FICTION — SHORT STORY
A Walk with My Best Friend
It is raining here. I’m out of my classroom, standing at the door, watching the rain. Suddenly, I realize I have an umbrella. I take it out and start walking, observing people around me. Some walk with friends, sharing a single umbrella, while others walk without one or cover their heads with bags. Funny incidents unfold before me, and I feel lucky to witness and enjoy them.
As I enter my hostel gate, a furry snow-white dog in a sleepy mood looks at me with cute little eyes. Another dog sleeps with her newborn babies silently. Then, a voice speaks to me, “How have you been, Reshma? It’s been a long time.”
“Yes, of course. It’s been quite a while since I spoke with you.”
Me: I have this feeling, which is making me feel so different! “Does love really exist? What’s your reply?”
Similarly, when you see a person, get attracted to them, and start loving them – a love at first sight – variations of love arise. In the first case, it takes time to love them, and in the second case, it's a single moment; the character never changes, only time changes. Also, if you already love someone and find another person attractive, is that the person’s fault? So many questions arise in me; what can I do?
Voice: “Just leave it, my friend. There are lots of other things for you to think about.”
Me: Yeah, I can let it go, but it always pops into my mind. Also, does friendship between two opposite genders really exist, or is it just infatuation?
Voice: It’s all about your feelings at that moment. You may speak to me right now, but someday you aren’t in the mood to talk to me. It depends, Reshma.
Looking beautiful matters? If you’re married, won’t you be attracted to anyone else? What is love, and what is friendship? Are both the same? Can people who are in a romantic relationship change into being just friends, and can people who are friends develop romantic feelings for each other? Why do you think this happens?
Voice: “It’s complicated, dude. It's all about your perception. Why does that question make you feel different?”
Me: “No, dude. If you see someone who looks attractive and has a good character, and you see that person everywhere every day, and you start loving them...”
"I became too invasive."
Suddenly, I realize I’ve reached my room. Our conversation ends here, between me and myself. But the questions inside me never end. Try talking with yourself; you’ll know your other version.
Thanks for reading
But keep thinking …
Bye
Reshma!!😎😎
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