Separated Love

Chapter 29: Kartik Recalls Vedika

"Naira, when you left me..." *Everything is written in Kartik's POV when Naira initially left after Shubham died*

1 week 

It has been a week since Naira and I said we hate each other. How could she leave me when I needed her the most? My brother died and she just left? Did she simply make empty promises? Did she not actually love me? I look around in my room, and every memory of her torments me. I decide to shower since it helps me relax. When I go to grab my clothes I see all of her clothes still there. The smell of her brings back so many memories. I instantly start crying hard. I can never cry around anyone because everyone is grieving over Shubham. I lost my brother and the love of my life all in one day. I can't take this anymore. I grab all of her clothes and throw them out of the closet onto the floor. I look at the mess around me, and sink down to the floor as I cry trying to be silent so no one hears. 

"Naira, I need you, but I hate you so much." Do I actually mean that though? Can I actually ever hate her? 

2 months

My heart starts beating super fast, I struggle to breathe, and I feel like I'm going to pass out. 

"Masi, please help me." I call my masi for the 10th day in a row because I've been struggling so much mentally. 

"Kartik, you're having a panic attack again. You need to ground yourself." I'm tired of trying to use grounding techniques. I decide to lie to Masi that I'm fine, and I text my friends to meet up tonight and drink. 

4 months

"Naira, I love you Naira." I say as I stumble into my room expecting her. I look everywhere. "Naira? Where are you? I'm home!" It's just darkness everywhere. I struggle to take my clothes off whenever I'm 9 shots in. I decide to just lay in bed. At least when I'm drunk the pain gets drowned out, and I can only remember the good moments with Naira. 

"Kartik!" I hear her voice calling me as she laughs and says my name. I open my eyes with a hopeful smile on my face, but I realize it's Papa trying to wake me up. Ever since our fight things have been so awkward between us. 

"Kartik." I hear Papa's voice this time saying my name through a clenched jaw. "Good you're awake." Papa is visibly angry seeing me hungover. "I've decided to send you to America." 

"What? Why?" I see him become empathetic. He puts his hand on my head. 

"Kartik, the longer you're here, everything will remind you of Naira. Others can't see it, but I know how much her memories are tormenting you." 

"No Papa that's not true. I'm fine." I look down unable to hide the truth from my eyes. 

"Look into my eyes and say it then Kartik." I look into his eyes, and my decision has been made.

"When's the flight?"

6 months

Papa was right about coming to America. Although I carry the pain of losing Naira and Shubham, not being at home has helped me so much. I've met so many incredible people here. Papa made me meet with American clients, and soon enough, we opened an office here. I've been spending time volunteering at different places to keep myself busy and to avoid being lonely. I've been invited as a special guest at a dance competition fundraiser. I thought about not going because I know being at a dance competition would remind me of Naira, but I have to move on from her so I decide to go. 

"Welcome Mr. Goenka!" A girl with a very soft-spoken voice greets me. "My name is Vedika! I'm one of the organizers of the show." I shake hands with her.