Episode 7
I don’t know when you got so important to me but not taking to you makes my heart weep.
Karthik’s worst fears had become true. Naira would have to go the cardiologist. He watched as Naira and her parents walked into the doctor’s chamber.
He collapsed on the bench on the side.
‘she will be fine Karthik. It’ll be anxiety. Her heart will be fine.’Gayu consoled him.
‘of course she will be. God can’t be so unfair to somebody who’s so pure and nice. ‘
‘man,you have it bad.’ Gayu said.
‘I told her yesterday ‘ Karthik said
‘ and? ‘ Gayu asked cheerfully, not expecting the reply to be in the negative.
‘ She doesn’t think of me that way. ‘ Karthik said, showing no emotion whatsoever.
Gayu felt terrible to see him this way. Karthik was a really good friend to Naira and helped her through a lot of things all the time.
‘ what are you going to do now? ‘
‘ nothing. What choice do I have? I can’t force her into falling in love with me. She loves me a lot, as a friend at least. Heck, I’m her best friend. I can’t leave her. Mainly because she won’t be able to handle losing another best friend. And I don’t think I’ll be able to go through with it too. I love her too much to stay away.’
‘She will realize her love for you soon, I’m sure. ‘Gayu said, hoping to God that This would become true.
At that very moment, Naira and her parents walked out of the room.
Karthik sprung up like his seat was on fire.’ what happened? ‘
Naitik raised an eyebrow looking at how worried Karthik was.
‘ we’re going to the cardiologist now. Just a consult to be on the safer side. We’ll be back soon. ‘
An hour later, Naira returned with her parents. They looked much more relieved than they did once they came out of the previous room. But worry, was still visible on their face.
‘there’s nothing wrong with her heart.’ Akshara said and broke into tears collapsing on the bench at the side.
Before Naira could reach her, Karthik knelt down before her. Naira smiled at that.
‘Aunty, please don’t cry. Our Naira is too strong. Nothing was gonna happen to her.’
Akshara smiled a little hearing this and kept one hand on Karthik’s head, blessing him.
‘so it’s anxiety then? ‘ Gayu asked.
‘ yeah. Turns out I worry a lot. ‘ Naira said trying to joke.
‘ come on, let’s get out of this place now. We need to show your parents around. ‘ Karthik said.
The five of them spent the rest of the time visiting local tourist attractions and places to eat. Her parents were leaving by 6 pm and so Karthik and Gayu decided to leave the family alone for one last hour together before they left.
Before they went, Naitik stopped them when he made sure that Naira was by herself.
‘Beta, you two are her best friends. My child is very sensitive. She doesn’t know it, she thinks she can face the world on her own. But she’s still too scared of losing. She has a lot of growing up to do. But I’m glad that she has friends here who look after her like this. What she needs is care. Being away from family costs her a lot emotional and mentally, but she won’t utter a word because she’s stubborn. We never wanted to let her come so far away from home. We always live with a constant fear about her and her well being. Please, look after her. ‘ Naitik said, folding his hands towards the end
Karthik held naitik’s folded hands in his and said ‘ uncle we’ll make sure that we keep her happy and safe. I know it is very hard for you to leave your daughter here, but like you said she’s really stubborn and won’t listen to anyone once she has put her mind to something. But we’ll make sure we keep her grounded.’
Naitik kept his cupped hand on Karthik’s cheek and smiled and blessed Gayu too.
Karthik and Gayu then left.
Later that evening when Naira returned to the hostel, Gayu was waiting for her all dressed up.
‘come on, we’re going out. ‘ she said.
‘ who are “we”? And where are we going out? ‘ Naira said.
‘ oh just come on, Naira. Don’t ask so many questions.’
She dragged Naira along with her downstairs.
Karthik was waiting downstairs on his bike.
‘ what are we gonna do? ‘ Naira asked looking at Karthik quizzically.
‘ we’re going to the movies to watch Logan. Your favorite, Hugh Jackman!! ‘ Karthik said.
‘ OMG. ‘ Naira squealed with childish delight , she was jumping up and down in excitement now.
‘ careful, before your heart starts racing again ‘ Karthik admonished her.
Naira’s excitement died suddenly.
‘ But look at me. I’m a mess. I haven’t even changed my clothes. ‘ Naira complained.
‘ awwww. Look Gayu, cutie pie wants to dress up ‘ Karthik said pouting.
Naira started hitting him on his shoulder.
‘ DON’T CALL ME THAT ‘ she yelled but secretly she was glad that her best friend was now normal and back to all the teasing.
‘ OK. I’ll call you sundari then. That, or two foot. Decide ‘
‘ hey you two, the movie! Come on. Let’s go. ‘ Both Karthik and Naira hadn’t noticed Gayu getting impatient at the side.
The three of them went by a rickshaw to the theater even though Karthik was on his bike. Naira was sandwiched between the two of them.
After the movie, Karthik dropped them back to the hostel. Gayu immediately went upstairs because she was dead tired.
Naira stayed back to bid Karthik farewell.
‘ok madam two feet. I’ll go now. You have classes tomorrow right. Stay away from that Ba….. ‘
‘ Karthik! ‘ Naira stopped him from cussing.
‘ Yeah stay away from him. I want you in the hospital as a doctor and not as a patient. ‘ Karthik said.
‘ and anytime you start running out of breath, whatever may be the time, wake Gayu up and call me. We’re going to the hospital right away. Understand? ‘
Naira turned around to leave but was stopped by Karthik.
‘ and be ready by 6 tomorrow morning. ‘ he said.
‘ why? ‘ Naira asked.
‘ bike lessons. Remember!? ‘ Karthik asked.
Naira leapt up to hug him.
‘ you’re the best’ she said. after breaking the hug, she pinched his cheek.
‘ sweetu’ she said.
‘ewwwww. Don’t call me that. ‘ Karthik said visually annoyed.
‘ OK sweetu.’ Naira said, now avenging every single moment Karthik had an odd her by calling her weird names.
‘whatever. 6 am.’ he said as he started his bike.
Naira looked as Karthik zoomed away. It was going to be alright. They were going to be alright.
Precap: the riding lessons.
————Author’s notes————
Hey guys. So this was the chapter for today. Hope you guys liked it. Let me know in the comments.
Also, I’d like to add a small note on anxiety. If you have a friend or know somebody who suffers from anxiety, please be as supportive to them as possible. Sometimes, even the tiniest of things is a battle for them. Don’t just tell them to stop worrying but help them in not worrying.
Have a great day:) and happy Ugadi !!