjun's been... different lately. We used to be close, but now it feels like he's keeping something from me."
Meera nodded, giving him a sympathetic smile. "Sometimes people change, Kartik. Maybe he's going through his own things. But just... be careful, alright?"
He appreciated her concern, and though he didn't say it, he knew she was right. He'd have to keep an eye on Arjun, especially if things continued this way.
As the sun climbed higher, Kartik and Meera wrapped up their conversation. She promised to stay in touch, and they exchanged numbers-something they hadn't done since their coaching days. Kartik left the park feeling lighter, with a renewed sense of hope.
Later, at the hospital, he sat by his mother's side, holding her hand and telling her about his day and the unexpected reunion with Meera. Though she didn't respond, he imagined her gentle smile, her reassuring words. He knew he had to stay strong, for her and for himself.
In the evening, as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed with a message from Meera.
"Today was really nice, Kartik. Thank you for opening up. Remember, I'm here for you whenever you need."
He smiled, warmth spreading through him. Maybe this was what he needed-a reminder that he wasn't alone, that he could let people in and find comfort in those who cared.
But his moment was short-lived. Just as he was putting his phone away, another message appeared, this time from Arjun.
"We need to talk. Call me when you're free."
Unease settled over him. Arjun's message was vague, yet it hinted at something more serious. Kartik felt the uncertainty return, the weight of questions hanging over him. What was Arjun keeping from him? And why did it feel like this conversation would change everything?
As he left the hospital, he thought of the voices around him-Meera's gentle support, Sakshi's playful encouragement, and now Arjun's unexpected tension. He knew he was at a crossroads, facing choices that could reshape his future. And this time, he had to be ready for whatever came next.
