Destiny’s Digital Reunion

Roohi Bhargava posted under Flash Fiction QuinTale-60 on 2024-02-07



She grunts dejectedly and closes her laptop. She’s been searching for someone but can’t find them.  “Where is he hiding? I have tried all possible names on Facebook and usernames on Instagram but he’s nowhere to be found. Where are you, buddy?” She murmurs under her breath.  She is Anika Sehgal, a fashion designer by profession. She has recently bagged her dream job and has shifted to Mumbai. She wants to find her childhood friend, Arjun Shastri. These two were neighbours, and their parents were friends as well. They’d walk to the school together. Their moms labelled them "inseparable," which is true.  However, destiny had other plans for them. Arjun had to move out of Delhi because of his dad’s job transfer, while Anika remained in Delhi. They kept connected through hand-written letters at first and emails later on, but slowly, the connection faded.  Fifteen years later, she’s looking for him again in the dream city. She is sure he’s in Mumbai as per his last email to her. She had a hard time convincing her parents to let her go to Mumbai.  She was scrolling through Instagram when she paused at one picture posted by her friend, Parth. Anika stares at the picture and then clicks on the other account tagged in the picture. The name is of her best friend, but she is unaware if it’s him.  Her lips curve into a smile as she realises that the guy in the picture is wearing a red wristband. She zooms the picture; her eyes well up with tears of joy. She’s finally found him. Yeah, that’s Arjun, her best friend.  *** After an exchange of messages, they decided to meet personally. Anika is ecstatic to meet Arjun. She’s glad that they have finally found each other. Meanwhile, a masculine voice breaks her trance. She finds a young man smiling at her. He’s six feet tall, fair, and handsome. She pulls him in a hug.  “I finally got you, Arjun. You never removed this wristband? Why?” She asks. “It reminds me of you, Ani.” He replies as she looks at him surprisingly.  “I saw you in a picture with Parth. I’ve been following you too, Ms. Anika.” He replies, looking at her fondly.  “I missed you a lot.” She expresses her feelings.  “I missed you too. I never thought social media would bring us together. But, how did you know that it’s me?” Arjun asks.  “My instincts about you are always right, Arjun, I knew it was you and the wristband proved me right.” She chuckles.  He smiles and takes out twin platinum bands, engraved with their names. He slides one band around her wrist and wears the other.  “For another lifetime, Anika! I’ve realised that I have always loved you. Parting away from you brought the realisation.” “I love you, too, Arjun. These love bands will hold our love intact.”  They embrace each other, thankful to the almighty and social media for bringing them together again.