Unknown To Known

talk that talk

At night.

Aditi, as usual, decided to check her social medias before going to bed. She opened her instagram and started chatting with her friends. She started scrolling through the inbox to check for any other messages. She noticed a text from a familiar account.

As Aditi's eyes landed on the chat, her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Ishan to reach out. It left her momentarily paralyzed. Her initial instincts was to ignore his message, as she was unsure how to respond.  But as she read the simple, casual words - what r u up 2? – something shifted. The informality put her at relief and anticipation built as she wondered what he wanted to talk about, whether he was just inviting her for another game or something else.

Aditi's fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitating for a moment before deciding to take a plunge. With a deep breath, she began typing.

—
Ishan's phone lit up with Aditi's response:

Aditi Hundia
Hey..nothing just unwinding after dinner, you?

Ishan Kishan
I am relaxing after practice. Long day but worth it. Dravid sir has been pushing us hard.

Aditi Hundia
Sounds intense. So any new strategies for free fire?

Ishan Kishan
Still not over that session, right? Let's play some other day. Yes, I have got some new strategies.

Aditi Hundia
Yes! It's actually better to have someone to play with. Glad to know about that.

Ishan read Aditi's message but he wasn't replying to her. She thought he might have dozed off or he didn't have anything to talk about, it's obvious as it's been a while since they connected in the game of free fire.

Aditi then typed a quick: good night. Nice talking to you again!

She sent it to him and it delivered, indicating he was active. Ishan had actually gone outside as his teammates called him but he forgot to inform Aditi, as he was in a hurry.

Receiving no reply, Aditi turned off her phone. The small and casual conversation still lingering in her mind. "I hope we can get to know each other more, he has got a great sense of humour and communication skills." Aditi thought.

Ishan rushed to him room and grabbed his phone, greeted by a good night text from Aditi.

He smiled and quickly typed: good night. 🥱 Nice to talk again too.

As he sent it, Ishan felt contented and excited. It was strange for him as well, as he has never connected with someone like this before. But whatever was going on, he felt no rush and seemed to be enjoying the moment. "She is easy to talk to." He said to himself and his gaze shifted from his phone to the window of his room. He stared at the night sky, the moon glowing softly and stars twinkling like diamonds. The air calm him down and soothed his thoughts.

Ishan's trance was interrupted by his phone ringing. He smiled, seeing his parents' name on the screen.

"Hello mumma papa." Ishan answered, enthusiasm and excitement evident.

"Beta, how are you?" His mother's voice held warmth.

"I'm good. Bas relax kar rahe the practice ke baad."

"Miss kar rahe hai." His father added, a hint of longing in his voice.

Ishan's emotions shifted. "I miss you all too. But hum aayenge na jaldi."

"We are proud of you. Beta, we were just talking about your U-19 match, how you led India to the finals and finished as runner up."

"Yeah! Working hard. Dravid sir is helpful."

"Accha..khana khaya?" His father asked.

He paused, making up a sentence in his mind. He only had some crisps and a soft drink upon his return from the practice.

"Hello..? Beta?" His mother called out.

"Uh, ha ha bolo," Ishan replied. "Kha liya."

"Kidhar khaya?" His father asked, curiosity in his voice.

"Uh woh ek senior the saamne unhone banaya toh wahi kha liye bas." Ishan lied.

"Accha. Chalo paet bhar kha liye bas." His mother said.

"Ha mumma." Ishan replied with a hint of guilt in his voice.

Their conversation flowed, filled with love and family banters. Ishan's parents' voice filled him with love and gratitude. As they wrapped up, Ishan felt reassured. Parents always know how to calm down their children!

As he settled back into his bed comfortably, Ishan's eyelids grew heavy. Switching off his phone, he drifted to sleep as the night enveloped him.

—
1:00 am.

Aditi tossed and turned, her mind was consumed by the allure of the modelling world. Sleep evaded her, replaced by the vision of catwalks, camera flashes and perfectly posed shots. She envisioned herself walking into the ramp, confidence radiating from every step and her beauty illuminating the room. 

Modelling wasn't just a hobby, it was her passion. Every photoshoot was a chance to tell a story, to convey emotions and to capture the essence of beauty. Aditi longed to work with visionary photographers, stylistic designers and innovative brands.

Her dream was to participate in various beauty pageants, win them and walk the popular fashion shows' runway. She imagined the intoxicating smell of perfume, soft glow of lights and the energy of the audience. Aditi's heart pounded at the thought of being among the world's top models.

In the tranquility of the night, Aditi was willing to work hard and perfect her craft. Her resolve strengthened, as she knew the journey would be challenging but her passion and determination would propel her forward.