‘You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.’ 

One Sunday evening, Joshua was having a walk at the lakeside for one last time before leaving the city. There weren’t much people around despite being a Sunday and that’s what he wanted. 

After walking for quite some time, he went and sat on a bench among the trees facing the lake to relax for a bit. It was all calm and quiet and Joshua was more than happy to be in that scenario with not much people around.

There was a pouch lying on the bench and he looked around to see if there was anyone who had lost it. He picked it up and was about to open the pouch when someone interrupted his action saying, ‘Excuse me?’ 

Joshua raised his face to see a young lady of his age standing before him, dressed in track suit as she too might have been walking around. Both were stunned to see each other as they had known each other before and it was not much of a shock but surprised. The woman half-smiled and Joshua got up responding. 

J: Hi… Stella. 

S: (Half-smiling) Oh, so you remember my name, do you? 

J: Well… How are you? 

S: Good, that’s my pouch. 

Stella and Joshua had known each other in college and both were surprised to see each other after so long and didn’t know what to say. But Stella seemed more confident than Joshua who almost fumbled while speaking as he didn’t know what to say. But because they are right in front of each other, they have to say something to avoid the awkwardness, if there were any.

J: What are you doing here?

S: Well I was just walking around and then… left my pouch behind. (Giggles)  What are you doing here? 

J: Just walking around. 

S: I mean, here in the city. 

J: I was doing an internship. It is over and I am going back tomorrow. 

S: Well I am working as a teacher in a school. I have been here for two years. 

J: So was I. 

S: And it’s strange that we didn’t come across despite living almost close by. 

J: Yeah… Uh, do you want to sit? 

S: Well, I have to go. I have work for tomorrow. You know, it’s a Monday. 

J: Alright then! 

S: Well, maybe I can, for some time. 

Both Joshua and Stella sat on the bench maintaining a gap in the middle and not being too away from each other. There was silence for almost a minute or two. Joshua turned to Stella who was watching the lake and then turned to the front. 

S: Are we gonna sit like this and not speak? 

J: (Turning to Stella) So… how’s life? 

She looked at him and turned away smiling. Joshua smiled a little and didn’t react much. Because he is seeing her after two years and it wasn’t like they were buddies, but there was something between them that didn’t have tangible results.

However, Stella was aware and was able to deal with it whereas Joshua was extremely vulnerable and didn’t respond much wondering how she would react. They eased out a bit while conversing and Joshua thought they would talk for a little while and then leave. He was asked about his future plan and he gave a vague idea to her and told her how confused he was in making the right choice. 

S: What are you so confused about? You are into movies right? And you want to work with your favourite actor right?

J: Well, actually there is a casting call for his big budget film. So I am thinking of sending my entry. 

S: Oh yes, even I have heard of it. I am planning for that as well.  

J: You know the link right? You have to sign in and then fill a form and submit.

S: Can you send me the link? 

J: (Confused and took out his phone) Uh, where should I send it?

S: (Taking out her phone) On Instagram. 

Both Joshua and Stella took out their phones and opened their Instagram. 

S: By the way, are we following each other? 

J: (Turning to Stella) Are we? 

Now Joshua had unfollowed Stella a year after college and even removed her from his followers list. He basically cut all possible contacts, as he didn’t want false hopes. However, he sent her follow request the previous year which he later regretted as he did it at the cost of his self-respect. He unfollowed her again because he didn’t get a follow back and tried to move on from his overthinking nature. When he felt that he has moved on completely and was all set to leave the city, this meeting happened and he didn’t know how to respond to it. Both of them were aware of the feelings and they hinted it through their actions probably and the sending of the link has become a reason for Joshua to connect with Stella again. Maybe that is what she wanted, and he thought she might have moved on. 

So Joshua sent her follow request a third time and he turned to see Stella checking the follow requests; looking at his and then he turned to his phone and sent her the link via DM. And then a notification popped on his screen saying that she accepted the request and also started following him. Both of them kept their phones aside and Joshua turned to Stella who looked towards the lakeside and he too turned towards the same. She got up as she had to leave and Joshua turned to her as he too got up. 

S: So when is the flight?

J: Early morning. 

S: Done with the packing?

J: Almost. 

S: Okay then, see you soon. 

J: Yes! 

S: Happy Journey.

J: Thank you. 

Stella smiled and waved at Joshua without extending her arm and Joshua did the same. He watched her turning to leave but then in a minute’s time, he called her. She turned to Joshua as he wanted to say something. 

J: Do you want to have coffee?

S: I am getting late Joshua. I have work for tomorrow. 

J: Okay then, (A pause) Do you mind if I walk with you till your place? 

Stella looked at him and didn’t respond. 

J: I mean, if you are fine with it. I have got nothing to do now apart from walking around. 

S: Yes, and you are a good walker, right? 

Joshua didn’t say anything but smiled and she smiled back. 

S: Let’s move? 

J: Yeah, let’s… move.

They turn to leave and start walking. 

S: Near my place, there is a shop where the coffee is really good. Want to try that? 

J: Yeah sure… why not? 

Both Joshua and Stella became comfortable while conversing and they walked together. No one knows what they might be feeling at the moment. But they have eased out and there was no sign of awkwardness anymore.