Rainy Reunion: A Tale Of Second Chances

Subu and Dona ideally never met in person, though they once met online on a dating site, and somehow their chemistry clicked. Subu was a well-read, experienced guy who dealt in credit risks and the stock market—a hardcore logical guy. On the other hand, Dona was naive, sometimes very reserved, and bookish. She liked living in her own make-believe romantic world, a person who completely thought with her heart.

Subu was happily married, while Dona had just come out of a long, tiring, decade-old bitter divorce, getting only her child's custody as a gift. Subu never had any kids. The two strangers kept on chatting with each other, giving each other glimpses of their own worlds via WhatsApp texts or, once in a blue moon, calls. Finally, after a certain turn of unfortunate events, they fell out with each other, and Subu blocked Dona from all social sites. Dona was dying deep within to contact Subu to ask for his forgiveness for the battle of words they had. But later, she realized Subu had ghosted her. More than six months elapsed. Suddenly, one fine day, Dona discovered Subu had unblocked her. She immediately texted Subu, asking, after all these months, why did you unblock me? She received a cold response from Subu that he had long ago unblocked her but never felt like talking, so he never connected with her. Though feeling bitter, Dona asked, letting her ego go astray, "Once you visit Kolkata, let me know."

Subu said he would come at the month's end but never specified the date of his coming from Bangalore to Kolkata. Later, they started hi-hello conversations, mostly from Dona's end, and finally, she mustered the courage to ask Subu if they could meet in person. Dona was extremely nervous. Her heart was pounding heavily the day she went to meet Subu.

She reached early; it was a rainy afternoon. They decided to meet for lunch. Finally, Subu turned up and greeted Dona! Dona was dumb for a few moments to see her Subu standing right in front of her. Subu was completely different from how she had imagined him. Though he was older and much more mature, a no-nonsense guy, he kept chattering for hours. This was very unusual, as Subu was always the quiet one. Moreover, Dona was unusually quiet while she was a chatterbox when interacting with her Subu on the phone.

As they sat down for lunch, Dona's nerves dissipated, replaced by a sense of wonder. Subu's warm smile and twinkling eyes put her at ease. They chatted for hours, sharing stories and laughter, their chemistry reigniting.

Subu, usually reserved, opened up about his life, his passions, and his dreams. Dona listened intently, her heart fluttering. The rain outside created a cozy atmosphere, as if fate had brought them together again.

As the afternoon wore on, Subu suggested a walk in the rain. Dona agreed, and they strolled hand in hand, feeling like they were in their own little world.

As they walked, Subu revealed his reasons for unblocking Dona. He had realized that he missed their conversations and her presence in his life. Dona's heart skipped a beat.

As they reached a quiet corner, Subu turned to Dona and confessed his feelings. "I know I'm married, and I shouldn't be feeling this way, but I can't help it. I've developed strong feelings for you, Dona."

Dona's heart raced. She had never expected this turn of events.

Just then, Subu's phone rang. He hesitated, then answered. His expression changed from romantic to shocked.

"What is it?" Dona asked, sensing something was wrong.

Subu's voice trembled. "It's my wife. She's been in an accident. I need to go."

Dona's heart went out to him. "Go, I'll be here."

As Subu rushed away, Dona realized that their reunion was not meant to be a romantic escapade but a chance to rekindle their friendship. She smiled, knowing that sometimes life has other plans.

The rain stopped, and the sun peeked out, symbolizing a new beginning for their friendship. Dona and Subu would always cherish their connection, a reminder that love comes in many forms, and sometimes, it's the unexpected ones that matter most.