"A New Beginning"

"A New Beginning"

Life went on, and though it wasn’t always easy, I began to adjust to Mahabuba and Arif's blossoming relationship. I told myself I was happy as long as she was happy—and for the most part, I truly was. But deep inside, I couldn’t help but feel a lingering loneliness.

Then something happened unexpected I never thought it would happen to me....

"A Chance Encounter"

It was a regular morning at school, or so I thought. The teachers had announced a special visit by a group of international students who were touring Bangladesh to explore its natural beauty and learn about its culture. Our school had been chosen as one of their stops, and while everyone else seemed excited, I didn’t think much of it.

When the group arrived, they were introduced during the morning assembly. Among them was a girl named Roza, who was from Thailand. She had a radiant smile and an air of curiosity about her as she looked around, taking in her surroundings. I noticed her glance at me briefly, but I thought nothing of it.

Throughout the day, the visiting students joined our classes, trying to blend in. Roza happened to sit near me during English, and I caught her stealing a few glances in my direction. She seemed shy but friendly, and whenever our eyes met, she would quickly look away, her cheeks slightly flushed.

During lunch break, I was sitting under the banyan tree, enjoying the quiet, when I noticed someone approaching. It was Roza. She hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside me.

"Hi," she said, her voice soft but clear. "I hope I’m not disturbing you."

"Not at all," I replied, a bit surprised. "You’re one of the visitors, right?"

She nodded, smiling. "Yes. I’m Roza. I’ve been traveling with my group, and we’re here to learn about your beautiful country. It’s been amazing so far."

We talked for a while, and I was struck by how genuine and kind she seemed. She told me about her life in Thailand, her love for nature, and how much she was enjoying her time in Bangladesh. I found myself opening up to her, sharing little details about my life, my school, and the places I loved to visit.

As the day went on, I noticed Roza finding small ways to be near me—joining the same activities, asking me questions, and even laughing at my jokes. It was flattering, but I didn’t think much of it.

The next day, as their visit was coming to an end, Roza approached me during lunch break. Her expression was nervous, and she held a small notebook in her hands.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked.

"Sure," I said, curious.

She took a deep breath, looking at the ground before meeting my eyes. "I know this might sound strange, but… I think I’ve fallen in love with you."

I blinked, stunned. "What?"

She smiled nervously. "I know it’s sudden. I don’t even know you well, but there’s something about you—the way you carry yourself, the kindness in your eyes. I’ve never felt this way before, and I couldn’t leave without telling you."

I was speechless. No one had ever said something like this to me before, and I didn’t know how to respond. "Roza, I… I don’t know what to say."

"You don’t have to say anything," she said quickly, her cheeks flushing. "I just wanted to be honest about how I feel. And even if you don’t feel the same, I hope we can stay in touch."

She handed me her notebook, where she had written her phone number and email address. "If you ever want to talk or… just be friends, I’d like that."

As I watched her walk away, my heart was a whirlwind of emotions. Part of me was unsure—Roza was practically a stranger, and yet, her sincerity had touched me.

That night, as I looked at the notebook, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a sign. Maybe it was time to let someone new into my life, to see where this unexpected connection could lead.

The next day, as Roza and her group prepared to leave, I found her near the school gate. "Roza," I said, catching her attention.

She turned, her eyes wide with hope.

"I don’t know where this will go," I said honestly. "But I’d like to get to know you better. Let’s stay in touch."

Her face lit up with a smile so bright it made my chest feel warm. "I’d love that," she said.

As she waved goodbye and boarded the bus, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time—a spark of excitement for what might come next.

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