Dear readers,

You might think that being me was nothing but a big rollercoaster of laughter. However, that’s not true. It’s impossible to find a true friend, a date, or a family member who really understands me.

I’m Jaspreet ‘Sweetu’ Kapoor, one of the most-ignored characters from the movie, Kal Ho Naa Ho. You might remember me as Naina’s best friend or Frankie’s girlfriend, but I’m here to share my side of the narrative.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

I live in the heart of New York City with my elder sister, Jaswinder ‘Jazz’ Kapoor and my neighbour is my best friend, Naina, and her family.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Naina, whom I always considered a sister, consistently picked out the faults in me. It all started when I placed an order for some doughnuts, muffins and cappuccinos at a cafe, where my ‘best friend’ came and rolled her eyes at my order.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Next up, while walking, she handed me a letter that was wrongly delivered to her house. It was my blind date application – where people answer a few questions about themselves and then, they are fixed with their perfect match. I was just so excited and was waiting for this letter. However, I was, once again, body shamed.

“Paas se dekhne mein Aishwarya Rai ka ghar lagti ho.”

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Nevertheless, I invited my blind date over for a friendly chat and his name was Guru. I picked a saucy red-hued dress for my date and asked my elder sister to help because it was a little fitted. She, in return, called me a “double-decker bus”.

I, of course, felt bad. Is it wrong to expect my own family to stand beside me rather than body-shaming me?

Kal Ho Naa Ho

However, like an angel, Aman entered our lives. He made everyone smile, laugh and well, he never made me feel bad about myself, like most of the people in my life.

After a couple of weeks, Naina and I were commuting and I spotted a cute man there. While she, like always, ignored my feelings, Aman helped me to communicate with him and even set us up on a date! I never felt so confident and good.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Nonetheless, I felt really happy for Naina when she confessed her love for Aman because let’s face it, if anyone in the world could make her truly happy, it was him. 

Kal Ho Naa Ho

I never knew what heartache was until Frankie decided to break my heart by confessing that he was confused. He wanted to go to London to join the Bhangra group, Daler Chaddo, Sannu Dekho.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

After he left, he sent me a letter. I excitedly told this to my sister and Aman, who was present at our house. Even though I mentioned it more than three times, no one really cared about my letter from my long-distance boyfriend.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Even though the letter was not from him, I couldn’t be happier than when I saw him back at Naina and Rohit’s sangeet function.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

For the first time, I felt my heart breaking into several pieces when I saw Aman on his deathbed. It felt so wrong.

Kal Ho Naa Ho

I believe that I have been misunderstood during the entire movie. I’m a fun woman, who likes to explore and meet new people, through blind dates. I love eating scrumptious meals and don’t care about my weight I don’t care about how the world – including my best friend and family – sees me. I love and embrace myself, just the way I am!

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Thank you for being here. Lots of love,

Sweetu.

Please note that all images are from the movie.