The Unknown

"Sir, Namaste. How are you?" 

Raj received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. 

There is neither their name nor photo in WhatsApp. Even after checking in True Caller, the details are not available. Attempts on Google are also unsuccessful. 

Raj meets many people daily as part of his job and shares his phone number liberally. So, the person who sent this message must have been someone he knew or met him. So after thinking for some time, Raj responded, saying "I'm fine. How are you?" 

It is not clear whether the other person is male or female. Also, if he asks them who they are, they may get angry for not saving their number and may not give him business. So, Raj thought that he had given an intelligent answer and congratulated himself. 

The reply came immediately. 

"I'm fine. But, there's a small issue. I need your help." 

If the other person wants help in the form of money, how can he help without knowing who they are? Thinking that, "So, tell me, what can I do for you?" replied Raj. 

"Don't think otherwise. I don't need money." 

Raj breathed easy. So, he replied, "Don't worry. Tell me what you want." 

"I mean........don't want it. I am a bit worried and sent that message. I'll manage somehow. Leave it." 

If the response is like this, definitely, he may know Raj. This opportunity should not be missed. By doing a little help, Raj can get business from them tomorrow in some form. Thinking that, Raj responded, "I'm here... to help people like you. Tell me, I'll take care of it." 

"Okay. But tell me who am I." 

Wow, that's a tough question, "You're kidding. I know you and you know me." 

"If you know, you can tell my name." 

"Don't you know your name?" 

"That's the problem. I forgot my name." 

"There is something wrong. Once upon a time, a fly forgot its name while wandering in the house. Today, you are sending messages on WhatsApp and saying that you forgot your name. How can it be?" 

"As I forgot my name, I am asking you." 

"Why are you asking me? You may have many names on your contact list, right? You can ask any of them." 

"The contact list was deleted by mistake. After pressing something, all the old messages in WhatsApp were also deleted." 

"This is so amazing. How come you still have my number if it's all deleted?" 

"How do I know? I texted you thinking it was something fun. You answered. So, I was hoping you had my number and knew my name." 

"How did you guess my number?" 

"What's your number? Two nines, two eights, two sevens, two sixes, two fives. Yes.." 

"Right. So, if I have a fancy number, you have guessed it, sent a message, and trying to know your name through me? That's great. Where are you now?" 

"I am in the street next to my town's Mental Hospital." 

"And the phone in your hand is yours?" 

"When I jumped over the hospital wall and bounced on someone, he left the phone and ran away." 

Messages are still coming from the other side. Raj went blank and fell down on the floor.

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