Hello Everyone.
Chapter 38
Things that make life worth living for.
Karthik’s POV.
“You guys are crazy. I am not getting up.” Keerti shouts as we wake her up at eight.
All three of us share a quiet smile among ourselves. She had panicked big time a couple of hours back.
“We know you’re coming along.” Naksh says.
“You want to find out what happens next too, don’t you ?!!” Naira asks.
“I don’t. I’m not crazy like you.” Keerti retorts.
“Oh, is it so ?!! Is that why you acted so hyper ?!! Is that why you so desperately want to go to Bangalore ?!!” Naira says.
“I do not want to go. I just didn’t want the money to go waste.” She says and sits up in the bed and rubs her eyes.
“You weren’t paying for it anyway.” Naksh says.
“Whatever.” she says and her lips curve into a smile. We laugh.
“But I’m still telling you guys that it’s a waste. By the way, did anyone call that number again ?!!” Keerti says and we laugh again.
“You guys better stop laughing or I will cut your heads off.” She warns us even though she herself is smiling.
It becomes apparent that despite her outward posturing of being disconnected, she is glued to our little adventure.
“I called.” Naira says.
“And ?!!” I ask.
“Ranbir’s parents picked up. Ranbir has been in a rehabilitation facility in Bangalore for the last few months. He’s not doing too well.” Naira answers.
Keerti is dumbfounded. She’s not read the diary so she doesn’t know as much about Ranbir as we do. She looks at Naira, and then us, and has nothing to say. It’s not because she’s taken aback at what Naira has just said, it’s because no matter how much Keerti has tried to distance herself from the story, she’s a part of it too. We are all a part of it now.
There is no escaping it. Our lives, their lives — it’s all intertwined now.
Keerti doesn’t say anything and packs her stuff. We reach the airport in under an hour. No one sleeps in the taxi. Keerti, tense and nervous, asks us again if Ranbir was seriously in rehab and we nod.
“Who’s going to talk to Anushka ?!!” Naksh asks and everyone looks at me.
“I would have nothing to say.” I reply.
“But you found the diary.” Naira says.
“What would I say to her ?!! You’re a girl; you’ll be able to handle it better.” I argue.
My palms sweat even as I imagine the scenario. We are still a fair distance from reaching Anushka, but I’m already nervous.
“We’ll just give her the diary.” Keerti says.
“It’s going to be so awkward.” Naksh adds.
I had realized that long back. But I didn’t give it much thought back then. And now, it is staring right at me. I am just thankful that I have three more people with me in my awkwardness.
We get on the flight and I close my eyes. The air hostesses are hot, but they can’t hold my attention for long. I wait for Bangalore.
“Don’t worry too much.” Naira looks at me and says.
“I am not worrying. I just feel sorry for Anushka.” I say.
“Hmmm. I am sure she’s going to be okay. One just cannot beat fate, right ?!! At least she’ll get to know that she was loved by Virat till his dying breath. That’s got to mean something.” Naira says.
“Let’s hope so.” I say.
“You’re cute, Mendhak.” She says out of nowhere.
“Where did that come from ?!!” I ask.
“You look cute when you’re nervous. And what you’re doing is commendable. I mean, no one would have done what you are doing. I’m sure Virat is watching you from above and patting your back.” she says.
“What crap. You would’ve done the same. And you’re doing the same, aren’t you ?!!” I argue.
“Whatever.” She shrugs off the topic.
She puts her hand on mine and smiles. I smile back.
I owe everything to Naira. She kind of puts my life into perspective. I really don’t care what anyone thinks or says about me. All I truly care about is her. My true aim in life is not to be happy or world peace or the Kashmir issue but to see Naira every day and to keep her happy.
“I love you.” I say after a pause.
“I know you do.” she runs her fingers over my face.
“You know those creepy Twilight movies ?!!” I ask.
“What about them ?!!” she asks.
“Sometimes, like that vampire in those movies, I stay up nights to watch you sleep.” I say.
“Liar.” she says and smiles shyly.
“I mean I try to. But they are vampires, they don’t sleep. I do. But I do watch you. And all I do is……” I trail off.
“What ?!!” she asks.
“I wonder if you dream about me.” I complete my incomplete sentence.
“Do I look happy when I’m asleep ?!!” Naira asks.
“Yes, you do.” I answer honestly.
“Then I’m sure I’m dreaming about you.” she says and puts her head on my shoulder.
These little things are what makes my life worth living.
Precap : When Things get worse.
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I know I am late but I cant help it. I have been going through Writer’s block again since there are so less comments. I have another plot ready in my head but I am not able to type it down.
Well for now I am planning to finish this FF as soon as possible and then will think about something else. Don’t worry, I wont be leaving without completing this one as I know there are readers out there who love this story.
The next chapter will have 2 more notes from the diary.
Do comment. Keep smiling. Keep watching Yrkkh !!