Just Friends

CHAPTER 59

"She was my mother," Harshad's grip on Kiara tightened. His eyes were shut in pain as he was holding his tears back. "15 years back, she died in a terrorist attack on this day." Kiara jerked back at the numerous name engraved on the bottom portion of the monument. Everything fit into a puzzle. The surrounding crowd was adoring their loved one's name, tears filled in their eyes.

Kiara's eyes darted back to Harshad, who was attempting hard to handle himself. "Harshad..." she reached to his upper arm. "Are you... I am... I am... so sorry... I wasn't aware... I am..." Harshad opened his eyes to find Kiara struggling to manage words out.

He pressed a smile at her. "You don't need to console me," he blinked at her in assurance. "I was aware that I won't be able to face it. Dad had commented that I don't force myself, but I wanted you to meet her. You would have loved her," Harshad shook his head, his eyes darting back to the name. "I miss her, Kiara. At every second of my life. I keep thinking if she was right beside me at this very moment, life would have been so wonderful."

"She hadn't left you, Harshad. She was always there with you. She is here at the moment. You need to feel her presence," Kiara grabbed his hand and dragged him toward a vacant corner. "Just seat here," she pointed at the vacant bench.

"But..." Harshad was going to oppose. Though he had decided to visit the park as he entered the park his mind would constantly flash those dreadful memories in his mind. He used to accompany her to the park. That was their routine, spending an evening in nature. His mother was very fond of trees, flowers, and children.

Kiara sat and soon Harshad followed her. Listening to her words, maybe he was in need of unbottling his feelings. He was vocal with his dad on every aspect of his life but he could never voice out those painful memories to him. Harshad was aware that senior Mathur loved his wife more than Harshad loved his mother.

Harshad stared at the park with a smile on his face as beautiful memories related to it filled his sense. Harshad grabbed her hand in his as a source of support. "Mom loved this place. We often came here for a walk. Mom used to name each tree, every time we visited. And I used to forget the name the next day," he chuckled. "Maybe because I never paid attention to her or maybe I thought she will be always there to help me to recollect those names. I was more interested in running around than listening to her yet she used to always repeat those names." He had a peaceful smile, the one he always had when he was talking about his mother.

"I wish I could meet her," Kiara whispered having a sense of sadness. "The way you describe her. I wish I was fortunate enough to meet such a wonderful soul." Kiara had understood his mother was his heart. She was of great value to him. Though he hadn't directly mentioned it to her.

Kiara's words brought Harshad out of the trace and he spare a glance at her. "She would've loved to meet you." He pressed a smile. "She would've been proud of my choice." He winked while Kiara shook her head. Harshad slowly wrapped his arms around Kiara's shoulder, pulling her close. "I had never must-up courage to visit this park after that devasted night. As a daily routine, she visited the park but I wasn't accompanying her. I had gone to my friend's place for a night out. Only if I was with her," he choked. Kiara raised her head to glance at his face.

Kiara's heart ached at his grim face. She had never seen him so devasted, broken. She felt the urge to wrap an arm around him and protect him from the pain of the world. A desire to supply happiness to the broken spirit. "You can't blame yourself. You wouldn't have been of any help to her."

"At least I didn't have to spend years in her absence." He muttered; Kiara's heart ached at the thought of anything happening to him on that dreadful night.