Part 35 | Strangers with Memories

KARTIK

I couldn't help that smile on my face, seeing Naira sleep with her lips slightly parted.

Arjun got down to grab us some coffee while I waited in the car.

Shifting to her right, she wrapped her arms her body. Her eyes still closed.

Removing my coat I draped it on her.

She still sleeps like a baby.

I didn't wanna take my eyes off her, For all the days I have missed to get a glimpse of her.

The wind was playing with her tresses and my hands reached out to tuck those disturbing hair strands behind her ear.

When my fingers were in close proximity to her oval shaped face, I ceased my motion.

" I shouldn't have married a stranger. "

My fingers curled into a fist.

Almost instantly, I withdrew my hand.

I heaved a deep shaky breath, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

She stirred in sleep. I saw her clutch to my coat and snuggle into it for warmth making me relax the pressure on my hand.

Arjun returned with the beverage.

" So who's this Aunt Ruby?" I asked Arjun taking a sip of coffee which made me miss the coffee Naira used to make.

" She is Aditi's Aunt, her dad's elder sister. Widowed, her husband died of cancer years ago. She lives with her Son. " I nodded.

" Naira said Aunt Ruby knows about me and Aditi. So I guess it shouldn't be a problem." Arjun added.

Seeing Arjun's worried face I questioned, " what is it? "

He sighed, " I am happy about the baby, I really am but what if she isn't? What if she thinks all this is nothing but a mistake?

I want to enjoy this, feel excited and happy but I can't without her, without knowing her decision. About this baby. About us. "

I pressed his shoulder blade reassuring, " Hey! Let's take this one step at a time, Talk to Aditi once she wakes up. It's going to be fine! "

Arjun nodded at me.

We resumed out drive to Aunt Ruby's beach house.

The villa sat in a beautiful location, close to the beach.

Aditi was still in sleep, as we tucked her comfortably on her bed.

Naira glanced at her bestfriend before she turned her gaze towards Arjun.

" Aditi has never seen her mom, she doesn't know what it is to have one. she will be scared as hell when she finds out about her pregnancy. If at all anyone can comfort her, it's you.

I didn't tell her yet because I know She will freak out and I also know she will yearn for you, but she will not say it out loud. " Arjun smiled faintly.

Naira pressed his hands assuring and gave a smile, " It's your child and You have a right to be there for them. "

Arjun reciprocated with a smile and a side hug. I patted his shoulders with a nod.

We descended the stairs to see a women in her late 50s, grey haired and wrinkles in the corner of her eyes as she chirped cheerfully, extending her arms out calling for a hug. .

This must be Aunt Ruby.

" Aunt Ruby. "

" Hi Sweetie" She enveloped Naira in her arms.

Breaking the hug, Aunt Ruby adjusted her spectacle and eyed at me and Arjun.

" So who's my little girl's boyfriend? " She asked excited.

With a chuckle Naira introduced, pointing at Arjun. " Aunt, this is Arjun. "

" Ah! Good to meet you, Handsome man. Good luck, you have chosen a tough girl. " Her statement caused us to chuckle.

" But she will be worth the efforts. " Arjun smiled as she took him for a quick hug.

" And this is yours !? " Aunt eyed at me.

I looked at Naira hoping for a reaction, but her voice came out flat, monotonous without any hint of emotion.

" No Aunt! This is Mr. Oberoi. Arjun's Best friend. " she said without a second thought.

It's only Mr. Oberoi for her.

I felt a pang of hurt as I kept my gaze glued on her.

Your presence doesn't affect her Kartik, just accept that.

" Oh , I thought... Never mind, welcome dear. " I smiled with a subtle nod.

"Sweetheart show them the rooms. " She told Naira.

" Feel at home boys. " Aunt patted my shoulder, before she left.

" Aditi should wake up in a while, I'll be in her room. " Arjun said making his way to the room.

Naira then guided me to the last room in the right corner of the floor.

" You can use this room." Muttering she turned to leave.

" So it's only Mr. Oberoi, huh? " I stood there with my hands shoved inside my pocket.

Sighing she turned to face me, " Look, I feel it's unfair for them to suffer because of our separation. They deserve better! I am here only for the them and I think it will be better if we could focus Only on that. Good night! "

I kept looking at her retreating figure as she left the room.

---

It was 3 in the night. Everyone were in deep slumber while I was staring at the ceiling bored and sleepless.

Nothing unusual.

For the past 8 months my sleep cycle has been totally crappy.

Funny that I even forgot when was the last time I had a peaceful deep sleep.

Wearing a sweatshirt I came out of my room to the living area. The dining area was illuminated and I found Aditi sitting on a bar stool. Her palm placed under her chin as she stared at the empty chips packet.

" Do you need something ? " I asked her slowly, not wanting to scare her.

Aditi tilted her face and casted me a glance, " I need nothing from you. "

I sighed, " are you hungry? " She nodded. I remember Arjun mentioning once that Aditi doesn't know to cook.

" I can cook something for you. " I offered.

" No thanks. " she declined my help but her stomach made an audible growl. She held her stomach in embarrassment.

I chuckled moving to the kitchen, " how about some pasta? "

" Thanks. " She said in a low voice. I smiled.

After about 5-10 minutes I served her a plate of pasta. Within a blink of eye, she dug her fork and relished the food.

" It's amazing. " She said in between her turns of eating. " But that doesn't change the fact that I am still angry at you. "

" I know. " I whispered audibly.

" Aditi, I know it's not my place to say but He loves you and so do you, no matter how hard you try to prove it wrong. You have a choice here Aditi. For a happy family! Don't let what happened between us affect your decision about Arjun and the baby. "

" why would you care about me? " She asked gently.

For the first time in the past 8 months, her tone held no harshness as she spoke to me.

" If it was my sister, I would want her to have a happy family. " I said with sincerity.

She paused to look at me, a smile formed on her lips.

Averting her gaze Aditi continued eating. After a few minutes of silence she spoke,

" I don't hate you. You know that right!"

I smiled , " I know."

And what followed for the next 45 minutes was a proper conversation with good laughs just like the old days.

--

It was 6 in the evening and the sun had set beyond the horizon.

Aditi and Arjun announced their patch up bringing relief to us. As per Aditi's wish, They will be having a beach wedding later this week.

Lucky are those couples who get a second chance to mend their relationship.

" Who wants some cookies? " Aunt Ruby chirped placing a plate of freshly baked cookies on the table.

" Naira ! Our favourite cookies " Called out Aditi hungry and excited.

Naira who looked lost, snapped out of her thoughts and approached the dining table where we were already settled.

" Why does she look disturbed? " Arjun whispered in my ear to which I made a clueless face, shrugging my shoulder.

She is definitely disturbed.

As we continued to snack on the cookies, I noticed her constantly checking her phone and looking at the doorway.

I was about to ask what was wrong but was interrupted by the door bell.

Naira abruptly stood up, " that must be him. " She muttered looking at Aditi before rushing to open the door.

Him?

" Can't you pick up your damn phone Ishaan! " Naira yelled at man almost as tall as me.

" Yeah, I was on a vacation with a bunch of goons behind me, right! "

She punched his shoulders.

" Ouch, I was expecting a nice greeting for returning alive ! " he rubbed his arms, chuckling.

He had chocolate brown eyes, a bit lean but fit musculature and a happy aura!

" Are you fine? " Naira asked.

He held her hands, " Yeah and so is Dhruv, He'll be coming tomorrow. Now where's my sister? "

" Sister? " Arjun looked at me confused.

" He's my cousin, Aunt Ruby's Son. " Aditi cleared our doubt before she hugged the man, whatever his name is.

You sound pissed buddy!

Do I?

don't you like him?

Nothing like that. He looks fine and joyful.

" How are you feeling? "

" Great ! " Aditi replied, " You should have picked up the phone. Here Naira was super worried for you. "

" Really? I am flattered. " He gave a dramatic expression.

" Shut up, duffer! " Naira glared at him.

He giggled before he wrapped his arms around her shoulders pulling her into a tight hug.

I chocked on my bite of cookie.

Okay! Now I don't like him .

---

NAIRA

It was 9 at night when I was in the kitchen, arranging the wine glass in the cabinet.

" you didn't answer my question."

The sudden voice made me startle and the glass to slip off my hand. But luckily he caught it safe.

I turned around to face Kartik,

" For godsake, Can't you behave like a normal person. "

My glare wore off when he didn't respond with words but instead took a couple of steps, covering the space between us.

" W-what. " I stuttered when I felt his body too close to mine.

I sucked in my breath when he tucked a strand of my hair behind my left ear and whispered,

" I missed you. "

My heart skipped a beat but I refused to show any reaction.

He intertwined his fingers with mine and I saw a momentary flash of hurt in his face when he realised there was no ring.

but He still wears it.

I did notice when he was driving.

" You don't wear it anymore. " I heard dejection in those words.

" What's the point of wearing a wedding ring when I am not married anymore. " I said in a bitter tone before tearing my hands from his and moving away.

" What are we, Naira? " I stopped on my tracks.

" what's between us? "

" you are important to me and I don't want to lose you. "

" I love you ! "

Tilting my head sideways I said,

" we are just two strangers with memories. "

--

Breath Naira !

I ran into my room and locked the door. Placing my hand above my chest, I felt my accelerated heart beat.

I knew he would be coming, I knew I had to face him.

I saw this coming and braced myself but how stupid was I to think it won't affect me.

To look into those hazel eyes and pretend to be normal, It's difficult than I expected.

He still wears the ring. Does that mean, He hasn't moved on?

Stop it Naira !

What am I even thinking!? what am I hoping for, when there's nothing left between us !

Don't think about him.

He isn't here for you.

It's Okay.

I should focus only on Aditi's wedding.

With a deep exhale, I rubbed my face with my palms. I quickly grabbed my clothes and went to change.

Sleep engulfed me the moment my body hit the bed.

*******

Hey lovelies !

Hope you liked the update.

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Sorry in advance,

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There will be no update for next 3 weeks

Cos of exams 😭 and family function.

Hectic days ahead!!

I will get back to you asap

With multiple interesting updates.

Until then stay tuned

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Take a wild guess on how the story is gonna proceed

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lemme know !

Also drop in if you wish to explore any crazy plots or ideas in the upcoming parts.

See y'all

Love you peeps <3

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