In life's journey, we encounter multiple masks. We have to find the one, the one in front of whom we can be unmasked, walking together toward the dream-like horizon. But is it really that easy to find each other? and reach the shores of the mind by...
— Friend?? Who’s your friend? Introduce me to them too! (Zayn) — Uh... uh... actually I’m in a bit of a hurry today. I need to leave right now. I’ll introduce you to my friend some other day. (Daisy)
Saying this, she quickly left. Or rather, she ran away.
By that time, Erica had arrived in front of Zayn. Zayn was stunned seeing Erica. She looked around but couldn’t spot Daisy, so she called her.
— Hello? Where are you?? The cab is here, but where did you go? (Erica) — Erii, there's a big problem. I'm at the street corner ahead. You get into the cab and come pick me up from there. (Daisy) — Problem? What problem? (Erica) — I can't explain everything over the phone, Eri. Come here, I’ll tell you everything. (Daisy) — Okay.
As soon as Erica hung up, she noticed a young man looking at her. His face was sweaty from the sun, and even his hair was wet.
— Do you want to say something? (Erica) — You’re the one who received the award on behalf of Stranger Talk, right? (Zayn) — Hmm. Look, if you’re waiting here just to find out the real identity behind Stranger Talk, then sorry. I can’t tell you that. (Erica) — No, no. I don’t want to know any of that. Honestly, I don’t even know who’s behind Stranger Talk. But I do know that the person has a unique heart. That’s why I came here—to see. I couldn’t find, but if you could kindly pass this pen on to the person on my behalf, that would be great. She write such beautiful poetry... I brought this pen in case I got the chance to gift it to her. (Zayn)
Saying this, Zayn took a fountain pen from his pocket and handed it to her.
— But... (Erica) — Please, don’t say no. (Zayn)
She didn’t refuse anymore and took the pen from Zayn.
— Alright. I’ll give it to her on your behalf. (Erica said with a soft smile) — Thank you. Thank you so much. (Zayn)
Even though Erica got into the cab and left, Zayn remained standing there. Questions kept swirling in his mind—why had Daisy come there, and why did she run away like that?
As soon as she picked up Daisy, Daisy was gasping heavily in the cab. Erica took a water bottle from her bag and handed it to her.
— Here. (Erica)
After drinking a bit of water, Daisy calmed down.
— Now tell me what happened? Why did you leave so suddenly? And why are you looking so nervous? (Erica) — I told you about Zayn, right? The one who lives next to my flat? (Daisy) — Yeah, I remember. (Erica) — Zayn was there. Probably because he's a journalism student. When he saw me, he asked what I was doing there. Plus, you were also approaching just then. If he had seen us together, he might’ve figured everything out. So, I left. (Daisy) — But someday or another, people will find out. No need to panic like that. And running off in this heat wasn’t exactly a smart idea either! (Erica) — I don’t know, Eri. I just... I don’t like revealing my identity in front of everyone. I don’t want that. This publicity, this fame—it's not for me. (Daisy) — But Daisy, you have to learn to adapt with time. You need to realize this is no longer just a hobby. It’s become something bigger. You must understand that. So many people establish themselves through social media. Why should it be a problem for you? Especially now, when this work is giving you so much success and joy—why not take it seriously? Why not?? (Erica) — Because I also need to fulfill your dream, Eri! (Daisy) — My dream is to see you succeed. Now the path you choose is entirely your decision, Daisy. I would never force anything on you. (Erica) — Whatever I do, I love doing it. But I also want to continue my studies alongside. (Daisy) — Alright. That’s how it’ll be. I’m here to support you as much as I can. (Erica)
Daisy rested her head on Erica’s shoulder.
— Oh! I completely forgot. (Erica) — What?? (Daisy)
Erica took a fountain pen out of her bag and handed it to her.
— One of your admirers gave me this. He requested me so much to give it to you that I couldn’t say no. (Erica)
Daisy took the pen and noticed a small piece of paper attached to it. She opened it and saw a small note: "Thank you"
Seeing the message, Daisy smiled a little.
— Such a lovely gift! (Erica) — When something is given with love, everything feels beautiful. (Daisy)
—--------
As soon as they returned home, Erica started packing her bag by afternoon. Daisy protested a lot, but it didn’t help.
— Why, Erii! Would it really hurt to stay a few more days?? (Daisy) — Daisy, why won’t you understand! You know how it is with the private company I work for. Taking extra leave means salary deductions. I took a leave today, but if I take more, the end of the month will be very hard. Plus, I have to repay my loan too, right? Try to understand, dear. I’ll definitely come again another time. And you’ll come during the festive holidays anyway! If I don’t catch the train today, I won’t be able to reach tomorrow morning. (Erica) — festival? That’s so far away! Aren’t you staying for today? Ugh! I thought you’d leave after today. (Daisy pouted) — Nothing to do, dear. To keep the rest of life colorful, you have to sacrifice a few days. (Erica pinched her cheek playfully) — Stop with the dialogues! When will you come again? (Daisy, puffing her cheeks) — Very soon. You stay safe, study well, eat and sleep on time. Okay? (Erica)
Seeing her silent, Erica hugged her and said with a smile:
— Don’t be mad, dear! I said I’ll come again! I’m leaving now. (Erica) — Take care of yourself. Come on, let me drop you to the station. (Daisy) — No, no. You don’t have to go that far so late at night. I’ve already booked a cab. (Erica) — Fine. (Daisy)
After putting Erica in the cab and saying “bye,” Daisy stood there with a heavy heart. Just then she heard a voice.
—Daisy?
Recognizing Zayn’s voice, Daisy turned and saw him standing there. His face looked tired from the day’s exhaustion.
— Zayn, you? (Daisy) — The person you just said goodbye to... she received the award today on behalf of Stranger Talk, right? That means... it’s you! You’re the one! (Zayn, surprised)
Daisy froze in panic. The fear of a terrible truth being revealed made her body go weak.
To be continued... Written by – Porna (What happens next? Will Zayn really discover the true identity? What will happen then? To find out, stay tuned! Let me know how you liked this chapter. For more such stories, follow me. You can also read more of my writing on my Facebook page ‘Porna Debnath’ and for more updates just follow my insta account @aurorinx.)
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