Episode 6
And the reports are out
The ride back to Naira’s hostel was silent. What was worse was it was an awkward silence.
Karthik had never been so silent with Naira. He used to tease her, prod her with stupid questions – basically keep her talking. But today, he didn’t utter a word. He didn’t utter a Word because he was scared she’d hear the pain in his voice.
He chastised himself for choosing this of all moments to say what he feels. This was the Time to stand by her side as her back bone, and not to plague her with his emotions. She had a lot going on in her life and he must’nt have added More.
He turned to look at the rear view mirror and looked at her sobbing quietly. But he couldn’t make himself say anything.
Would he leave her? Ideally, he should. For otherwise he’ll never be able to move on. But could he go away from her? Would he able to live without looking at her pretty Little face everyday? Would he be able to survive without her witty replies to his pranks and jokes? Would he be able go away from somebody who cared for him platonically, yet intensely?
Naira didn’t realize they had reached her hostel until she was thrown slightly forward because of the inertia of the ride. She could feel her heart racing, her pulse at around 150, steady. What would she do if Karthik leaves her? Would she be able to tolerate losing another friend? Another best friend? She kept praying that all of this was just a dream.
And even if Karthik decided to stay would she able to do that to him? Torture himself like that by talking about her problems and troubles, when she was the highest trouble causing agent in his Life?
She silently got down From the bike, waved a meek goodbye to Karthik and turned to leave.
And then he tugged on her hand so that she was facing him. He wiped the tears that were flowing down on her cheeks.
‘Naira don’t even think for a moment that I’m gonna go, okay? I’d promised you that this frog would stick with you for life. And he will! Our friendship is strong enough to live through this. I’ll be with you until you give me the word to leave. ‘
‘ why would I ask you to leave?’ Naira asked, flabbergasted.
‘ you can’t expect me to fall out of love with you. And that Love is bound to show in many ways. There may come a Time when you’ll feel suffocated because of me . And that day, I’ll leave. Right on your word.’
‘I’m so sorry Karthik.’ Naira said and Ran to the hostel lobby crying now.
As she was running towards the stairs, a familiar voice called out ‘Princess’
She turned around to see her parents waiting for her in the lobby.
‘Mumma’, she said and Ran towards her mother and hugged her tight enough that all the air escaped out of her lungs.
‘Beta, are you okay? Why are you crying?’
‘ I missed you guys so much!’ she said , between sobs.
She then hugged her father . This was her comfort zone. Her family. and … Karthik. The thought of him made her cry a little more.
Naira stayed with her parents that night.
The next morning they went to the hospital to get her thyroid levels checked.
The reports would take another 2 hours as they added a few other tests along without the TFT s. Naira quickly called up Gayu and told her when the reports would come out.
Her next instinct was to call Karthik, but she chose to text him instead.
“Reports out in two hours. With parents at hospital.” The message read.
Two hours with family passed like a breeze
Naira completely forgot about what happened until she saw him walking towards them with Gayu.
As they reached their table, Naira introduced her parents to them.
‘mumma papa , these are my Best Friends. Gayatri and Karthik.’
They smiled as Naira’s name was called out. Her reports were ready.
All the tests were normal. Gayu and Naira looked at each other worriedly, while the other three just stared at them perplexed.
‘ what does it mean?’ Naitik asked his doctor.
‘ this means we’ll be making More Trips to other doctors’ Naira Said and quietly began walking towards the Doctor’s chamber.
————Author’s notes————–
Hello guys.
I’m so sorry for posting after a week. I’ve had a lot of things going on in my life.
Please forgive me for this delay.
I’ll try my level best to keep posting.
Have a great day and as usual please let me know your thoughts.