Chapter 13: Mending The Rift

Later,

in the evening,

At the track area:

(Most of the crowd had left, leaving the circuit quieter, with only a handful of staff cleaning up the stands.

Near the pit area, Kiara stood casually, leaning on her motorcycle, the silver medal still hanging around her neck. Her fingers absentmindedly traced the engraved details.

Naina stood beside her, smiling softly as Kiara recounted the highlights of the race to Aryan and Niyati.

Bhoomika chimed in occasionally, her laughter brightening the mellow evening. The group had fallen into easy banter, their voices punctuated by warm laughter.)

Kiara: (lets out a small sigh) aaj thoda aur push kar leti toh shayad first hota.

Purab: (steps forward, his hand resting on her shoulder) Second place aaj ka result hai, lekin tumhara effort first class tha. tumhe pata hai, tumne us lead rider ko kitna pressure diya?? Do you know who he was?

Kiara: Shaurya Oberoi!!!

Purab: haan... he is a 2-time national champion!!! And you lost by just a few milliseconds!!!!

Aryan: Exactly!!!! It's not just about winning, Kiara. Aaj tumne un sabko yaad dila diya ki Toofani ka matlab kya hai!!!!

Kiaan: (grins) Social media pe abhi se, tumhaare highlight videos ban rahe hain, sis. You're a star!!!

Kiara: (smiles at everyone, her initial disappointment fading) Thank you, guys. Agli race mein first place zaroor leke aaungi.

Purab: yes... uske liye aur mehnat karenge.... (he realizes something) arrey yaar!!!! Tumhaara gift toh main car mein hi bhool gaya!!!!

Kiara: gift?

Purab: I got a gift for you.... mujhe bharosa tha tum pe... ki tum aaj koi medal zaroor leke aaogi. (gestures towards the exit) Ruko... main lekar aata hoon!!!!

(The group smiled, the mood light and cheerful again as Purab disappeared through the door, his own smile lingering as he made his way to the car.)

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Cut to:

Outside the building:

In the parking lot:

(The parking lot was quiet most of the people had left. Only a few cars remained.

Purab walked briskly toward his car. As he approached, he noticed a familiar figure leaning against a car parked a few spots away.

When he walked a little further, he realized that it was Vikram.)

(Vikram straightened immediately upon spotting Purab, his posture stiff. Purab slowed his pace, curious but guarded.

Before Purab could say anything, Vikram spoke hastily.)

Vikram: don't worry.... Main yahaan Naina se milne nahi aaya hoon. I am just here to pick up Kiaan and Kiara.

(Purab raised a brow, his hands slipping into his pockets.

Purab: Toh andar chaliye. Sab wahaan hain. Kiara got the silver medal, hum bas thoda celebrate kar rahe hain... Aryan and Niyati are also here... so...

Vikram: (shakes his head, his gaze dropping to the ground) Nahi Purab, not required. Main yahaan theek hoon.

Purab: (takes a deep breath, stepping closer) Nahi, I insist... (speaks firmly) Please come inside.

(Vikram hesitated, glancing toward the entrance. But before he could reply, Purab cleared his throat and added softly.)

Purab: maine jo uss din,  café mein kaha, uske liye maafi maangna chahata hoon. (Vikram looks surprised) Mujhe woh sab nahi kehna chahiye tha. Yeh Naina ki life hai, aur mera itna interfere karna galat tha. main toh bas-

Vikram: (interrupts with a gentle tone) Concerned thay. Purab, tum interfere nahi kar rahe thay.... You were being a good friend.

Purab: (looks away, guilt flickering across his face) Phir bhi... jo maine kaha, woh sahi tareeka nahi tha. (He hesitates for a moment before adding) Waise mujhe, uss din ke liye bhi apologize karna hai.

Vikram: (confused) kaunsa din?

Purab: Uss din jab aap Kiara ko yahaan, Practice session ke liye chhodne aaye thay.... You probably wanted to watch her practice.... And maine aapko wahaan se jaane ke liye bol diya!!!! I felt really bad after that!!!! Aap sirf Naina ke ex-husband hi nahi, Kiara ke father bhi hain.... I should've respected that!!!!

(He folded his hands in a gesture of apology.)

Purab: Main uss din ke liye bhi maafi maangta hoon!!!!

(Vikram's eyes widened slightly, and he quickly reached out to lower Purab's hands.)

Vikram: are you crazy? Kya kar rahe ho!!!!

Purab: Mujhe uss din kam se kam iss baat ki toh izzat karni chahiye thi, ki aap Kiara ke father ho... and you just wanted to see your daughter practice.

(Vikram shook his head firmly, grabbing Purab's hands to stop him.)

Vikram: Nahi Purab, you have never disrespected me!!!! Tum uss din, bahut polite thay. Agar koi meri behen ya beti ke saath itna kuch karta, jo maine Naina ke saath kiya tha, toh maine toh uska muh hi tod dena tha!!!!

(Purab blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness of Vikram's statement.

For a moment, there was silence between them, and then both men let out a soft, reluctant chuckle, easing the tension.)

Purab: (speaks with a lighter tone) Bas, yeh guilt ka exchange ab band karte hain. Aur please andar chaliye. Kiara aapko wahaan dekh kar bahut khush hogi.

Vikram: (hesitates but then gave a small nod) Theek hai. let's go!!!

(As they walked back toward the circuit together, the weight of past misunderstandings felt a little lighter.)

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Cut to:

Back at the racing circuit:

(As the group chatted, Niyati walked over to Kiara, who was still leaning against her motorcycle, adjusting her gloves absentmindedly. Niyati smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.)

Niyati: Kiara, Kal shaam 5:30 ko Connaught Place waale store pe aa jaana. We'll do a proper skin test and facial analysis for you

Kiara: (raises an eyebrow, a little unsure) Skin test? Facial analysis?

Niyati: (nods enthusiastically) Haan! Uss se tumhe yeh idea milega ki tumhaari skin ko kaunse products ki zaroorat hai aur kya tum par suit karega.... Trust me, it's important for you... you are constantly exposed to the sun and dust during races.

Kiara: (hesitates for a second but then gave a small smile) Theek hai, chachi. I'll be there.

Niyati: (pats her arm lightly) Good girl. Bas ek baar shuru karo, you'll see the difference.

Kiara: (laughs) thank you chachi... I just hope that I follow the skin care routine as regularly as I do my other stuff.

(Just as Niyati was about to reply, the sound of footsteps approaching made everyone glance toward the entrance.

The laughter and chatter came to an abrupt halt when they saw Purab walking in, followed closely by Vikram.)

(As Purab and Vikram entered the pit area together, the sight caught everyone off guard.

Naina straightened immediately, her eyes widening in shock. She hadn't expected to see Purab walking in with Vikram. Her mind reeled with questions, but she kept her expression guarded.

Kiaan looked around and saw some confused and shocked faces. Even he didn't understand what had happened.

Purab, aware of the sudden change, cleared his throat and gestured toward Vikram.)

Purab: Dr. Vikram was waiting in the parking lot by his car. Toh main inhe andar le aaya. Kiara ke medal jeetne ki khushi mein, yeh bhi toh shaamil ho.

(Vikram, sensing the awkward stares, raised his hands slightly in an attempt to ease the tension.)

Vikram: hi.... main toh Bas Kiara aur Kiaan ko pick karne aaya tha, lekin Purab insisted ki main andar aaun.

(Bhoomika and Niyati exchanged a glance, their smiles small but knowing.

Aryan gave Purab a subtle smile of approval, his respect for his friend clear in the gesture. He gave him the 'thumbs up' sign.

Kiara, however, wasn't handling the moment well. Her nerves were fraying, her hands fidgeting restlessly with the handlebar of her motorcycle.

The weight of the situation-her father's unexpected presence, the unspoken tension-pressed down on her. As she tightened her grip on the handlebar, her thumb inadvertently hit the gear shift.

The motorcycle jerked forward without warning. Kiara gasped, her eyes widening in horror.

Before she could react, the bike veered into Naina from the side with a sickening thud.)

Naina: (cries out sharply) AAAAAhhh!!!

(She stumbled back as the impact sent pain shooting through her shoulder.

Her hand instinctively went to her arm, but her face contorted in agony.

The group froze for a split second before springing into action.)

Kiara: Mumma!!!

(Kiara's panicked voice broke the silence as she rushed toward her mother. Aryan and Purab darted forward, reaching Naina first.)

Purab: Nunu, don't move!!! (he crouches beside her) Let me check.

(Purab placed a steadying hand on her good arm, his face etched with concern.

Naina winced, her free hand gripping the railing for support. She quickly waved them off.)

Naina: I'm fine! It's nothing, really.

Purab: you are in severe pain, Nunu!!!!

Naina: (managed through gritted teeth, her voice taut with pain) Mera shoulder... lagta hai dislocate ho gaya.... Hato yahaan se... I have to do something!!!!

Purab: ek baar Dr. Vikram ko dekhne do!!!!

Naina: (she snaps) I'm fine!!! I can take care of it!!!!

(Kiara's face was pale, her hands trembling as she stared at her mother in panic.)

Kiara: (in tears) Mumma, I didn't mean to! Main toh bas... I don't know what happened... I am so sorry!!!!

Naina: (softens at her daughter's distress, despite the pain) Kiara, don't blame yourself!!! yeh bas ek accident tha!!!!

Vikram: (slowly approaching her) I know... but we have to move fast, Naina!!! We need to get your shoulder reset immediately.... Come, main uthne mein madad karta hoon. we'll help you walk till the car.

Naina: can you call just leave me alone for 2 minutes???

(Kiaan rushed over with a bottle of water, placing a calming hand on Naina's back.)

Kiaan: haan.... Pehle yeh lo, paani pee lo.... aur thoda relax karo, Mumma.

(He hands the water to Naina and tries to lighten the heavy atmosphere.)

Kiaan: Kiru, I think your bike just wanted to remind everyone to maintain social distancing.

(The attempt at humor drew a weak chuckle from Kiara, though guilt lingered in her eyes when she saw her mother grip her arm and wince in pain.)

Vikram: Naina.... please let's go.

Naina: (holds up her hand, stopping him) Mujhe kisi ki zaroorat nahi hai, she said firmly. Main sambhal lungi.

(Vikram hesitated, glancing around at the others. They all just watched silently, unsure of what to do.

Without another word, Naina tied to get into the standing position, positioning herself with deliberate precision.

Her breathing was shallow, the pain evident, but her hands were steady.)

Naina: Mujhe pata hai kya karna hai.... so all of you, just relax!!!!

(She placed her good hand on her injured arm, just above the elbow, and slowly leaned forward, allowing her arm to dangle freely at her side.

She took a deep breath to relax the muscles around her shoulder joint.)

Aryan: (stepping forward instinctively) Nunu, let someone help-

Naina: (cutting him off sharply) Aryan, mujhe pata hai kya kar rahi hoon. Just give me a minute!!!

(Tilting her head slightly to the opposite side to stretch the shoulder further,

Naina used her other hand to apply gentle traction to her arm, pulling it downward.)

Bhoomika: (whispering to Niyati, unable to look away) Woh khud kar rahi hai??!! This is... unbelievable!!!!

(After a few seconds, she began rotating her arm outward in small, controlled circles.

The pain made her wince, but she gritted her teeth and continued.)

Kiaan: (his voice rising slightly) Mumma, bas karo please!!! Yeh sab aapko, zaroorat se zyada pain de raha hai.

Naina: (glancing at him briefly, her tone soft but determined) Bas ho gaya, beta. Thodi der aur. Trust me.

(With a quick upward motion and a slight inward rotation, Naina guided the humeral head back into the shoulder socket.

There was a faint, audible pop as the joint slid back into place.

Naina exhaled sharply, the tension in her body easing slightly.

She leaned back, resting her hand against her lap to keep the shoulder stable.

The entire group stared at her, stunned into silence.)

Naina: Ho gaya!!!!

(she spoke very casually, rolling her shoulder slightly to test the mobility.

Her face was still pale, and the pain hadn't completely subsided, but her expression carried a quiet confidence.)

Kiara: (her tone laced with both shock and admiration) Mumma... aapne khud ka shoulder reset kar diya?

Naina: (offers a faint smile) Haan, maari dikri!!! Maine bahut baar apna shoulder theek kiya hai!!! Aise chhoti-moti injuries ko, mujhe handle karna aata hai. and frankly speaking, Yeh racing aur training ka ek hissa hona bhi chahiye.

Purab: (making a mental note) chalo... another chapter added for the students.... Injuries on the track!!!!

Aryan: (lets out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief) Nunu.... tum sach mein kamaal ho yaar!!!!

Vikram: (still looking concerned) Lekin Naina, itni injury ke baad tumhe rest karna chahiye. Shoulder par zyada strain mat lena. I would suggest ki ek baar kisi orthopedic ya phir physiotherapist se consult kar lo.

Naina: chali jaaungi.... lekin abhi zaroorat nahi hai. I am fine!!!! (she turns towards Kiara) and next time, Kiara, don't use your mumma as a crash barrier.

(Naina grinned making everyone chuckle. They all began to ease up, admiration and relief replacing their earlier worry.)

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(As the group slowly began to settle down, Aryan quietly pulled Purab aside, away from the others. He crossed his arms and watched Naina from a distance, as she calmly reassured Kiara.)

Aryan: (turning to Purab) did you understand the meaning of this??? (his tone is firm but laced with warmth) Nunu ko kisi ki zaroorat nahi hai. woh apne aap ko sambhal sakti hai ab.

Purab: you are right.... Woh dheere- dheere apni sherni waali Nunu bante jaa rahi hai!!!

Aryan: (placed a hand on Purab's shoulder, squeezing it gently) Exactly. Toh ab tension lena mat!!!

(As they rejoined the group, Purab's demeanor had lightened.

For the first time in a while, he wasn't just the overprotective friend.

He saw Naina not as someone who needed saving but as someone who had already saved herself.)

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Author’s Note:

Wow!!! Pogo and Nunu are back together! And today’s chapter proved something even bigger—Naina is getting stronger. She’s no longer the girl who silently endured everything. Who needed help for even the smallest things. She can very well manage things on her own!!

What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I LOVE reading them!

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