CONVERSATION WITH A STRANGER

By Khushbhu Soni

Veronica, a pretty tall young lady with profound earthy coloured eyes and long wavy hair. By nature a loner yet an inquisitive brain with calm nature to learn the new things having heaps of enthusiasm. Her genial nature has a great effect on the individuals around.

Individuals who knows her well, won't deny what a determined and an opinionated person she is, no matter who is in front of her she has the boldness to talk reality she feels right to communicate.

The best thing about her is her trustworthy nature, as easily people around her could confide their profound facts with her. Though she never discovered somebody to spill her guts to.

Veronica has always been a believer and an optimistic person, no matter what life has tossed on her. It was her qualities and convictions that remained by her side to manage all the obstacles. These values of her consistently demonstrated a solid character she has. But deep inside just she knows how delicate her heart is. The mysteries she has been conveying so long, the implicit inclination covered inside her heart, and a void she feels hard to fill, shows the other part of Veronica.

The relationship she thought would last forever, left her in between. The dreams she had for her future couldn't work out, because of the hurdles life thrown on her. But she is precisely like her name which means, 'bringer of victory' that would vanquish everything with the mental fortitude.

It was around 5 in the evening. The sky was covered with clouds. The wind was gentle. The city roads were crowded as usual. There was a flower shop on one side of the road and the other side was parked cars. Just in front of a mall, a café called 'By Your Side' was situated. One can feel the fragrance of coffee by just entering the main gate. In the corner on the left side inside the café in a pink long dress with open hair, Veronica was sitting lost in thoughts, waiting for Vihaan.

Vihaan, a tall and smart boy with a charming personality. Vihaan was the past of Veronica. He was the one she considered her whole world. The one she thought her soul is destined forever with. Waiting for Vihaan in the café she got completely drowned in her thoughts, that she didn't even notice when a waiter came to take her order twice but went away without taking any.

She remembered the first time how she first met him on her trip to New York. How they both got along in a short span of time. And how quickly they fall in love with each other. She wondered how all at once her life changed completely. But as it is said, "everything you love doesn't always comes as a blessing, sometimes it brings a lesson in disguise as well.'' The day she got to know about the bitter truth of Vihaan, changed everything in her life. She was so lost in her musings that she didn't even notice when Vihaan came. He called her twice shaking her hand, saying, "Veronica, Veronica".

She broke out of thought, moved her head towards him, and paused for a second. She looked him back and said 'hi' waving her hand towards him. It's been almost one year since they haven't met after their break-up. Though she was not prepared still it was Vihaan who insisted her to meet. He came before the table took a chair and set saying her 'hi' back. For a moment they both got froze in the silence. There was an awkward silence between them. Breaking that silence Vihaan started the conversation asking,

"so how are you, Veronica?"

Veronica took a moment before answering and without looking him back said, "Pretty good''.

"I am glad to hear that'' said Vihaan.

Veronica looked into his eyes took a long breath and asked, "so what was the reason you had to call me when everything is finished between us? After all those things!''

"I wanted to meet you once I know you don't like me anymore. I have hurt you a lot but trust me I never wanted to break your trust. I am guilty for that Veronica'' Vihaan explained.