The 'Wrong' Number

Friends, this flash fiction highlights that one decision can be a turning point in life.

Mala stood at a crossroad. As the clock neared 6 pm on a Friday in her IT firm’s office in Bengaluru, two alluring options loomed.

Movie and dinner with her friends was the first one. At the same time, she wanted a break from her hectic office life and to unwind at home with her favourite book, “Carry On, Jeeves,” and a cup of steaming tea.

It was a much-thumbed copy she had received years ago as a birthday present. She had read it so often. Yet each time, it was brimming with the joy of Wodehouse magic.

She opted for the second option. Her husband, Raju, was out on an official tour.

It was while her nose was buried in the charming world of Wodehouse that her mobile rang: an unknown number. As she picked it up, a voice crackled, “Hello, Mala, how are you?”

A perplexed Mala asked almost automatically, “Do I know you?”

“Yes, you did,” replied the voice, “the book you often like to read and are probably reading right now was gifted to you by me.”

The book slid down from her hand as she recalled the face of Ravi, her childhood buddy. It could have developed into something much more, but fate had something else in store for her. And for more than five years, they had no contact.

Now, she had been married for two years, and she loved Raju.

“Wrong number,” she responded and disconnected the call.

Some things are better left alone.

255 words
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