Safar...A Journey of First Love

Chapter 21 - Bad News

 ...Everyone was gathered at the Shergill's home on the last week of the Christmas Holiday for Natasha and Karthik's small wedding reception. The family had met Karthik the very next day and all approved of him; he told them all how he was the only child and was extremely close to his old parents who both died together due to old age and health problems. His life was always focused around them and he cared for them a lot in their last stages and when they had left him he had no aim in life until he met Natasha who he always had a crush on in school and knew that she would be his life partner.

Once everyone had approved Natasha and Karthik asked to have a court marriage and a small party with only family members and friends which would be held a week later. Even though the event was to be a small one Natasha's nieces insisted that they had all the rituals; a small family mehendi night, haldi function, sangeet and a hen night during the week to which she just could not refuse; after all she was the youngest of her siblings and the last to get married which Nani had pointed out.

The Shergill's place was packed with the Guptas, Maliks, Nishi and her in-laws and some of Natasha's friends who were all enjoying the party. To one side of the dining room stood Riddhima, Radha, Armaan and Aagam who were all cracking jokes and having a good time.

It was late in the evening when most of the guests had left and the Guptas were the last to leave just before the newly wedded couple; they were all sat in the living room when Natasha broke the ice.

"I think we should leave now..." she said; her voice cracking a little.

Everyone understood what she meant and stood up; Vikram was the first at her side; "If ever you need any help don't hesitate...we will always be here for you..." he gave her a hug and they both had tears in their eyes; they moved apart and Vikram turned to Karthik; "...I've brought her up as my own child...don't ever hurt her..."

"I promise I will always keep her happy..." Karthik said to him.

Natasha then moved to Padma and Neha who comforted her as she was in tears; wishing her all the best for her married life; she then turned to Radha, Riddhima and Aagam who put a smile on her face before going to Shashank who took her into a comforting hug; "Always be happy...and take care...of yourself and Karthik..." she nodded with a small smile.

Finally she made her way over to her mother who was tearing silently; no words were needed as they embraced each other and cried. Neha went over to comfort Nani while Padma soothed Natasha; Nani then recovered and walked Natasha over to Karthik and placed their hands into each other; "Meri choti ka kayal rakna..." (Take care of my little one) she cried.

Karthik nodded; "Ji ma...aap fikar mat kijiye...main uska kayal rakunga..." (Yes mum...don't worry...I will take care of her)

"Karthik...if you ever need anything...there is no need to hesitate...you can always turn to us..." Shashank told him.

He nodded with a smile as Padma continued; "And don't ever think that you are alone...we are all family now..."

"Thanks Didi...for everything..." he replied.

As on cue everyone turned to walk towards the main door to see the couple off with sad smiles on their faces. Shashank, Padma and Riddhima stayed a while longer to lighten the atmosphere and comfort Nani before they called it a night as well and left saying bye...

...The next day was the last day of the Christmas holidays, which had gone by really fast, and the gang had gathered in the park all dressed up with coats, hats, gloves, scarves...you name it. It was freezing! It had snowed heavily the night before and there was at least four inches of snow covering their local area. The boys planned to go to the park to play in the snow; it was nine am and the park was completely empty when the girls walked through the park gates blowing on their gloves to keep themselves warm.