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I know I can never but
Still I want to
Fill that void
So that I can see you happy again
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It's easier said than done. Well it indeed is. Atleast for Kartik who has never thought that he would give someone else his mother's place. But then he never knew that he would get Naira as his friend,his companion who would show him every situation in a new light. Who would make everything easier for him. Who would make him believe that no one can Take anyone's place.

So now,they both were sitting opposite to Sameer, Kartik's father who couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear seeing his son with a Lovely girl.

While Naira has no clue. Why is she called here to have dinner with them. With his father and what does his father want to tell her?

"Yeah.. so first we should have this utterly delicious dinner made by none other than but me. Then I will tell you Naira beta. Why you are called here. Till then don't give stress to your brain." Sameer, Kartik's father asked her chuckling. While she chuckled too. That made the atmosphere light. And soon they had dinner answering general questions about their studies.

After dinner, he started." Well I wanted to ask you something. Can I?" He asked sincerely.

"No need to ask this uncle. You can ask me whatever you want." She answered smiling lightly.

He smiled. "So beta,what did you do to Kartik?"

"What?" She asked bewildered.

"Yes. He came few days ago and told me that I can have my companion. I can marry her and he doesn't have any problem. And the Kartik I know was never like this. So could you please tell me what did you do to my Kartik." He asked chuckling.

"Dad!" Kartik whined.

"What,I am right." He replied and then turned serious. "Naira beta,I don't know how to thank you. But I will say one thing that I am happy that my son got you. I know all this is happening because of you." He was cut off by Naira.

"No uncle. I didn't" Sameer cut off her.

"No beta, it's you who did. No doubt. Because of you. We both are again close. You are the one who bridged the gap between us. And I  really can't thank you enough. Thank you beta!" He told her sincerely.

"It's nothing uncle. Don't thank me. I am glad that you both have solved your differences. It's you both who did this. You both were willing to mend the gap and see you did." She answered smiling.

While both Sameer and Kartik adored her. She was indeed a gem. And they were determined to treat her like one.

"May god bless you beta!" He wished smiling.

"Thank you uncle." She smiled softly.

"Ok,I have one announcement to make." He said.

"What Is it?" She asked expectantly.

"Um..we have got tomorrow's date for marriage. Court marriage. Is that fine with you. Kartik,I have asked you earlier. I am asking again. If you have any problem beta then it's not necessary. If you don't want her to be my wife. I won't give her that place. Answer wisely beta. Because then there is no turning back." He asked him seriously. Kartik looked at the far end thinking deeply when he felt a softness engulfing his hand. He turned to see her holding his hand, pressing it lightly and blinking her eyes In assurance.

He entangled their fingers and smiled."y..yes dad. It's fine. If you are happy with it then I don't have any problem."

"I never got to know when my son became so mature." He said standing up and engulfing him in a tight hug.

"No one will take your mother's place beta. I won't let anyone take it. Just remember that. It's not easy for me as well. But we should try to move on. Right?" He whispered.

Kartik nodded in hug and reciprocated his hug too. After sometime they broke the hug.

"Will meet you tomorrow Naira beta" Sameer said and patted her cheek lovingly. And naira smiled heartily. She always gets fatherly vibes from him and sometimes that makes her feel that her father is with her. Near her.

He went and she stood up.

" That means,I have to come to court for uncle's wedding?" She asked Kartik after Sameer went in his room.

"Obviously,you are invited and so did Ayesha and Varun." He said smiling lightly.

Naira hugged him tightly. "I am so happy Kartik that you made the right decision. I know it's not easy to do this. But you are strong. And whenever you feel like sharing something. I am always there for you. Always." She said hugging her. He engulfed her too and let her scent,her fragrance calm him down. Calm down the chaos. The chaos between his heart and mind.

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Naira was sitting with him in his room. She was about to go back to her apartment as it was night but Kartik wanted her to stay.

And she didn't argue because she knew that he needed her.

It's hard for him and she won't leave him in his hard time.

There was a comfortable silence between them. Both were lost in their thoughts. Just then Kartik spoke.

"Does mom see me Naira? See me like this, missing her?" He asked. He knew he was asking stupid question. But his heart wanted that. Wanted the answer. Wanted to know that his mother's there with him. If not physically but spiritually.

"Yes. She sees you. She is always with you Kartik. Near you. With you. " She said caressing his face. Looking at him lovingly.

"Where?" He asked desperately.

"In your heart." She answered smiling softly.

"She is in your heart. She is in your memories. She is, Kartik. wherever you want. She is there." She said caressing his hair.

"Here" he said pointing to his heart.

"Yes there!" She answered. His eyes were moist. And so were hers. He placed his hand on his heart. And whispered. "I love you Maa."

Tears rolled down his cheeks. And she engulfed him in hug. Comforting him. Calming him. Trying to fill the void of his mother even knowing that she can't. "She loves you too." She whispered. "And she is with you. Everywhere." She whispered again and broke the hug.

Kissing his forehead. She whispered."Kartik, go to sleep."

"I don't want to" he answered looking in her eyes

"Why?" She asked.

"Can I talk to you about her? Pls." He said smiling widely.

"Yes. sure.. I would love to listen about her." She smiled too.

And then he narrated his childhood incidents with her. Of his mother. How his mother used to love him,scold him and teach him while she Listened them with enthusiasm and happiness.

They talked. They cried. They laughed. And tried to fill the void in their hearts by each other's presence.

And soon they were seeped into a temporary darkness when the blanket adorned with stars engulfed them.

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So here is the next update guys.
Do tell me your views about it!
Thank you for all the love
Bhumi♥️