Love?
Episode 1 - "The Match"
Aisha is lying on her bed, wrapped in a blanket, the soft hum of lo-fi music playing in the background. It’s late, but sleep feels distant. Her phone screen glows as she scrolls through a dating app, half-interested, lazily swiping left.
Aisha
Same old. Too flashy, too boring… oh wow, someone flexing with a tiger? Next.
She pauses, finger hovering over the screen.
Arjun’s profile appears. His photo is simple—no flashy filters, just him sitting at a coffee shop, smirking slightly at the camera. His eyes seem sharp, focused, almost like he’s looking right through the screen.
Bio: “Lover of mysteries and good coffee. Swipe right if you dare.”
Aisha
Alright, let’s see if you live up to the mystery.
She swipes right. A bright “It’s a Match!” pops up immediately. Her eyes widen slightly.
Aisha
(soft laugh)Well, that was fast.
A message appears almost instantly.
Arjun
Hey, that was fast. Guess we were meant to match.
Aisha raises an eyebrow. She hesitates, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
Aisha
(Thinking):Eager… or just quick on the app? Let’s test him
Aisha
Or maybe you’ve just been sitting here, waiting for me to swipe.
The typing bubble pops up right away.
Arjun
Caught me. But can you blame me? Your smile kind of demands attention.
Aisha glances at her profile picture, a candid shot her friend Mira took during brunch. Her smile had been genuine in that photo. She bites her lip, amused.
Aisha
Smooth. Do you say that to all your matches?
Arjun
Only the interesting ones. You seem... different.
Arjun
I don’t know yet. But I want to find out.
Aisha pauses, feeling the energy shift slightly. His words feel too precise, like they’re meant to linger.
Aisha
(thinking):Alright, he’s got confidence. Let’s see how far this goes.
Aisha
Well, I guess that’s what first dates are for.
Arjun
Exactly. How about tomorrow evening? I know a place that serves the best coffee in town.
Aisha raises an eyebrow. Straight to the point.
Arjun
I prefer strong and bitter... keeps things real.
Aisha tilts her head slightly, curious. His answers aren’t typical, and it intrigues her.
Aisha
I’ll take that as a yes. Fine, but only if you can actually surprise me with the coffee.
Arjun
Deal. I promise you’ll be surprised, Aisha.
Aisha freezes. She hadn’t typed her name yet.
Her heart skips a beat. She scrolls up the chat, double-checking. Nowhere had she mentioned her name. A cold prickle runs down her spine, but she brushes it off, convincing herself it must have been on her profile.
Aisha
Wait… I didn’t tell you my name yet?
Aisha stares at the message, her thumb hesitating over the keyboard. Her eyes dart around the room as if someone might be watching. The window blinds are shut, but suddenly she feels the need to check.
After a pause, she shakes her head, laughing softly to herself.
Aisha
(thinking)Relax, Aisha. You’re overthinking it.
Aisha
Haha, maybe I did. See you tomorrow, Arjun.
Aisha places the phone down on her nightstand. The room feels oddly quiet now. She pulls the blanket tighter around her and glances once more at the phone. The match had been instant… the message immediate… and he knew her name.
Her phone buzzes again.
Aisha locks the screen and places it face down, ignoring the chill creeping up her spine.
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