Kal Ho Naa Ho Spinoff - Ek Kahaani

Chapter 1 - Memories Flooding In

After leaving New York heartbroken, I felt dead. The love that I had for going out with friends, enjoying my life was gone as I lost the most precious person in my life.

Aman.

I met him 20 years ago when I had to complete my double degree in Computer Science and Economics. I came from Rome with my brother to stay with my aunt, uncle and cousins in New York. But then, they were having some issues, so they said I should find some other place to live, till everything gets sorted. It never happened.

He was a bit crazy, fun-loving, sweet, caring, basically every girl's dream. He was the most loved by the aunties. Saach kahoon to he was always loved by everyone. At first, he may seem a bit annoying, too intrusive and possibly paranoid, but you'll like him soon. It was the same for me. I found him very intrusive, annoying, paranoid as well at first. Basically torture. I didn't like that he was getting too close to me. He would try to talk to me but I wouldn't listen. I didn't trust anyone. I was scared that if I form a new relationship with anyone, I would lose them. Just like my parents.

I later realised that he was studying Economics, so it meant that I would have to see Aman every single Economics lecture. Why are you doing this, God? Why?

He was the most popular guy in the university, but he would always be there for me. He would help me out and support me when I needed it. Once he asked me where I go after the lectures or after the seminars and I said to him that I go to work because I have to pay for my brother's tuition fees as my parents were dead. And then I started telling him my story.

When I finished telling what happened to me, he hugged me. At that moment, I felt something inexplicable happening to me. As a response, I hugged even tighter and started crying profusely. He then stroked my hair. He tried to calm me down, but I just couldn't. I was letting out all the pain that I stored in those years.

We, later on, became friends. Very good friends. He also became my brother's best friend. He would always play with him, help him out with the homework, getting him gifts for any occasion. One time, he said to me that he always wanted to have a younger brother and care for him but he didn't think that he would be able to manage such a big responsibility.

I remember once, I had sneaked out of my dormitory because I wanted to meet my brother, as I did not see him for a couple of months, and my plan was perfectly fine till I saw Aman at the entrance of the university, apparently waiting for someone. I thought that my plan was going to fail, but the thing was that I didn't tell anyone about the plan. Not even Aman. So what's the reason why he is standing there? I'll have to find out...

I had to whisper because I did not want to create a ruckus now, otherwise, my plan will fail. I was whispering:

"Aman, what are you doing in here? Are you not supposed to sleep right now?"

"What if I ask the same questions to you, Priya? What would be the answers?"

Before I could answer his questions, I heard someone coming towards us. To make sure that no one would see us, I had to push Aman against a wall and I was over him, blocking his mouth, so he couldn't make any noise. That person then went away.

I then moved away from him and realised I was panting as I was holding my breath and then Aman also moved away from the wall.

Then I finally answered him: "I have tried to sleep, but I am not been able to. I want to meet my brother. It's been months that I have not seen him. I MISS HIM A LOT. So now that I have answered your questions, can I go? Wait for a second, are you waiting for someone?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"My to-be-girlfriend."

I felt really nervous. I didn't know why, though. "And...who is she?"

"You."

"What!!! Have you gone crazy? I am not going to be your to-be-girlfriend." I almost screamed when I said that, so Aman had to put his hand over my mouth so that I became silent.

"So, let's go. I want to meet your brother as well and I am also missing him a lot. That's why I have not been able to sleep at all."

We went secretly to meet my brother. He was so excited to meet me and Aman. It was his 12th birthday, so I brought him a new game that he wanted for a long time. Then my brother said that he wanted me and Aman to stay, even though he knew that was not possible. We played and then it was time to go back to the university dormitory. I was very upset because I didn't want to leave Nikhil alone again, but I had no choice.

When we came out, a growl came. It was my stomach. I had not eaten the whole day because I had made a promise that I would only eat after I would get my Shiv puja done. Basically, anything that was related to My Shivji because I am an ardent Shiv devotee. Aman saw that I was getting weaker, so then he called a cab, and we reached my room. I then started to get up and tried to walk and I said to Aman that I'll be ok. It's not the first time that this happens, and then blackout.