Separated Love

Chapter 22: Jab Se Tere Naina

Lunch earlier today was amazing. Kartik and I were able to tell each other about everything that happened these past 2 years. I truly realized today that Kartik went through just as much as me. He told me about all those nights he would wander the streets crying and drinking.

***Flashback to earlier in the park***

"Naira, it's like there was this heavy feeling constantly weighing me down. Every time I tried to forget about you, someone or something reminded me of you and would bring me back to square one. I knew Ma expected me to hate you, but I found myself dreaming of the day we would be back together. You know, you are my whole world Naira. You gave me my family back, but I still felt closer to you than anyone else. You were the person I could share everything in my heart with. When you left, there was this heaviness bringing me down, but also a hollowness in my chest. I longed to win your heart back, but then I would have to come back to reality and would drink to fill the empty feeling. I didn't want anyone to see me in this condition so I would wander around while drinking. I never drove though. I would never ever make that mistake again."

***Back to the present***

I decide to stop thinking about the past. Kartik and I are moving on from this, and we should only look forward now. We can't keep dwelling on our mistakes from before. If there's one thing that made me super happy today, it's that Kartik confided in Papa. I am so proud of him for trusting Papa and getting advice from him. God forbid if anything were to ever happen to me, he needs someone to lean on.

I hope Kartik's appointment is going well. I pray that this therapist is able to help, and that he will never have to take the support of alcohol again. Maybe I should do something special for him. He surprised me with taking me to the park and preparing those sandwiches. I laugh at how bad they were, and how we both stopped eating after the first bite. Well, it's honestly the thought that counts. His gesture was so sweet. I'll make him something that can instantly make him smile in 2 seconds...kachodis. I grab my crutches and head on over to the kitchen. I see the time on the microwave and remember that Gayu Di will be calling soon to FaceTime. I need to tell her to chill on Kartik. I think back to how she told him off, and it actually cracks me up. She truly is always going to have my back. While I'm thinking about her, my phone starts ringing.

"Hi Naira!!!"

"Hi Gayu Di!"

"Naira! What happened to you? Why are you on crutches?" I know I have to lie to her because if she hears what actually happened, she'll never forgive Kartik.

"Oh nothing Gayu Di. I slipped the other night and sprained my ankle. Don't worry though. I'm only going to be on crutches for probably a month!" I've become more positive about my own injury because I know I have Kartik's support.

"Naira, Kartik's taking care of you right? I remember how tough this was for you last time."

"Gayu Di, is that even a question? You know how concerned Kartik is. He was carrying me around all day up until we went to the doctor. He even bought me a high chair today so I can sit and cook." Gayu Di looks like she's deep in thought, and not impressed by him what so ever. "Come on Gayu Di. Can you at least give him a chance?"

"Naira, I care a lot about you, and I can't forget what you went through. It'll take time for me. I will definitely try to warm up to him like old times. It will just take me a while. As long as I know that he's keeping you happy is all that matters."

"He is Gayu Di. We have become a lot more open with each other regarding issues that we have. We actually discuss them now instead of keeping all of our problems inside. It has made a huge difference. I feel like I can share so much more with Kartik now. He properly takes the time to listen to me and understand me." I can't help the huge smile that's on my face as I talk about him.