The Last voice note :Love's Goodbye

Unexpected meeting

I still remember that day vividly. The weather was perfect—drizzling softly, with a gentle breeze that carried the fresh scent of rain. I was sitting at the metro station, waiting for my train to take me home after another uneventful day at college. My nose was buried deep in a book, my constant escape from the mundanity of life.

That session had just begun, and with it, a flood of new admissions. Students chatting excitedly filled the air, their laughter mingling with the sound of raindrops tapping on the station roof. I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider, the shy, boring boy who preferred the company of fictional characters to real people.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I could see the silhouettes of new students rushing past me, their energy a stark contrast to my own. I wished I could be like them—carefree and full of life. But all I could manage was to turn the pages of my book, pretending to be engrossed, while secretly eavesdropping on their conversations.

The rain intensified, turning into a downpour. I glanced at the metro schedule board, willing the train to arrive faster. My mind drifted to the possibility of new friends, new experiences. Maybe this session would be different. Maybe today would be the day my life changed.

Just then, the sound of laughter caught my attention, and I looked up. A girl with an infectious smile rushed into the station, shaking off the rain like a puppy. Little did I know, this moment would mark the beginning of something unexpected.




Suddenly, the girl from earlier came running into the station, completely drenched from the downpour. Her hair clung to her face, and her clothes were soaked through, but she didn’t seem to care. She was laughing, a sound so carefree that it drew my attention away from my book.

“Wait! Stop!” she shouted, her voice echoing as she sprinted toward the platform. But just as she reached the edge, the metro doors slid shut with a final beep, leaving her standing there in disbelief.

“No, no, no!” she exclaimed, her expression shifting from exhilaration to frustration. I couldn’t help but watch as she stomped her foot in annoyance, water splashing around her.

For a moment, we locked eyes, and I felt an unexpected jolt of connection. There she was, a whirlwind of energy, completely contrasting my quiet demeanor.

As the train pulled away, she sighed dramatically, running a hand through her wet hair. I sat there, curious about what would happen next, not yet aware that this moment would change everything.




“Great, just great,” she muttered, shaking her head as if to rid herself of the rain. “That was my ride home!”

I hesitated before speaking. “You could always wait for the next one,” I suggested, trying to sound supportive.

She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And miss my chance to get out of this rain? No way! I’m Oisha, by the way.”

“Vasu,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Nice to meet you, Vasu. Are you always this quiet, or is it just the rain?” she teased, grinning.

I felt my cheeks flush as I replied, “It’s just the rain.”

As Oisha stood there, looking around the platform, she turned back to me with an inquisitive look. “So, Vasu, how do I get home now? I’m new to the city, and I’ve already lost my way. Any tips for a drenched, clueless girl?”

I chuckled despite myself. “Well, the next train should be here in about ten minutes. You can wait with me if you want.”

She plopped down on the bench beside me, droplets of water spraying in all directions. “Sounds like a plan. So, what’s your story, Vasu? Why are you sitting here alone, looking like you’ve just read the saddest book in the world?”

I shifted uncomfortably, not used to such direct questions. “I’m just... not much of a social person, I guess. I prefer my books to people.”

“Ah, a classic introvert,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “But everyone needs a bit of fun in their life, right? What’s the last fun thing you did?”

I thought for a moment. “I... read a really good book last weekend.”

She laughed, a sound so light and full of joy it seemed to brighten the gloomy station. “Okay, I’ll give you that one. But we need to work on your definition of fun, Vasu.”

I felt a smile tugging at my lips. “And what about you, Oisha? What’s the last fun thing you did?”

“Hmm,” she said, tapping her chin in mock contemplation. “Well, I just ran through a downpour to catch a train, and despite missing it, I’d say it was pretty exhilarating.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her infectious enthusiasm. “You’re definitely something else.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, winking at me. “So, where are you headed?”

“Home,” I replied. “I have a long commute, so I usually just read to pass the time.”

She nodded. “Sounds like you need a bit more excitement in your life. Maybe I can help with that.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

“By making you my personal project, of course,” she said with a mischievous grin. “We’ll start with something simple. Tell me, Vasu, have you ever played a prank on anyone?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m not really the pranking type.”

“Well, that’s about to change,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “I’ll teach you the art of harmless fun.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her determination. “Okay, I’m game. What’s the first lesson?”

She leaned in closer, as if sharing a secret. “Always start small. Like putting salt in someone’s sugar jar. It’s classic, simple, and always gets a good laugh.”

I chuckled. “Sounds like you’re a professional.”

“You have no idea,” she said, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Stick with me, Vasu, and you might just find out what fun really means.”

The sound of the approaching train broke our conversation, and we both stood up, ready to board. As we stepped onto the metro, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. Maybe this session would be different. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a friend in this whirlwind of a girl named Oisha.

As we found seats and settled in, Oisha turned to me with a grin. “So, Vasu, ready for your first prank lesson?”

“Bring it on,” I said, surprising myself with the eagerness in my voice.

And as the metro sped through the rain-soaked city, I felt a strange sense of anticipation. For the first time in a long time, I was looking forward to what tomorrow might bring.

As we boarded the train, Oisha didn’t waste a second, immediately starting to talk. “You know, Vasu, you really are a mystery. You read all these books, but do you ever get out and actually live a story?”

I smiled awkwardly, feeling a bit overwhelmed by her energy. “I guess I prefer the predictable plots of books to the unpredictability of real life.”

Oisha rolled her eyes playfully. “That’s so boring! Life is meant to be unpredictable. Like, right now, sitting next to a drenched, talkative girl on a train—this could be the start of your own adventure.”

I laughed softly. “You might be right. But I’m not exactly the adventurous type.”

She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “We’ll see about that. So, what do you do for fun besides reading?”

“Um, I like to walk in the park sometimes. It’s peaceful,” I said, trying to think of something that sounded remotely interesting.

“Peaceful? You mean boring, right?” She winked. “We need to get you out of your comfort zone. How about we plan something fun together? Like exploring the city?”

I hesitated. “I don’t know... I’m not really good with new places.”

“Perfect!” she exclaimed. “I’ll be your guide. Trust me, you’ll love it. We can start with something small. Have you ever been to a karaoke bar?”

I shook my head. “No, I haven’t. I’m not really a singer.”

“Neither am I, but it’s not about being good. It’s about having fun,” she said, her enthusiasm infectious. “Come on, Vasu, live a little!”

I could feel my resistance waning. “Maybe. I guess it could be fun.”

“That’s the spirit!” she said, clapping her hands. “I knew there was a fun guy hidden under all that seriousness. We’ll make a night of it. You, me, and a microphone. What do you say?”

“Alright, I’ll give it a try,” I agreed, feeling a strange sense of excitement.

Oisha grinned triumphantly. “See? That wasn’t so hard. We’ll have you out of your shell in no time.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her confidence. “You’re pretty convincing, you know that?”

“Only when I want to be,” she said with a flirtatious glint in her eye. “So, Vasu, any girlfriends?”

I nearly choked on my own breath. “N-no, no girlfriends.”

“Why not?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“I guess I’m just not very good at talking to girls,” I admitted.

“Well, you’re talking to me just fine,” she pointed out with a teasing smile. “Maybe you just need practice.”

I blushed. “Maybe. Or maybe you’re just easy to talk to.”

She laughed, a sound that made the entire train seem a bit brighter. “I’ll take that as a compliment. And who knows, Vasu, maybe you’ll meet someone special soon. Someone who’ll make your heart race a little faster.”

I glanced at her, wondering if she was hinting at something. “Maybe. Anything’s possible, right?”

“Exactly,” she said, her smile softening. “Life is full of possibilities. You just have to be open to them.”

The train began to slow down as we approached her stop. She stood up, shaking off the remnants of rain from her clothes. “Well, this is my stop. But remember, Vasu, the adventure is just beginning.”

I nodded, feeling a strange sense of loss as she prepared to leave. “I’ll see you around, Oisha.”

“You better believe it,” she said with a wink. “And don’t forget about karaoke. I’ll hold you to it.”

As she stepped off the train, I watched her go, feeling like I had just experienced something profound. Maybe Oisha was right. Maybe life was meant to be unpredictable, full of surprises and new adventures. And maybe, just maybe, I was ready for it.

As the train continued its journey, I sat there, staring at the now-empty seat beside me. Oisha’s energy lingered in the air, like a spark that refused to fade. I couldn’t help but replay our conversation in my mind, feeling a warmth I wasn’t used to. Could she really be right? Could life be more than just pages in a book?

I sighed, leaning back against the seat. The rhythm of the train felt like a heartbeat, steady and comforting. I’d always thought I was content with my solitary existence, but now, doubt started to creep in. Maybe I had been missing out on something more, something vibrant and alive.

Oisha was like a whirlwind, full of life and laughter. She made me feel things I hadn’t felt in a long time—curiosity, excitement, a hint of longing. Could it be that I was wrong about my life, that I was the one holding myself back?

“No, no,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. “This is just a momentary distraction. I’m happy with my books and my quiet life.”

But even as I said it, I couldn’t quite believe it. The spark Oisha had ignited was still there, refusing to be extinguished. Maybe I needed to step out of my comfort zone, just a little. Maybe, for once, I could let the story of my life be as unpredictable as the ones I loved to read.

As the train pulled into my station, I stood up, feeling a mix of confusion and excitement. Oisha’s laughter echoed in my mind, a playful reminder that life didn’t have to be so serious. Maybe I’d see her again. Maybe I’d take that step into the unknown. For now, I’d let the possibilities linger, like the scent of rain in the air, fresh and full of promise.


That evening, I decided to stick to my usual routine. The encounter with Oisha had left me feeling strangely unsettled, but I sought solace in the familiar. I headed to the library, a sanctuary where the world felt predictable and safe.

The library was quiet, with only a few other patrons scattered among the rows of bookshelves. I found my favorite corner, a small nook by the window where the light was just right for reading. I settled into my chair, the comforting smell of old books surrounding me.

I picked up a novel I had started a few days ago, letting the words pull me into a different world. The characters and their stories were a welcome distraction, offering a sense of stability that my life seemed to lack. I immersed myself in their adventures, temporarily forgetting the whirlwind that was Oisha.

But even as I read, my mind kept drifting back to her. Her laughter, her teasing, her infectious energy—they lingered in my thoughts, making it hard to concentrate. I found myself wondering what she was doing, if she was thinking about our conversation as much as I was.

I shook my head, trying to refocus on the book. This was my haven, my escape. Yet, for the first time, it felt like something was missing. Maybe Oisha had awakened a part of me that longed for more than just the safety of these pages.

Still, I forced myself to keep reading, hoping that the familiar rhythm of the words would bring back the comfort I sought. The library, with its quiet corners and endless stories, had always been enough for me. And for now, it would have to be enough again.

Just as I was getting lost in the story, I heard a familiar, energetic voice echo through the quiet library. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite bookworm!”

I looked up, startled, to see Oisha standing at the end of the aisle, a playful grin on her face. She made her way over to me, her presence like a burst of color in the subdued library atmosphere.

“Oisha? What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised but secretly pleased.

She shrugged casually. “I was exploring the city and thought I’d check out the library. Never expected to find you here, though I should have guessed.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “This is my second home.”

“Figures,” she said, looking around. “So, what are you reading?”

I showed her the cover of my book. “It’s a historical novel. Pretty gripping.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Sounds interesting. Mind if I join you?”

I blinked, taken aback. “Uh, sure. I mean, it’s a library, so...”

She laughed, pulling up a chair next to me. “Relax, Vasu. I’m not here to disturb your reading. Just thought we could hang out. Maybe you can recommend something for me.”

I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement. “Alright, how about this one?” I handed her a book from my stack.

She took it, her fingers brushing mine lightly. “Thanks. So, how’s your day been?”

“Pretty uneventful,” I admitted. “Until now.”

She winked. “Glad I could spice things up a bit. So, any plans for our karaoke night?”

I chuckled. “Still wrapping my head around the idea, but I’m game.”

“Good,” she said, her smile widening. “I promise it’ll be fun. Now, back to reading. Let’s see who can finish their book first.”

As we settled into a comfortable silence, reading side by side, I couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, my life was starting to turn into a story worth living.

Oisha leaned in with a teasing smile. “So, Vasu, how about I give you a fun nickname? How about ‘Boring Bookworm’?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to focus on my book. “Very original, Oisha.”

She laughed, unfazed. “Come on, it’s fitting! You’re like a living encyclopedia. What’s next? Are you going to recommend a book on the history of paper?”

I sighed, feeling the irritation rise. “I’d rather read my book in peace, thanks.”

“Oh, but where’s the fun in that?” she replied, poking my arm playfully. “Tell me you don’t want to be ‘The Adventures of Vasu: The Epic Saga of Library Life.’”

“Trust me, it’s not that epic,” I muttered.

She leaned back, pretending to think dramatically. “What about ‘Vasu the Daring’? He conquers the shelves, one dusty novel at a time!”

I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. “Can we not do this right now?”

“Why not? This is pure gold!” she said, stifling laughter. “Picture it: ‘Vasu vs. The Librarian: A Tale of Forbidden Whispers!’”

“Okay, that’s enough,” I said, exasperated but slightly amused.

“Admit it, you love it!” she teased, winking.

I gave her a deadpan look. “Love is a strong word.”

“Challenge accepted! I’ll make you love being ‘Boring Bookworm’!” she declared, her laughter echoing around us.

I sighed again, knowing I was in for a long night.


Oisha tapped her fingers on the table, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. “Alright, Vasu, time to take this ‘Boring Bookworm’ out of his shell! Let’s hit the café.”

I frowned, shaking my head. “I really don’t feel like going out, Oisha. I mean, it’s just a café.”

“Just a café?” she exclaimed, feigning shock. “This is a prime social opportunity! You can’t pass this up!”

“I’d rather pass up the café,” I mumbled, trying to look absorbed in my book again.

“Too bad! You need to experience life outside these four walls,” she insisted, crossing her arms. “Plus, I hear they have the best pastries. You can’t say no to that!”

“I can definitely say no,” I replied, half-serious. “I’m not really into... going out.”

She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But think about it! What’s better than a nice hot chocolate and some fresh pastries while I entertain you with my amazing stories?”

I groaned. “I’d prefer my own stories from my book, thank you very much.”

“Oh come on, you need to add some excitement to your life! Imagine: ‘Vasu the Reluctant Café Goer’! That’s a bestseller in the making!”

I rolled my eyes. “More like ‘Vasu the Grumpy Guy Who Refuses to Eat.’”

She laughed. “Exactly! And the sequel could be ‘Vasu and the Mystery of the Missing Croissant!’”

“Do you ever stop?” I asked, fighting back a smile.

“Not when I have an audience as entertaining as you!” she said, standing up and pulling me along. “Let’s go. It’ll be fun!”

I reluctantly stood, knowing I was about to step into another chaotic adventure. “Fine, but if they don’t have anything I like, I’m holding you responsible.”

“Deal! But trust me, you’re going to love it,” she said, leading the way with an infectious excitement that I couldn’t entirely resist.

As we headed out, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—this would be more fun than I anticipated.



As we stepped into the café, the warm aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods enveloped us. Oisha scanned the menu board, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Look at all these options! Vasu, prepare to have your taste buds blown away!”

I raised an eyebrow. “Blown away? It’s just coffee and pastries.”

She nudged me playfully. “Just coffee and pastries? You sound like a grumpy old man! Live a little! What are you getting?”

“I don’t know,” I said, glancing at the menu. “Maybe a water?”

“Water? Really? You’re in a café! You have to try their hot chocolate! I hear it’s magical.”

I sighed. “Fine, one hot chocolate, but that’s it!”

“Great! And I’ll have a slice of that triple chocolate cake,” she declared, licking her lips.

“Of course you would,” I teased, smirking. “You’re the only person I know who can turn a simple outing into a dessert buffet.”

She giggled, leaning closer. “What can I say? I like to indulge. Besides, I need to fuel up for my next mission: getting you to smile!”

I rolled my eyes, but I felt a small grin creping onto my face. “Good luck with that. I’m not easily amused.”

“Challenge accepted! Just wait until you try this cake. I promise you’ll smile—if not, I’ll eat it all myself!” she said with a wink.

I chuckled, shaking my head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And you love it!” she shot back, her laughter ringing out as we moved to the counter to place our order.