"It's beautiful"
I said as I looked at the painting.
"Would you buy it, Mam?"
The man standing beside the painting asked.
"Um no. Just appreciating the art"
I replied.
"Care to appreciate the artist too?"
I heard a voice coming from behind. The man came and stood beside me.
"Would love to."
I replied and walked away. And while walking I saw a glimpse of him smiling.
I walked out of the gallery and started walking towards my home. I live in a very small town. There are hardly any people I don't know. I shifted here last summer. My life is pretty simple.
I walk through the market a get some veggies for dinner. I came home to find the same painting in my drawing room. One of the Maid said someone dropped it off.
I look through the painting and found a letter.
To the one who appreciated this artist and his art
From,
Ish
I took and hung the painting in my reading room.
-----------
I entered the bakery and stood in the queue.
As my number came, I ordered a blueberry muffin. That's when I realized that I forget my wallet.
"I forget my wallet. Just keep that muffin aside I'll just bring the cash."
I said as I stood aside from the line.
"Don't worry. It's on me"
The guy after me said.
"No, you don't have to."
I spoke.
"I insist"
He said with a smile.
"Okay, then I'll have a coffee too."
I ordered.
"Same for me. Bill on Ishan"
He ordered.
We both sat in the booth by the window. The view outside was normal, people walking, children going to school. Old ladies talking and gossiping. I saw the man, he was smiling and looking at me.
"Why are you smiling?"
I asked.
"I'm shocked. Like, you are having coffee with a stranger."
He replied.
"I like to believe in people."
I spoke.
"What if I was a serial killer?"
He asked.
"I know you are not, Mr. Ish"
I said with a smirk.
He was shocked. And asked,
"How do you know-"
"Know that you are the artist who sends me the painting?"
I interrupted him.
He nodded.
"I Remembered your smile when I walked away from the gallery. And your name is Ishan. The gut who sends me the painting, his name was Ish"
I explained.
"Beauty with brains"
He complimented me.
I smiled and asked,
"So why the change from Ishan to Mr. Ish?"
"Long story short my name is Ishan Kishan no family support, no money. Just talent and passion for art"
He spoke.
"Don't worry you have the talent. You just need that inspiration. "
I told him.
"Yes, searching for her. Searching for inspiration"
He said.
"So, blueberry muffin? I love it too."
He continued.
