As easy as writing "The Beginning" was, living that new beginning was equally challenging.
The next day, a large poster was put up on the college bulletin board: "Annual Art & Literature Fest: 'Izhaar' - Showcase your Story."
Samiksha looked at Aryan excitedly. "Aryan, you should participate! All those sketchbooks of yours, those diaries... the world should see how deep an artist's silence is."
Aryan hesitated a little. "Samiksha, I made all this just for you. Not for fame or name. And anyway, I don't like to appear in front of crowds."
"This isn't for you, it's for us," Sameeksha said, taking his hand.
Just then, a heavy voice came from behind, "So, you've finally found the 'Chhupaarustam' artist?"
Turning back, there stood Vikram. Vikram was a famous basketball player in college and an old friend of Sameeksha's. Vikram and Aryan didn't like each other at all.
"I've heard you make very good sketches, Aryan?" Vikram said sarcastically. "But I've heard artists are a little weak-hearted. Will you be able to handle the pressure of this fest? Or will you disappear without a trace again, just like in childhood?"
Aryan's fists clenched. He realized Vikram had found out about his childhood.
Samiksha interrupted, "Vikram, this isn't your basketball court. Here, talent speaks, not noise."
Vikram smiled, but there was a challenge in his eyes. "Okay, let's see who wins the 'Izhar'. Because this time, I'm also participating in the photography section. And my photographs speak the truth."
After Vikram left, Aryan took a deep breath. He looked at Sameeksha and clutched his sketchbook tightly. "Maybe the time for silence is over, Sameeksha. I'll participate in this fest."
Samiksha's face lit up. But she didn't know that Vikram had some old photos that could create new misunderstandings in Aryan and Sameksha's relationship. SUBSCRIBE https://youtube.com/shorts/_JRNIfnMPqE?feature=share