For us ✔️

Familiar Strangers

Rukmini sat down, her heart racing as the man, who had been facing away from her, slowly turned around. The sight of his face left her breathless. It was Raman, or at least a man who looked uncannily like him. Memories of their past together came flooding back, overwhelming her with a mix of longing and confusion. She desperately wanted to reach out, to reconnect with the love she had lost, yet a hesitation rooted in uncertainty held her back. She didn't know if he remembered their shared past, or if he was even aware of it at all.

Before she could gather her thoughts, the man spoke, his voice instantly recognizable. "Miss, how may I help you?" His tone was polite, but it was the voice itself that sent a jolt through her—a voice she had known intimately in another life. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words refused to come. She was caught between the shock of seeing him again and the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

At that moment, Shruti arrived, her eyes immediately darting between Rukmini and the man. She saw the look on her friend's face and instantly understood what was happening. Without missing a beat, she stepped in to ease the tension. "Ah! Actually, I'm her best friend," Shruti began, her tone light and conversational, "We were curious about how you came up with the ideas for those paintings?"

The man smiled, seemingly relieved by the shift in focus. "Sure, I'd be happy to share that with you. Please, take a seat first." Shruti sat down beside Rukmini, who was still trying to compose herself.

He began to speak, his voice calm and thoughtful. "I get these... illusions in my dreams. The images are so vivid, so detailed, as if they're memories rather than dreams. These paintings, they feel incredibly close to me, like they're part of my own life story. Yet, I don't understand the purpose behind them. Do you happen to know anything about this? If so, could you please elaborate?"

As he spoke, Rukmini couldn't help but notice the similarities between him and Raman, not just in appearance but in his demeanor as well. It was as if the essence of Raman had somehow been reborn in this man, Kaishik Sanyal. The same gentle yet intense presence, the same inquisitiveness that had always drawn her to him.

Finally, Rukmini found the courage to ask the question that had been burning in her mind. "What is your name?" Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.

"Kaishik Sanyal," he replied, meeting her gaze.

Hearing his name confirmed what her heart already knew—this was Raman, or at least a part of him, standing before her. Yet, she was torn between the urge to reveal everything and the fear that it might be too much for him to comprehend. In this moment of uncertainty, all she could do was sit there, silently hoping that fate would guide them both to the answers they sought.

To be continued.................................