Part 32 | Loving You is a Losing Game

KARTIK

" He's right! I'm just 10 minutes away. You - - "

" Babe? " I heard a bang sound that made my heart skip a beat.

" Naira, What happened? Hello... Babe!?" The line went off. " Damn it! "

I paced around trying to connect her phone. " Something's wrong Arjun! S- she isn't-"

" Let's go, I'll drive. " We rushed to the parking lot.

I secured my seat belt, " she was only 10 minutes away, she must be near somewhere. " I nodded at Arjun.

A sense of uneasiness grew in me the moment I say her car abandoned on the sides of the street junction.

I stormed out of the car and searched in and around, only to find the car empty.

" The car's empty, where is she ? "

Please be safe. Please be safe.

" She must be somewhere near. We will find her. " Arjun encouraged.

My phone ran with an unknown number.

" Is this Mr. Kartik Oberoi? " I acknowledged with a yes.

" Sir we are calling from Ford hospital....."

----

I hurried across the corridors of the hospital followed by Arjun.

There she was, waiting anxiously outside a room.

" Naira! " She turned towards me with a flood of tears.

Covering the distance between us I took her into my arms. I rubbed her back to provide comfort and assurance.

" Babe, calm down and tell me what happened. "

I made her sit on a chair and kneeled before her, holding her hands.

" T-The signal turned green... I-I had hardly crossed the junction w-when a little boy... He came in fro-front of the car... I brought it to halt right away but... H-he wasn't conscious when I held him. " Her hands trembled as she spoke.

" I-I didn't do, I-I swear Kartik. I didn't. He came so sudden... He will be f-fine right... What if I- "

" Hey, hey look at me. Nothing will happen to him, Okay. He is going to be fine. " I rubbed the sides of her arm.

" Naira, have some water. " Arjun passed her a water bottle.

She wiped her tears and took sips from the bottle.

" You fine? Are you hurt? " She nodded in a no. I kissed her forehead, side hugging her.

As the doctor came out, Naira stood promptly on her feet.

" How's he? Is he alright? "

" He's awake and perfectly alright Miss. He had passed out due to fear of impact. Nothing to worry, it's only a bruised arm." The doctor assured and I sighed in relief.

" Seems like he was running away from his foster family when he came in front of our car. We have informed the police, they'll be here. You can see him, the nurse will bring you the discharge papers. " with that said, he left.

" Thank god! " She dropped her head to my chest, taking in breaths of relief.

" Kartik, I'll sit by his side till the police comes. Can you talk with them and arrange something so that we could take him to my mom's orphanage home rather, his foster home doesn't sound safe. " I smiled caressing her face.

" I'll see what can be done. " She nodded and went inside to meet the boy.

I slumped back on the chair, leaning forward my elbow supported on my knees, I hid my face between my palms.

" Kartik "

" I need a minute. " I replied. Taking a deep breath, I rubbed my palms over my face, then running it through my scalpe.

" Dude, everything's fine. " Arjun patted my back.

Is it fine really?

Today, I lost my shit completely in a matter of few minutes.

Rubbing my face for one last time I stood up and peeped inside to see my wife playing with the 6 year old, a smile adoring their faces.

I just stood in a corner silently, watching them enjoy their little game.

-----

Next day,

I woke up disturbed by the lights as the curtains were moved and found myself on the couch.

" Kartik why didn't go home yesterday !? " Arjun it was.

I spent the last night at the office. It's not new for me, my cabin leads to this room behind that has all basic necessities to spend the night and to refresh.

But it's the first time in the last 6 months.

" What's the time now? " I scrunched my eyes and sat upright, removing my coat that I had used as blanket.

" 11 am. Naira was asking for you, I lied to her saying it was a long work night and you were resting in my place. What's the matter dude? " Arjun pressed.

" I have an important meeting at 12. I need to take a shower and get ready. "

" The meeting can wait, Why did - "

I snapped at Arjun, " I said Not now!! "

Annoyed, He cursed under his breath and dashed out of my cabin.

" Tina get me a clean set of suit. " I ordered via the intercom.

-----

" Do I pay you guys to play around and waste my time !! "

I slammed my fist on the table making the people in the room shake in fear. My commanding voice laced with fury echoing in my cabin.

The company had lost a significant amount of stock holders in last 24 hours leading to a sharp decline in share market.

" One week, Fix this before I sue your asses! Leave now! " They rushed out shit scared.

Arjun just stood in the corner with crossed arms, watching the event unfold silently.

" Would you care to explain what's happening? "

I sighed, " I need coffee. "

Arjun pulled a chair and sat before me " Don't run away from the matter, talk it out. I have been observing you for a while and you are - "

" What do you want me to explain Arjun? How messed up I am, living in a constant fear of losing her or how that's costing my company cause I am distracted and negligent at work!! " I sounded pissed.

" I have been trying hard everyday for the past 2 weeks to be normal, at least act before her like nothing is wrong but I can't lie on her face anymore. "

" But you aren't lying. " Arjun said.

" I am not saying the truth either. And by doing that I am betraying her by keeping her in dark. " I rebuked.

" I didn't go home yesterday because I didn't want to!! I am done pretending, I am done faking it. " I yelled tossing a bunch of files across the floor.

Loosening my stupid tie, I thrashed my coat on the couch. Silence prevailed in the room. Knowing whatever he says will enter a deaf ear, Arjun chose to be quiet.

Only the sounds of my raging breathing and his sighs were heard.

" This is my fault. " Arjun furrowed his eyebrows at my sentence.

" I shouldn't have fallen in love. Nothing of this would have happen-" Arjun interrupted harshly.

" Will you stop your nonsense now!! Just because it hurts, you think love is a mistake! " He berated.

I spoke in a defeated tone," Never in my life I have been this vulnerable. It scares the crap out of me when she doesn't pick up my calls. I fear when I head back to a hushed house in the night. I'm scared all the time. I don't want to be like this."

My shoulders dropped in dejection.

" I don't know what to do. Staying away from her is difficult but Staying close is even harder, for every time I look into those eyes I feel guilty."

" Kartik I was drunk and I don't even remember how it happened, but I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

I should have told you before but I swear I didn't know it was Naira's parents until a week before.

I saw my son happy after so long! And she was the reason. How can I snatch my son's happiness? "

" I have been fighting a war inside me every since the truth was revealed. How can I choose one among my family. I know my Dad is responsible for the accident but it was a mistake. I can't let him down but Naira " I paused picturising her smiling face.

" The naive girl sheds happy tears for me, keeps me in her prayer, finds joy in my happiness. Everytime I have a long work night, She stays up late at night waiting for me, but ends up falling asleep in the couch. "a soft chuckle escaped my lips.

" How on earth can I find someone who will love me like my wife. " My eyes teared up just by taking her name.

" Kartik it was an accident. Don't beat yourself for that. " Arjun spoke soft.

We know the truth is ugly so we conceal it within four walls thinking we could hide it or move on leaving it behind.

But the truth doesn't change or fade away.

Yet we lie, why you may ask.

The answer is quite straightforward.

We lie because the truth hurts.

A lone tear escaped my eyes,

" I am not ready to lose her, Arjun. "

" I know. I know. " He pressed my shoulder gently.

I love you so much Naira, that it hurts .

------

NAIRA

" Done " I removed my apron and placed the hot pack on the table.

" It's 12, guess I'll change and head to his office. Kartik didn't come home yesterday, he must have skipped his breakfast too. God knows why my husband is like this, doesn't know the simple fact that skipping meals isn't good for health. " I spoke to myself.

After about 15 minutes I was good to go. As I crossed the living room my eyes fell on a file the manager gave yesterday evening. He said this file must be reviewed by Kartik, but he didn't come home last night.

" I'll take it to the office, What if it's something important. "

The contents within were disorderly arranged. A legal paper peeking out of the file caught my attention.

It was the same legal document Kartik gave me before when he asked me to marry him. The one that stated that after 6 months, If we wish to separate, Divorce will be granted without further delay.

" I didn't even realise It's been 6 months of our marriage. " I shook my head with a smile which didn't last long.

The document looked exactly like how it was before, except for one difference.

It contained his signature.

-----

As I walked into Oberoi company, I came across Tina at the reception, " Ma'am you here? Should I -"

" Where's your boss ? " I cut her sharp.

" In his cabin " I took the elevator and hurried to his room.

Pressing the cold knob of the door, I was about to push open but froze on my track.

" I didn't go home yesterday because I didn't want to!! I am done pretending, I am done faking it. "

I felt the land under me slipping away.

Suddenly the air around seemed to decrease, making me suffocate.

I rushed out of the building, my hands still clutching the divorce notice.

Maybe it's just a misunderstanding.

Once out on the open street, I walked across to the cafe. I settled down in our usual spot.

I should talk to him, we will be fine.

I thumped my chest gently with my fist as if it would ease my breathing.

A hand offered me a glass of water which I drank without a second thought.

" Thank you, I am- " I looked at the stranger aghast and confused.

" Long time Naira, isn't it ? " He muttered.

" Raghav ! "

************

I feel bad for Kartik

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