Tara always believed in the magic of travel-the way a single journey could change perspectives, bring unexpected encounters, and etch lasting memories. But she never imagined that one trip would intertwine her fate with someone in a way that left her questioning everything about love, trust, and longing.
It all started with an impromptu solo trip to the hills, a much-needed escape from college monotony. The misty morning air felt refreshing as she sipped her coffee, watching the world wake up. A gentle drizzle made the place surreal as if nature itself had conspired to make the moment romantic. Lost in thought, she hummed Ed Sheeran’s Perfect, her mind drifting to someone she had secretly admired—a man with the most well-groomed, tempting beard she had ever seen. She had noticed him on social media, exchanged a few comments, and found herself staring at his pictures more often than she cared to admit. His beard gave him an air of confidence and charm, a style so effortlessly attractive it drove her crazy. There was an unspoken chemistry between them, one neither had yet acknowledged. And then, as if fate had been listening, her phone buzzed.
“I think you love roses but can’t decide which is more beautiful.”
She blushed instantly. He was teasing her, playing with the subtleties of their connection. Unable to resist, she confessed her obsession with his beard, half-expecting him to be taken aback. But his reply came quickly: “I think I’m blushing. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.” And just like that, her solo trip no longer felt lonely.
As the rain continued its soft patter, she decided to take a walk-through town. That’s when she saw him. Standing across the street, wearing a simple yet elegant jacket, looking every bit as charming as she had imagined. Their eyes met, and her heart raced. She looked away shyly, pretending to check her phone, but she could feel his presence drawing closer.
“Good morning,” his voice was warm, laced with amusement.
She smiled. “Good morning, Mr.”
There was something behind his back. Slowly, he brought forward a delicate violet-colored flower—a viola. The sight melted her heart. She took it gently, wondering about its significance. Did he know what the flower represented? Was it mere coincidence, or did he truly understand what this moment meant?
She wanted to preserve the flower, to hold on to it just like she wished to hold on to this newfound connection. But just as flowers wither, relationships are often tested by time. As their bond grew, Tara found herself caught between love and friendship. Her best friend had been a part of her life long before he had entered it-her rock, her safe space. But her boyfriend’s insecurity crept in, turning love into a burden. The accusations, the endless justifications-it drained her. She tried to reassure him, to explain that trust was the foundation of any relationship. But nothing seemed enough.
She made the hardest choice in the name of love-pulling away from her best friend, hoping it would bring peace. But all it brought was emptiness. Love without trust was like a house built on sand; no matter how strong it seemed, it would eventually collapse. And yet, fate had its own plans.
As time passed, she found herself reflecting on love, on the way it should be. Love shouldn’t demand sacrifices that leave one hollow. Love should feel like travel-exciting, freeing, full of discoveries. She remembered a conversation she once had with someone who didn’t believe in love.
He: I don’t believe in love. She: Can I change your perspective on that? He: What do you mean? She: This is the perfect moment to explain what I mean.
And perhaps, it was also the perfect moment for Tara to reclaim what she had lost.
Months later, on another trip, she found herself in a familiar setting-a quiet morning, a cup of coffee, and the same gentle drizzle. Only this time, she wasn’t alone. As she walked through the misty streets, she spotted him again, standing with a knowing smile. His hands were behind his back. Her heart pounded as he revealed another viola, just like the first time. Some connections, no matter the distance, find their way back. And as Tara accepted the flower, she knew this time, she wouldn’t let it fade.
By: Chenna Madhava Meghana
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